My Favorite Kombucha Brands + What Is Kombucha?!!

Kombucha has been around for 2,000 years. It originated in 220 B.C. China where it was consumed for its detoxifying & energizing properties. That makes me about 1,999 years late to the kombucha party, but I'm a fan now. How about you?

Most people, like me, wonder what is kombucha? What's it made from? What's the alcohol content of kombucha? Where to buy kombucha tea? Can you buy a kombucha starter online?  What are some of my favorite kombucha companies? Well, my friend. I answer all these questions & more. Why? Because I had the same questions! Keep reading to find out about kombucha.


* This post may contain affiliate links.

Better Booch premium small craft kombucha brand 

But what is kombucha?

At its core, kombucha is a beverage created by fermenting tea with a culture of yeast & bacteria. It looks a bit like an at-home science experiment, which it basically is. I mean, you can literally buy kombucha starter kits online. Kombucha is lightly effervescent. Think of it as a sparkling tea-based juice drink with a bit of bubbly goodness. Kombucha tends to have some alcohol content, some brands have more & some have less.

GT's Third Eye Chai, Euphoria, & Rose kombucha flavors

What other fermented food & drinks can I try?

Kombucha, kefir, kimchi, kvass, miso, sauerkraut, tempeh, pickles, yogurt are popular fermented food & drink. Each has its own unique flavors, properties, & gut health benefits.

San Diego Kombucha Options

As a San Diego blogger & digital influencer, I'm happy to report there are many kombucha options in the area. Many of these establishments have kombucha that contains alcohol content, so it's an excellent alternative to heading to a brewery, bar, or distillery. There isn't much kombucha in North County San Diego yet, but perhaps in the foreseeable future.  ~*~ just putting those vibes out there, you know? ~*~

Where to buy kombucha tea in San Diego?


GT's kombucha flavors

My Favorite Kombucha Companies

GT's Kombucha - Love, love, love this brand. My all-time favorite is GT's Rose kombucha. It has rose hips, rose water, rose petals, as well as their organic & raw kombucha. It's what dreams are made of. It has 4% alcohol content. I usually split up drinking this over 2 days.

Health-Ade Kombucha - My coworker a few years ago used to do promotional work with Health-Ade so she gave me a few bottles to try. It was my very first dabble with kombucha. They have a variety of kombucha flavors like cherry berry, ginger lemon, & pink lady apple. Find Health-Ade Kombucha on Amazon.

JuneShine - JuneShine is a local San Diego kombucha brand. As a local San Diego blogger, I was invited to their Scripps Ranch media party grand opening. Their kombucha is made with green tea, as opposed to black tea. JuneShine kombuchas have 6% alcohol content with kombucha flavors like Honey Ginger Lemon & Midnight Painkiller (charcoal, pineapple, coconut, orange, & nutmeg).

Better Booch - Better Booch sent over a few of their 16-ounce cans to try such as Morning Glory (peach & black tea), Citrus Sunrise (grapefruit, sage, pu erh tea), & a couple others. The LA-based premium small craft kombucha brand expanded to San Diego in 2019.  The kombucha flavors are approachable; you can taste the tea & tang from kombucha without an overwhelming punch. This is an excellent kombucha brand to try if you're new to kombucha. Find Better Booch on Amazon.

Brew Dr. Kombucha - You might've heard of their Clear Mind kombucha with rosemary, mint, sage, & green tea. They also have Chai Apple, Strawberry Basil, Superberry, & fun limited-release kombucha flavors like Vanilla Oak. Mmmm. Vanilla Oak. You might be able to find Brew Dr. Kombucha at your local Target, Vons, Albertsons!

The GT's Rose kombucha is my favorite flavor of all-time

Can you buy kombucha starter kits online?

Why yes, you can buy a kombucha starter online! Gotta love being able to shop from the comfort of your own home! Whether you want San Diego kombucha or perhaps kombucha with alcohol, there are some kombucha companies to suit your needs.

