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David Protein Bars – The Smartest Bar in the Game

If you’re serious about your macros, tired of sugar-laden “protein” bars, and want a grab-and-go snack that actually helps build muscle and support fat loss, David Protein Bars are going to change the way you think about portable nutrition.

I’ve tested every major protein bar out there. Most are glorified candy bars with a little extra protein tossed in. David is different. It’s not just a protein bar—it’s a scientifically-engineered performance tool, and it delivers.


Macros That Matter

Let’s start with the headline stats:

  • 150 calories
  • 28 grams of protein
  • 0 grams of sugar
  • 75% CFP (Calories From Protein)

That 75% CFP is roughly 50% higher than any other bar on the market. It means three-quarters of the energy you get is from muscle-building protein, not fats or sugars. For anyone optimizing body composition, this is gold.


What Makes It Work: The Science Behind the Bar

1. The Protein System

David uses a multi-source blend: milk protein isolate, collagen, whey concentrate, and egg white. This combo provides a complete amino acid profile with a perfect 1.0 PDCAAS. That means it’s as efficient as protein gets—ideal for muscle repair, hormonal balance, and even skin, hair, and nail health.

2. The Binding System

Binding is usually where bars pack in sugar and calories. David uses maltitol and allulose, which keep the bar together, offer sweetness, and don’t spike blood sugar. They’re also easier on calories. Bonus: some of the binders like glycerin and tapioca starch provide prebiotic benefits.

3. The Fat System

Here’s where David gets next-level. Instead of loading up on calorically dense fats, they use a modified plant fat called EPG, along with small amounts of coconut oil, cocoa butter, and palm kernel oil. This allows for a creamy, satisfying texture without the 9-calories-per-gram hit from traditional fat.

4. The Flavor System

David is sweet, rich, and indulgent without the sugar. Their system uses cocoa powder, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and natural flavors to create dessert-like profiles with no blood sugar impact.


Flavor Rundown

I sampled six of the most popular flavors. Each one had a dense but moist texture, not chalky or gritty like other high-protein bars. You can eat them at room temp, chilled, or warmed up in the microwave for 10 seconds (game changer).

Favorites Ranked:

  1. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter – Hands-down my go-to. Tastes like a Reese’s met a protein cookie. Sweet, salty, chocolatey, perfect texture.
  2. Fudge Brownie – Rich and dark. More like a brownie than some actual brownies I’ve had.
  3. Salted Peanut Butter – Great savory-sweet balance. Feels substantial.
  4. Cookie Dough – Classic profile, smooth with chocolate chunks. Solid choice.
  5. Cake Batter – On the sweeter side, great for dessert cravings.
  6. Blueberry Pie – A unique twist. Not my favorite, but a nice change of pace.

Real Talk: How It Performs

These bars have become my go-to post-workout fuel and midday protein boost. The ultra-high protein-to-calorie ratio makes them perfect for:

  • Cutting phases
  • High-protein, low-carb diets
  • Blood-sugar stability
  • Meal replacements on the go

I typically have one post-lift and another in the late afternoon to hit my protein targets without blowing up my calorie count. Just keep in mind: limit to two per day to avoid any digestive discomfort, especially if you’re not used to sugar alcohols.


Final Thoughts

David Protein Bars aren’t just another snack. They’re a precision-engineered nutrition tool that puts protein first. If you’re someone who values muscle growth, metabolic health, and real results, these bars check every box.

Pros:

  • Unmatched protein-to-calorie ratio
  • Zero sugar
  • No blood sugar spikes
  • Full amino acid spectrum
  • Tastes legit

Cons:

  • Contains sucralose and maltitol (which some may want to moderate)
  • May cause GI issues if overconsumed

Rating: 9.5/10
Make room in your daily stack. This is the smartest protein bar on the market.

Product Review: ARMRA Colostrum+ Performance Revival

When I decided to get serious about restoring balance to my hormones and stress response, I knew it would take more than just a shift in my workout routine. I needed something that could support my body at the cellular level, help manage high cortisol, and assist with the uphill climb of boosting testosterone naturally. That search led me to ARMRA Colostrum+ Performance Revival—a next-level supplement designed for performance, recovery, and full-body revival.


