Newsletter Issue #388

Entrepreneur & Author
JeffCorbett.com

Welcome to Fall 2024!

Fall 2024!

Fall begins slightly after the midpoint of September. The arrival of fall may be met with joy that cooler temperatures and vividly colored leaves will soon be the norm. For others, the arrival of fall is met with some trepidation that shorter days will soon pave the way for less sunlight and the inevitable arrival of winter.

Fall begins on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in the Northern Hemisphere on what is known as the autumnal equinox. 

Equinoxes are days during the year when the hours of sunlight and darkness are just about equal, or lasting 12 hours each. At the moment the equinox occurs, the sun will be directly over the Earth’s equator, which contributes to this even distribution of day and nighttime hours. National Geographic describes the equinox as “the event in which a planet’s subsolar point passes through its Equator. It is when solar declination is 0 degrees.” Solar declination refers to the latitude of Earth where the sun is directly overhead at noon. The equinoxes are the only times when both the northern and southern hemispheres experience roughly equal amounts of daytime and nighttime.

After the autumnal equinox, the subsolar point continues to move south as the southern hemisphere tilts toward the sun. Around December 21, the subsolar point hits the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5 degrees S), which marks the winter (December) solstice, or the day with the fewest hours of daylight during the year in the northern hemisphere.

It’s important to note that the equinoxes and solstices are opposite in the hemispheres. The northern hemisphere’s fall equinox occurs on the same day as the southern hemisphere’s vernal (spring) equinox.

The autumnal equinox is a time when hours of daylight and nighttime are equal, something that will not occur again until the arrival of spring.

• To review other editions of our newsletter please see our website:  GlobalCommonCents.com
• For more about my personal wonderings please see my blog:  JeffCorbett.com

Managing Your Emotions

Better focus & less anxiety.

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Every person experiences different emotions at various points in their lives. Emotions can be fleeting or exhibit some staying power. Emotional reactions are part of being human, but sometimes people may have trouble managing their emotions, particularly those that are considered unsavory.

It’s possible to regulate emotions without suppressing them, and such an approach can positively affect mood, relationships and even decision-making. The following are some simple strategies to manage emotions.

· Recognize that emotions develop for a reason. Before being too hard on oneself, PsychCentral says it is important to understand that emotions happen for a reason. There’s no such thing as a “bad” emotion, and it is important to find ways to accept your emotions when they come whether you like them or not.

· Understand upbringing affects emotions. People begin to learn how to manage their emotions during childhood, says Medical News Today. As babies are not able to self-regulate emotions, they learn from parents and other caregivers. Those who grew up in unsupportive environments during childhood may have difficulties managing their emotions and more issues with self-regulation than those who were reared in supportive homes.

· Practice self-care. Self-care activities like exercising, getting adequate sleep, eating well, and engaging in hobbies can support emotional well-being and help tone down more intense emotions, says Verywell Mind.

· Turn on some music or change scenery. Focusing attention outward is a way to tap into something tangible to help manage emotions, as emotions themselves are intangible. Often simply directing focus off of the emotions themselves and onto something else can help reduce the intensity of one’s feelings.

· Employ deep breathing. Breathing techniques can help restore balance to emotions. A 2018 systemic review published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found deep breathing activities activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax and restore balance. The “box breathing” method can help. Inhale slowly for four seconds. Hold your breath for four seconds, trying to avoid inhaling or exhaling. Then, slowly exhale through the mouth for four seconds. Hold your breath again for four seconds.

· Keep a mood journal. Writing things down can help people identify patterns of behavior or triggers that heighten emotions. Once triggers and patterns of emotions are established, people can take steps to elicit change, such as stepping away from hostile conversations.

Emotions are part of human behavior, and it is possible to better manage them for emotional and physical well-being.

Why are Americans Considering Alternative Citizenships?

Many Americans seek sanctuary. 

by Judi Galst
Henley & Partners
HenleyGlobal.com

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As Managing Director Private Clients for Henley & Partners, I have the pleasure of speaking with clients on a daily basis who are interested in learning more about investment migration. My role is first to understand what they would like to accomplish and then to recommend a program or portfolio of programs that can meet their needs.  It is always very interesting to hear what each person’s prime motivation is.  Over the past year, as interest in residence and citizenship by investment has surged among Americans, I’ve spoken with hundreds of high-net-worth individuals and families. While everyone has a unique story, there are certainly some common themes.

