Maya James

Wordsmithing is my MO. I’m Maya—cat lover, copywriter, and creative problem solver. I help brands shine with copy that’s clear, concise, and full of personality, with a pun or two thrown in for good measure.

The Cirkular •

Sipsters' Most Loved Flavors of 2024

We did it, Sipsters! Together, the Cirkul community spent a fantastic year spreading the joy of happy hydration and delicious flavors! Curious to know which flavor lines were the most loved? Sip back, relax, and keep reading to find out!
Gateway Tea®
This flavor line is your gateway back home, providing the down-home taste of iced tea with every refreshing sip. That’s why it’s no surprise that this beloved flavor line was the highest-rated last year! Gateway Raspberry Tea, Blackberry Tea, and Pe...
The Cirkular •

Don't "Fall" for Dehydration In Autumn!

It’s easy to see the dilemma—as the weather cools down and those summer days fade into cool nights, hydrating seems less of a priority. But guess what? Staying hydrated in cooler weather is just as crucial as on those summer scorchers! With Cirkul, delicious hydration is a breeze, making it as easy as ever to “leaf” dehydration behind! Here are a few perks of staying hydrated all year long!
Improved Brain Function
Never forget where you put your keys again! Ample water intake improves overall br...
The Cirkular •

Sipsters Asked For A Straw Option: Here It Is!

Get ready to elevate your hydration game with the 40oz. All-Day StrawSip Tumbler! 
This innovative tumbler has features that make every sip an adventure and ensure you stay hydrated all day. Let's dive into what makes this tumbler your new hydration buddy!  1. Innovative StrawSip™ Technology
You might be wondering, “What’s StrawSip technology?” It’s a game-changer! You can enjoy Cirkul Sip cartridges with a straw for the first time! Instead of tipping as you do with your Cirkul bottle, simply si...
The Cirkular •

Cirkul Is The Official Hydration Supplier of USA Swimming!

In a sport as demanding as swimming, reaching peak performance through ample hydration and electrolytes is vital. That’s why Cirkul is excited to announce its role as USA Swimming's Official Hydration Partner!
USA Swimming is the national governing body for swimming in the United States, and this partnership combines the fun of Cirkul’s fully customizable hydration system with the exciting and fast-paced nature of competitive swimming.
Cirkul is excited about the partnership, said Cirkul’s Co-fo...
The Cirkular •

Celebrate Citrus Season With Sips Worth Giving a Squeeze About

Have you heard? It’s early spring, and that means it’s citrus season! Citrus fruits are known for their bright flavor and juicy tanginess. Let’s take a look at Cirkul’s iconic lemonade brand!
Squeeze Lemonade launched in February of 2023 and has been Cirkul’s main squeeze ever since. Like the real deal, Squeeze Lemonade contains B vitamins and the vibrant, robust tang of citrus. Of course, the classic lemonade flavor mirrors your favorite childhood cup of lemony goodness, but the good times don’...
The Cirkular •

Bring Spring Cleaning to Your Diet and Hydration Routine

As temperatures start to rise, embracing the season’s renewal through spring cleaning means refreshing your home as well as your wellness routine! A great way to personally benefit from your springtime transformation is to improve your diet by eating better and drinking more water - and that’s where Cirkul comes in!
Cirkul provides a custom, convenient, and clean way to drink more water, completely guilt-free. Let’s face it: many beverages on the market simply aren’t healthy. Some contain high f...
The Cirkular •

Spend Your Spring Break With These Cirkul Products

Spring break has finally arrived, and vacations planned months ago are well underway! Drinking lots of water is more important than ever for a time notorious for being spent under the sun. Luckily, Cirkul has got you covered! Whether you’re hopping on a plane or having a hassle-free staycation, here are some quintessential Cirkul products that will make a splash on your vacation!  
1. Get Started with the Basics! 
Cirkul Bottle and Comfort-Grip Lid are the first things you need to enjoy your Cir...
The Cirkular •

Meet Wild Splash, Your Child's Hydration Hero

Let the first word you say to your child in the New Year be, “Yes!” with Wild Splash, the animal-themed brand that makes drinking water enjoyable for kids. After all, what is there to say “No” to? There’s no sugar or artificial colors, and stevia sweetens the deal even more.
Wild Splash is your child's hydration hero from the car, lunchbox, or school bag. There’s no mess involved: Pick a favorite flavor – We’re partial to Shark Strawberry! – Twist in the Sip, turn the flavor dial, and start sipp...

Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine

Central Florida Lifestyle •

How you can help: IDignity

In Downtown Orlando, there sits
an organization composed of a
team of volunteers, attorneys, and
staff members who are dedicated to
helping people change their lives. That
organization is called IDignity.
Based upon the concept of treating
all individuals with dignity, IDignity
is an organization that helps U.S.
citizens and legal residents obtain
identification such as birth records,
driver’s licenses, and social security
cards.
Communications Manager Ben
Jimenez says that IDignity is a big resource
for the homeless, with 56% of
their clients being homeless and 76%
being unemployed. According to the
Homeless Services Network, there are
6,315 people experiencing homelessness
in Central Florida.
Central Florida Lifestyle •

Unlocking the Secrets of Matcha: How Antioxidants Make It a Superfood

When soft, powdery matcha powder hits any beverage, it adds an earthy green tea flavor complemented by smooth milk and sugar. Matcha enthusiasts who appreciate unadulterated matcha in all its glory can even drink ceremonial grade matcha, a slightly more expensive matcha meant to be drunk as-is.

Originating from Japan, matcha is high on the list for summertime beverages especially as people have begun to drink it cold. With cafes flocking to stock unique cold matcha drinks like iced matcha latte
Central Florida Lifestyle •

Revamp your Closet and Limit Textile Waste by Upcycling

‘Reduce, reuse and recycle’ has been a mantra used to describe the process of disposing of garbage in an environmentally conscious way, but what if you were told that the same process applies to clothing?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, textile waste accounts for a little over 5% of landfill space. Upcycling, or the process of transforming an old item that would otherwise end up in a landfill into something new is the perfect way to revamp outdated clothing into a brand new, f
Central Florida Lifestyle •

How to Master the Art of the Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards, named after French charcuteries or butcher shops where cold cooked meats are prepared and sold, serve as an upscale appetizer or even a tasty hors d’oeuvre. While they may seem daunting due to the seemingly endless combinations of meats and cheeses, they’re incredibly simple to master.

Start with breaking down the process into steps – what do you want on your charcuterie board? Do you want to have a plethora of fruits, cheeses, and vegetables with a small portion of meat? Do
Central Florida Lifestyle •

Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando:Rising from the Ashes

Meet the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, one of the region’s oldest and largest nonprofit animal welfare agencies serving Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and parts of Brevard, Lake and Volusia counties.

Founded in 1937 as the Orlando Humane Society, the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando has blossomed into a community staple that has allowed approximately 60,000 people to find their forever pet, and currently operates with 55 employees and around 400 volunteers.

Late last year, in September, a fire c
Central Florida Lifestyle •

A Close Look into IDignity

In Downtown Orlando, there sits an organization composed of a team of volunteers, attorneys, and staff members who are dedicated to helping people change their lives. That organization is called IDignity.

Based upon the concept of treating all individuals with dignity, IDignity is an organization that helps U.S. citizens and legal residents obtain identification such as birth records, driver’s licenses, and social security cards.

Communications Manager Ben Jimenez says that IDignity is a big r
Central Florida Lifestyle •

Orlando Dominates OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants

Local food aficionados will be delighted to hear that three of Orlando’s very own restaurants Bites & Bubbles, Orlando’s Eddie V’s, and The Boathouse were featured in OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants list. Why is this a big deal? Well, according to the folks at OpenTable, the reviews of over 10.5 million verified OpenTable foodies across America are analyzed to determine the list.

First up is Bites & Bubbles the restaurant, which features a fine selection of luxurious wines and gourmet cheeses,
Orlando Weekly •

Watch a short doc about Florida humanitarian Gloria Lewis' quest to treat all homeless people with dignity

Los Angeles filmmaker Tony Montana has directed a documentary about Gloria Lewis, a Black humanitarian who has committed to helping the homeless in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Hailing from Barbados, Lewis arrived in the U.S. in 1987 in search of a chance to grab hold of the American prosperity she had grown up watching on television. In her words, the United States seemed like "the land of milk and honey" in comparison to the poverty she had been experiencing on her island.

When she made Fort La
Orlando Weekly •

Iconic vintage Orlando porcelain sign preserved by Dominos Pizza under with red vinyl

The new Domino's that popped up on E. Colonial Drive isn't quite like any other – it holds a little nugget of Orlando history, a retro sign that has stood in place for almost 65 years.The historic sign attached to the building donning the bold lettering of "Porter Paints" on a dynamic orange and beige background is now covered with red vinyl.As the new owner of the building, Domino's requested last year for the sign to be removed from the landmark sign program, which grants it protection since 1
Orlando Weekly •

U.S. Rep. Val Demings vows support for presidential candidate Joe Biden

U.S. Rep. Val Demings, known for serving Florida's 10th Congressional District, publicly endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden in his bid for the presidency on Thursday.Demings, who is part of the Congressional Black Caucus, Women’s Caucus, and New Democratic Caucus, appeared on CNN and voiced her support for the former VP."If we look at the records, if we look at what Vice President Biden has done, he has walked the walk and not just talked the talk," said Demings.Demings' endorsement comes
Orlando Weekly •

