Big Daily Blend

Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

In honor of National Michigan Day, we're revisiting this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA todiscover some of the hidden gems and forgotten stories of Michigan with Amy Piper, author of "Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure" (Reedy Press).  Amy Piper is a freelance travel writer, blogger, and photographer who specializes in luxury and multigenerational travel. She travels through the lens of a food lover and has been to 41 countries and 45 states around the world. A native Michigander, she is also the author of “100 Things to Do in Lansing Before You Die” (Reedy Press) and is published in the book "Midwest Road Trip Adventures." More at https://followthepiper.com/
Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/

Bootleggers, Rum Runners and ‘Shiners

Celebrate National Bootlegger Day (Jan. 17) and listen in as Big Blend Radio's "Happy Hour" show "goes on the run" from Georgia to Florida, South Carolina, Maine, New York City and finally to the backwoods of Hot Springs, Arkansas. 
Featured "Bootleggers and Runners" Include:- Author & Travel Writer Kathleen Walls: https://katywalls.com and https://americanroads.net/ - Author & Photographer Jo Clark: https://haveglasswilltravel.com and https://recipestravelculture.com - Author Matt Cost "King of Happy Hour": https://www.mattcost.net/ - Tiffany Bertram, owner of Tiffany's Bed & Breakfast: https://www.tiffanysbedandbreakfast.com/ 
RELATED ARTICLES OF INTEREST:- Big Blend Spirits Guide: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/bourbon-whiskey-moonshine-distilled-spirits/ - Dessert by the Light of the Moon: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/dessert-by-the-light-of-the-moon/ - Rocky Mount: https://recipestravelculture.com/rocky-mount-snuggles-against-blue-ridge/  - Yadkin Valley Wine Country: https://recipestravelculture.com/my-adventures-on-the-yadkin-valley-wine-and-shine-trail/ - Granddaddy Mimms: https://www.roadtripamerica.com/forum/content.php?2836-Granddaddy-Mimm-s-Distilling-Company-Blairsville-Georgia - Blairsville: https://rovology.com/united-states/georgia/best-things-to-do-in-blairsville-georgia/ - Family Moonshine Biz:  https://www.salon.com/2018/04/07/familys-moonshine-business-is-more-than-a-job-it-is-a-legacy-partner/ 
MUSIC PLAYLIST: Check it out n Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5End6Kf3bvJCwdmlV4MMLl?si=3b56306f85ed43ee 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Check out our network of shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Happy National Quinoa Day!

Celebrate National Quinoa Day with Ruth Milstein, who shares the health benefits of eating quinoa, tips on how to cook it, and discusses her Quinoa, Chicken & Herbs recipe which you can see here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/quinoa-with-chicken-and-herbs/ 
Ruth Milstein is the author of the Gourmand awarding-winning recipe book, "Cooking with Love: Ventures Into the New Israeli Cuisine." Learn more here: https://www.ruthmilstein.com/ 
Listen to Big Blend Radio's 3rd Sunday "Cooking with Ruth" podcasts here: https://cooking-with-ruth.podbean.com/ 

All About Dog Walking

Celebrate National Walk Your Dog Month (January) with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" Show that focuses on the benefits of walking your dog (for humans and their pup pals), and safety tips. 
Big Blend Radio's PET CONNECTION Show is hosted by veteran pet sitters Nancy J Reid & Lisa Smith, the mother-daughter team behind Big Blend Radio & Magazines, and cohosted by Angela Laws, veteran pet sitter, and community manager at https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/  
Check out this veterinarian approved article about the Benefits of Dog Walking on the Trustedhousesitters blog:  https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/pets/benefits-of-dog-walking 
Plus, Lisa's "Walks with Lucy" short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5di5oVKXh8Q 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channel. Follow the "Pet Connection" podcast at https://pet-connection.podbean.com/ 

So Much to Experience in New York State

Celebrate Travel Tuesday and National Shop for Travel Day with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA that features Ross D. Levi, Executive Director of the New York State Division of Tourism. 
From the Adirondacks and the Finger Lakes to Saratoga and the Big Apple, hear about the Empire State's seasonal activities and attractions throughout its eleven travel regions, and some of the big celebrations and events coming up including the 2025 Bicentennial of the Erie Canal Completion, 2025 PGA Ryder Cup, Great Gatsby 100th Anniversary, America 250, and 2026 FIFA World Cup. Plan your New York State experience here: https://www.iloveny.com/ 
For more about the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) visit https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 

New California Employment Laws for 2025

This episode of Big Blend Radio's California Employment Law podcast with San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs focuses on the new California Employment Laws for 2025. Check out Ward's list of new laws and regulations, here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/new-california-employment-laws-for-2025/ 
New laws covered in the podcast and article include:- Private Attorney General Act (PAGA)- Reproductive Loss Leave Mediation Program- Paid Family Leave (PFL) Vacation Protection- Leave for Victims of Crimes- Minimum Wage & Salary- Use of Driver’s License Restrictions- Freelance Worker Protection Act- Voluntary Captive Audience Meetings
Based in San Diego, California, Ward represents both employers and employees in almost all areas of labor law. More: https://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/ 
Ward Heinrichs appears on Big Blend Radio very 4th Wednesday. Follow his podcast appearences here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm3jXMGjBdJrHc4zxpoWFP5O 

Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel

If you are a connoisseur of afternoon tea, you know how important it is to take part in high tea at the Empress Hotel in Victoria, B.C.  From the lovely teacups steaming with exotic tea scents to the tiny bites of scones, desserts, and sandwiches, this is the ultimate elegant experience in the art of afternoon tea.  Place your order, take a gentle sip of tea, and wait for the magic of afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress to begin.
In honor of National Hot tea Day (January 12), we're revisiting this episode of Big Blend Radio's EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY Show with travel writer Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," who shares her high tea experience at the Empress Hotel. Read her story here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/afternoon-tea-at-the-empress-hotel/ 
WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Md7yjSkqNgQ 
Linda Kissam appears on Big Blend Radio every first Saturday. Follow her podcasts here:  https://lindakissam-foodwinetravel.podbean.com/ 

Little Rock is an Arkansas Gem

Celebrate National Arkansas with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast, where Debbie shares her adventures in historic Little Rock, the capital city of Arkanas. 
Located on the banks of the Arkansas River, Little Rock is the largest city in the state of Arkansas. It combines the best of the south with a vibrant food scene, a buzzing downtown, and plenty of historic and cultural attractions. It’s a place that embraces its past while maintaining a modern, hip vibe with an eye to the future. And what’s more, you can have a good time at a great value here. Check out Debbie's story about Little Rock, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/little-rock-in-an-arkansas-gem/ 
Big Blend Radio's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" podcast airs every 4th Tuesday. Follow the podcast here:  https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/