Why I Tried It

At the time, I was dealing with high cortisol levels and low testosterone, a combination that can leave you feeling wired, tired, and out of sync. I had already started to restructure my workouts to prioritize heavy lifting and reduce chronic cardio to help naturally elevate testosterone, but I knew I needed additional support. That’s when I discovered Performance Revival—a product that promised not only to strengthen immunity and refuel muscle, but also to support endurance, recovery, and gut health.

With its physician-founded, science-backed formulation, and glowing third-party clinical results (80% of users reporting improved strength and endurance), ARMRA’s claims had weight. I was intrigued.


What’s in It

ARMRA Colostrum+ Performance Revival is powered by ARMRA’s proprietary Cold-Chain BioPotent™ Colostrum, which retains over 400+ bioactive nutrients while excluding casein and fat. That means high potency and maximum bioavailability.

The blend is supercharged with:

  • Organic Raw Cacao – for blood flow, mood, and metabolism
  • Organic Black Cumin – an adaptogen rich in thymoquinone (TQ), supporting recovery and endurance
  • Organic Tart Cherry – to speed up muscle recovery and improve sleep

It’s also packed with essential compounds that fuel lean muscle, upgrade energy, and elevate mood and focus. It’s sourced from grass-fed, U.S.-based dairy farms and made in FDA-certified facilities, with third-party testing for contaminants. It’s non-GMO, keto-certified, glyphosate-free, and made with clean manufacturing practices.

This isn’t just a performance supplement—it’s a functional food.


How I Use It

The suggested use is to add a scoop (or more) to a cool beverage pre-workout. I typically mix it into almond milk or a protein shake before strength sessions. The chocolate flavor comes from the raw cacao and is surprisingly rich and pleasant for a supplement, though it’s naturally sweetened with organic stevia, which brings me to my one downside (more on that below).

Within a week of consistent use, I noticed:

  • Improved recovery time after lifting sessions
  • Less joint stiffness in the mornings
  • A noticeable lift in mood and mental clarity
  • Stronger gym performance and more staying power during intense sets

As someone whose workouts had been limited by fatigue and lingering soreness, this product made a real difference. And I’m not alone—clinical studies back up these effects, showing significant improvements in strength, stamina, and recovery for users.


The Stevia Issue

Here’s my one complaint: stevia. While many people can tolerate it without any issues, I’ve found that long-term use can negatively affect my gut health. After a couple weeks of daily use, I started to notice some digestive discomfort that I could trace back to the stevia.

That doesn’t negate the product’s effectiveness—it really does work—but for daily, long-term supplementation, I would opt for ARMRA’s plain Colostrum formula, which skips the added sweeteners altogether. That would let me enjoy all the performance and health benefits without upsetting my digestive balance.


Final Thoughts

ARMRA Colostrum+ Performance Revival is a standout product in the performance supplement space. From boosting energy and mood to accelerating recovery and immune support, it lives up to the hype. I felt a genuine shift in how my body responded to workouts and stress.

Pros:

  • Powerful blend of clinically-backed ingredients
  • Noticeable improvements in performance, recovery, and energy
  • Clean, well-sourced ingredients with excellent quality control

Cons:

  • Stevia may be a drawback for those with sensitive digestion

Rating: 8.5/10 (10/10 if they offered a stevia-free version)

If you’re chasing vitality, strength, and better recovery without compromising gut health, ARMRA Colostrum is worth exploring. I’ll be sticking with the brand—but next time, I’m going plain.

Best Day Brewing – Non-Alcoholic Beer for the Doers

There are moments that call for a beer—the post-run cool down, a hot summer afternoon by the lake, grilling with friends, or just kicking back after finishing a big project. But more and more, I find that I want the experience of beer without the buzz. Enter Best Day Brewing: the best-tasting non-alcoholic beer I’ve ever had, hands down.

Born in Northern California and brewed for doers, Best Day Brewing isn’t about compromise. It’s about unlocking all the flavor and satisfaction of a full-bodied craft beer without the side effects of alcohol. Whether I’m recovering from a trail run, lifting in my garage gym, or heading to a backyard hangout, this beer has become a go-to for all the moments that matter.