Orlando's Black community is invited to a peer support event destigmatizing mental health struggles

Various organizations in the Orlando community are rallying together in an effort to promote mental health within the Black community through the first Black Mental Health Matters Movement on Thursday, March 5.There will be a dinner at no cost and a panel event featuring mental health professionals and people sharing their lived personal experience of mental health struggles.The Black Health Matters Movement prioritizes demystifying mental illness in the Black community and provides outreach for
Orlando Weekly •

Orlando is UNHhhhlando on Wednesday, when Trixie Mattel comes to the Plaza Live

Orlando is UNHhhhlando on Wednesday, when Trixie Mattel comes to the Plaza Live Trixie Mattel is the quintessential larger-than-life modern American drag queen and the creation of Brian Michael Firkus, who has been performing drag since 2008. The champion of the third season of hit show RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Mattel and her giant bouffant of blonde hair and dramatic black eye makeup were visually unforgettable. Mattel isn’t a one-trick pony, either. She’s a singer-songwriter – with a new
Orlando Weekly •

Eatonville's DaJen Eats keeps hauling forward, with food truck debut on Tuesday night

Chef Jenn Ross of DaJen Eats & Creamery has been serving up Jamaican-inspired classics since 2017, first out of a Citgo gas station on North Orange Blossom Trail and then at her Eatonville eatery starting in 2018. Now she's bringing her all-vegan meals to the masses, with a new food truck debuting at Tuesday's Tasty Takeover.Born in Jamaica, Ross, whose first name is short for Jenneil, is known for her eclectic spin on vegan food, incorporating what she calls a "Jamaican flair." We've written a
Orlando Weekly •

Dochi and RoyalTea join the East End Market in Audubon Park

Dochi and RoyalTea join the East End Market in Audubon Park Orlando foodies will be delighted to hear that Dochi and RoyalTea are teaming up to take residence on the second floor of East End Market.

And soon to join Dochi upstairs at East End, the teahouse masters at RoyalTea brew up exciting beverages such as fresh fruit tea (made with pureed fruit), cheese mousse tea (tea topped with thick whipped cream cheese), traditional bubble tea, matcha and coffees.
Orlando Weekly •

Take a look at Florida's natural beauty at the annual Orlando Wetlands Festival

Take a look at Florida's natural beauty at the annual Orlando Wetlands Festival The City of Orlando is allowing Orlando residents to dive deep into the natural beauty of Orlando’s wetlands by getting up close and personal with native wildlife. At the Orlando Wetlands Festival, guests will find lots of fun for the whole family while learning about the essential efforts to protect Florida’s ecological and water resources. There’s a little something for everyone: a bounce house for children, local
Orlando Weekly •

Winter Park's La Hacienda expands into building next door, adds full restaurant and liquor bar

After eight months of preparation to create a restaurant and market combo, Mexican taqueria La Hacienda has expanded into the space next door.Formerly just a supermarket serving fresh food from the counter within, La Hacienda's bright and shiny expansion adds a full-service restaurant next door with a liquor bar. La Hacienda now has a seating capacity of 150 customers.Manager Ana Garcia was able to confirm that the expansion was a long time coming. Heavy customer demand and limited kitchen space
Orlando Weekly •

Grand opening of new Orlando airport 7-Eleven might be a lame Valentine's date, but it could save lives

Looking for aValentine's Eve date?On Thursday, Feb. 13, Orlando will get its latest 7-Eleven, when another one opens up at the Orlando International Airport's South Cell Phone Lot. It will be their 4,365,386,208th store in Central Florida.At the grand opening party, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be product raffles and giveaways, alongside a NASCAR racing simulator. Classic 7-Eleven cuisine like Big Bite hot dogs and pizza slices will be sold for $1, and small Slurpees, medium coffees, and B
Orlando Weekly •

'It was a shock to everybody,' says Lucky's Market manager

In light of grocery giant Kroger announcing their divestment from the Lucky's Market chain – and Monday's announcement that Earth Fare will be closing completely – supermarket employees in Orlando have been left reeling from the impending loss of their jobs.spoke to a Lucky's store manager in the Orlando area who expressed her love for the chain, and disappointment that the doors will soon be closing. To her, the biggest source of her dismay was seeing all of her and her colleagues' hard work se
Orlando Weekly •

Orlando Shakes production of 'The Three Musketeers' opens this week

Orlando Shakes production of 'The Three Musketeers' opens this week Revisit the tale of adventurer D’Artagnan and his gang of fellow fighters in the Orlando Shakes adaptation of the French classic The Three Musketeers. Splendid sword fights between the band of swashbucklers and the villainous Cardinal Richelieu are sure to accelerate the heart rate of all those in attendance. Producing artistic director Richard Rose is responsible for bringing this witty adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ handspun s
Orlando Weekly •