A Plan B for a wide range of reasons

“Am I your craziest client?” “I can’t believe I am even thinking about wanting a way to leave the United States.”  These are sentiments that I hear regularly from prospects who are considering an alternative residence or citizenship because they want a Plan B.

While the US passport is one of the strongest in the world, allowing us to travel visa-free to 180+ destinations, we all learned during the pandemic that this mobility freedom is not guaranteed. During the height of the virus, US passport holders were blocked from entering most countries for a significant length of time. The pandemic was the first time that Henley & Partners saw a surge in interest in our services from US citizens. We had clients with private planes who couldn’t land them and others with vacation homes they couldn’t retreat to. Many Americans came to the realization that being reliant on a single mobility option (the US passport) posed a risk or limitation they were not comfortable with.

Thankfully the public health emergency has ended, and the pandemic is now in an endemic phase, but interest in additional residence and citizenship options has continued to increase. Today, Henley & Partners has more American clients that are seeking a second passport and/or alternative residence abroad than any other single nationality. In 2023 alone — the record year to date in terms of the number of enquiries from Americans — we saw a 504% increase compared to what we received just four years prior in 2019. Most of this interest is driven by high-net-worth families who see investment migration as an insurance policy against economic and political uncertainties with the USA’s precarious landscape. Many reference the upcoming election (with concerns being expressed by investors from both sides of the political party spectrum), gun violence, and Supreme Court decisions as key issues. Others seek options in countries where there are no vaccine requirements or where there were no mask mandates during the pandemic.

Recently, many have raised the issue of antisemitism, with one client telling me 27 of his family members died in the Holocaust. “They told themselves, it can never happen here…and then it did,” he said as he asked me about his options. As part of Henley & Partners’ citizenship by descent service we then discussed whether he might qualify under recent laws passed by Austria and Germany, which grant direct descendants of relatives who fled these countries due to Nazi persecution the right to citizenship for themselves and all future generations. Since Austria and Germany are part of the European Union, these citizenships are extremely powerful as they allow one to live, work, and study anywhere in the bloc as well as in Switzerland.

A same-sex couple living in Florida shared with me, “we’ve lived here for over 20 years, but lately we’ve been asking ourselves, should we have a back-up plan to move to another country that may be more welcoming of us?”

I always reassure my clients and explain that while the scenarios that may be keeping them awake at night are hopefully just hypothetical, by securing an alternative mobility option, they may very well rest easier. I then advise them of residence and citizenship programs that require no physical presence so they have options they can turn to if or when they want to. Then we might chat about either Caribbean citizenship programs or residence or citizenship solutions in Europe. There are many attractive options in both regions that are great strategies for those who don’t necessarily want to leave the USA but want to be sure they can if they decide to or need to.

Retirement or long-stay options

The vast majority of our US citizen clients don’t intend to leave the USA permanently nor do they intend to spend more than six months in another country (to avoid becoming a tax resident). However, some are thinking about spending significant time in Europe once they retire or while managing their investments, which can be done from anywhere in the world. While the US passport currently allows you to enter Europe without a visa, you are restricted in terms of how long you can spend there. Many don’t realize that the US passport only allows you to stay in Europe 90 out of every 180 days. As a result, clients often explore routes that will allow them to stay in Europe longer. For these clients, the program options will vary depending upon their goals. If they know that they want to spend more time in a specific country, we might look at a residence that would allow them to live 12 months a year in that country while still limiting them to 90 out of 180 days in the rest of Europe’s Schengen Area. This is easily accomplished in the case of the residence programs offered by Greece, Italy, or Spain. However, if they want to have the freedom to spend extensive time in multiple countries in Europe, we would discuss programs that result in citizenship such as those offered by Austria or Portugal, which would allow them to live anywhere in the European Union as well as in Switzerland for as little or as long as they want.

It’s important to keep in mind that each program has a different processing time, and many take considerable time to process and approve applications. Accordingly, it’s never too early to understand your options if you are thinking about how you want to spend your retirement years.

Asset diversification with residence or citizenship on the side

The path to obtaining an alternative residence or citizenship involves making some form of financial investment in the country where you seek this benefit. Your investment will vary depending upon the design of the program. It could be the purchase of real estate or an investment in private equity, venture capital, stocks, or even a bank deposit.