Why It Works

Best Day nails the essentials: high-quality ingredients, traditional brewing techniques, and a gentle alcohol removal process that preserves flavor. We’re talking water, barley, hops, and yeast—nothing sketchy, nothing artificial. Each beer is vegan, non-GMO, and made with premium natural ingredients. You can feel good about what you’re drinking, even before you taste how good it is.

They also add thoughtful, real-world pairings to each brew—and I have to say, they’re spot on. Whether it’s trail time, poolside lounging, or a weekend BBQ, Best Day brews are made to elevate experiences, not mute them.


My Favorite: Electro-Lime Cerca de Cerveza

Let’s start with the star of the show. Electro-Lime is everything I want in a summer beer: light, refreshing, a little salty, and perfectly lime-forward. Crafted with sea salt, fresh lime purée, corn, and a unique tropical hop (Motueka), it drinks like a sunshine-soaked Mexican lager with just enough zip.

The sea salt adds electrolytes (hello, post-run hydration), while the lime gives it that tart, crushable vibe. It pairs beautifully with pool days, concerts, and cooling down after a long trail session.

This is the beer that convinced me non-alcoholic beer could be fun, flavorful, and downright exciting.


Runner-Up: Hazy IPA

I’m a big IPA fan, and Best Day’s Hazy IPA brings the citrus, the hops, and the body. Fruity aromas hit first, followed by juicy tropical flavors and just enough bitterness to keep things interesting. It’s smooth and medium-bodied, with a dry finish that leaves you ready for another sip.

Whether I’m flipping burgers on the patio or stretching after a hard workout, the Hazy IPA gives me the bold flavor I love without the weight or sluggishness that often comes with alcoholic IPAs.

Pairs perfectly with: mountains, surf, BBQs.


Runner-Up: Nature’s Pils

Nature’s Pils is a crisp, clean Pilsner brewed with true Bavarian yeast and Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops. It has that old-school German lager vibe—herbal, woody, citrusy, with a soft malt finish.

What sets it apart? It’s brewed in partnership with the Conservation Alliance, and a portion of the proceeds supports the protection of wild places. That makes this beer taste even better knowing it supports the spaces I love to explore.

Pairs well with: camping, hiking, swimming, and slowing down to observe the beauty around you.


The Best Day Brewing Difference

Here’s the thing: most non-alcoholic beers taste like what they’re missing. Best Day beers taste like what they’re made for.

Whether it’s their careful brewing process that preserves the aroma and body, or the real ingredients like lime and sea salt that add genuine flavor depth, these beers stand shoulder-to-shoulder with full-strength craft options. You just get to skip the hangover, dehydration, and early cutoff time.

From post-ride refreshment to social events where I want to stay sharp, I find myself reaching for a Best Day more often than anything else in my fridge.


Final Thoughts

Best Day Brewing isn’t just making great non-alcoholic beer. They’re redefining what it means to enjoy beer in the moments that matter—without sacrificing taste, experience, or energy.

  • Electro-Lime Cerca de Cerveza: 10/10 – Tangy, bright, and the perfect hydration reward
  • Hazy IPA: 9/10 – Bold, citrusy, and full of hop character
  • Nature’s Pils: 8.5/10 – Classic, clean, and easy to love

If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic craft beer that delivers on flavor and vibe, this is it. Raise a can to your #BestDayYet.

Eat Greener with EcoVessal’s WanderWare Utensil Set

If you look at my go-box for camping, it is a disaster.


Anything I possibly could need is thrown in there with no order, rhyme, or reason.


Anytime, we get to a campsite, there’s always moments of organization and cleaning; especially the items I use for food prep or eating.


That’s why I was excited to get a sample of EcoVessel’s WanderWare 6-Piece Utensil Set to try out.

EvoVessel WanderWare Utensil Set
EvoVessel WanderWare Utensil Set


Everything you need to eat with is contained within a zippable travel pouch: fork, spoon, knife, chopsticks, straw, and straw cleaner.


Each utensil is made with premium, food-grade stainless steel and is super durable. Just for giggles, I used their knife and fork on a steak and a raw carrot. While it didn’t cut through amazingly well, neither utensil bent or broke.

