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TJS News: Getting To Know Us

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In the last few months we’ve had a lot of new faces join The Juice Standard’s managerial and leadership team. And with some 4,000 bees getting our monthly e-newsie and thousands more following TJS content on social, over the next few issues we’ll bee introducing you to the folks you see beehind our counters…in some cases, ones you may never lay eyes on but you’ll sure taste what they have to offer.

So for a little something old and something new, we’re shining on the people who make us proud to bee a company that loves its employbees as much as we love the products they diligently prepare, serve and sell.

David Suppe, Executive Chef

August 2017

David Suppe, The Juice Standard’s executive chef, started concocting juicy goodness for us back in August…but it cheffery his first love? Inquiring minds.

What’s your role at TJS? I oversee all back-of-house operations and

procedures.

What was it about TJS that made you want to work with us? I was drawn to TJS due to it being a smaller company, and creating a great product. for great reasons.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? Knowing I am making a difference, and aiding in the advancement of this company.

What was your favorite fruit/veggie when you were the age you were in the photo you sent us? I was about 3 years old in that photo, and I loved corn and green grapes.

Today, what fruit/veggie is your kitchen never without? Potatoes and pineapple.

What’s your favorite TJS juice or nut milk? Hard to say as all of them have such unique characteristics and qualities. If I had to choose, I would have to say Bee Energized (this week at least).

(Truth be told…it is one of the new items being created but I can’t speak about that at this time!)  #tease

What advice would you give to a juice-fasting newbie, based on the info you know about TJS, juicing, and the health benefits that come from flooding your bod with goodness? My advice would be to give it a 100-percent buy-in. It’s amazing to experience what benefits this product has to offer.

Stephanie Saccucci, Assistant Manager, Buzz (at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas)

August 2017

Stephanie, age 2, and her brother, who Stephanie says is still her bestie. (Awww!)

What’s your role at TJS? My role has been to inspire and motivate the team to uphold the high standards of the company, as well as to be alongside the staff and help them grow and develop the skills required to help them be their best at The Juice Standard.

What drew you to TJS? I was very excited to find TJS! I have always loved eating healthy but the piece I was missing was the vegu-cation. I am very excited to learn about the functions of the juices and the benefits to the body and to help pass that on to others.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? It feels amazing to be a part of people’s “lightbulb” moments daily…where people can learn something they did not know before. Customers can learn something that can really change their health and life, and that’s amazing!

What was your favorite fruit/veggie when you were the age you were in the photo you sent us? Sweet potatoes!

Today, what fruit/veggie is your kitchen never without? Avocados!

What’s your favorite TJS juice or nut milk? Bee On point. SO good! I love how balanced it is for your nutrition and it tastes amazing. I also love the radish in the finish.

What advice would you give to a juice-fasting newbie, based on the info you know about TJS, juicing, and the health benefits that come from flooding your bod with goodness? I would suggest to start slow. I have detoxes before from things like caffeine or sugar, and the headaches are crazy! So I would say get your body ready by slowly cutting back on those things leading up to a juice fast.

Also, make sure to start the morning (especially in cooler months) with warm water with lemon! And then drink warm water or tea throughout the day to help curb appetite (lemon is great for that). Hydrating is important during a fast but I’d say warm water is also important.

Also, make sure to include green juices! If you can do a green fast, do it. There are such tremendous things found in green juices that are not in the others…like protein (there are 13 grams in Bee Resilient!). So go green if you can.

Ben Ream, Store Manager (St. Rose location)

October 2015

Ben Ream, the green bean. At age 6 he was already forecasting his love of all-things leafy (even if he was a picky kid!).

What’s your role at TJS? I have worn a few hats during my time with The Juice Standard. I started as a front-of-house bee and was then promoted to a supervisor (“Superbee”); and then, on to my current role of store manager. I am a working manager, meaning I spend the majority of my time behind the counter, side by side with my team…and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What drew you to TJS? Health, nutrition and fitness have been my passions for over 10 years and I love to help people improve their lives in these areas. I worked in surgery for years before this and never got the satisfaction of helping people quite like I do here, mostly because I get to see the continual progress that our customers make toward reaching their health goals.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? Hearing customers’ stories of life-changing benefits they’ve received from incorporating our products into their lives.

What was your favorite fruit/veggie when you were the age you were in the photo you sent us? As a child I was incredibly picky and didn’t like most veggies and only some fruits so I would have to say cherries.

Today, what fruit/veggie is your kitchen never without? Any kind of leafy greens.

What’s your favorite TJS juice or nut milk? It’s very hard to pick a favorite from our bounty of amazing juices, so I’ll pick two: Bee Resilient and Bee On Point, because of their ingredient profile and nutrient density.

What advice would you give to a juice-fasting newbie, based on the info you know about TJS, juicing, and the health benefits that come from flooding your bod with goodness? Go all in and commit to a three-day fast! Know the first day will be a struggle, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel and your body will love you for it.

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TJS Juice Hacks: Hacks Are Where It’s At

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#ThinkOutsideTheBottle

Honestly? That’s what we want you to do. To think outside the box, er bottle. #RethinkWhatYouDrink. Take what you know about TJS products and deconstruct them juuuuust a little…Singleton by Singleton. Sip by sip.

Beecause a hack-is-a-hack-is-a-hack. And a hack (as we ‘splained in our cray-informative feature last month) is something you do in an effort to improve something…even if that “something” is you. You usually drink something cold? Warm it up! Steam it! Or do the reverse and order that Bee Invincible or Raw Cacao Mocha, throw it in the fridge and enjoy an icy treat whenever you’re ready.

Honestly, the possibilities are endless. But for this month’s purposes, we’re starting easy with a hack that anyone with a microwave (or a saucepan) can do…

Bee Royal Gets The Royal Treatment

Bee Royal. So much more than a cold, cold-pressed juice.

For as long as we can remember we’ve been lovin’ on the versatility of our Bee Royal.

Made from three delicious little ingredients—apple, lemon and extra ginger (and, yes: the Southern Nevada Health Department made us say “extra” since Royal’s got so much of-a da-spice…)—while this baby’s scrumptious cold, from the get-go, our bees have been…

• Heating this one up during cold-and-flu season

• Steaming it for a delicious non-caffeine warmer-upper drink, any time of year; and…

• Using it as a mixer in upleveled cocktails.

It’s a rare day that any of our juices or nutmilks are only used in one way. That’s why we wholly support hacking any and all of our offerings so you can get the most out of your purchases…not matter what time of year you buy (or sip).

Got some hacks of your own? We’ll be adding these in dribs and drabs to our social media and right there on these pages, so keep an eye out so your belly will be satisfied.

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TJS Events: Where We At

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If you follow us on Facebook here and Insta here, you see that there are in fact days when “minding the store” means hitting the pavement outside our three locations so we can better bring our product to you.

We get things added to our calendars all the time since TJS’s District Manager is a blonde-little hound when it comes to sniffing out excellent opportunities to share our juices with you. But for what’s on tap this month so far (and, for the very beginning of November) we bring you a snippet of old and a sneak peek at new things to keep on your juicy radar.

On Saturday 30 September, TJS was honored to join the Las Vegas VegFest in its quest to present healthy lifestyle options to folks interested in biohacking their systems toward supreme wellness thanks to a plant-based diet. (And if biohacking is a new term for you, learn a little more about it by clicking here on our feature from last month.)

Our bee, Angela, did a beeautiful job representing us at last week’s Las Vegas VegFest.

One of our beeautiful bees, Angela, represented the company with this bountiful table filled with vegu-cation about our products, juice fasts, and  by our very own district manager Amber Cariker.

We’ll have tons of info; the event is free; and we’ll even bee handing out coupons for product! So if you were gonna head over, find us! As always we’d love nothing more than to meet the very bees who support us (…and that means you!).

