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Five Easy Ways to Free Your Mind and Body of Stress

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Life hacks to rest your mind and revive your soul

Do I live to work, or work to live? That is the question I always ask myself, as I rinse and repeat every day.  As a multi-tasking mom, I go to work, come home, make dinner, clean dishes, and then try to spend a little quality time with my son before we go to sleep.  Then, I get up the next morning to do it all over again.

Of course, daily life is not as simple as washing your hair. Every day brings new stressors and responsibilities. Our technologically advanced society invented devices that were supposed to make life easier through automation, but technology only made life more complicated and added a new level of anxiety. Addiction to our cell phones gives us little time to rest and forget about work or the pressures of the outside world. Information overload from the Internet makes us feel inadequate that we can’t possibly know enough. Which begs the question, enough for what?

I don’t have to look at my Fitbit to know when my body is overworked and under-rested.  If I listen to my body, it tells me what I need to do. If I ignore the warnings, my condition gets worse. My mind doesn’t work right. I can’t think of names of people or words for things, like “groceries,” i.e., “Help me unload the … bags of food from the store.”

This is my proverbial wake-up alarm. When momentary amnesia strikes, it’s time to take action; or rather … it’s time for inaction. 

As a full-time working single mom, it’s easier said than done when it comes to rest and relaxation. Here are a few de-stress hacks I have found that put me back on track and get my brain back to thinking sharp again.

Eat clean – Sugar may seem like a quick pick-me-up, but after the instant sugar rush, the brain fog and anxiety worsens. Try having a donut and then try to concentrate on a technical task, and you will see your focus depreciate within minutes. Snacks like cherry tomatoes, snap peas, carrot and celery sticks, and apple slices may not seem as satisfying as a chocolate cake, but as my formerly bulimic friend used to say to me, “Nothing tastes as good as abstinence feels.”

Get a massage – In the movie “Midnight in Paris” Rachel McAdams’s spoiled character got lots of laughs when she bemoaned that after a day at the spa she was, “exhausted from the massage.” Funny, but it’s true.  A massage can relax your mind and body like nothing else, and nothing is better after a massage than a nap. Make your massage experience totally destressing with Soothe, which is an in-home massage therapy service, like the Uber of massage, where you can order up a massage in the comfort of your own home, and you don’t have to worry about dozing off driving home.

Meditate – My favorite spiritual teacher, the late Dr. Wayne Dyer, said of meditation, that it is “the almost unfathomable power to enter the gap between our thoughts, where we can commune silently with God and bring to life the same creativity that we see in the world of nature — of which we’re an integral component.” While mediation can be elusive with the distractions of life, find even five or 10 minutes a day to practice this calming and centering inactivity, which can rejuvenate not just the body and mind but the spirit.

Unplug – Our phones are the devil. Sometimes anyway. Our addiction to them can be pernicious. A friend told me how he had to put an “i,” as in “i”Phone in front of nouns to get his son to look up from his tablet and look out the car window, i.e., “Hey, look at the iOcean, and those iPalm trees.” Adults are not immune either. I have a cartoon on my fridge of a woman calling to her spouse, “I’ll come to bed as soon as I finish reading the Internet.” I’ve been there.  When you feel like you are behind on work and need to check email and Slack, or see what you’ve missed on Facebook, the irony is that when you start staring at your phone to try to catch up and relieve your FOMO, your anxiety goes up, not down, and the blue light stimulates your brain so you can’t sleep. To truly tune out and turn off, power down and pay attention to real life. Try a twist on Throwback Thursdays, when no screens are allowed, and watch your stress level decrease, and your quality family time expanding.

Go Outdoors – The constant hum of machines around us has become so much a part of our environment that when the power goes out, the silence is almost eerie. We don’t even notice that the noise and vibration of technology and glare of artificial light all around us indoors is creating an atmosphere of constant activity, friction and stress. Get outside and breathe in natural air, no matter the weather. Take a short walk in nature at least once a week if you can. Sit on a park bench and watch the birds. Stand barefoot in the grass and get grounded. Connecting with nature is one of the surest ways to chase away stress, as you experience the feeling of belonging to something much greater than our man-made world.