As many high-net-worth clients are already seeking to diversify their assets, gaining the benefit of an alternative residence or citizenship can sometimes be considered a bonus for pursuing the financial diversification strategy they are implementing. It is not uncommon for a wealth manager or family office to call me and say, for example, “I have a client with a few homes in the USA who wants to buy something outside of the states. Are there any countries where, if she buys real estate, she will be able to get a residence?” (meaning the ability to live in that country up to 12 months a year). The answer is yes — in countries such as Costa Rica, Greece, Panama, Spain, and others. Or perhaps their client wants to hold investments in other currencies. Austria, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain all have programs that grant residence or citizenship to those making specific financial investments in the country’s financial system.

Protecting generational wealth and opportunity

While most of our American clients do not relocate, I have assisted parents with school-age children who want to give them the opportunity to be global citizens. They are considering moving to Europe for a few years and allowing their children to attend school in another country while immersing themselves in a different culture. Depending on the age of the children and the number of years they live in Europe, many of these children are then able to attend college in Europe at a significantly lower tuition cost than in the USA.

Other clients I work with are global investors or own businesses in the USA and want to expand into other countries in Europe. Having a residence or citizenship on the continent gives them greater financial freedoms for ease of conducting business and international banking and investment as well as entrepreneurial opportunities.

I’ve also advised investors who were very focused on securing mobility options not just for their children, but also future generations. “I am not sure what the world will look like in 50 years,” said a recent client.  “I want to be sure that my children and grandchildren have options about where they want to reside and have the freedom and flexibility to have global educational and cultural opportunities.” Many such clients are drawn to Malta’s Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, which allows for the granting of citizenship by a certificate of naturalization to foreign individuals and their families who contribute to the country’s economic development, and this can be passed down to future generations.

Many of us still feel that the USA is a land of opportunity and the best country in the world in which to live. In fact, we have clients living in other parts of the world who we support in their objective of coming to America through the US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. That being said, in today’s tenuous age of uncertainty, many high-net-worth Americans are exploring alternative residence and citizenship as a tool to help them mitigate risk, create opportunities, and preserve their wealth and legacy.

How to Politely Nudge an Email Response

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette

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Sometimes it’s necessary to nudge a response from someone, particularly in the case of email.  We are all busy, with lots of information coming at us at what feels like a constant, rapid pace.  When certain messages aren’t handled immediately, it is far too easy to let them sink unnoticed back in your inbox. Especially when new emails are coming through, demanding your attention!

However, when a well-intended nudge crosses the line into what feels like a push or a shove, the boundaries of “polite” have been crossed.  No longer is the shield of courtesy in place. Things can begin to feel rude.

We definitely want to avoid this edgy experience.  But on email the bind is there, as you really do want a person to respond to you.  It’s only a guessing game when it comes to knowing why the recipient of your message hasn’t responded and it’s not polite to ask why you haven’t gotten a response.

While You Wait
As you walk the tightrope of waiting for someone to respond to your email and deciding if you should nudge a response, your mind may play with various scenarios of following up or how you will react when you finally hear from the person.

In order to remain in polite territory, keep the following suggestions in mind:

• Keep your emotions in check.
• Don’t accuse or insinuate impoliteness.
• Evaluate whether you are trying to correct the person for putting you out of sorts.
• Reassess all the possible reasons your email has gone untended:  over-full inbox, opened and slipped into opened mail, person has been away from email, and so on.
• Make a note to yourself that if you haven’t heard by a certain date, you will reach out.
• When that time comes, assess whether you want to respond.  Some things may be better left alone.

We’re always sensing the waters of “polite” to know where and when to put the oar in. Whether you choose to be subtle or direct when you nudge a response from someone, always intend to be respectful.  Even if your gesture is not read that way, you’re in an easy line for a quick apology.
Next, decide if you should send a new email or if you should forward the previous message chain with your response request.  This will depend on the importance and type of the information in the message chain.

Forwarding your previously sent email:

• “Hi John, I’m wondering if there is anything I can do to help with this form.”
• “Hello Kelly, I hope this doesn’t feel like I’m rushing you.  What do you think about this plan?”
• “Hey, good morning, Charlie!  This is just a little nudge to say that we should get to solving this soon.  Looking forward to it.”
• “Mary, this probably slipped into opened mail. Curious what you think.  How should we proceed?”