 

You, too, can look this glowy if you do some learnin’ with Integrative Aesthetics’ Jenna Kent.

Calling all licensed aestheticians (and you aestheticians-in-training, too)! On Oct. 25 at our St. Rose location, local aesthetician and owner of Integrative Aesthetics, Jenna Kent, is coordinating a meet up of like-minded industry professionals, interested in…

  • Learning on-point topics about their field (i.e., handling late clients and no-shows);
  • Hearing about new treatments;
  • Understanding how juice helps skin; and more.

Please note that this event is specifically for aestheticians. Does that mean you? Go ahead and learn more about it (and sign up/RSVP, too) by clicking on the Eventbrite link right here. Also note that for the lucky ducks attending, The Juice Standard will be serving up sips and snacks. You know. To keep you alert as you do all that learnin’.

Finally, a heads-up about November: This year the time change is Sunday, Nov. 5, which means you get an extra hour of shut eye; an extra hour to party; or an extra hour to drink juice. It also means our hours will be a-falling back as we tuck in for the start of Las Vegas’s true fall and winter. Closer to the time we’ll remind on our socials that the neighborhood stores will closer a little earlier on Sundays.

Note: We just love to collaborate! Got an event that might jive with our mission of promoting WHealth™ and wellness? Hit us up at info@juicestandard.com and someone from our end will reach out to someone on your end to see if we can make some magic happen.

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Vegucation 101: Biohacking Defined

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Biohacking is a techie term referring to the ways we can all tweak the best parts of ourselves (or, improve areas that need improving!). The beauty of it? Different tweaks to our diet, sleep and exercise can be tested based on our individual needs with the endgame goal that’s usually the same for all of us: total WHealth™.

Clear mind. Lithe body. Springy step.

Sound like feelings you’d like to reclaim from your youth? Or maybe you’re already one fly young buck who has time on their side but not a healthy constitution. 

Honestly, it matters not why you want to get WHealthy™ since we’re here to say there’s a proverbial “app” for that…or rather, a “hack.” And it’s called biohacking.

Heard much about biohacking lately? Probably, since it feels like everyone and their doctor’s bruh has something they’re testing on themselves to improve their health. If biohacking is bio-new to you, in simplest terms, it’s kinda like conducting your very own DIY biology experiment, where you, your bod and your diet are the control for testing health-improvement tactics in the name of feeling better, shining brighter and living longer (read: healthier!). 

In recent history, one of the foremost health-crazed biohackers has been Dave Asprey…basically, the Godfather of Bulletpoof Coffee™. (Shameless plug: If you like your coffee all buttered up…must try ours.)

In The Juice Standard’s world, biohacking is incredibly significant since it’s at the core of what we do when we help our Fanbees to fast using scrumptious, cold-pressed juice made from the freshest 100 percent organic produce we can get our hands on. But in the true spirit of biohacking, even the concept of fasting goes beyond simply lowering your calorie intake.

“You are what you eat” is an old adage that rings true today…but more than being the sum total of every bite you put in your mouth, eating smartly in today’s world isn’t always about what you eat… it’s also about when you eat. And if poor eating habits or a maddening sluggish digestive system have ever reared their ugly heads in your world, science says that the simple act of fasting is having far more of an impact on our health than simply making it easier to drop a few quick pounds of water weight.

The Juice Standard’s Green Fast can be great tool for folks dabbling in daily intermittent fasting (or, intermittent fasting two days a week). Its carefully combined juices deliver everything you need to give your digestion a hard-earned break. And kinda like feeding cars the high-test stuff, bennies include increased energy, glowy skin and a re-calibrated system.

Fasting is helping people live longer, better and healthier lives. Fasting can also be a lifelong tool in nearly everyone’s healthy toolbox—a “biohack,” as we mentioned earlier—for making sure our bodies are always working in the most primo way possible…from our joints and muscles right down (or up!) to our brain health and cognitive function

How does restricting when we eat make a difference on health? It’s something called “Intermittent energy restriction” or “intermittent fasting.”

According to many health professionals here in the United States and in the United Kingdom (which is where much of this research was first conducted and written about), intermittent fasting—often called “IF”— can help contribute to our improved brain health when we restrict calorie intake to set times of the day. And by set times, health professionals recommend fasting for 16 hours—basically, from your nighttime meal through to your first meal the next day around lunchtime—or, by limiting calorie intake to 500 or 600 calories for two days each week while eating 100 percent normally for the other five days.


Why does this method of fasting help with our longevity?

Similar to how weightlifting exhausts our muscles and causes them to shred and stretch before growing back harder-faster-stronger, when we push our bodies and cells to the edge of what they can handle—in a controlled way, mind you—our biological systems strengthen and learn to handle daily stressors so much better. By fasting, we are actually able to grow and improve our brain function. And frankly, that’s something that many doctors wouldn’t have believed even 10 or 15 years ago. And when cold-pressed juice (preferably vegetable juice, since it is much lower in sugar than fruit-centric recipes) is a part of someone’s IF regimen, whether you drink only juice for two days each week or you incorporate the greenest juice you can stomach for even just one meal during your day’s proverbial “eight hours of eating,” there’s no better way to flood your bod with the nutrients you need to think clearly, move swiftly, and live your healthiest life.

So if your life goals include things like…

1) Increased energy
2) Mental clarity
3) Eliminating food cravings
4) Achieving your body’s natural weight
5) Mood enhancement
6) Longevity

…our fave way to push our body’s cells toward wellness is with the greenest, most low-sugar juice we can get our lips on.

Fasting has been a game changer for a lot of people, but don’t take our word for it. Do your own research. Biohack away! See how good you can feel by replacing a few meals each week with green juice, or even by drinking only juice a few days each week. We think you’ll see, that fasting for any duration is a biohack you can live with…for a long, long time.

Friends Who Juice: Carrie Stamps

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Meet Carrie Stamps.

It’s hard to cry that summer’s gone since the season brought The Juice Standard a gift that’ll keep on giving for a long, long time.

Carrie Stamps joined TJS as a seamless addition to the leadership team by sharing her education, insight, intuition, and creativity as the company’s new creative director. Tasked with maintaining the handiwork of her predecessor while injecting the brand’s visual presence with her own sense of fun, if there’s something we’re learning about Stamps is that her can-do attitude is rooted in balance.

She comes by it naturally: Schooled in architecture and raised amid some good ol’ sing-songy Southern gentility, this bold little lady is as deft at identifying the facets of what makes something beautiful as she is talking about them. (See? #Balance.) Like her work with TJS, her graphic design consultancy, Scaled Design Studio, (named for something that sounds #balanced), Stamps gives visual voice to her clients’ presence of choice. And amid the happy madness of her work, she willingly dedicates 4 percent of her every day to the betterment of her bestness (…and, maybe because she’s #HookedOnStroopwafels).

((#BalanceRulesHerDay)

So now, whenever you see something about the brand that makes your wings go aflutter, you can know whose handiwork it is. We’re so proud to have this kind spirit bee a part of our team.

Meet Carrie Stamps.

ALL ABOUT CARRIE

I’ve lived in Las Vegas since… 11.11.11. Almost 6 years! And eleven just happens to be my favorite number.

Before I was a Vegas gal, I grew up in… Music City USA: Nashville, Tennessee!

Stamps and her beloved furbuddy, Meatball.

The biggest lifestyle difference between my growing up in Nashville and living in Las Vegas is… the pace of life. There’s an ease about the South. I have grown to appreciate the high energy and faster pace (hustle) of Vegas, but it was definitely an adjustment!

In my experience, the biggest misconception people have about my living in Las Vegas is… I don’t live in a hotel, I don’t go to nightclubs nightly and I don’t gamble (often)!