The EcoVessel WanderWare Utensil Set is a great addition to my go-box, but it’s also a great solution for those times where I know I’ll be eating somewhere with disposable silverware. Their chopsticks are also a great replacement for the wooden disposable ones, as well.


If you’re trying to eat a little greener, this is a great option for you!

5 Easy-to-Make Trail Mixes You’ll Love

Trail mixes completely changed the snacking game when it was first introduced back in the 1960’s, giving hikers, runners, athletes and fitness enthusiasts a portable, energy-rich food that complemented their on-the-go lifestyle. This lightweight snack made it infinitely easier to be on the trails for longer periods–a major game changer at the time.

Fortunately for us, we’ve had a lot of innovation in this century, foregoing the boring (but still delicious) trail mixes of peanuts, raisins and M&Ms in favor of a multitude of sweet and savory combinations.

Grocery and health food stores alike have loads of mix-and-match options on their shelves, so it’s never been easier to create your own.

You’ll find an expanded range of offerings, including items like sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, espresso beans, wasabi peas, banana chips, cereal, granola and more, and we’re here for it. Let’s talk about the fundamentals of good trail mixes before we launch into some ideas.

There are five categories to be mindful of when building your perfect mix — nuts, seeds, dried fruit, grains, and sweets. These items provide the fat, protein, fiber, antioxidants and other essential vitamins and minerals that you need to sustain your energy level, feel full, and remain focused on your goal.

The balance of these ingredients together provide the crunchy, savory and sweet elements that you’re used to, but give you the flexibility to decide what to add based on your preferences. Hate almonds but love cashews? Great, let’s add cashews. Don’t love dried fruit but want something sweet? Cacao nibs it is. Prefer sweet to savory? Go ahead. Add extra chocolate chips. We dare you.

Now, onto our favorite flavor combinations. Note, everyone has their own tastes and nutritional needs, so know that this is not the holy grail. We encourage you to make substitutions and play with your ingredient ratios freely. There are no rules in the land of trail mix.

Without further ado, here are five recipe ideas, from simple and sweet to nutty and savory, that will help you take your trail mix to the next level.

Simple

A quick-and-easy recipe with a few ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.

  • Almonds
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Dried cherries
  • Dark chocolate chips
  • Pinch of sea salt

Nutty

A rich, filling mix of your favorite nuts, roasted or raw, with a hint of sweetness from the raisins.

  • Almonds
  • Peanuts
  • Cashews
  • Pecans
  • Walnuts
  • Raisins

Savory

Savory and crunchy, this recipe packs a little bit of heat with the addition of wasabi and ginger.

  • Almonds
  • Sesame seeds
  • Wasabi peas
  • Dried ginger
  • Chex cereal

Sweet

A slightly dessert-y combo that will still energize you… thanks, in part, to the coffee beans.

  • Coconut flakes
  • White chocolate chips
  • Hazelnuts
  • Chocolate-covered coffee beans
  • Cacao nibs

Tropical

This mix will give you serious Caribbean vibes. It’s like a pina colada, but healthier.

  • Cashews
  • Brazil nuts
  • Dried mango
  • Coconut flakes
  • Banana chips

Have a favorite flavor combo or masterful edit to one of our suggestions? Let us know in the comments below. We’re all for crowdsourcing some killer trail mix recipes.

Yummiest Brands at Outdoor Retailer Snow Show 2019

The Huck team was at Outdoor Retailer in January for their Snow Show. We worked up quite an appetite walking about 10 miles each day, but luckily there were some amazing food brands sampling out their best offerings. Here are a few of our favorite adventure snacks from the show.

Peak Refuel

If you’ve camped, you’re probably familiar with the freeze dried meals on the market.

Peak Refuel has been reimagining and reinventing the freeze dried experience since they hit shelves in June 2018. What stood out to us most was the flavor of their meals. Typically when we’re camping in the backcountry, we’ve sacrificed taste for nutrient dense meals. It’s a bold statement, but Peak Refuel is the best tasting freeze dried meal we’ve had. When was the last time you had a freeze dried meal that tasted like a home cooked meal?

This has a lot to with their ingredients and freeze dried process. They have real, non-GMO ingredients that are delicious and nutritious. Their meals are loaded with protein (150-200% more than other brands) sourced from 100% real meat—with no fillers. The biggest standout is when you look at their ingredient list. You can see just how clean their ingredients are by their pronounceability, but also by the short list of ingredients.

