Happy Turkey Day + Tips + Grab Universe for Sale... Free for a limited time!

No Top Audiences today, shout out to all supporters! Whether you get together with family, friends, or a combination of the two... don't forget to enjoy yourselves and cherish the time you have together. This isn't exclusive to Thanksgiving because... everyone doesn't celebrate it, but... (but... but) make the most of the day and fun it up in the process.

Jolly X Thanksgiving | AG1

 Foodie Public Service Announcement 

By the way, if cooking isn't exactly your thing... I'm sure no one would object to you grabbing something delicious to bring to eat or drink! This can save you money on a hit or miss dish, time in the kitchen, dishes you have to wash, and your feelings as people kinda sorta tip toe around your food.

If your pan has a long running record of being mostly full because guests try a little in the name of helping you feel better, don't feel bad about doing what's more beneficial for you and your time.

If you choose to whip up something anyway, here are a few easy to handle recipes that will have them asking, "You made this?" (in a good way). Just keep in mind, it's flu season so wash those hands!:

🍠 Easy Candied Yams with Marshmallows 

Ingredients

• 2 cans of sweet potatoes or yams (about 15 oz each)

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup butter (melted)

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 cup miniature marshmallows

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Layer yams in a casserole dish. If using canned, drain them first.

3. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the yams.

4. Drizzle melted butter on top.

5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the yams are hot and the sugar-butter mixture forms a glaze.

6. Top with marshmallows and put back in the oven for 5–10 minutes, until marshmallows are golden and gooey.

Why This Recipe Works for Beginners

• Minimal prep: No peeling or chopping if you use canned yams. Keep it simple, go with cans.

• Few ingredients: Just pantry basics plus marshmallows.

• Quick cook time: Ready in about half an hour.

• Beginner-friendly technique: Layer, sprinkle, bake—no complicated steps.

🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookie Nut & Raisin Bars 

Ingredients

• 1 package of refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough (about 16 oz)

• ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work great)

• ½ cup raisins

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare a clean pan: Lightly grease or line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

3. Mix add-ins: In a bowl, combine cookie dough, nuts, and raisins. Stir gently until evenly distributed.

4. Press into pan: Spread the mixture evenly into the baking dish.

5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.

6. Cool slightly before cutting into squares or bars.

Why This Recipe Works for Beginners

• Super simple: Just mix, press, and bake—no complicated steps.

• Customizable: Swap raisins for dried cranberries or nuts for seeds.

🍍 Fruity Pineapple Ginger Ale Punch 

Ingredients

• 2 cups chilled fruit juice (orange, mango, or a tropical blend works best)

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)

• 2 cups chilled ginger ale

• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Combine fruit juice and pineapple chunks in a large pitcher or punch bowl.

2. Add ginger ale just before serving to keep the fizz lively.

3. Stir gently to mix without losing too much carbonation.

4. Serve over ice in glasses.

Why This Recipe Works for Beginners

• Minimal prep: No chopping or cooking—just pour and mix.

• Few ingredients: Uses only three main items, all easy to find at the store.

• Quick assembly: Ready in under 5 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings.

• Beginner-friendly technique: Simple stirring, no special tools or skills required.

• Flexible: Works with any fruit juice you have on hand, so mistakes are hard to make.

 Fun It Up! 

Remember to laugh... a lot! Let the good times roll like... Texas Bushman!

Also... if you have a house full of people, no need to just sit around scratching your heads wondering what to do while saying... "Rubber baby buggy bumpers". Get your game on with Amazon Luna's GameNight lineup!

All you need are your cellphones to join the fun on the big screen!

• Scan a QR code on your TV.
• To scan a QR code on an Android, open your camera app and point it at the code; a notification or banner with a link will appear. If the camera doesn't scan it automatically, you can try using the Quick Settings panel by swiping down from the top of your screen and tapping "Scan QR code," or use a dedicated app like Google Lens.
• To scan a QR code with an iPhone, open the Camera app and point it at the code,
  then tap the notification that appears. Alternatively, you can add the "Code Scanner" to Control Center for quick access. For a QR code in a photo or screenshot, use the Photos app to long-press the image and open the link. 
• Your smartphone instantly becomes your controller.
• Tablets are supported too, making it easy for everyone to join in.

Last but not least... I can't forget about the Free Game!

Available Nov 27 - Dec 04!

            

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Nacon MG-X Pro | Cloud Gaming w/out the price tag!