The thing I secretly (or not-so-secretly) love most about living here is… the sunsets! The colors and patterns are truly spectacular.

If I had to pick a daily mantra or a quote I try to live by, it would be… The Golden Rule: “Treat others how you want to be treated.” If everyone embraced kindness and respect a little more, we could make this world a more beautiful place.

A favorite Vegas spot that never gets old is… Ohh, geez. Just one?! Red Rock Canyon, Chandelier Bar (for guests) or my backyard.

If I had to pick a theme song for my life it would be… Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys. It’s about finding your own inner freedom and strength and channeling it in a way you’ve never tried before. It’s about claiming your power, living your passion and shining your light.

From Stamps’ trip to Tel Aviv.

This is how I like to spend my free time: Exploring! Local or foreign, I love experiencing new cultures and getting (semi) lost in unknown places. This spring I visited Israel for the first time…WOW! Next week, I’m headed to Europe for my first SOLO adventure…EEK! When I’m home, I volunteer quite a bit of my time with the Junior League of Las Vegas. Whether we are packing school lunches or Thanksgiving meals for needy families, tending vegetable gardens at local schools, supporting LV’s homeless youth population or training our members with new skill sets, all of it feeds the soul.

Any advice on how others can help give back to the community? Volunteer your time! There are so many wonderful non-profit organizations here in the community that need your help. Most of them rely on volunteers. Three Square always offers food packing events. HELP of Southern Nevada just opened the new Shannon West Homeless Youth Center and are always looking for enriching training opportunities or activities for the youth.

Something important I’d want folks to know about my friends and family is… they mean the world to me. Vegas didn’t feel like home until I had my tribe. I’m so thankful each of them are in my life and I’m ever so grateful for their laughs, advice, inspiration, support and encouragement. I only hope I do the same for them.

CARRIE ON WORK

Fun is something Stamps reminds herself to enjoy erryday. We should, too.

I work for The Juice Standard. My title is Creative Director and when people ask me what I do, this is what I say: the FuN stuff!

What appealed to me about working with TJS was… the ability to creatively spread the WHealth™ of knowledge and health benefits of juicing.

It’s only been a few months but (so far) the most exciting part about my TJS job is… getting to work with unBEElievable women. Each of them are extraordinary in their respective fields, and there is a massive amount of love, respect and kindness between the leadership team. I believe company culture starts at the top and filters throughout. I think that’s why TJS makes such great products.

Believe it or not, TJS isn’t my only gig. I also do this: I’ve owned Scaled Design Studio since 2013.

What inspired me to go into this field was… the ability to empower people to live their truth, make their dreams reality and start their own businesses. Ever since I was little, I’ve always loved to design and create. My background is architecture, and believe me, there is something pretty special about designing a building and seeing how individuals live in/interact with the spaces you created. However, I found graphic design to be much more fulfilling. Now, I have the opportunity to create identities, branding and websites for people and their passions/businesses. In the digital world, I help shape the public faces for these ventures, and it’s extremely rewarding to see them thrive.

Best thing I’ve heard a customer say about TJS juice is… that it’s “life-changing.” Some of our customers’ health journeys are truly inspiring. You can read about many of them here on thehumblebee.com.

The advice I’d give my younger work self is… don’t hesitate. I thought I had to do the school and get the experience BEFORE I followed my dreams of starting my own company. There isn’t a rule book or a specific path you have to follow. If you feel passionately about something, DO IT. Don’t think twice.

As my own #girlboss, one worky thing I try to remind myself daily is… have fun. Take risks. Set goals. Make time for play. And work your ass off.

CARRIE ON HEALTH IN LAS VEGAS

Stamps, gettin’ her peace on in Hawaii.

In my opinion, the biggest change in Las Vegas’ healthy-living scene in the last few years has been… finally, more healthy options!

No matter how busy I get at work, this is what I do to make sure I eat well during the week: Exercise! It keeps my cravings in check. I exercise at least one hour a day (only 4% of your day), so I like switching up the workouts to keep it interesting.

The fruit(s) or vegetable(s) you’ll always find in my kitchen are… AVOCADOS, apples, berries, carrots, kale, spinach, lemons, tomatoes, garlic, fresh ginger, and fresh turmeric.

My don’t-even-think-about-judging-me-guilty-pleasure food is… manchego cheese or stroopwafels direct from Amsterdam. Just not together! Gross.

(Thanks bee to you, Wikipedia, for reminding us what these bad boys look like. Yumma.)

CARRIE ON JUICE

What introduced me to cold-pressed juice was… the documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead (2010).

The first time I drank green juice, I thought it tasted like… grass.

The reason I started drinking cold-pressed juice was because… I noticed a significant difference in my energy levels, immune system and complexion.

The reason I kept drinking cold-pressed juice was because… I knew the health benefits and FINALLY found some great recipes that don’t taste like a lawnmower. Besides: I think your tastebuds adjust and now I LOVE the taste of green juice. The greener the taste, the better!

True or False: “Making juice at home is a royal pain in the tail.” If I said False, I’d be lying. That’s why I grab 6-packs from TJS!

True or False: “A ginormous perk of my job is free juice.”  Wait, we get free juice?!?!

[Ed. note: Somebody get this girl some juice.]

The reason I like TJS’s cold-pressed juice is… because, the flavors! Honey, our bees know what they’re doing. My personal favorites: Bee WHealthy™, Bee Chill, Bee Vibrant, and Bee Excellent.

My advice to a newbee juicer is… try at least six to start. Everyone has different taste, so you’ll find one (or more) that you love. I promise.

TJS Editorial: Coupling (With Kids) The Second Time Around

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What happens when you and your Exceptional Other aren’t the only considerations in your blossoming relationship? When your one-plus-one equals an immediate four (or five, if you count the on-the-periphery parent that helped make yours or your love’s children possible)?  

When it comes to coupling the second time around even simple math can be tricky math…but it doesn’t have to be. Especially if we’re willing to lean on the openhearted bees in our hives who are equally willing to share their been-there-done-that-and-here’s-how-to-nail-it perspectives.

So in the spirit of this, our back-to-school issue (#FallIsTheNewNewYearAfterAll) comes a narrative from TJS Content Director Jen Chase that might not have been possible without TJS Co-Founder Marcella Williams’ gorgeous advice in her June editorial on blended families.

Jen Chase, Jen Chase’s right hand, and the left side of Parker Corwin’s cheek. Kind of.

Two weeks ago, I posted that pic of my love Parker and me on Facebook with the following caption:

Who could’ve known that glances across a college acappella stage would lead to the love of my life. Anyone who questions life’s inexplicable tribulations: This.

(And since hashtags make me laugh…)

#WhatLoveLooksLike
#FinallyLivingOutLoud
#HeMakesTheBestEggs
#IAmTheLuckiest
#NotEngagedSoStopItGirls

As a stand-alone post it was a far cry from earth-shattering. Or so I thought. In my short 3 years on Facebook I’ve seen lots of folks post endearing pics of their significant others. At face value, I didn’t think mine would seem so special.

But it was.

…Far too busy figuring out how to say we were public, neither of us changed our status. Irony, oversight or totally unnecessary? Inquiring minds wanna know….

It was, because just as I’d carefully tappa-tap-tapped out my post seated so paper-close to Parker you couldn’t have slipped a sheet of Dunder Mifflin between us, he thumbed his side of our story on his iPhone. And in the aftermath of digi-inking the carefully chosen words we read aloud to each other before becoming Facebook Official, we received a ton of likes and some of the kindest comments imaginable from friends and fam who supported this very public yet very technical announcement that we are in fact a couple.

(And.good.effing thing we went public when we did. Because being overshadowed? By these two overachievers? #CantCompeteWithJamKat.)