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BeautyLifestyle

Beauty for the next decade

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Bring your beautiful self into focus in 2020 with beauty products that bring out your best

Naturally beautiful

Saje Natural Wellness formulates 100-percent natural products that tap into the power of plants to heal and promote wellness. For glowing, healthy skin, the ultra-rich Sweet Dreams ($48) nighttime moisturizer rejuvenates skin with a penetrating mixture of plant extracts ideal for dry or mature skin. For a daily regimen of luxury care for hands, Liquid Sunshine Hand Soap (8.5 oz., $12) is a symphony of citrus that gently cleanses and moisturizes hands with a stimulating mood-elevating fragrance; and Healing Hands Lotion (8.1 oz., $26) treats working hands to light but long-lasting emollients that absorb into skin for a non-greasy softness.

Protein Power

Quinoaplex R3 Rapid Hair Renewal Formula (50 ML/1.7 fl. Oz, $29.99) regenerates hair by infusing it with protein. Simply spray the formula and massage it into all hair types, and this powerful elixir bonds to hair, restores keratin, prevents breakage and repairs damage due to daily exposure to sun, chlorine, coloring, chemical treatments, and over styling. After a single treatment, hair is visibly glossier, stronger and manageable. Use it before coloring to prolong color retention and vibrancy. Made with certified organic ingredients including quinoa protein and aloe vera, and free from silicone, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, DEA, and aldehydes.

Blonde beauty

For luxuriously blonde hair, Tony Odisho Ostia Collection Blonde Shampoo (8 oz., $24) will eliminate brassy color by depositing violet pigment that knocks out dullness and neutralizes yellow tones, leaving blonde hair cool and sleek. Ideal for blonde and grey hair.

Like oil and water

Au naturel beauty is the look and feel of the ODE Skincare collection. With a philosophy that Olive Oil Does Everything, ODE products are infused with the green gold goodness of certified organic olive oil, full of polyphenol antioxidants and naturally-occurring squalene, blended with plant-based essential oils, fruit oils, fruit seed oils, and plant extracts, in formulas designed to cleanse, hydrate, and moisturize the face or dewy, glowing skin. The line is comprised of the Olive Water Face & Eye Cleanser ($36); Oasis Hydrating Tonic ($38); Olive & Citrus Daily Moisturizer ($54); Olive Creambalm Intensive Moisturizer ($60); and Orchard Alchemy Antioxidant Face Oil ($65).

Soothe me

It has been said that when you look good, you feel good. It can also be said when you feel good, you look good. So treat yourself to a sensational massage from Soothe, the Uber of massage therapists. With the tap of an app, you can order up a massage, and in about 60 minutes, a therapist with a mobile massage table, sheets, lotions, oils and music will show up on your doorstep. Add in some Soothe bath salts (3-pack, $30) to make the experience complete. Fees vary based on level of therapist experience and service.

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Gifts

Holiday gifts for everyone on your list

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These terrific Christmas gifts under your tree are sure to bring joy to all ages

It ain’t heavy, it’s my blanket

Give the sleepyhead on your list a sound night of slumber with the latest trend in sleep – a weighted  Tranquility blanket. This affordable weighted blanket, available at retailers such as Walmart, uses deep touch pressure to help promote calm and comfortable slumber. Available in weights from 12lbs to 20lbs, $49.98 to $64.97.

Brush up

Giving a personal care item for a gift can be tricky, especially if the recipient didn’t specifically ask for that cellulite eliminator, but you can’t go wrong with the BESTEK M-Care Electric Toothbrush ($49.99). This FDA-certified high-tech dental cleaning instrument features wireless charging and vibrates up to 31000 times per minute to remove gum plaque from teeth gently and fast, and it comes with a two-in-one travel case and charger.

That’s the rub

There’s only one thing better than a massage; a massage in your own home.  Soothe, the Uber of traveling massage therapists, will send a pair of strong hands with a mobile massage table, sheets, lotions, oils and music to your doorstep in 60 minutes with the tap of an app. Indulge someone special on your gift list with a Soothe gift card, and throw in some Soothe bath salts (3-pack, $30) to make the experience complete. Fees vary based on level of therapist experience and service. Not available in all areas.

Do you hear what I hear?

Audiophiles will tune in and turn on with the Mixcder E7 active noise cancelling Bluetooth 5.0 headphones ($39.99-$59.99), featuring deep bass and a built-in microphone. Normally costing hundreds of dollars, these technologically advanced headphones charge up in minutes for three hours of playtime, delivering premium HD sound for a price that will be music to your ears. Available in Sunset Orange, Mint Green and Black.