What's your favorite kombucha? Do you have any top kombucha companies? Leave a comment if you have a suggestion, a thought, or a question. 

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click &/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or my social media platforms, I may make a commission from that click &/or purchase. It's at no additional cost to you. Learn more about my disclosure.

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Things to Do in Oslo, Norway: Is Oslo Worth Visiting?

Nude beach. Food halls. Viking ships. Breathtaking views. Oslo, the metropolitan capital of Norway, sits at the head of Oslofjord. Oslo has cold winters as well as warm sunny days by the fjord. The Norwegian capital has Michelin star restaurants, nature parks, museums, & whatever you want to do. If you're endlessly researching for the essential list of things to do in Oslo, Norway, this list has 18 top activities in Oslo all year round.

Norway is incredible. From the history at the Viking Ship Museum to the remarkable arts of the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet to the funky sculptures at Vigeland Sculpture Park at Frogner Park, Oslo, Norway has so much cultural history. You can go ski jumping on Holmenkollbakken or at least see the Holmenkollen Ski Museum. If you have more time, you could head to Tusenfryd, an amusement park at Vinterbro, Norway.

Is Oslo worth visiting?

Yes. Oslo is certainly worth a visit if you're a travel lover. The crisp nighttime air feels empowering. The view from the Oslo Opera House is magnificent; you might even make a seagull friend. Some of the best things to do are actually free. No matter what you want to see, Norway is breathtakingly beautiful.  I'd come back in a heartbeat. From hanging out at a groovy sculpture park by Gustav Vigeland to checking out the Aker Brygge neighborhood, you'll come to savor your Norwegian moments of bliss. 

What is famous in Oslo Norway?

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Norway; there's the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway. Top attractions include Holmenkollen Ski Museum, Vigeland Museum, The Kon-Tiki Museum, University Botanical Garden (Botanisk hage), & more. Experience the magic & charm of Oslo city center!

About Carmen

If you came here because you searched for things to do in Oslo, Norway, you probably don't know much about me. Hey, I'm Carmen, a travel influencer & blog coach from San Diego, California. I've traveled to 20 countries. I started my blog in 2011. One of my greatest hobbies is finding bargain flight tickets. These are some of the best things to do in Oslo. I traveled to Norway end of October/early November, so there's still a lot of things to do in Oslo during autumn & winter.

The Vigeland Park in Oslo, Norway is a free thing to do in Oslo in winter
At the highest point of The Vigeland Park at Frogner Park

Oslo Pass

Opt for the Oslo Pass which gives you free entry to museums and activities, free public transport, and discounts on sightseeing, restaurants, shopping, & more. It's worth researching if you want to experience a lot of what Oslo has to offer in a short period of time. The Oslo Pass is best when utilized to the maximum. That way you can see a bit of everything from the fjords to Oslo city center.


The Vigeland Park

Separate from the Vigeland Museum, The Vigeland Park at Frogner Park contains over 200 sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland. The sculpture park consists of the Monolith, the bridge, & the fountain. The Monolith shows 121 human figures holding onto each other in various positions. The bridge shows 58 sculptures of men, women, & children, while the fountain depicts a group of men holding a vessel with water spilling out. The fountain wasn't running while I was there, so it looked like a bunch of dudes holding a bowl. Did I mention all the figures are naked? Tip: Vigeland Park at Frogner Park is free to enter every day, 24 hours a day (or night). Sometimes the best things in life are free!

The view from Akerhaus Fortress on a rainy day in Oslo, Norway
Akerhaus Fortress on a rainy day

Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress also called Akershus Castle was completed in the 1300s. Entrance to the fortress grounds is free to walk around, which is the ideal option for anyone on a budget. The clear skies & green grass against the stone castle look beautiful in the summertime, but the Akershus festning (that's the Norwegian name) is pretty romantic on a rainy autumn/winter day. Tip: Akershus Fortress makes an excellent sunset vista point; look out at the fjord with the city lights glistening as it gets dark.