On the surface our pic looked like two goofs in love. But the reality behind the smiles and social media was that they represented nearly 20 months of balancing a relationship we’d kept on the down-low with some and out loud with others. The “others?” Folks we’d methodically chosen to unfurl our relationship with: mums, sisters, BFFs you can’t hide jack from, and a few who could tell at first blush that after our starts and stops with pivotal people in our former lives, we’d quite obviously found our personal holy grails.

Meeting the girls? Priceless.

But the “some” who’d had zero idea that Daddy was dating? Parker’s daughters, ages 8 and 5. And they’re the “some” who made our e-reveals so sweet, since we wrote them the night of the day Parker painstakingly curated as the day to say that while Jen’s fun in a pool, a sucker for a “spa day” and the maker of uplevelled almond milk…”she’s not my friend; she’s my girlfriend.”

While our future talks had been appropriately tempered with both #daydreaming and #HopeForTheBestPlanForTheWorsting (as only the formerly spoused, difficultly uncoupled can relate to), I’d been readying for my hopeful new role for a long time. From child development blogs and evil-doer step-parenting articles to my mind’s constant screening of Stepmom, being 42 and still (yet?) not having my own child has made me highly attuned to absorbing all I can about co-parenting kiddos who aren’t mine.

I’ve known I have the tools: former nanny; younger sis with several significant special needs. I dated a wonderful man with equally wonderful twins. I love children and  know my proverbial mommy gene runs hot. But it’s never run hotter than during this relationship with the man I show daily, somehow, some way, that I was put on this earth to love him, admire him, respect him, and care for him. And, for his kids.

The girls didn’t seem to care that I traveled with Daddy to visit their grandmother up in Vermont without their knowing…but if they knew we were with horses, in the woods in winter? Might be a different story. #WhatHappensInVTStaysInVT

Don’t gag. Like most grown-ass women little girls I’d fantasized about my future love. Wherever we went, harps were gonna play, haters were gonna hate and we were finally gonna hear what it sounds like when doves cry. It took about a decade of significant loss—a parent; a marriage; intimate friendships and relationships—but I was gifted. And he’s dreamy.

It didn’t take long to become hard AF to temper waiting to game out what I could already picture as our family-of-four’s future. That is, until the perspective of Marcella Williams.

(And for those who knew I’d get here eventually, thanks for sticking with.)

When I met Marcella in 2013 I admired her graceful juggle of life, independence, #mompreneurship, and deep commitment to motherhood. And like the attuned confidante she is, she listened and advised on the topics she could tell were important to me…suggesting I get tested to ensure me girly pipes are whistle-clean in case having a baby is in my future, and not to forget adoption and fostering. Yaknow. Just in case.

Marcella’s advice always insinuated that “knowledge is power,” and that partner or not, a woman’s future is in her own hands. When she learned Parker was my future and that he has two little girls, our convos deepened. A step-mum and a birth mum, she’s also helped her own step- and bio-kiddos navigate their relationship with their new step-mum, too. And when she spoke, I soaked in her best practices for navigating what one day would become my blended little family:

Be forgiving. Be thoughtful. Be grateful. Be respectful. Be kind. Be patient. 

Followed by be patient. And more be patient. 

You can actually read her editorial about blended families right here. I’ve read it, like, 20 times, because it typifies the kind of co-parent I want to be for and with Parker; for his girls; and alongside the girls’ mum whom I’ve yet to meet. And knowing I can only control my behavior, I feel deep peace in knowing that already in the young history of this growing foursome, Parker and I are committed to showering the girls with as much positivity as possible as we show them that the addition of someone in their life doesn’t subtract someone else. In fact, joy multiplies when we groan-ups remember those tenets above and kick our egos’ collective ass.

I’m beeyond grateful I have a true north for my step-parenting compass and that I received it from a beeautiful woman who was willing to open herself to help open me. Marcella is why I wanted to share this with you. You know. Just in case you need it. Because as we like to say around here at The TJS (wait for it), #ItTakesAHive.

When littletons take the camera you never know what you’ll find….

When littletons take the camera you never know what you’ll find…take two.

 

In the last 20 months, building a relationship with the love of my life and preparing to co-parent beside him has at times broken my heart as much as it filled it. Lots of stealth tears. Intimate eyelid kisses. Pep talks. Kajillions of texts and memes to pave the way for it all to start coming together. And like Game of Thrones and killer pour-overs—#thingsworththewait—the girls’ well being had to come before our ache to spend more time together. It took faith. Lotsa fucking faith. Faith that wasn’t about staying positive until there was an outcome, but staying positive no matter the outcome.

And for us, the outcome’s still a-coming! We still live an hour and twenty apart but are committed to “more time together than not.” We’re super conscious of everyone’s need for Daddy Time (and the occasionally requested time with me…*blush*). And, we’re striving to see all sitches from all angles since we won’t be the only two parents in the game. But in this world that, in my opinion, views openheartedness as weakness—where success often means being tough, tired, busy, and worst of all, just a little bit hangry to get.shit.done—we vow to project love, and meeting each one of us exactly where we’re at. I want the girls to see Parker and me navigate our relationship and our corporation of four with genuine lightness, positivity, patience, faith, and respect. I want them to see us touch. Laugh. Kiss. Be silly. Be willing to drop everything for each another as fast as we’d drop it for them. I want them to see that I unabashedly love them. And when they’re old enough, I want them to understand it’s hella easy for people to profess love from proverbial rooftops (and for lotsa folks that works, so no judgment, Hunnies); but that in Daddy’s case, his forever keeping their best interest in mind and my implicit trust in him was the best and only path for us…20 months of waiting or not.

So many core relationship values go unlearned until the ink’s long dried on a divorce decree. But if we can model love for our kids from the get-go so they may learn to apply, appreciate, give, and demand love and respect from their first coupling or marriage, not their second or third, we groan-ups have a shot at changing what love looks like. In our case, now that the girls know Parker and I are a team, they’re finally getting to see what I’ve known since my reconnecting with their father 18 years after we first met singing at Wheaton College (the one in Massachusetts): I was made for him, and he was made for me.

So were they.

#WhatLoveLooksLike

 

 

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A Story Worth Telling: News…From You.

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While we here at The Juice Standard sure love our buzzy mascot, we’re all about helping our human bees achieve their optimum sense of good: good WHealth™, good self…good stuff. Earlier in the year we launched a format called “A Story Worth Telling,” where we share our most favoritist, goodest interactions with you—our glorious bees—about you…our glorious bees.

Whether we hear ’em through TJS District Manager Amber Cariker and the TJS managers and beehind-the-counter bees she supports, or they come in here through our site, these snippets reveal stories from you and yours, and how you’re all so very willing to lean into cold-pressed juiceness as a potential holy grail of WHealth™.

(And we purposely say “potential” because people can get so damn itchy get about medical claims and all….)

Got some feedback of our own? Wanna #PayItForwardBees? Go to our website and share yer thoughts here at our comments page. Write TJS’s Content Director, Jen Chase, even. We’d all love to hear how we can better serve you…or simply hear some of your juicy love.

Love, TJS

INSPIRING STORY OF THE SUMMER

Hello.

I woke one morning passing blood to find out I had large kidney stones. I went to my doctor, where I also out also that my blood sugar was in the mid 300s.

I had also been told before by my doctor that I had Type-2 diabetes but I never did anything about it. I found myself falling asleep after eating and waking up not remember falling asleep, all due to high blood sugar. I was referred to The Juice Standard by a person I met at the dog park one evening, so the following morning I went to the location in Green Valley. I met a young man employed there name Ben, and he recommended that I drink greens. And I decided to do more of a master cleanse-type of cleanse with the greens.

