Mighty Yoga

A Healthy Journey by Erica Harris

So, I've been going to my local watering hole, Coffee Mania, for the last 2 years. I have completely abandoned my grande skinny latte from the big chain store Starbucks and am full heartedly embracing good local businesses.  This business is unique since they roast their own beans.  The owners Craig and Michelle are absolutely obsessed with quality and freshness.  Their kids work behind the register, they drink and breathe coffee--people with a true passion for their work and passion for their coffee.  They established their own artisan-roasted coffee in Cortland to meet the demand for roasted coffee.  Tiny drive thru Coffee Mania stands were placed in the Cortland and central NY area for connivence.  In 2008 the owners opened their local shop called "Origins" by Coffee Mania.  This is a cozy, modern-styled cafe situated between route 281 and route 90. A warm electric fireplace, small tv to keep up with the news is nestled in a small corner.  There are also bar seating that overlooks traffic with large open windows.  There is even a small private table to conduct business meetings or share a tea pot service with friends.  The selection of fresh roasted coffee, (that can often be seen delivered by Michelle, a busy mom and roaster), and various coffee accessories makes this cafe more than just a cafe.  What keeps me coming back week after week?  Sure, anyone can make coffee at home. I even own my own espresso machine to make lattes.  The smiles on the baristas faces keeps me coming.  They are always quick to recognize me (even by name) and even offer suggestions to try a new drink or pastry.  They take the conversation slow with that good old "southern hospitality" (I know, I'm in the north now) yet, still being poised and professional.

So, the newest drink I am trying, (besides a cold chai with 2 shots of espresso) is Mona-Vie.  It caught my eye in its sleek wine bottle and bright foil-colored neck (ok, so I thought it WAS wine!)  When I asked what this intriguing drink was the staff was quite knowledgeable about its contents and to my surprise health benefits.  Mona-Vie: the premier Açaí (ah-sigh-ee) blend (look for the purple top) is packed with a blend of 19 fruits, including the Açaí berry. So, what is the Açaí berry? The Açaí berry is a superfood-which is a high phytonutrient content said to have high nutritional benefits.  The berry has been described as an explosion of berry flavors and chocolate undertones. The berry is picked in the rain forests of Brazil. It was mentioned as the number 1 superfood on Oparh's top picks.  The pulp contains a concentration of antioxidants that help with premature aging, and 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes, blueberries, and even red wine.  As a result many people have claimed weight loss, better health, and over all sense of well-being.

Mona-Vie comes in 3 different varieties: purple (original blend), green (targets healthy joints) and red (targets cholesterol).  My husband and I are taking a 90 day challenge this flu season.  At the end of our day (along with a daily multi-vitamin and excerise) we are consuming a 4-oz shot of Mona-Vie. In just 4 oz of Mona-Vie, this delicious juice has "the equivalent antioxidant capability to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables!" (from the approved claims list from www.monavie.com)

So, if you see Brad and I out in town--ask us how we are feeling! Its been 7 days of our challenge and we both feel great.  It tastes good and its a nice after dinner treat. We hope that you also take the challenge to reduce your chances of getting the flu this season.  Salut and bottoms up!