A home-cooked meal is one way to ensure you’re eating healthier, but it can be pretty time-consuming for those with busy schedules. For those who spent years relying on takeout, starting your cooking journey and deciding which tools you need to buy first can be overwhelming. So, I wanted to share a few of the basics I’ve used most often that make cooking easier and quicker.
Chopper
Nothing can slow done your cooking more than when you need to stop everything and chop your vegetables. Chopping is a skill; if you’re a beginner, it can take a long time to get familiar enough with the motion. To cut down on time, I recommend investing in a chopper. Just place your vegetable on the metal portion and press down. This utensil is also incredibly helpful for those with mobility issues who struggle to make smaller movements. Now, you’ll just need to press down once and be ready to continue with dinner.
Poultry Shears
Cutting raw meat on a cutting board can be finicky, so investing in a set of poultry shears makes the process far quicker and easier. These shears make it easy to choose how big or small you want the pieces to be with less hassle. It’s also much more user-friendly if your kids are helping out in the kitchen. This versatile tool can also help cut herbs, break down a turkey, or quickly open a food package.
Hand Mixer
If you hate whisking, a hand mixer is a must-have for your kitchen. Whether mixing up cupcake batter or making mashed potatoes, whisking can be tiring and sometimes painful. A hand mixer halves your mixing time, making whisking more convenient than ever.
Universal Pot Lid
Some of our favorite pans we cook with daily don’t come with lids. This can be incredibly frustrating with meals that must be covered as they simmer, but you have nothing to cover the pot or pan. A universal pot lid will increase the versatility of nearly all pots and pans in your kitchen. So next time you’ve got a pot simmering, you won’t have to improvise.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what cooking essentials are needed to fit your eating habits best. This list is just a beginner’s recommendation for those building up their kitchen collection from scratch so you can make more time to create healthier, home-cooked meals.
Need some advice on organizing? Here are some tips for staying organized!
Staying organized increases my productivity and, more importantly, reduces my stress. Unsurprisingly, a messy room can be a significant stressor, with some medical professionals saying a clean room can benefit your mental health. Here are some tips on how to stay organized so you can be the best version of yourself and reenergize your living space:
Take it one step at a time
When looking at a cluttered area, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed by the task ahead of you. It helps when I focus on just one corner of the room at a time. If you’re decluttering your kitchen, go from one end of the counter to the other, putting away items and cleaning as you go.
Have a designated place for a “junk” pile
We all have small everyday items that get lost easily. Whether it’s your car keys, spare change, or rubber bands, having one place to put your clutter will help keep your space clean. This keeps extra junk from cluttering up other areas where you need space for something else. It might help to keep items you’ll always need as you walk out the door close to your entryway.
Schedule your organization
Use a calendar to mark when you plan to declutter and reorganize. These check-ins will keep you on track with your organization goals and help you sustain them for the long run. For example, you could designate the first Friday of every month as when you’ll clean and organize your bedroom.
Learn to let things go
The fastest way to get overwhelmed by clutter is to refuse to let go of anything. Even if it’s just once a year, set aside time for you to reexamine your items and decide what can be given up to make more space. I’ve found Marie Kondo’s method the most helpful when determining what items should or shouldn’t be kept. You don’t have to part ways with every sentimental thing you own, but it’s beneficial to reevaluate what you’re saving because you love it and what you’re keeping because you feel bad about getting rid of it.
Though cleanliness and organization are not the end-all-be-all solutions, it is one way you can aid your stress levels. Out of all the stress-inducing things in your life, cleaning is the one you have the most direct control over, so take advantage of it!
If you want to read my tips on being more efficient, check out my blog here.
Traveling to faraway destinations expands our perspective, but sometimes getting there can be rough. Some of the flights to these destinations can reach up to 24 hours, making for an unpleasant experience no matter how well seasoned of a traveler you are. Here are some of my tips on how to prepare for a long-haul flight:
Move Around When You Can
Take advantage of your time in the terminal while you can. Before getting on the plane, take a lap around the terminal and try to get in as many steps as you can before boarding. When it’s safe to move in the cabin, try to stretch briefly in the aisles periodically. It’s never comfortable being cooped up in the same position for long, so don’t forget to stretch your muscles.
Pack Your Own Snacks
Depending on which airline you use, long-haul flights are more likely to provide meals and snacks for you to choose from. However, if their meal selection isn’t up to your taste and their snacks do little to satisfy your appetite, your own snacks will help keep your stomach happy during your travels.