Our favorites were the Beef Pasta Marinara, the Breakfast Skillet, and the Strawberry Granola with Milk.

You can purchase Peak Refuel directly from their website, Amazon, or by finding local retailers using their Zip Code Locator.

Morsel Spork

We couldn’t move on from Peak Refuel without a brief mention of an awesome little utensil that was at the Snow Show: the Morsel Spork.

I’ve seen a lot of sporks, but this one takes the cake specifically for designing a long handle; long enough to reach into a bag of Peak Refuel for a quick bite of Sweet Pork and Rice. The shape allows for a deep reach into every nook and cranny to make sure you get every bite.

Morsel Sporks can be found on their website.

Country Archer Jerky

Country Archer Jerky has been around since 1977. They’re known for their small batch process, using healthy ingredients like grass-fed beef and antibiotic-free pork. Their tagline is “As Gourmet as Jerky Gets,” and they aren’t wrong—this stuff is delicious.

One of the standouts for us were their meat bars. There’s a lot of jerky companies that make bars, but Country Archer stands out mostly for their flavor and texture. I’ll usually take a meat bar with me when I’m in the backcountry or on a long-distance trail run, and my usual complaint is the texture and chewiness of other bars. Country Archer tastes like meat, versus some of their competitors that have a grainy or oily taste profile.

Favorite flavors so far is their Hatch Chile Beef Jerky and their Sweet Jalapeno Beef Sticks.

They can be ordered off the Country Archer website or found in most local natural food stores through their store locator tool.

Avalanche Swiss + Granola

For breakfast we stopped by the Avalanche Swiss + Granola booth daily. Their granola is the crunchiest granola we’ve had in a long time. The packaging is perfect for day hikes with their grab-and-go pouches—easy to pack in and take back out with you.

It’s baked in small batches and imported from Switzerland. All their ingredients are natural and GMO-free. There were a few flavors that were 100% organic, and I hope as they continue to grow that they look for ways of moving their whole product line to organic.

The texture is super crunchy—loud enough to have my kids running in from another room at home to see what I was eating. There’s a lot of oats, nuts, and seeds in their granola. Depending on the flavor, there’s a fair mix of dried fruit or chocolate, too.

I haven’t yet tried mixing the granola with milk. You can add it directly into the bag if you’re camping, and based on other reviews, the granola will still retain the crunch. This is definitely going on my food bucket list.

There’s 5 flavors to choose from: Original Organic, Original w/ Raisins Organic, Fruit Basket Organic, Red Berries Organic, and Coconut Quinoa & Chocolate. My favorite at the moment is their Fruit Basket Organic.

You can find them on their website or at local grocery stores.

Cheap Food Finds in Colorado Ski Towns

Colorado ski towns are notoriously diverse, but one thing that rings true is that they can be expensive. Whether you’re planning a visit to ski in the winter or raft in the summer, we’ve found the cheapest food options to help you stay on budget, from $1.84 for a single scoop of ice cream to $12.95 for a cheesesteak and fries. Here are the best cheap eats in Aspen, Breckenridge, Telluride, Steamboat Springs, and Vail.

Aspen

Zane’s Tavern

https://www.zanestavern.com/

308 S Hunter St #2, Aspen, CO 81611

(970) 544-9263

In a ski town that skews a bit more upscale, Zane’s Tavern remains a classic dive. This sports bar is where you’ll find the locals, and they always have a game on. The order here is a Philly cheesesteak with fries or tater tots for $12.95.

Big Wrap

http://places.singleplatform.com/big-wrap-the/menu?ref=google

520 E Durant Ave #101, Aspen, CO 81611

(970) 544-1700

Big Wrap may always be busy, but it’s by far the best and quickest lunch spot in Aspen. Don’t let the line deter you, you’ll need a minute to go over the eclectic menu. Items like the Hail Caesar and To Thai For are among the favorites, and the price is right at $7.30.