Peer Support Space in Kissimmee to offer a 'Respite' from life's hardships on Saturday

Nonprofit mental health advocacy group Peer Support Space will be launching the first-ever Peer Respite in Central Florida on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will also mark the organization's first anniversary.As "respite" is defined as a break from hardship, the Peer Respite is just that. Described by Peer Support Space executive director Yasmin Flasterstein as a "welcoming space" in the community for individuals living with mental health challenges, the Peer Respite is design
Orlando Weekly •

Fashion and compassion collide at Orlando's annual Trash 2 Trends gala

Local artists are bringing a new meaning to “reduce, reuse and recycle” with Trash 2 Trends, the exuberant fashion show curated from the upcycled clothing of Orlando residents. Mixing sustainability with ingenuity, this event of recycled fashion is hosted by Keep Orlando Beautiful with the aim of raising money for local environmental initiatives. Each ticket’s proceeds go from your pocket right back into the community toward recycling initiatives, city beautification and green spaces. If you wan
Orlando Weekly •

Despite bankruptcy proceedings, Orlando's Bar Louie locations plan to stay open

Bar Louie may have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but fear not; all four Orlando locations, including the popular UCF spot, are staying open.In an effort to "reorganize their assets," Bar Louie closed 38 underperforming locations nationwide and announced on Monday that they would be selling the chain to its lenders. However, Bar Louie fans may be relieved to hear that the company will continue to operate more than 90 locations across the U.S. "in the normal course of business."We called all fo
Orlando Weekly •

'Out of the Darkness' Orlando walk aims to create community and prevent suicide

The Central Florida chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will host their 13th annual Out of the Darkness Community Walks for suicide awareness on Saturday, Feb. 1.The 2.6-mile scenic walk around Lake Baldwin will serve as a fundraiser fueled by Facebook backers, sponsors, and direct donations to AFSP. Over 83 cents of every dollar raised through the walk is invested towards suicide research, education, and advocacy for those affected by suicide. As of Jan. 26, the walk has r
Orlando Weekly •

Enormous inflatable poop descends upon Lake Eola Park

A giant poo has plopped down right in the middle of Lake Eola Park.Inflatable poo, that is. It's a marketing stunt by the poop-positive toilet spray brand Poo-pourri. They're promoting their product by encouraging customers to, um, let go – both physically and mentally – with their "Let That Sh*t Go" event, taking place 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.As part of their "Giant Poo Tour" (no, I'm not making that up), Poo-pourri has been proudly setting up giant inflatable poop piles al
Orlando Weekly •

SeaWorld reveals the lineup of its Seven Seas Food Festival, and crickets are on the menu

uests can send their tastebuds on a journey

SeaWorld's Seven Seas Food Festival is making a return Feb. 7 through May 3, along with a new music lineup and a few new menu options. GAsian, Latin, European, Polynesian and North Atlantic flavors for the third year in a row. But it's the first time that guests can wine and dine at the festival on Fridays, not just Saturdays and Sundays.The international offerings will be served at stations throughout the park . Expect to see scrumptious fan favorite
Orlando Weekly •

Cast of Disney's 'Aladdin' perform special benefit cabaret at downtown Orlando's the Abbey

Cast of Disney's 'Aladdin' perform special benefit cabaret at downtown Orlando's the Abbey Emerging fresh from the mind of Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw, Disney’s Aladdin comes to the Dr. Phillips Center this week. But the cast is also offering a fresh cabaret spin by presenting “Songs From a Whole New World” for a good cause. By teaming up with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, company members are breathing new life into Broadway hits and original works while gen
Orlando Weekly •

Pizza Bruno will finally expand its Curry Ford location

After releasing the news that their long-awaited Mills 50 location would unfortunately not be opening last September, Pizza Bruno has another restaurant expansion in the works.Instead of finding another location to serve pizzas, Pizza Bruno will be expanding into the space right beside its 3990 Curry Ford Road location, as confirmed by restaurant owner Bruno Zacchini III."We have tossed around a few ideas from a takeout-specific space to just adding more in-house seats, a walk-in, and potentiall
Orlando Weekly •

This week's SpaceX launch in Cape Canaveral could have larger significance for Central Florida

Elon Musk's aerospace manufacturer, SpaceX, successfully launched 60 non-reflective internet satellites late Monday evening from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.Unlike previous reflective satellites, the latest space-bound devices are clad in a new dark coating, so as not to disrupt astronomers and stargazers from viewing the stars.It was their first official launch for the Space Force, the new sixth branch of the U.S. military, which is bringing new opportunities to the people and economies of

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