Helmet head

Those who cycle together stick together, and now they can hear each other, with Sena’s R1 Smart Cycling helmet ($129). This technologically advanced yet easy-to-use protective headgear features built-in speakers and a microphone, allowing bikers to listen and communicate on the road, up to four riders, using group intercom. Whether riding for fun or training for the big race, this helmet offers comfort and security that will put a rider at ease, and maybe even in the lead. Available in Electric Tangerine, Ice Blue and Black Onyx.

Warm home, warm heart

Make the homebody on your list feel cozier and smarter this season, with a Honeywell T9 Thermostat ($199). This sleek connected device uses Smart Room Sensors to save energy by detecting motion and adjusting HVAC settings to avoid heating and cooling vacant rooms. It can be controlled using a customizable touch screen or the Honeywell Home app, which can be programmed to learn schedules and establish geofencing, so that the temperature is just right by the time you arrive home.  

Like oil and water

If au naturel is a look and feel the lady on your list favors, she will love ODE Skincare collection. With a philosophy that Olive Oil Does Everything, ODE products are infused with the green gold goodness of certified organic olive oil, full of polyphenol antioxidants and naturally-occurring squalene, blended with plant-based essential oils, fruit oils, fruit seed oils, and plant extracts, in formulas designed to cleanse, hydrate, and moisturize the face or dewy, glowing skin. The line is comprised of the Olive Water Face & Eye Cleanser ($36); Oasis Hydrating Tonic ($38); Olive & Citrus Daily Moisturizer ($54); Olive Creambalm Intensive Moisturizer ($60); and Orchard Alchemy Antioxidant Face Oil ($65).

Sock it to me

If anyone on your gift list has a fetish for performance socks with cool designs and styles, they’ll love Runderwear ($15-$20) the front runner in this hot new category of sports gear. The line features a range of unisex double layer anti-blister socks that will give even the hardest core runner comfort for miles and knock their you-know-whats-off.

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The ultimate Mother’s Day gift guide for every kind of mom

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Moms who love adventure, tech, fashion or beauty will love these awesome Mother’s Day gifts

Full Steam a-dress

Whether it’s a big day at work, date night with Dad, or off for a vacay, Mom always wants to look her dapper best. The lightweight JOY 900-Watt Supreme Steam Go Mini Steamer ($19.95 at HSN.com) makes it easy to remove wrinkles from her shirts, slacks and dresses, at home or wherever she goes. The included zippered bag is perfect for storing it in a closet, car or suitcase.

Foot forward

Start off Mom’s day with positive vibes, from head to toe, starting with her feet.  Notes To Self socks are emblazed with affirming messages like, “I am a Great Mom,” and, “I am Amazing,” and the special Mom gift set ($32.98 for 2 pairs) comes in a pink heart-shaped gift box tied with a satin ribbon.  The ankle-height athletic socks are high-quality cotton-blend with a reinforced soft cuff, breathable mesh top and extra cushioning arch support.

She’s in charge

Mom’s smartphone is her lifeline for work, coordinating kids’ activities, shopping, staying in touch on social media, and everything else she does, so help her keep it charged and ready with the MagicMount Pro Home/Office ($69.99, scosche.com). This stylish stand and wireless magnetic charger mounts at home or the office on a desk or other surface with a stickGRIP suction base and uses Qi wireless charging technology, ideal for the new iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X, so Mom never has to search for and fumble with charger cables. It also features a Optional Apple Watch® Charging Mount that works with lightning charging cable.

A bed for all seasons

Let Mom sleep in on her special day, snuggled in a luxurious Bedgear ensemble. Bedgear Performance Pillows ($99.99 – $199.99) are dreamy clouds of comfort that can be individually personalized for different sleeping positions and body types using a Pillow ID app. Close to her skin, Mom will relish the cool, silky sensation of Ver-Tex Performance Sheets (starting at $299.99), made of a hi-tech quick-dry fabric blend that regulates temperature on the sleeping surface. 

 

To complete Mom’s performance sleeping ensemble,  top it off with a Ver-Tex Medium Warmth Climacore Blanket ($299.99), a cool-to-the-touch, all-season top layer that promotes air flow and dissipates body heat, keeping mom cozy and cool all night long.

See Jane run

Mom works hard, and works out hard, so get her performance exercise apparel that can keep up with her. Endeavor Athletic’s premier women’s Run Short ($58) feature a handy pocket, four-way-stretch fabric panels, moisture wicking technology, and built-in micro-mesh briefs that eliminate the need for an under layer and allow for free movement. Whether she’s training for a quick 5k or an ultra-marathon, these women’s running shorts will help her perform her best.