After the salutation when sending a new email:

• “Regarding the Johnson offer, may we consider a deadline?  I’m available if you’d like to speak by phone.”
• “What are your thoughts about our upcoming meeting on Wednesday?”
• “I am reaching out and hoping all is well.  We haven’t been in touch.” 
• “Just wondering if you received the invitation to our party this week.  Please let me know if you and Charles can come.  We sure hope so!”

It helps me to remember that when I get an email, the guideline is to respond within the first twenty-four hours.  My response may be that I intend to respond later, but at least the person with whom I am corresponding knows that they are a priority, “John, I received your email and will get back to you this week after I have a chance to work on our proposal.”

We are all busy people and things slip away from us.  This is why it is completely appropriate to nudge a response from someone.  The key is to do so etiquette-fully, keeping kindness and respect at the forefront of your reminder.

Analyzing Cost of Living Before You Relocate

by Morayma MaKay
Corporate Relocation Consultant & Coach
Get-Ready-Set-Move  

Key factors to consider. 

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Before you pack your bags and hit the road to your new hometown, it’s important to do your homework—starting with a cost-of-living analysis! Understanding how much it will cost to live in your new location is key to ensuring you can maintain your lifestyle, meet financial goals, and avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Key Factors to Consider in Your Cost-of-Living Analysis

1. Housing Costs

Housing is usually the largest expense in any cost-of-living analysis. The price of renting or buying a home varies widely depending on the city or state. Consider the following:

-Rent or Mortgage Payments: Check average rent prices for apartments or homes in your desired area. If you’re buying, look at the median home price.

-Utilities: Don’t forget about the cost of electricity, water, heating, and other utilities, which can fluctuate depending on the climate and local rates.

-Property Taxes: For homebuyers, property tax rates can make a big difference in affordability. Some states have higher property taxes than others, so factor this into your calculations.

2. Groceries and Food

The cost of groceries can vary based on region, local taxes, and the availability of products. You might notice that some states have higher prices for certain goods, especially if they’re imported or harder to grow locally. Dining out also varies in cost, with major cities tending to have higher prices at restaurants.

3. Transportation

How much you’ll spend on transportation largely depends on your commuting style and the availability of public transit in your new city. Consider:

-Gas Prices: Fuel costs fluctuate by state and region, and in some places, you’ll pay more per gallon than in others.

-Public Transit: If you’re moving to a city with reliable public transportation, you may save on vehicle expenses. Check the cost of monthly passes or ride fares for buses, trains, or subways.

-Car Ownership: If you plan to drive, account for expenses like car insurance, vehicle registration, parking, and tolls. Some cities have higher car insurance rates, especially if they’re prone to heavy traffic or accidents.

4. Healthcare

Healthcare costs can vary significantly based on where you live. Some states have higher premiums, co-pays, or out-of-pocket costs, even if you have insurance. Check whether the local healthcare system has adequate coverage for your needs and whether there are sufficient healthcare facilities in your new area.

5. Taxes

Taxes can make a huge difference in your cost of living. Income tax, sales tax, and property tax rates vary widely by state and city, and knowing what you’ll be paying is crucial for managing your finances.

-State Income Tax: Some states, like Texas and Florida, have no state income tax, while others, like California and New York, have high income tax rates.

-Sales Tax: Sales taxes range from state to state, and local municipalities may add extra taxes on top of that. Be sure to check the tax rate in your future city or state.

-Property Tax: Homeowners should also consider property taxes, which can differ based on the county or state.

6. Education (if applicable)
If you’re moving with children, or planning to further your own education, factor in school quality and associated costs. Public school rankings and the availability of affordable higher education institutions can impact your decision.

-Private vs. Public Schools: Research the cost of tuition for private schools if that’s your preference, or check out public school ratings if your children will be attending.

-College/University Tuition: For higher education, check out in-state versus out-of-state tuition costs if you or a family member plan on attending a university in your new state.

7. Entertainment and Lifestyle Costs

What you spend on leisure activities, such as dining out, attending events, or enjoying hobbies, can vary depending on your new location. Cities with lots of entertainment options might have a higher price tag for experiences like concerts, theater, or dining, while more rural areas may offer cheaper (or fewer) activities.

8. Job Market and Salary

If you’re moving for a new job, research the average salaries for your profession in your new city. Sometimes a high salary in one location may not go as far in a more expensive area. Understanding how salaries match up with the cost of living is key to planning a sustainable budget.