I started out with five a day for the first five days, and then I dropped down to two a day. And I brought my blood sugar down from the mid 300s to 107 in around 2 weeks. I went to my doctor, and she said to continue doing what I was doing. I never took the Metformin she prescribed, and she said not to take it and instead, continue doing the cold-pressed juicing.

I want to thank the two owners of The Juice Standard, and Ben from the Green Valley store, for saving my life. I lost 36 pounds during my first 30 days and I’m continuing to feel better than I ever felt. My diabetes is gone, and my stage-3 kidney disease is gone. I have sent several friends there recently and they all can’t believe how good they feel when they drink cold-press juice.

Thank you again.
Kurt B.

COMPLIMENTS THAT MAKE US BEAM

Hi!

We recently visited your location at The Cosmopolitan and we can’t stop thinking about the delicious juice and the great experience we had. We live in San Diego and we would really like to be a part of your business. Are there any opportunities to assist you with opening The Juice Standard here?

Dawn L.

…Funny how a year ago I looked forward to going to Vegas to get drunk and party with my friends, now I look forward to the juice. Absolutely delicious!

Anonymous

AWESOME JUICES! DELICIOUS!!

YOU REALLY NEED TO HAVE ONE OF THESE PLACES IN THE BAY AREA!!

ASAP!

Anonymous

Is your juice available anywhere else in the country? I’m from TN and visited Las Vegas back in June. I can’t believe I paid $12 for a bottle of Bee Royal, but it was worth every penny. I crave it now and wish I could order a case of it.

Anonymous

TJS Events: Oh, The Places We’ll Go….

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Worker bees can’t stay in the hives all the time, right? Gotta get out there and spread #NewsYouCanUse about what we’re doing behind the scenes. So since all cold-press and no cold-play makes our bees super dull, we’ve got some outside events that’ll bring us closer to our greatest commodity: You.

Aug. 17, 2017

On this day, TJS will provide juice tastings and vegucation to some 300-400 attendees of the Healthy Body, Mind and Soul event at Mountaintop Faith Ministries’ three-day Women’s Conference, “Activate Your Power.” (You can learn more about it by clicking here.)

 

July 12, 2017

And as we rearview mirror to last month real quick…there was some happy TJS news to share when The Juice Standard was honored to accept TMG Entertainment’s 2017 Silver State Award for “Best Juice Bar.”

How’d we do it? Thousands of juicers had cast their votes among some pretty heavy-hittin’ juiceries, and we were grateful to have been grouped along with Juice NV, Pressed Juicery, Fruits and Roots, and Elevated Juice. And while there could only be one winner, we were super proud it was us.

But there was more to the story than just #TJSForTheWin.

If you’re familiar with our Facebook page (and seriously, Bees, you are, right?), we shared this story last month but it bears repeating.

Sophia working her business face with style with mum, Marcella Williams.

The night of the awards, TJS Co-Founder and COO Marcella Williams took a super special guest to accept the award on the company’s beehalf: her daughter, Sophia. And while the schmooze and schpiel factor was in overdrive—participants from across Nevada’s wellness community excitedly sharing their products and success stories with all who’d listen—a night that could’ve overwhelmed Miss Sophia and her first award event (!) turned her into a prideful, seasoned pro by night’s end as Momma Marcella watched her little girl blossom with each new person she met. And like a bee to blossoms, Sophia navigated each booth, table and rep with the grace of TJS’s very best worker bee…making her momma proud to watch Sophia’s confidence unfurl.

So, Bee Parents: Don’t underestimate the hidden beeauty in gently nudging your littleton outside their comfort zone. Confidence can be cultivated in the darndest of places…even at a red-carpet awards events, dressed in pretty purple frocks on their birthday. (Wink.)

Congrats, Sophia, for helping TJS add even more meaning to an award we’re proud of!

(And if you didn’t click on that Coldplay link way up above, this is why you should always click on TJS links:)

 

Friends Who Juice: Malik Hansbrough

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The numero uno compliment we hear from fanbees (after folks shine on our recipes, natch) is about our customer service…and if there’s a worker bee beehind the counter who takes his making-people-happy skillz cray serious, it’s this guy.

A Las Vegas native who chose to make the city his forever home (and yes, there’s a goodly lot), Malik Hansbrough has brought more than his youth and vibrancy to his post at The Juice Standard. Working both sides of the counter both making product and serving it, Hansbrough is a head-down hard worker… but this youngest of six sibs and longtime church volunteer really shines when his mission is working with customers…leading them (as he poetically puts it), “on a journey of delicious and organic fuel for the body.”

And the former green-juice face-maker now proselytizes more than just the morals he was raised with: Seeing juice as a path toward total wellness has helped Hansbrough change his old wicked dining ways. A  jokester who doesn’t hide the things that make him happy (Walmart’s really your fave place, Dude?), we here at TJS are grateful to have such a mindful, wholehearted bee in our corner to preach the good word of good health…which we all know is available to anyone and erryone, one Singleton at a time.

Praise bee to Malik. Meet him.

All About Malik

I’ve lived in Las Vegas since… July 7, 1993, because I was born here.

I can remember when I decided I wanted to start my adult life here. It was…the year 2011, directly after I finished high school

…and what appealed to me about living in Vegas was…the fact that this place is my home, and home is where the heart is. I could never see myself living anywhere else but good old Vegas.

In my experience, the biggest misconception about living in Las Vegas is…that we only have the Strip to offer. Somehow, tourists have the idea that all the citizens of Las Vegas live in one of the many hotels on the Strip.

The thing I secretly (or not-so-secretly) love most about living here is...the size of this place: It is very small, which is great on gas: Nothing is out of reach since you don’t have to drive more than 30 minutes to get anywhere in the city.

If I had to pick a daily mantra or a quote I try to live by, it would be...“Fear God and keep his commands.”

A favorite Vegas spot that never gets old is…Walmart. It has everything I could ever want in life and more.

If I had to pick a theme song for my life it would be…the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers theme song, without a moment’s hesitation.

Malik and his wife, heading toward some quality time with family. Sabbath is sacred to the Hansbroughs, and in today’s busy lifecycle, it’s an admirable time-out tradition they protect so they can focus on themselves, their family and their spirits. (Naturally they *must* drink juice on Sabbath, too, right? Say we’re right, Malik!)

A person who inspires me every day is…my wife. She is my best friend and she inspires me to be a better a version of myself each and every day.

The way she inspires me is…by not letting me make excuses. She holds me to my word on everything which has molded me into the person I am today.

Something people would be surprised to know about me is…I keep the Sabbath day every single week.

This is how I like to spend my free time: Preaching God’s word to any and all who give me the opportunity. I also like to play basketball with my brothers, and spend quality time with my immediate family and my wife.

The worst hack-job pronunciation of my name I’ve ever heard is…“Moo-Lake.” (I know, it’s terrible right?)

Malik On Work

I work for The Juice Standard. When people ask me what I do, this is how I explain my job: My job is to introduce people to the unknown side of eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle. I take them on a journey of delicious organic and beautiful fuel for the body.

What appealed to me about working for TJS was...that I could be a vessel through which the extremely important knowledge of how to treat your body could be conveyed, and that I’d be able to create bonds with others through nutrition.

Since working for TJS, the most surprising thing I’ve learned about myself doing the job that I do is…how terrible my eating habits were. It was truly embarrassing.

The most exciting part about my job is…seeing people walk away happily educated and newly motivated to start a new journey in life…after experiencing just a few tastes of our product.

Best thing I’ve heard a customer say about TJS juice is…“You guys are lifesavers.”

Most awesome thing I’ve witnessed on the back-of-house staff side of working at TJS is…seeing 10 to 15 smoothies be made with love (and the same time) and presented to our guests quickly and efficiently.

