#2: Are You Salty?

Welcome to Cheers with Chance! 🍹 Grab a Beverage & Let’s Dive In

Mar 14, 2025

Hey Friends,

WELCOME BACK to Cheers with Chance! This week, I’m excited to share five new things—from health and travel insights (a healthy dose of travel) to tech tools, life lessons, and, of course, a festive beverage recommendation in honor of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day (one of my Top 3 holidays). 🍀 Let’s dive in!

🍹 5 Things I Learned This Week

1️⃣ [Health] – Hydration

If you've spent much time with me, you know I’m borderline obsessed with the topic of hydration. With so much reliance on filtered water, we’re stripping out crucial minerals essential for hydration.

At a microscopic level, hydration depends on how well water and electrolytes flow in and out of our cells. Without electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium, nothing gets in or out of the cells. These electrically charged minerals play a key role in muscle contraction and neuron connection.

I first came across this hydration routine in Aubrey Marcus' book, Own The Day. As the founder of Onnit, a leading supplement and lifestyle brand, Aubrey emphasizes simple, effective habits. I’ve found this method to be a game-changer for my mornings.

To optimize your hydration, try incorporating this into your morning routine:

12oz room temperature water – Kickstarts hydration and energy levels.
½ squeezed lemon – Supports digestion, provides Vitamin C, and aids immune function.
¼ teaspoon of a high quality Himalayan or Baja Gold sea salt – Essential electrolytes and minerals for body function.

💡 Important: Himalayan salt is far less processed and more mineral-rich than traditional table salt.

Incorporate this into your morning routine and start the day with a WIN!

What is your morning hydration routine?

2️⃣ [Travel] – Speaking of Salt…

Have you ever heard the phrase “He is not worth his salt”? This phrase originated in ancient Greece, where salt was traded for slaves. Roman soldiers were even paid “salt money,” salarium argentum—the root of our modern word “salary.”

On a recent trip to the small island of Gozo, Shelby and I explored some incredible salt pans in Xwenji Bay. These have been in production for over 350 years, modeled after the techniques of ancient Roman salt harvesting. It was fascinating to learn about the process firsthand and talk with the family who has kept this tradition alive for generations.

💡 Takeaway: Salt was once one of the world’s most valuable commodities. It led me to wonder—what everyday essentials do we rely on without even realizing their true worth?

3️⃣ [Travel] – Valletta, Malta

This week, Shelby and I have spent a few days exploring the island of Malta and its Capital City of Valletta. Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts an incredibly rich history—stretching back over 7000 years, even predating the Egyptian Pyramids. 🤯

I thought it would be fun to share some unique facts about the island!

A City Built by Gentlemen for Gentlemen – Valletta's 16th-century architecture was meticulously planned by the Knights of St. John, arguably the first planned cities in Europe. It is named after the French nobleman and 49th Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Jean Parisot de Valette, who succeeded in defending the island against an Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. The city boasts a harmonious blend of Baroque, Mannerist, Neo-Classical, and Modern architecture, earning it the nickname "a city of palaces built by gentlemen for gentlemen."
A Hub for Cinematic Productions – Malta's diverse landscapes and historic sites have made it a sought-after filming location. Blockbusters like Gladiator, Munich, and the series Game of Thrones have utilized Malta's scenery, showcasing its cinematic appeal. We also happened to stumble upon a film set while exploring Fungus Rock on Gozo!
Sunniest City in Europe – In 2016, Valletta was recognized as the sunniest city in Europe, offering more than 300 days of sunshine annually. This favorable climate enhances its appeal as a year-round tourist destination.
Architectural Marvels – Valletta is home to numerous architectural treasures, including St. John's Co-Cathedral (absolutely stunning), which houses the only signed work and largest painting by Caravaggio—The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (1608). The city's fortifications, comprising bastions, curtains, and cavaliers, are notable examples of military architecture.
European Capital of Culture 2018 – Valletta was designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2018, highlighting its vibrant cultural scene, historical significance, and ongoing contributions to arts and culture in Europe. With 320 monuments within .21 sq. miles, it is the smallest Capital city in Europe and one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.

We had so much fun wandering the streets, narrow alleys, and basking in the history!

What is one of your favorite cities to explore?

4️⃣ [Tech Tool] – Yuka: Your Personal Product Scanner

Do you know what’s actually in the food you eat or the household products you use? I recently started using Yuka, an app that scans barcodes and breaks down ingredients, rating products based on health impact. It’s been eye-opening to see which everyday items are packed with additives and which ones pass the test. We’ve completely overhauled our pantry, fridge, and personal care products based on what we learned!

💡 Try This: Scan a few of your go-to groceries and see if they pass the test. You might be surprised at what you find!

5️⃣ [Beverage Recommendation] – 🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Special 🍀

In the spirit of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day, I’m keeping it classic with a Guinness Draught Beer—the most iconic Irish stout in the world. I’m usually more of an IPA guy (give me your best IPA jab), but on St. Paddy’s, you’ll find me with a perfectly poured Guinness in hand! 🍻

I’m fascinated by the rich history and forward-thinking audaciousness of Guinness. Founded in 1759 by Arthur Guinness, the brewery started with a bold move—signing a 9,000-year lease on the St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland. Over the centuries, Guinness became synonymous with rich, creamy stouts and a deep-rooted Irish heritage. Its signature dark color and velvety head come from roasted barley, giving Guinness its rich, unmistakable flavor loved worldwide.

💡 Fun Fact: The famous Guinness surge-and-settle effect is due to nitrogen bubbles, creating that smooth, creamy pour. If you want to enjoy it properly, always pour at a 45-degree angle and let it rest before taking a sip. Sláinte! 🍀

⭐ Secret Hack: Not a beer drinker? No worries, pour an Espresso Martini in a classic tulip Guinness glass and fly under the radar! I know you’re thinking about it…

🍻 Closing Thoughts

Thanks for hanging out with me this week! What’s something new you learned recently? Hit reply or leave a comment and share—I’d love to hear from you!

Cheers With Chance

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