Bamboo Bear

http://www.bamboobearrestaurant.com/

730 E Cooper Ave, Aspen, CO 81611

(970) 710-2094

Bamboo Bear is a small but mighty asian restaurant, serving a menu of Vietnamese and Thai-influenced dishes. Here, you can try a selection of things without breaking the bank, including spring rolls for $2, dumplings for $6, and a killer bahn mi for $12.

Breckenridge

Soupz On

http://www.soupzon.net/

422 North Park Avenue, Breckenridge, CO 80424

(970) 547-4797

Soupz On is a beloved lunch spot that’s perfect for dine-in or grab-and-go. Their soup menu changes daily, but expect a nice range of options like chicken pot pie, meatball marinara, and Thai shrimp tom yum. The meal deal comes with bread and a cookie for $8.95.

Above the Blue

421 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424

(970) 453-3062

Above the Blue, also known as Red’s to the locals, is a food stand with the best cheap eats in Breckenridge. They have a short-and-sweet menu that has something for everyone, including a coney dog for $4, frito chili pie for $5, and a gyro for $10. Bonus: they are open late-night.

Crepes a la Cart

crepesalacarts.com

307 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424

(970) 771-3411

The ideal apres ski treat is a sweet or savory crepe from Crepes a la Cart. This place has a ridiculously huge menu of topping mashups from classic nutella to chicken florentine, and many items are under $8.

Telluride

Steamies Burger Bar

http://www.steamiesburgers.com/

300 W Colorado Ave Suite #1B, Telluride, CO 81435

(844) 843-2867

Located in the heart of downtown, Steamies is a top-rated burger joint that serves their patties steamed rather than grilled or pan-fried. For just $6.25, you can get a classic single with american cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and our signature housemade steamie sauce.

Steamboat Springs

Lyon’s Corner Drug & Soda Fountain

http://www.lyonsofsteamboat.com/

840 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

(970) 879-1114

Lyon’s Corner Drug & Soda Fountain feels completely stuck in time, and we wouldn’t change a thing. This drug store, gift shop, old-fashioned soda fountain hybrid is where you’ll find a single scoop of ice cream for $1.84. They also serve diner classics like grilled cheese and BLTs for under $6.50.

Skull Creek Greek

https://www.skullcreekgreek.com/

635 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

(970) 879-1339

The best value in town is at Skull Creek Greek. At $7.50 for a pita and $10.50 for a plate, you can choose from heaping helpings of roasted lamb or falafel and three different kinds of tzatziki sauce. For something a little sweet, get the life-changing baklava for $3.

Off the Beaten Path

https://www.steamboatbooks.com/

68 9th St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

(970) 879-6830

A lovely independent bookstore and coffee shop, Off the Beaten Path is a cozy winter reprieve where you can pick up games, cards, puzzles and more. While coffee may seem like the name of the game here, we love the wine and local brew selections for under $5.

Vail

Moe’s Original Barbeque

https://www.moesoriginalbbq.com/lo/vail/

616 W Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO 81657

(970) 479-7888

Just feet away from Vail Mountain, Moe’s Original Barbeque is a super chill, local spot serving Alabama-style barbeque to the masses. The pulled pork sandwich with two sides (see: baked beans, cornbread) and a drink clocks in at just $10, making it an easy and delicious choice for lunch or early dinner (they close at 6 p.m.).

The Red Lion

304 Bridge St #1, Vail, CO 81657

(970) 476-7676

For award-winning chili in Vail Village at $5 a cup, look no further than The Red Lion. This hot spot is known for its live entertainment, with musicians performing daily. It’s a little cozy, so it can get crowded, but you won’t mind one bit.

Yellowbelly

2161 N Frontage Rd W #14, Vail, CO 81657

(970) 343-4340

At Yellowbelly, it’s all about the fried chicken. This counter service restaurant is perfect for a casual meal, and the hot-and-fresh white or dark meat tenders are just $5.50. They also have incredible scratch-made slides for $3, including a ton of healthy options like citrus quinoa and seasonal veggies.

Have another cheap eats spot? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.

About the writer:

Christina Cherry is a travel publicist and writer with a knack for last-minute trip planning. When she’s not on the road, she’s in hot pursuit of the world’s best pizza or tending to her houseplants. Keep up with her work at cherrycreativestudio.com and follow along on her blog at everywherewithcherry.com. DM slides also welcome at @everywherewithcherry.