When I’m not working at TJS there are other creative endeavors I love dabbling in, like…singing, writing and drawing.

The advice I’d give my younger work self is…to be the hardest worker in your establishment at all times, no matter what the circumstance.

Malik On Health In LV

Ever the volunteer, Malik (far right) is pictured with his church brothers James and Ronnie at a cleanup for Las Vegas’ City Hall Community Cleanup in 2015.

In my opinion, the biggest change in Las Vegas’ healthy-living scene in the last few years has been…the presence of organic juicing. Everyone, all of a sudden, now has taken a big interest in the juice life.

No matter how busy I get at work, this is what I do to make sure I eat well during the week: Prep my meals at home, and only eat what comes from my own living space. This is a great way for me to avoid eating fast food and sugary snacks to suppress my hunger.

The fruit(s) or vegetable(s) you’ll always find in my kitchen are...bananas, asparagus and broccoli.

My don’t-even-think-about-judging-me-guilty-pleasure food is…macaroni and cheese, straight from Mom’s kitchen.

The health habit that gets me teased the most is…exercising.

Malik On Juice

The person who introduced me to cold-pressed juice was…my best friend James Dixon.

The first time I drank green juice, I thought it was…mortifying. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

The reason I started drinking cold-pressed juice was because…I wanted my body to perform to the best of its ability.

The reason I kept drinking cold-pressed juice was because…I saw the results in a shockingly short amount of time and I started to find cold-pressed juice delicious.

True or False: “Making juice at home is a royal pain in the tail.” True

True or False: “A ginormous perk of my job is free juice.” True

The reason I like TJS’s cold-pressed juice is…because I know exactly what’s in it, as well as all of the health benefits. There is no fine print. We are up front about it all and promote it proudly.

My advice to a newbee juicer is…make sure to properly cleanse your body first. It’s important to get as much of the bad stuff out of there as possible and then begin the process of putting healthy juice into your body.

Bee Wanderlusty: Coastin’

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We’re continuing our annual recs for desert-leaving trips between now and Labor Day (beecause though it bee August, there’s still.so.much.time. to get your vacay drive on!)

This feature? Shares the gorge coasts of Oregon and Cali from a bee in our hive who knows ’em well: TJS District Manager Amber Cariker. 

What kind of traveler would be down with these choices? “These places connect me to the Earth, and to a community of people who are present and open-minded,” says Cariker, who’s managed the beejesus out of TJS’s three locations for the better part of a year. “I am very interested in cultivating growth in my life, and I feel an overwhelming sense of connectedness to spiritual environments. Now, I think these places run slower than the average vacation, but for the right vacationer or family, I feel these places will also help people slow down, oberve more, appreciate the stillness, and explore the unknown without fear.”

(What she said.)

Wanna slow down? In her words, here’s Cariker’s turn-by-turn account. And since, around here, if Cariker says it we beelieve it, we’re going out on a limb to say we think you should, too.

California

Avila Beach=Slice of Amber Cariker’s Heaven.

Avila Beach 

Take Avila Beach Drive to San Luis Bay Drive and then take the street for See Canyon. You should have an off-road vehicle, but let’s just say it’s been done in a Honda civic.

“You’ll drive through windy roads of rich color—trees and lush tall golden grasses—until you come out into Los Osos Road where you’ll find a treat….

Montana De Oro

The Spanish translates to “Mountain of Gold.” And from Los Osos Road, you’ll drive all the way to the end and exit at Montana De Oro. Quite a long drive, but there is an area that becomes very wooded. You’ll park and use the man-made wooden stairs to begin a trek through the trees into the forest. Staying on the trail, you will come across a rich, dark brown sand that will then lead you to a slivered opening of ocean rocks and a beautiful quiet state beach. Bring a blanket and a picnic. You won’t want to leave.

Shell Beach.

Shell Beach

A beach…with cliffs? This is THE place to watch a sunset. But you should also visit in the morning when the tide is down, and collect some pebble-like beach sand to build your at-home terrarium. The post-vacay high you feel from seeing that sand will take you back to Shell Beach with every glance. #NaturesGiftShop

Joshua Tree

Pappy and Harriets in Pioneer Town (Insider intel? Take Pipes Canyon road to get here).

So, nostalgia. I grew up dancing next to my parents on the planked hardwood floors, and the walls are cement with colored bottles in them like an old biker cantina! Harriet used to make all the food and desserts from scratch and when Pappy passed on, she sold the business to a Power Woman couple. They have gone on to turn it into an amazing music venue where Paul McCartney played last year, and they are about to have some amazing upcoming concerts: Bonobo, Iron & Wine, City & Colour.

Pioneer Town was a product of the early Western movie genre. Gene Autry helped the making of it, but it never really made amazing movies. Pappy and Harriet’s is the landmark of the Pioneer Town, but go and you’ll also be able to “walk the town” and soak in the western buildings. To think they’re now having contemporary concerts under the stars….

The Art Queen

Green enough forya? Photo courtesy of Tumblr.

Want some kitch in Cali? Head to “The Art Queen” and walk to the back of the Museum of Crochet, a sprite little building shaped like a lime-green viewfinder. When you see a key in the door, turn it. Go inside. You’ll find it filled with vintage crochet animals and sundries that’ll surely make you smile.

Sam’s Spa in Desert Hot Springs

In the heavenly place, mineral pools and soaking tubs are surrounded by grass and a man-made lake with fish and birds. Plus, there are peacocks that roam around the pools while you’re hanging out.

Peacocks, people. Peacocks. Need I say more?

Portland Oregon

Sauvies Island. Beeauty just beeyond Portland.

Sauvie Island 

This slice of heaven is great for two reasons. First: berry picking! (Entire pick-your-own flats for only $12-$15…in a place like this.) Second? Walk the aisles of lush fruit trees before heading to your next (and last) stop: The river. A river, you ask? Yes: Sauvie Island is the largest island that runs along the Columbia River…which, you can get to from the main road. If you choose to drive to the river (and I absolutely think you should), take a blanket and lay beside it. And don’t forget your parking pass for the day. I doubt you’ll want to leave.

The Overlook Park

Second on your Portland Nature Itinerary? Overlook Park.  (“Skidmore Bluffs” is also what I’ve heard it called). Many years ago, a family allowed its back yard to be turned into a park. It is now open to the public, and at first glance you feel like you’re entering a grassy field where an umbrella of a tree drapes over a bench overlooking the city, a forest park, bridges, and train tracks. But really, it’s so much more. #SeeingIsBelieving.

Where to eat, you ask? Dove Vivi features cornmeal-crusted pizza with toppings like sautéed red onions

#CouldItBeMagic? At Dovi, we say yes.

and corn and roasted poblano peppers. And Por Que No?—which, mind you, you’ll never find without at least a 30 minute wait—is beyond colorful and layered with art and lanterns and serves luscious agua frescas (cantaloupe, papaya+coconut, mango+lime, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera)…among other delicious bits. Definitely get the chips and salsa and sample the eclectic menu…especially veggie options like the seasonal taco. (Last one I had was beet, turnip, pumpkin seed, and rutabaga. A-m-a-z-i-n-g!)

Want some shoppin’? Hit Paxton’s Gate. There’s one in San Francisco, too (the original location), and no joke: #FavoriteStoreInTheWorld. It’s like the Natural History Museum…but a shop: taxidermy; bones; gardening supplies; dehyrdrated seeds and pods; books on making your own products; science; and odd collections of amazing things.

Ingredient Spotlight: MCT Oil=Superfood for a Super Summer

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Hiya, Bees!