Stay Hydrated
Airplane bathrooms are never ideal to use, but with that many hours of travel ahead of you, it’s best to make proper hydration a priority. Don’t skimp out on drinking water because you want to avoid the bathroom at all costs. You don’t want to arrive at your destination with a headache. Instead, drink water regularly so you can be ready to take on your itinerary when you land.
Try to Adjust Your Sleep Schedule
Jet lag when traveling for long periods of time across time zones is inevitable. But with so much time on your hands, you may as well try to adjust your schedule while you can. Better now than in the middle of your vacation. Try taking something natural like a melatonin pill to help you fall asleep outside your usual timeframe.
Get Your Entertainment Ready
Download any music, movies, or TV shows in case the in-flight Wi-Fi is down, or the provided movie selection isn’t to your taste. The last thing you want is to be stuck for ten or more hours with nothing to do because you forgot to download your favorite movies or shows beforehand.
If you prepare properly for a long-haul flight, you can make the most of your time and savor it as part of the travel experience.
If you want to read more of my traveling tips and tricks, check out my blog here.
Exercise is undoubtedly vital to staying healthy, but it’s easy for busy people to let it fall by the wayside. According to the CDC, only 28 percent of Americans exercise as often as they should. I know it’s not just a matter of telling you to make time for it, so here are some tips on how to exercise more often:
Exercise with a friend
It’s much easier to feel motivated to exercise when someone else is there to hold you accountable. Unlike an exercise class full of strangers, you’ll feel more comfortable expressing your limits at the gym or while working out outdoors. It’s also a chance to catch up with your friend more consistently.
Sign up for a class
If you’re like me, you are more inclined to participate after signing up for a class. Cancellation fees can be an excellent motivator for getting out the door and going to class. There are plenty of options for you to find, from spin classes to Zumba to rowing. No matter where you are in your fitness journey, there’s sure to be a class that fits your comfort level.
Find something you want to do
Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. There are plenty of serotonin-producing activities that are fun and healthy. If you like to dance, there are plenty of classes and free tutorials on Youtube you can use as a starting point in your fitness journey. If you have mobility issues and find exercise painful, consider a swim aerobics class. Even just a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood is great for getting outside and raising your heartrate.
Don’t push too hard too fast
Everyone has to start somewhere. It can be easy to get fixated on your long-term health goals and forget the smaller steps it takes to reach them. If it’s been a while since you exercised regularly, start slow. You might be tempted to go hard right from the start, but whatever exercise you’re doing should be part of a lifelong commitment to staying active, and it’s much harder to do that if you burn out early.
Exercise is a great lifelong habit, but it can be challenging to maintain when forcing yourself to do something you don’t enjoy. I hope these tips help you figure out where to add exercise to your routine.
Any sports fan is likely to already own merchandise from their favorite team so finding a new sports-themed gift they’ll like can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for those looking to get something for the sports lovers in their lives.
Cooler
Whether someone’s tailgating or hosting a watch party at home, coolers are a sports game essential. No one wants to drink warm beers during the game. Whether it’s shelling out for a Yeti or grabbing a budget friendly Igloo, there’s options that fit any price range. The sports fan you’re shopping for will be grateful for the addition to their collection.
Noise Reduction Earplugs
Everyone loves to hear the roar of the crowd at sports games but exposing yourself to that much noise often enough can cause damage to your ears. Earplugs will still let them hear the roar of the crowd without developing an earache afterward. If you’ve got a sports fan frequenting games, consider buying them a pair of noise reduction earplugs. Their ears will be sure to thank you.
Ticket Diary
For the sentimental type, a ticket diary might be the perfect way for them to capture every big game they go to. Long gone are the days of haphazard stacks of ticket stubs. Instead, this album can help organize and display their tickets, so no memory gets misplaced.
BBQ Equipment
Another tailgating essential, cooking barbecue is a surefire way to elevate any sports fan’s game experience. Whether it’s a set of grilling utensils or even a small portable grill that can fit in their trunk, there’s plenty of useful accessories to choose from. No one wants to pay the high prices of stadium food so making sure to eat before the big game is needed for anyone to save money. Gifting barbecue equipment can take your tailgate to the next level for the upcoming season.
Buying a gift for someone you love isn’t always easy. You want to make sure you get them something that they’ll love and appreciate. I hope that, with these gifts, you’ll be able to elevate the experience of any sports fan in your life.
And if you or your sports fan find yourselves visiting Kansas City anytime soon, learn more about visiting Kauffman Stadium here.