When you spend some time researching housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and lifestyle costs, you can get a really good picture of whether your desired destination aligns with your budget and expectations. Taking the time to understand these costs will help you really hone in on the places that will best suit your lifestyle and needs!

Political Assassination & Business

Market volatility, economic instability & civil unrest .

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Unfortunately, the topic of political assassination is again in the news this week with the second attempt on former President Trump’s life.  As such, we thought it timely to look at a few historic facts and the potential ramifications for business if such an attempt was successful.

There have been four sitting Presidents assassinated in the history of the United States:

John F. Kennedy (1963): The 35th President was assassinated reportedly by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas, Texas, in an event that profoundly impacted American history and culture.
William McKinley (1901): The 25th President was assassinated by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist, during a public event.
James A. Garfield (1881): The 20th President was shot by Charles Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker, and died from his wounds after months of suffering.
Abraham Lincoln (1865): The 16th President of the U.S. was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, at the end of the Civil War.

Throughout U.S. history, there have also been various unsuccessful political assassinations attempts on Presidents.  Here are some of the most notable ones:

Andrew Jackson (1835):  Assailant: Richard Lawrence – An unemployed house painter, attempted to shoot President Jackson as he left a funeral at the Capitol. Both of Lawrence’s pistols misfired, and Jackson reportedly beat him with a cane before he was subdued. Lawrence was later declared insane and institutionalized.
Theodore Roosevelt (1912):  Assailant: John Schrank – While campaigning for a third term as president under the Progressive Party, Roosevelt was shot in the chest by Schrank. Despite being wounded, Roosevelt went on to deliver a 90-minute speech with the bullet still lodged in his body. His thick speech manuscript and eyeglass case helped slow the bullet. Schrank was deemed mentally ill and spent the rest of his life in an asylum.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933):   Assailant: Giuseppe Zangara – An Italian immigrant, fired several shots at Roosevelt during a speech in Miami. He missed Roosevelt but killed Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak, who was standing nearby. Zangara was arrested, convicted, and executed for the crime.
Harry S. Truman (1950):  Assailants: Oscar Collazo and Griselio Torresola – The two Puerto Rican nationalists attempted to storm Blair House, where Truman was staying during White House renovations. In a gunfight with Secret Service agents and police, Torresola was killed, and Collazo was wounded and captured. Truman was inside and unharmed.
Gerald Ford (1975): First Attempt Assailant: Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme (September 1975)                   Second Attempt Assailant: Sara Jane Moore (September 1975) – In Sacramento, California, Fromme, a member of Charles Manson’s cult, attempted to shoot President Ford with a handgun but the weapon did not fire. Just 17 days later, in San Francisco, Moore fired a shot at Ford but missed. Both women were apprehended and sentenced to prison.
Ronald Reagan (1981):  Assailant: John Hinckley Jr. – Hinckley shot Reagan outside the Washington Hilton Hotel, wounding him in the chest. Reagan was seriously injured but recovered after surgery. Three others were also injured, including Press Secretary James Brady, who was left permanently disabled. Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity and spent years in a psychiatric hospital.

Above and beyond the moral issue and being an obvious national trauma, a political assassination can ripple across a business landscape, creating economic instability, regulatory uncertainty, and operational challenges with far-reaching effects on business, both in the immediate aftermath and in the long term.

Here are a few:

Market Volatility: Political assassinations can trigger sharp reactions in financial markets. Investors often fear instability and uncertainty, leading to stock market declines and volatility.
Consumer Confidence and Spending: Political assassinations often lead to reduced consumer confidence, especially if people fear instability or economic downturns.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Political assassinations can disrupt local and international trade, particularly if the incident leads to protests, border closures, or interruptions in transportation networks.
Civil Unrest and Physical Security: Businesses may experience operational disruptions due to civil unrest, protests, or violence.

Please keep in mind this information should not be considered as financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual research and consultation with a qualified financial professional. The value of investments can fluctuate, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consider your risk tolerance and financial goals before making investment decisions.

Why is Cholesterol Confusing?

The good, the bad, the confusing. 

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Cholesterol can be a complicated subject that many people might admit they do not fully understand.

Most people have been taught that cholesterol is a bad thing. And for a while it was thought that dietary cholesterol, which is the cholesterol found in food, had a big impact on raising cholesterol in the blood. However, Healthline reports that more recent science indicates this is not the case for most people. Is it any wonder that cholesterol is still a mystery to so many?