Aker Brygge

Walk along the boardwalk of Aker Brygge, a strip of eateries by the water. It's pretty small. I walked by it during a wintery evening. This is the ideal spot to wine & dine with friends, loved ones, & of course, alone. This place is buzzing during the summertime, but there wasn't much happening when I walked by on a November night.

Oslo Cathedral at nighttime in Norway
Oslo Cathedral at night

Oslo Cathedral

Why not pop in the cathedral while you're checking off free things to do in Oslo, Norway? I was walking by the Oslo Cathedral (Oslo domkirke) & ended up making it for part of an evening service. The chorus echoing in the cathedral will ring in my ears forever. There is a lot you can see around Oslo city center.

Street art at Ingens Gate in Oslo
Stumbled upon the street art at Ingens Gate

Street Art at Ingens Gate

Make sure this magical alleyway filled with street art is on your free things to do in Oslo list. Oslo has quite a lot of art throughout the city, but Ingens gate is located in the Grünerløkka neighborhood near the Akerselva River. Walk under the magnificent chandelier; the dangling charms sound soothing when the wind hits it ever so gently. Drop by Ingens gate alley for an array of artwork. It's small & charming, but you won't be disappointed.

Mathallen Oslo has Tex Mex, Asian Tapas, & more good food options
People eating at Mathallen Oslo food hall  


Mathallen Oslo

Food halls are one of my favorite ways to eat in Oslo other than stopping inside a grocery store for munchies. Mathallen Oslo offers a tempting range of food from Asian tapas, Tex Mex, fresh seafood, & more. This is the perfect spot to stock up on cheese, meat, veggies, & yummy baked goods. Oh, & Mathallen Oslo is conveniently located near the street art at Ingens gate! Tip: Walk up to the second story to see a bird's eye view of the hall & see if the boutiques are open. 

Eat yummy food at Vippa Oslo near the Port of Oslo
Grab a bite to eat at Vippa Oslo near the Port of Oslo

Vippa Oslo

Another food hall? Why yes. I wouldn't have it any other way. Food halls are a convenient, affordable way to grab a bite to eat or satisfy multiple food personalities, rather than your typical sit-down restaurant. Come to Vippa for multicultural food stands & a stunning view of the Port of Oslo.

Go to the nude beach at inner islands Oslo Fjord
The Inner islands of Oslo Fjord offer many summertime activities

Islands of Inner Oslo Fjord

Spend the day exploring the Oslo Fjord, a 68 miles/100 kilometers long with many islands freckled. The islands are a hub during the warmer months with everyone swimming, hiking, & having fun outside. On the island of Hovedøya, there are monastery ruins from the Middle Ages. Drop your knickers because Langøyene island has a nudist beach on the southern tip.

Gokstad & Oseberg Viking Ships at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo
One of the large ships at the Viking Ship Museum

Viking Ship Museum

As the name suggests, the museum contains the beautifully restored Gokstad & Oseberg Viking Ships. These ships were used in burial rituals for rich Vikings. The ships are positively massive & you can walk up a couple steps to a second story to see inside the ship, so you get a view of preserved Viking ships & other Viking finds like coins & even skulls. If you're looking for a souvenir, the Viking Ship Museum has a cool gift shop too. Tip: Stay around for the Vikings Alive visual journey projected onto the walls of the museum. I enjoyed the music & animation as an entertaining way to learn about the Viking Age.

Norwegian Folk Museum

Located at Bygdøy in Oslo, the Norwegian Folk Museum (Norsk Folkemuseum) is the optimal place to learn about Norwegian folk art, folk costumes, the Sami culture, & people I knew nothing about prior to visiting the museum. Don't forget to also the Open Air Museum, which is part of the Norwegian Folk Museum. This one of the best hidden gems during my trip. 