Gaming To The Rescue: Gaming Put Fun Back Into His Life

Names slightly altered to so the individuals aren't easily identified.

This is a very random topic since it's fresh off of a conversation I had with a guy who's in a much better place right now, thanks to gaming. Shout out to Phil (& Ben). So Phil is dealing with a situation where his roommate jumped into a new place before the end of his lease with Phil... because the guy met someone special who wanted him to move in after a month. (Yeah, that's a wholeeeeee different topic for another day.) So now... Phil is working 10 hours per day on a job that was already bringing him stress while working the standard 40 hours/week. Now he has to work 50 to 60/week until he can move into a 1 bedroom apartment free of his current lease or find a roommate until his lease comes to an end... next summer. Next... Summer. He has a window to get out at the top of the new year, but that's not exactly a week or even a month away. I mentioned legal action, which he's already considering, but... he's on the fence about it. Definitely jacked up, but he's making it work.

The topic of gaming came up, when I suggested a few things to keep his stress down. It's no mystery that gaming can relieve stress... but he was on the fence about gaming until he heard Benny and another co-worker talking about Madden. One thing led to another, and he got an Xbox to play with them online. What started with him playing games here and there, turned into him connecting with them online and playing at a set time for a set amount of time per day.

He said the gaming won't change his annoying (fill in the blank) supervisor, but he said the gaming put fun back into his life... which wasn't there even prior to this situation. But doing something you like to do provides instant gratification after a long day, relieving that stress takes the edge off, and he boosted his social connection with Benny and whoever their fellow co-worker is. We've mentioned some of these things before, but it's really cool to hear how gaming made a positive impact on his life at this time. It didn't change the job, but he looks forward to something after work and talking with a few of his co-workers based on a mutual activity.

Speaking of a mutual activity, it didn't stop there because now they're working out together and sharing meal plans and things like that. I asked him if he thought this would've occured if his roommate didn't move out, and he didn't think so. So the glass is half full and with working out he feels even better, so after moving not only will he still have his game time, lower rent, a steady workout regimen, but he appears to have new friends. He didn't even realize what he gained, but what an awesome trade off it is.

So don't sleep on gaming and connection with those of likemind. Friends weren't even on his radar, and a number of people feel like making friends is like climbing a mountain (nowadays)... but common ground can connect us in more ways than we realize. Oh, by the way... Psychology Today, says that you get a dopamine release from gaming, which is also known as the "happiness hormone". This helps improve your mood and overall well-being. Work-Life Balance immediately comes to mind, and different genre's can serve up different benefits to a degree as well. Open-world and sandbox games allow for creativity and freedom, which is why some of us (i'm in this boat as well) can get wrapped into a game for hours because it gives us the tools to build.

You also have your cognitive benefits that help with problem-solving, mindfulness and flow, etc. So for those of you who find yourselves busy busy and stressed out, consider picking up a game controller.

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Hangout Spots For Gamers... in Orlando!

I was asked recently about hangout spots in Orlando that may appeal to gamers, so it's the perfect opportunity to recommend some and turn up the in-person interaction with fellow gamers.

One location that immediately comes to mind is... The Pinball Palace at Dezerland. This location has a lounge where you can kick it with friends and play various games on Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo, retro consoles, and ofcourse... pinball + Pool! This lounge also has a bar with an assortment of drinks. Outside of couch co-op games, I'd probably go and play pinball or pool. https://pinballatdezerland.com/

Dezerland is near the corner of International Drive & Oak Ridge Road (It's directly across the street from McDonalds, and the word 'Dezerland' are in huge letters). *There is also full arcade just past the bowling area at Dezerland as well.

Dezerland Park Orlando
5250 International Dr, Orlando (FL) 32819

Player 1 Video Game Bar is similar to The Pinball Palace, but you have a lot more drinks + snack options, which some have a game theme to them.