So, since we’ve still got another month left of Summer 2017, who doesn’t want a lil’ more energy for work and play? Right: No one…and precisely why we’re highlighting a superfood upgrade that is continuing The Juice Standard’s juicy journey toward #MissionNutrition (and #HellaFunDaysAndNights), by being a naturally occurring energy source that can be seamlessly—tastily!—added to any of our juices, smoothies, nut milks, and hot cacao and specialty espresso drinks.

(And even if the mere thought of a hot bevvie makes you sweat, for the days when your office AC is JACKed…you’ll thank us for this. You really will.)

For years, NOW has been a popular entry-level brand for folks dipping their toe in wellness waters.

MCT oil is clear and flavorless, and can be added to everything from beverages to salad dressings (seriously: sub out your olive or flax oil at home with one of the brands we mention at the end). MCT stands for “medium-chain triglycerides”—also referred to as “medium chain fatty acids”—and to fully appreciate TJS making MCT oil an available upgrade, we’re gonna vegucate you a little about different fatty acids and how they can benefit our health.

All Fats Are Not Equal

Fats are classified as one of three types depending on their chemical structure:

  1. Short-chain (meaning the fat has a structure with five or fewer carbon atoms);
  2. Medium-chain (the fat has six to 12 carbons); and
  3. Long chain (it contains more than 12 carbons).

Now. When we’re talking MCTs, there are four types:

  1. Caproic acid (abbreviated as “C6” which means it has six carbons);
  2. Caprylic acid (C8);
  3. Capric acid (C10); and
  4. Lauric acid (C12).

Truth? All you need to know is that the fewer carbons in an MCT, the faster the carbons are absorbed by the body. We’ll explain why that’s important next.

So…Why Fatty Acids? And Will They Gimme Me A Fatty A(ss)cid?

(Cute.)

Well: It’s all about energy, Bees! When digested, fatty acids are used as energy…and what dictates how our bods break down fat is the fatty acid’s structure.

Most dietary fats that comprise standard American diet are long-chain triglycerides, and because of the many carbons in a long-chain triglyceride, our body has to do some hard w-e-r-k to digest it. But that’s where the awesomeness of MCT oil comes into play:

MCTs’ fewer carbons mean our body can break down the fatty acids fast…allowing them to passively diffuse from our GI tract to our bloodstream where our liver converts them to energy really quickly.

The Amazing Metabolization of MCTs (And Other Cool Bennies)

Bonus? Instead of metabolizing through digestion (like other fats), MCTs are taken straight to the liver where they act similarly to carbohydrates by providing instant and sustainable energy. But it’s not just the energy you get that’s interesting. MCTs improve blood sugar regulation (yay!), improve metabolism (especially fat metabolism), they may improve thyroid function, and they improve appetite regulation.

The most common whole-food source of MCTs is coconut oil: About 65 percent of its fatty acids are considered medium-chain. Palm kernel oil and full-fat dairy are two other food sources of medium-chain triglycerides. But nothing says energy-lovin’’ like a pure MCT oil, and that’s what TJS is bringing you.

Enjoying MCT Oil at TJS

Wanna feel the effects for yourself? Ever hear of the Bulletproof® coffee phenomenon? It’s a riff off an ages-old Tibetan drink called “yak butter tea” that uses yak butter the way Westerners use typical dairy in our coffee. (Tibetans have more yaks than cows so they turn yak milk into butter…butter that can be kept shelf stable for up to a year if wrapped properly.)

“Buttered coffee” became all the rage when a bee named Dave Asprey researched the tea he tried on a Tibetan trek. After understanding the energy it gives Tibetans living and working the land in high altitudes, he learned that yak butter tea is super high in—say it with us—MCTs. Once back in the United States, to mimic the Tibetan drink’s health bennies he combined a serving of freshly brewed coffee with a tablespoon of coconut oil (which you now know is high in MCTs and lauric acid and rootin’-tootin’ tasty). He also added a tablespoon of grass-fed butter or ghee (close cousin to that yak butter…and, very tasty) to create “buttered coffee.” When you blitz it all up in a high-speed blender, the coffee froths like a latte. And it’s just as creamy, without the dairy.

It’s true: From chocolatey cacao drinks to espressos (even all our icy sips), MCT oil can go into any of ’em.

There’s a lot of info on the Internets about how the oils combine with coffee’s caffeine to slowly release energy rather than in a typical surge or crash. TJS’s Bee Invincible is Marcella’s own riff off Bulletproof® Coffee, but for a super-simple recipe without sweeter or cashew cream, add a tablespoon of our MCT oil to your coffee and we’ll blitz it up for you. It’s also terrific in smoothies.

Seriously: Especially in coffee, you’ll be rewarded with an effect you WILL feel—and the feel will be like there’s rocket fuel in your system. And really, who doesn’t want that?

Curious? Try our MCT oil. We think you’ll be glad you did.

Insider Intel

Curious about MCT oil but aren’t sure where to begin? There’s a lot on the market. Here are a few to check out:

• This brand has been ’round for ages and the price point is usually friendly.

• This is Asprey’s “octane oil” that he sells for your cuppa. We’ve sampled it, and it’s as colorless and odorless as the rest.

• Whole Foods’ trusted 365 brand jumped into the market last year. It’s pretty much avail across the country, now.

Shout Out to TJS Manager Bean Ream for handily helping us compile this MCT goodness!

 

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Friends Who Juice: Amber Cariker

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Meet Amber Cariker.

When retail is in your soul and you’ve worked for some of the spendiest names in spendom, where do you take your career? For Amber Cariker, The Juice Standard’s district manager, the answer wasn’t up, but in.

After years of mighty success helming stores of high-end brands, Cariker claims that life felt on the half-full side. After committing to some soulful switcheroos, fate led her straight to the hiring table across TJS co-founders Jamie Stephenson and Marcella Williams…and so far it’s been a match made in juicy heaven as Cariker has used her boundless energy and business acumen to help TJS deepen its public outreach into the hearts (and bellies) of Las Vegas’ health enthusiasts.

A pint-size pixie with a bionic heart, Cariker casts sunshine on everyone from the folks who walk into our stores to our blessed bees that buzz beehind the counters. Bonus? She’s never met a green juice she didn’t like. Do we have Cariker’s sweet momma to thank for her palate? Survey says she’d slurp something she didn’t like if it meant selling on beehalf the company she loves…and boy, if that doesn’t spell #ItTakesAVillage, we don’t know what does.

So…meet Amber Cariker. And while you’re at it, next time you see her at a store, thank her. Most likely she made getting your order a little easier, in ways you’ll never know. (We may not, either….)

ALL ABOUT AMBER

I’ve lived in Las Vegas…off and on since I was little. I formerly moved here when I was 8. Since then I have lived in California, Texas and Oregon. I most recently moved back from Portland in March 2012. (Vegas has a way of pulling you back in. Plus my Momma is here.)

I can remember when I decided I wanted to start my adult life here. It was the year… 2014, I was sick of living a toxic lifestyle, and I wanted a job that matched how I wanted to live my life, not how I was living it. I always seem to associate a lot of my happiness with what I am doing for work since I am a work-a-holic. (Literally.) During my early 20’s, I was sort of lost—partying and living free-spiritedly—and I decided I wanted to learn more about nutrition, plants, flowers, the desert, wood, conversations, the present, and mindfulness.

What appealed to me about living in Vegas was…my Momma lived here, and my Pops lives near Joshua Tree, Calif. It felt right to be close to home, and when I started to appreciate the outer beauty of Vegas away from the nightlife and partying, I found a new way of partying. What intrigued me was the forest, Cold Creek, Nev., where the wild horses roam, off the path trails in Red Rock.

In my experience, the biggest misconception about living in Las Vegas is…that everyone who lives here maintains 24/7 availability. Even though the city runs 24 hours, it is important to find your core values and un-plug every once in a while. The other misconception? That everyone in Vegas is superficial. Some of my closest friends, who I would call my “tribe” or “village,” are from Vegas. We can pick up wherever we left off, even if months go by.