Oslo, Norway's cutest thing to do is the Open Air Museum
Just a small corner of the Open Air Museum at the Norwegian Folk Museum

Open Air Museum (at Norwegian Folk Museum)

The Open Air Museum turned out to be a hidden gem that I can't recommend enough, easily one of my favorite parts of Oslo! If you enjoy the outdoors, quaint villages, old towns with history, this is the place for you. The Open Air Museum displays Norwegian rural & urban buildings from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century. Visit the Old Town, the countryside, the Setesdal farmstead, & Tip: Find the barn to see cows, pigs, chickens, & rabbits up close! 

Things to do in Oslo, Norway: National Gallery
Posing next to "The Scream" by Edvard Munch

Munch Museum

The Munch Museum (Munchmuseet) houses the work of Edvard Munch, a Norwegian painter. You might recognize his most famous piece, "The Scream." Munch was raised in Christiania, which is modern-day Oslo. "The Scream," however, isn't located at the Munch Museum; it's at the National Gallery. We had some trouble locating the museum as it was under construction due to a planned expansion of the museum. Upon his death, Munch donated over 1,000 paintings to the government & that's when the country built the Munch Museum.

National Gallery

Note: The National Gallery is closed until 2020 while they move to a new museum location.

The National Gallery (Nasjonalmuseet) in Oslo, Norway houses Edvard Munch's "The Scream" & "Madonna" as well as other notable Norwegian artists, such as J.C. Dahl, Thomas Fearnley, & Harald Sohlberg. Together The National Gallery & the Norwegian Museum of Architecture comprise the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design.

Fram Museum Oslo

The Fram Museum Oslo allows you to step aboard the original expedition ship!


Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art

The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern (Astrup Fearnley Museet) contains collections of contemporary art with a focus on acquiring pieces that push boundaries, & perhaps even comfort zones. The building design itself aims to welcome visitors to look out at the boats on the fjord. Some popular pieces included: "God Alone Knows" by Damien Hirst, "Michael Jackson" & "Bubbles" by Jeff Koons.

Oslo City Hall City Council
The brick exterior of the Oslo City Hall

Oslo City Hall

We walked by Oslo City Hall (Oslo rådhus) many times. You can't miss its big, beautiful, brick exterior. The City Hall is home to Oslo's administrative body as well as their City Council. Guided tours of City Hall are available all year long.

Ekebergparken Sculpture Park by Salvador Dalí Venus de Milo aux tiroirs, 1936.
Salvador Dalí's Venus de Milo aux tiroirs at Ekebergparken Sculpture Park

Ekebergparken Sculpture Park

Ekebergparken is essentially an outdoor art gallery with sculptures from Salvador Dalí, Auguste Rodin (I went to the Rodin Museum in Paris), Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Sean Henry, & other magnificent artists. You could spend hours here finding best things to do as you stroll through the woods & spot artwork along the way. Tip: Check out the spectacular views of Oslo during sunset; the city lights up at night. Bonus Tip: They host a free tour of the Skyspace on Sundays.

The Kon-Tiki Museum 

Located in the Bygdøy peninsula in Oslo, Norway, the Kon-Tiki Museum offers insight into Thor Heyerdahl, one of history’s most famous explorers. Head over to the Kon-Tiki Museum website for more information. Thor Heyerdahl was a Norwegian adventurer known for his Kon-Tiki expedition in 1947 where he sailed thousands of kilometers across the Pacific Ocean in a homemade raft.
Best things to do in Oslo, Norway - Oslo Opera House
The remarkable view from the roof of the Oslo Opera House


Opera House

The Oslo Opera House is home to the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet. Stay entertained with internationally acclaimed opera & ballet performers, or head to the roof for plays, concerts, & other events throughout the year. The architecture of the building is meant to be accessible & open. Tip: It's free to walk up the roof of the Opera House, so head there for an epic view. Add this freebie to your things to do in Oslo list! The best things in life are free!

