Good Drink

Know what makes an excellent mixer? SoBe lifewater. It's incredibly yummy all by itself (every flavor I have tried so far, although Acai Fruit Punch is most excellent with Vanilla Vodka).

I used to be a die-hard diet soda drinker. Seriously, I was an addict. I was finally able to kick the habit last year after reading Anticancer, A New Way of Life, a phenomenal book about proven ways to minimize your risk of getting cancer. It seriously should be required reading for all humans. Cancer is no joke.

Not only does SoBe lifewater taste great, the sweetener used in it is a naturally derived antioxidant.

And did I mention it's a great mixer?

Make Your Own Vanilla Extract

In the DIY world, making your own vanilla extract is a perfect 10 on the Easy Scale. Plus, it makes a great gift that will impress your friends and family when you tell them that you made it yourself. While it's easy to do, it does take a little time (at least a month), so it requires a little advance planning.

What You'll Need:

-Vanilla Bean
-Jar or container with a tight fitting lid
-Vodka
-Measuring cup
-Kitchen shears or a sharp knife

To start, cut your vanilla bean length-wise, not quite all the way, so that you have a big V.

Place the cut bean into your jar/container, and add 1 cup of vodka.

Tighten the lid, give it a good shake, then place it into a dark place (cabinet or pantry) for about a month.

Shake it every day or two, and after a month, you'll have your own vanilla extract!

If you want to give it as a gift, strain it using a coffee filter or several layers of cheesecloth, and transfer it to a prettier container. There you have it! The best part is that as you use it, you can add more vodka to replenish what you've used.