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance that occurs naturally in the body. Although widely believed to be harmful, cholesterol is actually necessary for the body to function. Healthline says the body needs it to make hormones and vitamin D, and cholesterol contributes to the membrane structure of every cell in the body.

What are lipoproteins?

When people talk about heart health and cholesterol, they’re really speaking about lipoproteins and not about cholesterol itself. Lipoproteins are structures that carry cholesterol through the blood. There are two main types of lipoproteins: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). HDL is typically called the “good” cholesterol, because it moves extra cholesterol from the bloodstream to the liver where it is cleaned out, says the Cleveland Clinic. LDL is the “bad” cholesterol because, when amounts of it are excessive, that contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries. You need some LDL to carry cholesterol to the body’s cells, but having too much can be troublesome. HDL carries some LDL away from the arteries but other steps are needed to lower HDL. Another lipid in the blood includes triglyceride, which is a type of fat. High levels of triglycerides also can put a person at risk for heart issues, including atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the blood vessels.

Dietary cholesterol vs. blood cholesterol

The amount of cholesterol in the blood and the amount in one’s diet are two different things. Typically, eating foods that contain cholesterol does not directly correspond to an elevated blood cholesterol level. Blood cholesterol is mainly determined by the amount of fats and carbohydrates in the diet, as well as genetics. Some people are simply genetically prone to high cholesterol levels. Even for people whose blood cholesterol is affected by dietary cholesterol (hyperresponders), research shows dietary cholesterol only moderately increases LDL, and in these cases it does not seem to increase their risk of heart disease, offers Healthline.

How to maintain good cholesterol health?

According to Piedmont Healthcare, there are ways to control cholesterol and lipoproteins so they are beneficial to the body.

· Choose foods lower in saturated fat and be mindful of foods that can impact blood sugar levels.

· Quit smoking

· Reduce stress levels, which may help you avoid eating high-fat foods as a coping mechanism.

· Exercise regularly

· Weight loss can both increase HDL and lower LDL

· Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products and lean meats

· Incorporate more fiber into your diet, which will help remove excess LDL.

There is much confusion about cholesterol among the general public. But learning the basics of cholesterol can help individuals make more informed decisions about their diet and overall health.

German Food Delivered to Your Front Door

A true ethnic treat. 

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German food from Huntington Beach California? Yes, and it might just be the best sausage that you will ever throw on your grill! Straight from this area of Southern California, reasonably priced and a real treat, the best of Bavaria is available to you and can be at your doorstep within two days.

Our favorite is without question the Kochers Weisswurst (literally means white sausage). The casing is so soft that it will melt in your mouth! Weisswurst is traditionally manufactured early in the morning and prepared to be eaten as a snack between breakfast and lunch. Often the Germans would enjoy it with a soft pretzel and mustard. In any case, this is just one of many options for some of the best German food you can find in the States.

GermanDeli.com
7561 Center Ave. #49 A, Huntington Beach, Ca. 92647
Phone: 714-897-1470

Hold Your Own Oktoberfest Celebration

Various regions around the world are known for certain celebrations that attract crowds from near and far. New Orleans’ French Quarter lights up in honor of Mardi Gras; the Carnival of Venice is an historic festival full of masked balls that takes place around this Italian city of canals; people dodge bulls in the streets of Pamplona, Spain during San Fermín; and for those who live for beer and dancing, there’s no better place to be than Munich for Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest is an annual festival held over a two-week period. Despite what its name implies, the festival doesn’t take place primarily in the month of October. Rather, Oktoberfest ends on the first Sunday in October. Oktoberfest commemorates the celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Modern celebrations feature beer and German food and attempt to reproduce a Bavarian sense of cordiality, according to Britannica.

While the largest Oktoberfest festival occurs in Germany, a number of communities across the globe with large German populations hold their own Oktoberfests modeled on the original. And anyone can host their own Bavarian bash at home with some planning and key items.

· Beer: Beer is the glue that holds the celebration together. Only beer from six main breweries in Munich are allowed to be served during the traditional Oktoberfest. Each brewery produces a special festbier exclusively for the celebration. For an authentic experience, serve beer from one of these breweries, which include Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten.

· German food: German sausages and traditional German pretzels should be on the menu for Oktoberfest parties. Find out if you can order sausages from a German meat market in your area. Additional foods to offer include potato pancakes and cheese boards. Don’t forget the apple strudel for dessert.