As a native of Kansas City, I’ve spent my life looking for great places to eat. It can be daunting figuring out where you want to eat. Nobody wants to spend a bunch of money only to end up hating the meal they’re eating. Whether you’re just visiting or a resident looking for new places to try, I’ve got a list of some of the best places to eat in Kansas City.
Golden Ox is a steakhouse staple and is the birthplace of the Kansas City strip steak. Meat lovers have plenty of hearty, delicious menu items to choose from. Come ready to eat as they’ve got plenty of incredible appetizers and sides to fill you up.
The Rockhill Grille offers an elegant dining experience with American cuisine and creative cocktails. Friendly staff and a great location make it a great spot for a date night away from the kids. You’ll be able to pick from a variety of delicious choices for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
If you’re looking for a breakfast place to start off your day right, look no further than Mildred’s. Family-owned and operated for 25 years, Mildred’s has expanded far beyond its initial status as a small “Ma and Pa” and has since become a booming breakfast staple. Plenty of options are available for sweet or savory breakfast offerings and coffee for a nice caffeine fix.
Any Kansas City native will tell that barbecue is an important part of the city’s culture. Joe’s Kansas City BBQ is a relaxed BBQ pit stop that gives diners an extensive selection of incredible barbecue to choose from. They’ve got three locations, but I recommend visiting the original gas station location if you have the chance.
You won’t find a better source of quality Italian food than Garazzo’s. Italian eatery at its finest, they’ve been a staple of the community for the past 32 years. Garazzo’s has a welcoming, familial atmosphere that makes their home-cooked recipes taste even more delicious. Be sure to try out the owner’s private wine label, Garozzo Cellars Chianti Classico, to pair with your meal when you’re visiting.
Kansas City is filled with incredible restaurants that can satisfy any appetite. I hope that this guide will be helpful the next time you’re trying to figure out where to eat out in Kansas City.
If you’re looking for other places to visit in Kansas City, check out my blog on some of my favorite places.
As a lifelong Kansas City native, I’m always eager to show off the sights that make this city special. Though the Midwest can sometimes be overlooked for its vacation appeal, there’s plenty of hidden treasure to explore, especially here in Missouri. Here are some of the best sights Kansas City has to offer.
The Arabia Steamboat Museum offers an in-depth look at the historic sinking of the Arabia in 1856, as well as its recovery in 1988. The Missouri River claimed hundreds of steamboats along its 2,500-mile route throughout the 1800s. When the Steamboat Arabia originally sank in 1856, it brought down 200 tons of unknown cargo. Over a century later, the recovery of the ship brought with it a modern-day treasure-hunting story. Visitors get a glimpse into the past through the Arabia’s uniquely preserved materials. From clothing to fine china to children’s toys, this museum will capture the attention of all ages. The Arabia’s preservation is still in progress, so you always have more to look forward to in future visits.
Founded in 1909, the Kansas City Zoo has reigned the wild into the city for locals and tourists alike. The Kansas City Zoo is home to over 1,700 animals. They even have cameras for a live look at the animals after zoo hours. Their website offers a sneak peek at the more than 200 species represented at the zoo so that visitors can familiarize themselves before getting to meet them in person. From Allen’s Swamp Monkey to the American alligator, the Kansas City Zoo has everything an animal lover could want.
Another must-see, especially for any baseball fan, is the Kauffman Stadium. Originally opened as the Royals Stadium in 1973, Kauffman is the sixth oldest stadium in the country. It gained its new name in 1993, in honor of the team’s former owner, Ewing M. Kauffman, and his contributions to the team. I recommend taking the chance to watch the Kansas City Royals play at home during their 50th season. Kauffman Stadium has seats that can accommodate any price range and guarantee an exciting ballgame experience for everyone. View the Royals Hall of Fame or book a stadium tour.
If you’re looking for the “billion-dollar experience” at no cost, visit the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The Money Museum shows visitors how millions of dollars are processed through the Federal Reserve Bank each day. Guests can view Harry S. Truman’s coin collection, lift a genuine gold bar, and interact with numerous digital exhibits. The Money Museum is a fun and free way to learn more about the U.S. economy.
Kansas City has something to offer for all ages and interests.
A Sunny day on a highway with a 2019 McLaren GT Super Car
Hello everyone! Michael Gortenburg here.
I have always had a passion for cars. As I mentioned in my previous blog, I love iconic cars from the 1950s and the feel of a vehicle that time has made a recognizable classic. I’ve always been fascinated by the freedom and excitement you can only get from an automobile. Whenever I see an exotic or a vintage car, it’s because something about that car’s soul speaks to me. Each car provides a unique experience, like an old memory that I can recall instantly.