The thing I secretly (or not-so-secretly) love most about living here is…the heat. The desert.

People who know me well know that I’m super close to my sister. Her name is…Stephanie. I love her with all my heart. But the thing that drives me nuts about her is… she lives so far away, in Rosario, Argentina.

(…and the thing she’d say about me that drives her bonkers is… I never make time to visit!)

If I had to pick a daily mantra or a quote I try to live by, it would be… “Bringing sunshine to people’s lives”

A favorite Vegas spot that never gets old is… Cold Creek, Nev. If you go up early enough in the morning, or as the sun is setting, you usually can catch the wild horses walking along the desert.

If I had to pick a theme song for my life it would be… Tycho by Spectre.

A person who inspires me every day is… my sister, Stephanie.

…and the way she inspires me is: She runs her own business in South America. She is committed to inspiring people to take part in their culture, and she hosts things like: book clubs, “bar-lingual” (a hopping around of bars), and walking or bike tours in her city of Rosario. She has two young babies—both are bi-lingual and play soccer—and she teaches English, does yoga, and plays guitar. She’s just amazing.

Something people would be surprised to know about me is… I collect dead things. (Hahahahaha! The whole company laughed when we introduced a new employee and they were waiting for me to say that and I didn’t!) I am a geek for natural history…like, when you were a little kid in a museum. I love taxidermy, bones, insects, wood grains, plants, and cacti.

I don’t have a ton of free time but when I do, this is how I like to spend it: Hiking, gardening and cooking.

AMBER ON WORK

I work for The Juice Standard as the company’s district manager. When people ask me what I do, this is how I explain my job: Usually, I get asked if I am the owner  (I think this is because I am a Chatty Cathy and love to talk all things TJS), so I usually say: “NO I am not the owner…but I wish I was because this is a pretty amazing company!”  Right now, I assist in being whatever role the company needs me to be in: hiring, development, networking, eventing, and being an awesome support system for everyone on our team.

What appealed to me about working for TJS was…the company’s transparency, ethical practices, and its fresh, organic product – product that’s really organic, not just partially.

The other factor? Jamie and Marcella. I fell in love with them during our first meeting. How they speak, listening to their ideas and needs, hearing their passion, seeing their investment in people that are already on their teams….They painted this beautiful picture that expanded the Las Vegas community and its culture.

When it comes to managing or working in retail, this isn’t my first rodeo: I got my first job at a store when I was 15 years old, when I supported my sister where she lived in Avila Beach. She managed a cute little coffee shop called The Steaming Bean and Tea Leaf, and it was a place where they served yerba mate (my favorite thing in life); made fresh sandwiches (think fresh-baked croissants with feta, sunflower sprouts, cashews, cucumber, and cream cheese). Seriously? I want one right now.

After that I worked for Aveda for close to 8 years in Texas, Oregon and Nevada. Then I went on to work for companies like Lush Handmade Cosmetics and Ted Baker.

One of the things about working for big brands that I loved was… that 4 weeks of vacation…unpaid or paid. (Ha: No s#@t!)  I learned a lot about structure and problem solving without becoming frantic. I learned a lot about tools, and how to use them with your teams to be more successful.

Something about working for big brands that I loathed was…how larger companies lose sight of their bottom line: the people. Most of us can all agree we have had leaders who didn’t care about us as people. What’s worse is when large corporations have district leaders and executives who are snotty, entitled or pretentious. They never know who you are or what you look like, and your usual contact with them comprises their telling you that you didn’t perform well enough, or that you could have done better…and there is no checking for clarity or development beyond that.

Best perk or discount I ever had thanks to one of my jobs was…Aveda: 74 percent off plant- and flower-based beauty product…are you kidding me? (Die-hard Aveda girl over here…)

Since working for TJS, the most surprising thing I’ve learned about myself doing the job that I do is…not necessarily surprising, but more like an aha moment: I was told long ago that I wasn’t a very present person. I am one of those people who seems like they’re in dreamland or daydreaming (or, talking up a storm), and since I have worked for TJS, being around Jamie, Marcella, and our team, has really taught me the importance of conversation, communication and present listening.

The most exciting part about my job is…meeting new people and sharing our story! Jamie and Marcella’s story.

Best thing I’ve heard a customer say about TJS juice is…that it saved their life. Andrea Millsap, whom I believe you interviewed in last month’s newsletter… she was told she couldn’t get pregnant because of her Lupus and she did!

Most awesome thing I’ve witnessed on the back-of-house staff side of working at TJS is…everyone singing and dancing to Tupac. Everyone is always joking and talking while they work. Very hard and consistent workers in our kitchens and on our teams….

True or False: “The most challenging part about my job is deciding whether to valet or self-park at The Cosmopolitan when I go visit The Buzz…because like butter and bacon, valet makes everything better.” True…hahaha! But I have never valet’d

The advice I’d give my younger work self is…Take that harsh constructive criticism and look at it as a challenge. Don’t become defeated. Don’t give up. And don’t ever let anyone tell you that you talk too much or have too much energy, because it’s usually what lands you a job in the future.

AMBER ON HEALTH IN LAS VEGAS

In my opinion, the biggest change in Las Vegas’ healthy-living scene in the last few years has been…not only are we now seeing new healthy options bounce onto the scene, but we are seeing local, smaller run businesses trying to bring culture into the city.

No matter how busy I get at work, this is what I do to make sure I eat well during the week:  I think about meals and what the leftover options look like. I literally steam artichokes four times a week and eat them with a little bit of soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. It’s so delicious.

The fruit(s) or vegetable(s) you’ll always find in my kitchen are… Valencia oranges, limes and lemons (citrus fruits are my favorite). Love berries, too. Always making agua frescas in my Vitamix.

My don’t-even-think-about-judging-me-guilty-pleasure food is… nachos with freshly sliced jalepeños but with real cheese!

The health habit that gets me teased the most is… I swear your hair grows like a miracle when you drench it in olive oil straight from the kitchen cabinet. I apply, then shampoo and condition about three times per week.

True or False: “Thanks to Facebook we hear you recently made cashew cream for the first time and that it.kicked.ass.” Hahahaha! TRUE. I have taught myself to make so many things with cashews since working with TJS.

AMBER ON JUICE

The person who introduced me to cold-pressed juice was… my Momma. Her very first job was in Yucca Valley, Calif., where she worked at Sue’s Health foods, and she got that job in order to buy herself a Champion Juicer which still sits on our counter to this day.

The first time I drank green juice, I thought it was… amazing. I never struggled drinking juice. I knew how good it was for you without the research.

The reason I started drinking cold-pressed juice was because… to get my nutrients. (Hello, 3.5 pounds per bottle of greens?)

The reason I kept drinking cold-pressed juice was because… it made me feel more alive. More centered, more focused, less stressed. It made me feel motivated. And it helped me sleep through my nights, eliminated my acne and helped my hair grow!

True or False: “Making juice at home is a royal pain in the tail.”  True: I never make it at home. But, I also would never buy it from anywhere that uses high-pressure processing (HPP) now that I know the difference between fresh and processed juice. I want my juice made fresh today, please…not 15 days ago and then packaged and delivered under the notion it is fresh.

True or False: “A ginormous perk of my job is free juice.” Huge bonus. I literally make sure I get my greens every day!

The reason I like TJS’s cold-pressed juice is because… it’s fresh; truly 100 percent organic; and it has a mission that is committed to integrity and transparency.

My advice to a newbee juicer is…take a deep breath and take small bite-size chunks out of all the knowledge you’re about to absorb. I usually tell them give it 6 months until they feel like a pro!

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