· Red, black and yellow, or blue and white: Decorate the space in red, black and yellow, which are the colors of the German flag. You also can go with blue and white, which are the colors inspired by the Bavarian flag.

· Traditional attire: For gents, traditional lederhosen, which are leather short or knee-length breeches, can be worn for the celebration. Women will want to don a real dirndl dress that features a blouse under a cinched bodice and an A-line aproned skirt.

· Long tables: Don’t overlook the communal spirit of the celebration, which means people sitting at long, large tables. Rent or invest in wooden tables that can seat the crowds.

· Tents: Set up tents to replicate the Oktoberfest beer tents in Munich. Add subtle streamers and flags as well as some string lights or lanterns for when the party continues into the evening.

· Festive music: Select a mix of oom-pah-pah, polka and classic military marches. Or choose from German pop hits, if desired. Of course, the party is yours, and as long as the music is upbeat, guests are sure to have a good time.

· Designated drivers: Since Oktoberfest is such a beer-heavy celebration, designated drivers and ride share services should be set up in advance to ensure all participants can arrive home safely after tapping their steins and yelling “Prost!”

The “W” South Beach Miami

by Merilee Kern, MBA
Brand & Lifestyle Strategist
TheLuxeList.com
SavvyLiving.tv

The pinnacle of luxury.

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Nestled right by the Atlantic Ocean sits the world renowned W South Beach, a 5-star resort that embodies the essence of Miami’s vibrant culture. After undergoing a $30 million renovation in 2020—which included the redesign of 408 guest suites; refreshed leisure spaces; the addition of its state-of-the-art “Away Spa;” and the revitalization of its multi-million dollar art collection—this property has become a favorite among celebrities, influencers and discerning travelers from around the globe. Known for capturing Miami’s energy and evolving spirit, the W South Beach Resort continues to set new standards in luxury hospitality.

This elevated standard seems to start with the property’s commitment to exemplary service. “At W South Beach, everything is taken care of for you,” said Rick Ueno, General Manager of W South Beach. “Each guest receives a dedicated W Insider, available 24/7, who will take care of whatever, whenever—from picking up groceries to chartering a yacht to finding the best Omakase in town. No matter how busy Miami gets, W Insiders are connected to everyone and anything and can make reservations happen at any of Miami’s most desired places, many of which require reservations weeks in advance. And, W South Beach has six W Insiders—most hotels in the portfolio only offer one.”

With the largest guest rooms in South Beach that feature balconies and breathtaking ocean views along with a wide range of amenities, this property offers a truly magnificent escape in the Magic City. Its residences, suites and guest rooms are available in sizes ranging from 574 to over 3,000 square feet.

Each of the accommodations options are thoughtfully designed as urban seaside retreats. You’ll find beach house style millwork, natural oak finishes, a soothing palette of textures and charming seaside inspired accents highlighted by corals and tranquil teals. The resort incorporates these and other thoughtful elements to create a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere for its guests. This includes selected music playlists and beach-inspired artwork. The hotel also implemented new technical features to its guest rooms following its $30 million renovation. Guests can now take advantage of circadian lighting with three preset mood modes, and sand gradient blackouts if they want to block out the Miami sun.

For those seeking enhanced comfort and privacy there are five poolside bungalows with private entrances. These come with three floors and two bedrooms each, while also offering amenities like rooftop BBQs and private plunge pools.

The premium Penthouses, called E WOW and E WOW Ocean Escape, cover around 3,000 square feet and feature nine foot ceilings and expansive glass balconies providing spectacular views of South Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Providing a decidedly sophisticated living experience, the Penthouses exude a soothing ambiance with colors and textures that endear even the most discerning traveler.

When it comes to art, W South Beach is a haven for enthusiasts renowned for its collection displayed throughout its common areas. Curated by Aby Rosen, its collection notably includes works by Andy Warhol and Jean Michel Basquiat.

For foodies, W South Beach offers an array of dining options. You can indulge in cuisine at RWSB (Restaurant W South Beach), savor Beijing delicacies at MR CHOW, and unwind at the Living Room Bar or WET Bar & Grille. Guests should also be sure to sip and savor at Irma’s—a whimsical outdoor garden area created using salvaged wood and debris from Hurricane Irma—as it stands as a testament to Miami’s resilience.