Recently, I’ve been paying attention to the ever-competitive world of hypercars. Not because I plan to buy one, definitely not, but because I enjoy watching the competition unfold among the five or six manufacturers who are competing for the wallets of a very limited and selective group of people. There are plenty of wealthy people in the world, but not many who are willing to pay over $1 million for a method of transportation.
These are just my thoughts on the latest and greatest in the car world and I hope you enjoy it! Let’s start off with a brand that everyone is paying attention to right now: McLaren.
McLaren has been putting out incredible cars for years, and many people consider the McLaren F1 to be the greatest automobile ever built. It seems like more and more people are agreeing with that sentiment, as they are currently fetching somewhere in the neighborhood of $20 million at auction. Is a car ever worth $20 million? I guess it is if there is nothing else quite like it on the road.
The F1 is unique in that it has no fancy electronics, no tricks. It is a pure machine made to go fast and nothing else. The driver’s seat is centered in the middle of the car, with two passenger seats on either side. They say the feeling of driving one is like piloting a fighter jet.
While very few people will get to experience the McLaren F1 themselves, there are plenty of other McLaren models that will give you a similar sensation. We’ll leave out the Mercedes SLR because that was really more of a GT car, not a pure performance machine, in my book. Besides, there are plenty of others to choose from.
Right now, the McLaren lineup consists of twelve different models, which is an astronomical number for a hypercar manufacturer, to be honest. They include the 620R, the 540C, the 570C, the 570S and the GT, the 600LT/600LT Spider, the McLaren GT, the 720S and the 765, the Senna, the Elva, the Speedtail, the Artura, and a few other versions of these for racetrack use.
Is that too many? A lot of people are saying that, yes, McLaren is diluting itself by making so many variations. What is special about a McLaren if you have so many different versions of them floating around, right? Well, I happen to disagree.
What I like so much about McLaren is that it is not as obsessed with status as some of the other brands that are out there. To that end, the cars tend to be a bit less flashy (with some definite exceptions) and less recognizable than say a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. The people who buy McLarens are more interested in an incredible driving experience than rolling up to a fancy restaurant and attracting attention.
That’s why it makes sense for the company to have so many models. They are giving drivers the ability to select exactly what suits them. They can provide an extreme hypercar like the Senna, or a fun weekend driver like the 540C. You can get what you want without being labeled as a certain type of person. That makes sense coming from a company with a strong racing tradition that takes itself extremely seriously.
Now, I don’t own a McLaren myself, nor am I particularly interested in acquiring one. But I do respect what they are doing. In time, I believe that other manufacturers will start to democratize the hypercar experience by creating high-performance electric machines at low cost. These would be cars for people who are less interested in status than experiencing the thrill of an open road. You can definitely count me among them.
That’s all for now. Stay tuned for more coming soon!
– Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City Missouri
Anyone who knows me knows that I have a soft spot for automobiles (you can check out my previous blog on this subject here). I love that each one provides an entirely unique experience. A car doesn’t need to be fast to give me a thrill. All it needs to have is soul.
What does that mean? It means a car that is itself an experience. A car that has its own personality, its own flaws and defects, its own unique way to move along the road. A car that reminds you at every moment that you are in something special, and the experience is yours and yours alone.
Modern cars with all the bells and whistles can give you that, and I’ve driven some incredible ones that use hybrid technology. The electric motors provide tons of torque while the engine gives it power once you off the line. There is nothing like being pushed deep into the seat by the g-force of a launch. It is invigorating.
At the same time, old cars (most of which are pretty slow by today’s standards) can provide unique experiences as well.
Recently, I’ve been interested in something that bridges the gap between old cars and new – they are called “resto-mods.”
Resto-mods are essentially old, classic cars that have been completely stripped down, then rebuilt using modern parts. So, for example, you could have a 1969 Lamborghini Miura, an absolutely beautiful car but with incredibly unreliable performance, and replace its engine, suspension, transmission, and brakes with modern parts from a contemporary Lamborghini. Is this sacrilege? To some people, yes absolutely it is. But if you are more concerned about enjoying your car than getting the approval of others, it could be a good option. After all, would you rather spend your time fixing your car, or driving it?
Resto-mods are still considered the black-sheep of the car collecting world; however, but I believe that is going to change. Younger people are used to driving reliable cars and most are completely unaccustomed to doing their own repairs. They want immediate gratification, and a resto-mod can give that to you.