Snacks are limited. The current options are Boneless Chocobo Tenders, Itsa-me, Mario! Mozzarella Sticks, and Raph's Pizza Pockets. These prices are reasonable for the snacks, especially when compared to the sodas, which are $6.00 per bottle (yikes). https://player1orlando.com/

Player 1 Video Game Bar
8562 Palm Pkwy, Orlando (FL) 32836

Gods & Monsters is a comic book shop that serves drinks in it's Fallout themed "Vault 5421" bar (featuring games like free Joystick arcade tables). It has all sorts of figurines, the atmosphere feels like the perfect after party location once Comic-Con comes to a close. Which is crazy because the Orlando Toy & Comic-Con is going on right now! I can't confirm if they have food or not (in the vault). https://godmonsters.com/

Gods & Monsters
5421 International Drive, Orlando (FL) 32819

Quickly Boba N Snow isn't a place with video games, but... this Asian Fusion restaurant shows gamers, and anime fans a lot of love. Gamers will actually take their Nintendo Switch systems to this restaurant to chill, chat, game, and grub. You can really get your grub on here, and the prices are reasonable. Those Korean corn dogs are next on my list, we would get them here and there from a new place near by (Mochinut), but... you can basically get two for the price of one (because Quickly's Korean corndogs are $4 compared to $7.50). https://www.yelp.com/biz/quickly-boba-n-snow-orlando

Quickly Boba N Snow
3214 E Colonial Dr, Orlando (FL) 32803

While these are options you may be interested in checking out, there are other game/card related shops you can meet at if you don't plan to lounge. Also, you can go to a number of places and turn it into a hangout spot for gamers, because it all boils down to where a number of gamers choose to frequent. Seek places with a great option for lounging, good food at a reasonable price, and keep it respectful so that the owners appreciate the constant presence of gamers. They might even be gamers themselves.

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Central Perk Coffeehouse Officially Opens Its Doors In Boston TOMORROW - 11/14!

The One Where the World’s First Central Perk Coffeehouse Opens in Boston on Tuesday, November 14, 2023   Get a Look inside the Eagerly Awaited FRIENDS-inspired Central Perk Coffeehouse       Photos Courtesy of Brian Nevins   BOSTON, MA and LOS ANGELES, CA (NOVEMBER 13, 2023) – Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment with CenPer Holdings, LLC, proudly announce that the world’s first Central Perk Coffeehouse will open its doors in Boston, MA on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Nestled within a historic brownstone on Newbury Street, Central Perk Coffeehouse is a reimagined adaptation of the iconic coffeehouse made famous by the TV series FRIENDS.   Designed by award-winning architecture and interior design firm Glen & Company, the inaugural Central Perk Coffeehouse blends nostalgia with contemporary flair, featuring a modernized version of the iconic orange couch as the centerpiece in the space for friends to gather. Other highlights include a bespoke piece by artist Burton Morris and the ‘Orange Room,’ a semi-private, reservable area that features a replica orange couch, with a neon sign above that reads “The One With…”   Here, all guests are welcome to create their own moments and write their next episodes with their friends.   “Our mission was to reimagine Central Perk as it would look and serve as a gathering spot for friends today, not to recreate the actual set. The space conveys the “Central Perk state-of-mind,” a place where people make memories - fall in love, commiserate, tell secrets and share laughter,” said Glen Coben, Founder and Principal Designer, Glen & Company. With a menu that boasts a wide variety of tasty coffee and food options, in a setting that is contemporary yet reminiscent, the soul of Central Perk remains intact, promising a premium quality dining and coffee experience for everyone. Central Perk Coffeehouse will serve a selection of traditional coffees, cold brews, and specialty drinks made with the six original artisanal coffee blends from Central Perk Coffee Co: How You Doin'? medium roast, Pivot Blend medium dark roast, We Were On a “Coffee'' Break dark roast, Oh My Gawd! cold brew, Moo Point decaf, and Gunther espresso. Guests can enjoy their beverages with assorted morning fare and choose from an all-day menu created by the Central Perk culinary team with advice from investor and James Beard award-winning chef Tom Colicchio. Aptly-named savory and sweet dishes include Joey’s Meatball Sandwich, The Moist Maker Turkey Sandwich, Grandma’s Chicken Salad, Mama’s Little Bakery Cheesecake, and more.   Apart from the menu offerings, guests will also discover subtle nods to the series and characters within the space, such as artwork and coffee cup sleeves featuring iconic quotes from each of the six Friends. On opening day, Central Perk Coffeehouse will introduce and distribute the Chandler Bing “Can I Interest You in a Sarcastic Comment” sleeve exclusively for the entire day, in honor of the life and enduring legacy of Matthew Perry.   Central Perk is located at 205 Newbury Street, Boston, MA and will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In coming weeks, the coffeehouse will extend its hours of operation and introduce a selection of beer, wine, and cordials including a creative twist on espresso martinis.    For fans seeking a special memento, Central Perk Coffee Co. coffee blends and exclusive Central Perk Coffee Co. themed merchandise will be available for purchase at the Boston location and online.

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