No visit to the W South Beach is complete without a visit to its Away Spa—an oasis of relaxation offering a variety of organic rituals and wellness treatments like detoxifying massages, body healing treatments, skincare therapies and other sensory spa experiences. The spa, which spans a whopping 9,540 feet, exudes tranquility with its neutral color palette, delicate white fabrics and exquisite brass finishes. It offers seven treatment rooms along with a couple’s suite for those seeking privacy. Additionally, there are spaces for manicures/pedicures well as an inviting spa lounge area. Don’t miss out on the terrace where you can bask in the sun and enjoy the warm breezes. Do also endeavor to enjoy a eucalyptus-infused limestone steam shower in the powder room area.

“A must is a custom spa treatment at the stunning, minimalistic Away Spa,” Ueno urges. “We put a lot of intention behind the entire guest experience at this refuge, from the moment guests walk into the length of each treatment. Even the design of the spa was very intentional with only six treatment rooms to give it more of an intimate feel.  My favorite treatment is the popular 90-minute detox massage, where the therapist exfoliates your entire body then applies a rich blend of oils, finishing with a mud mask. Post spa treatment, guests can relax by the pool in one of W South Beach’s furnished plush cabanas.”

The resort also boasts a fully equipped FIT gym spanning 2,500 square feet. It includes Pelotons, a hydro electric rower, a Fitness Mirror, Soul Cycle bike, techno fit equipment and more. On the same floor is the SWISH & SWING rooftop tennis and basketball court, boasting a regulation size basketball court and a Har Tru tennis court. Additionally, W South Beach guests can enhance their game with its Slinger Bag Ball machine that allows for practicing shots at different speeds, frequencies and elevations. Private tennis lessons with the resort’s expert instructor are also available upon request.

For those seeking relaxation under the South Florida sun, W South Beach offers two swimming pools. At WET pool area, with its daybeds and stylish cabanas (some even equipped with TVs), patrons can indulge while receiving top-notch service. The property’s SAND beach area, located steps away from the hotel, provisions guests with beach equipment as well as food, beverage and other attentive services to ensure an immersive beach experience.

Speaking of being in close proximity to the best Miami has to offer, the property is decidedly well positioned. “For over a decade, W South Beach has drawn the world’s most sophisticated travelers and has been the social center of Miami’s major cultural events, including Art Basel, South Beach Wine & Food Festival and Miami Swim Week,” notes Ueno. “This year, the property will be hosting one of the most exclusive Miami F1 events, ‘Once Upon A Kitchen,’ in partnership with VIP concierge GR8 Experience. Hosted by world-renowned chef Massimo Bottura and his team from Osteria Francescana, this multi-layered sensorial dinner offers guests an intimate evening with award-winning culinary masters in W South Beach’s immersive new ballroom.”

The property is also amping up its game for group events. As a part of its $6 million meeting space renovation, W South Beach became the first hotel in North America to implement 360-degree immersive videomapping technology—changing the game for weddings, meetings, and activations in Miami. “The new ballroom uses an innovative, built-in projection system to transform the 4,300-square-foot blank canvas into any setting—from an underwater oceanic moment to the backdrop of any city in the world,” said Ueno. “The set-up is simple, and the projections can be easily controlled from the touch of a button. High-tech meetings are the future and if companies want to impress and engage with their audience, our state-of-the-art ballroom is an incredible option.”

In all, W South Beach Resort is a luxurious beach retreat that exceeds expectations. What is perhaps most impressive at this property is its commitment to guest experience excellence. Its staff is renowned for consistently go the extra mile to provide personalized service. It’s no wonder the W South Beach has also become a social hub attracting sophisticated travelers, celebrities and influencers, alike.

And, this property boasts quite the celebrity pedigree. “As the leader in the market, W South Beach has become known for celebrity guests like Justin Bieber, Leonardo DiCaprio, Steven Tyler, Bono, Lizzo, Pharrell, Mark Walhberg and Tom Cruise,” notes Ueno. “It’s where LeBron James celebrated after announcing that he was taking his ‘talents to South Beach,’ and where Drake has played on New Year’s Eve. It’s where Sports Illustrated forever changed the rules of the catwalk when model Mara Martin strutted on the runway while breastfeeding during Swim Week.”

From A-list stars to vacationers, staycationers and locals, discerning travelers are consistently drawn to this property to indulge in its sophisticated design, outstanding service and lively atmosphere. As a result, W South Beach Resort has solidified itself as an iconic destination in South Miami’s dynamic landscape.

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