Most of the resto-mods currently on the market are American cars, especially muscle cars from the 1960s and 1970s. That makes sense because those cars are notoriously easy to work on. Large engine bays mean you can reach everything without removing half of the bodywork, and simple engineering with minimal electronics makes doing things like engine swaps a lot easier.
Now most of those resto-mods are done by home mechanics, so just imagine what you could accomplish if you used the kind of resources that could pay for a hypercar. You could have one of the most unique classic cars around, with modern-day performance to match.
Imagine a Jaguar E-Type from the 1960s with a reliable and efficient drivetrain. Or a Mercedes Grosser with a Bentley W12 engine. Or, for a laugh, how about a Volga with a new Porsche engine and carbon brakes? You get the idea. The possibilities are endless and there is nothing wrong with having a little fun, no matter what the purists say.
What do you think? Do you think this modern twist on classic cars is a cardinal sin? Or are they ok in your book?
Talk soon,
Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri
Today I wanted to talk about a key element of success — reading. It’s no surprise that reading is a common denominator amongst many of the biggest names in business, and almost all entrepreneurs have a book or two they accredit to changing their lives and shaping their careers.
Warren Buffet credits his business philosophy to “The Intelligent Investor,” by Benjamin Grahman; Douglas Adams’ “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy changed Elon Musk’s life — and boy, did it! Sometimes it’s not a business book that gives you your “Eureka! Moments,” but nevertheless, it’s important to be constantly consuming new content to stay sharp and creative if you want to succeed. Bill Gates takes up 50 books a year, Warren Buffet reads 500 pages a day, Mark Zuckerberg challenged himself to read a book every other week and Jeff Bezos is also an avid reader.
With that, I thought I would share some solid recommendations for you to check out:
The Art of War by Sun Tzu
It is a common book suggested by business leaders, but it has such fundamental lessons that I would be remiss if I did not mention it. This 6th century BC book is still used for military strategy today and has direct translations for business strategy and management. Based on Chinese warfare and military thought by the legendary general Sun Tzu, this book can be used to gain advantage of opponents in negotiation, understand office politics and foster a sustainable and positive corporate culture.
Check out some of these quotes to get an idea of its timeless insights:
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” — Sun Tzu, The Art of War
“Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley.” — Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Some strategies don’t change within 25,000 years. This is a must read.
The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail by Clayton M Christensen
There’s nothing better than using your predecessors to guide your own success. There’s a reason why Isaac Newton said: “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” This book offers the success and failure stories of the world’s biggest firms and creates a guide for capitalizing on innovation. It encourages you to strategically think about the best times to take big jumps in your business — especially as it pertains to technology. It also covers situations when demand might not meet your innovations, which could destroy the business you already have.
This book is a great guide for when you come up with your next big disruptive innovation idea.
Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
This book is championed by business schools around the country and illustrates a simple strategy that revolutionizes how people think about how to beat competitors.
A good takeaway from this book: avoid the cutthroat competition of going to a business market (or a bloody “red” ocean) and instead look for bluer waters, where you can swim to success unbothered. Sometimes it is much easier to become top in your field by finding your own niche than by trying to directly compete against more established enterprises that already own their respective markets.
Check out the full read for more insights into this idea.
How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This classic book is perhaps the most well-known from Carnegie, and for good reason.
It gives practical tips for establishing relationships in business and in your personal life as well. Relationships are the foundation for success in many ways, so learning skills that allow you to cultivate meaningful and impactful connections with those around you is something that pays for itself many times over.
This book shows you how simple it really is to do — although getting yourself to follow them is a different challenge.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey
All of the habits that Covey suggests in this book seem simple — but they have a profound impact.
The one I want to stress the most is the habit of continuous improvement that Covey calls “sharpening the sword.” Covey stresses that through meaningful progress and growth, you will propel yourself along a path of personal freedom and success. One of the main things you can do to “sharpen the sword” is read! So by reading Convey’s book, you will be already starting to develop one of those highly effective habits.
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In business, the best way to be on top of the competition is to diversify your perspective, reimagine solutions to our world’s biggest issues and do things that spark your creativity. Reading the worthwhile thoughts of great thinkers is one of the best ways to do just that.
So while we are still stuck at home for the time being (although it is exciting that we are slowly opening up in Kansas City!), I suggest you spend some time reading.
This lists is a great place to start and will help give structure to your thoughts and your business ideology, but business ideas can come from anywhere. Start with whatever you have on your shelves, and who knows, you might think of your next big venture or inspiring idea.
Until next time,
~ Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri.
Michael Gortenburg 