King & Queen of Norway live at the Royal Palace in Oslo
The Oslo, Norway Royal Palace 

Royal Palace

Want to stand near royalty? Well, the King & Queen of Norway live right here at the Royal Palace in Oslo. A lot of royal meetings & official dinners take place here. Foreign heads of state don't stay at Airbnb, like me, they stay at the Palace! The Royal Palace is open to the public during the summer months, yet another experience I missed out on because I visited Oslo, Norway in November.

Things to do in Oslo, Norway bingo


Where to Stay in Oslo, Norway

I stayed in an Airbnb whilst in Oslo. I shared a room with my boyfriend, our Airbnb host, & his dog. We had an amazing experience. If you're interested in creating an Airbnb account, please use my *affiliate link* to receive a $30 credit toward your account.

I hope you get a chance to visit Oslo. There's much to explore, especially if you enjoy nature & museums. Public transport is easy to navigate. Norway's capital might be expensive for some, so keep that in mind. 
Got a question? Leave a comment & I will answer it.
Did I miss something? Comment your favorite things to do in Oslo, Norway.
Things to do in Oslo, Norway image for Pinterest

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Books by Modern Female Authors

Jane Austen, Virginia Woolf, Mary Shelley, Louisa May Alcott, Charlotte Brontë, Emily Brontë. These are among the best female authors of all time! They've been around for centuries. We've read them in school.  We know their names. But.....raise your hand if you're here to learn about modern female authors! Hell yeah, me too!

The dictionary definition of the word "modern" states: relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past; it's present-day, contemporary, present-time, present, current, twenty-first-century, recent.


Okay, so not your granny's favorite author. Not a classic female author. Not the best female author of the 19th century or even the 20th century. This is the 21st century, y'all. Bust out your library card or let's face it, just whip out your credit card to buy it off of Amazon. Ok, let's start reading some modern female authors!



* Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.


If you want to read something career, business, or success related...

Kate White is a bestselling author, professional speaker, & former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan.  She's magazine royalty! This modern female author is your go-to for career advice. The Gutsy Girl Handbook: Your Manifesto for Success has knowledge nuggets, strategies, & tips for women who want to make their own rules, advance their careers, & get the opportunities they deserve. It's a modern take on White's book from 1995, Why Good Girls Don't Get Ahead but Gutsy Girls Do.

If you're struggling with your identity or world view...

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is an award-winning author of Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun,  & Americanah. Half of a Yellow Sun is inspired by experiences of her parents during the Nigeria-Biafra war, while Americanah revolves around the realities of balancing the delicate mixture of a Nigerian & American life - the perfect read for anyone struggling with their identity, no matter where you live. As a Persian-American, this topic always resonates with me!

If you want to read something funny, satirical, or light-hearted...

Sarah Cooper's satirical book How to Be Successful without Hurting Men's Feelings aims to poke fun at business strategies for females. The book shares how women can succeed in their careers without harming the fragile male ego in the meantime. It's a great read if you're feeling especially bitter at your workplace. Sarah Cooper is hilarious.



If your mom died...

Read The Dead Moms Club: A Memoir about Death, Grief, and Surviving the Mother of All Losses by Kate Spencer. Someone asked me, "Is it sad? Or like supportive??" Of course, it isn't the most cheery of topics, but Spencer writes in a quippy, sassy, frank, & overall empowering way! Someone somewhere might benefit from this modern female author; I know it helped me.

One of my friends said, "Last time you talked about this book, I bought it. Not very far through it yet, but this year will be 10 years since my mom passed. I thought that it was an appropriate read this year! Thank you."

There are many modern female authors to choose from. Just take a moment to stop scrolling or watch someone's story to read, to live, to think for yourself. We absorb technology all day; when was the last time you absorbed the words of a book?

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click &/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or my social media platforms, I may make a commission from that click &/or purchase. It's at no additional cost to you. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
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Content and Blog Post Ideas

Blogging is tough, y'all. There's always a curveball or a challenge or a commitment or an obstacle to keep you on your toes. There are highs & lows. There are so many moving parts. Whether you want to reach new clients or increase your blog page views, it's easy to lose blogging inspiration & fall behind on your social media goals. It's hard to create successful blogs these days!

Sometimes you feel stuck or overwhelmed with how much you need to do. You ask yourself: "How can get there? How can I get unstuck when I feel stuck?"

Take 30 minutes to go through this exercise & by the end of it, you'll identify some creative blog topics you can start writing immediately. As a social media / blog coach, I go over this topic a lot with my clients. Let's get those blogging content inspiration juices flowing. Are you ready? My clients have successful blogs, brands, & social media channels.

Blogging coach, blog coach, blog inspiration

Step 1. Ask yourself: What excites & inspires me? 


Write it down. Grab a pen & paper. Type it on your phone or laptop. Time yourself for 5 minutes; time management is important. Write down words or phrases as they come to you, stream of consciousness style. Don't overthink it. Write it down, you can refine it later. Aim for 20.

EXAMPLE: 
1. Food
2. Travel
3. Nature
4. Craft beer
5. Netflix
6. Friends
7. Hot sauce 
8. Blogging 
9. Photography 
10. Dogs
11. Poetry
12. Journaling
13. Writing 
14. Reading magazines 
15. Learning
16. Earl Grey tea
17. Thrift shopping
18. Kombucha
19. Farmers markets
20. Meditating

Step 2. Expand!


You have your initial list of things that excite & inspire you. Now we're going to get more detailed about each blogging inspiration point. Go through each word or phrase you wrote down & expand on it. Every. Single. One. Of. Them. Aim to expand by 5. Again, stream of consciousness style. There's no right or wrong way to do this. You just want to get pen to paper. At the end of this step you should have a hodgepodge list of things that you're drawn to, captivated by, interested in, or simply enjoy.

EXAMPLE: 
1. Food ---> Vegetarian food. Persian food. Trying food from different cultures. Dark chocolate. Pickle chips.  

 2. Travel ---> Seeing new places. Learning about other cultures. Trying new food! Challenging myself (like that time I spent the night on a couch at London Gatwick Airport). 

 3. Nature ---> Botanical gardens. Nature walks. State parks or nature reserves. Seeing animals like butterflies, birds, rabbits, deer. Finding peace outside.

 4. Craft beer ---> San Diego craft beer breweries. Happy hour craft beer. Hazy IPAs. Tijuana tasting rooms

Step 3. Circle the words or phrases that you're especially interested in


Take a look at your list & circle words or phrases you're especially interested in. What calls to you? What are you truly inspired by? As a human being, what are your current interests? This exercise is an excellent way to get to know yourself (again) & find blogging inspiration content ideas.

Step 4. Ask yourself: How can I incorporate these topics on my blog? How can I incorporate these things into my daily life or even my work?


Time yourself for 5 minutes. Work from your circled list & ask yourself how you can incorporate the topics on your creative blog as well as how you can add them into your daily life. The more you expose yourself to things that excite & inspire you, the more likely you'll have plenty of blogging inspiration to give you content blog ideas. Identify your current likes & write about it. Always stream of consciousness style, it doesn't have to be fancy.

EXAMPLE: 
1. Persian food. 

 How can I incorporate this topic on my creative blog? ---> 
- Write about my childhood & growing up Persian
- Experiment with classic Persian Iranian recipes 
- Storytell about the Persian parts of my life: evening Farsi classes, celebrating Nowruz
- Talk about the joys of rose water


 How can I incorporate this topic into my daily life or even my work? ---> 
- Eat at local Persian restaurants in the San Diego area.
- Buy an Iranian cookbook to try new-to-me recipes.
- Practice Farsi on DuoLingo
- Check out a book on Persian poetry from the library

Complete this exercise in its entirety & you'll find blogging inspiration to give you creative blog topics & blog ideas for months to come. Never forget that success is a series of small wins, sometimes it's almost unnoticeable. Use your time wisely; read time management tips for bloggers for my best tips. As a blog coach, my clients with successful blogs ask for inspiration tips quite often.





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