Get dressed

One dress cannot be everything for everyone, or can it? In the Nuu-Muu ($78-$88), Mom will be suited up for just about anything she’s game for. This flattering and functional slip-on dress comes in an assortment of styles that fit a variety of body types, and its comfortable stretch fabric will keep Mom comfortable no matter what’s she’s doing, from shopping and lunching, to exercise or a walk on the beach. With so many patterns, Mom could have a closet full of these versatile jumpers and wear a different one every day of the month; and if the weather is too chilly for going sleeveless, she can always pull over a Nuu-Muu layering Tee ($62) for warmth that exudes coolness.

 

 

Sleeping in luxury

For the traveling mom, give her a luxury sleep experience on the road, with a Brave Era Travel Sheet. This compact and light-weight, machine-washable 100-percent mulberry silk bed liner folds as compact as an iPhone to fit into a small suitcase or even a purse. Mom can carry it along on her adventures and sleep comfortably, whether she is in a hotel room or on a cot at the airport, knowing that the layer of fabric between her and her sleeping surface is clean and fresh. Moms’ Day sale priced at $79.99.

Good hair day

When Mom hits the road, she can bring her own salon with her, with the HSI Professional Travel Styling Kit ($79.99). It includes a Glider Mini flat iron, Groover Mini curling iron, and Dryonizer Mini blowdryer and two airflow nozzles and a hairstyling clip. With all these accoutrements, mom can have straight hair during the day and fun curls that night and rock any look for her vacation photos.

 

 

Glam ma’am

One mom who has been rockin’ it for four decades as a professional model, and making it look easy, Christie Brinkley, graciously has made her own collection of cosmetics available to make women of all ages look great, without a lot of fuss. As an encore to her line of skincare products, Christie Brinkley Authentic Beauty provides high-quality yet affordable beauty basics in wearable shades that streamline every beauty routine. Perfect for Mother’s Day, the packaging is a feminine and elegant reflective rose gold that will even make mom’s vanity counter look lovely. From $14 to $49.

She wears the pants

Outdoorsy moms can ditch their fancy pants and slip on some comfortable yet rugged Mountain Khakis Teton Crest pants ($79.95). Made for a life lived untucked, these durable pants for adventurers are guaranteed to fit. With styling for fit and function, mom will be ready for whatever the great outdoors can throw at her, and she will look good doing it.

Wonder water

mom likes to stay hydrated for good health, but sometimes water can just be boring, unless she has Cirkul. This cool new concept in flavored water includes a special dispenser bottle with a lid featuring a flavor cartridge. Mom can dial up the intensity of flavor she wants, or she can drink the water straight up, to suit her taste. The cartridges come delivered each month to her doorstep through a subscription program, with a pack of new flavors each month. Because the bottle is reusable, mom can be proud to do her part to save the planet and eschewing disposable plastic bottles. $27 for 8 cartridges per month.

Accessory to style

If mom loves to decorate and surround herself with beautiful things, accessories her with fashionable and functional décor items like a Mermaid Blue Chenille Throw Blanket ($20.99) that she can cuddle up with on the couch watching her favorite show, or a Eucalyptus Leaves Cobblestone Candle ($9.99) she can light up to relax with some mood lighting and aromatherapy. Dress up her dresser with a 2-Tier Jewelry Stand ($14.99) that displays her bobbles and adds a little bling to her décor. All from Kirkland’s

Pretty in pink

She loves her hair to look fabulous, even in high humidity, and with hot-pink-packaged Color Correct Frizz Control system, Mom can smooth her locks and look lovely and smoldering all summer long. CrazySmooth Anti-Frizz Shampoo ($39.00) features a 100-percent vegan proprietary blend of exclusive oils including Camellia Oil from Japan and Abyssinian Oil from Africa, with seaweed and shea butter, to instantly smooth unruly frizz. CrazySmooth Anti-Frizz Condition ($39.00) leaves hair vibrant, glossy, and smooth-as-silk while nourishing, detangling and defending hair with color and heat protection. CrazySmooth Anti-Frizz Treatment Masque ($48.00) mends and deeply moisturizes hair with a blend including soybean lipids, seaweed and shea butter, making hair instantly looks up to 10 years younger. RadicallySmooth Anti-Frizz Serum ($28.00) instantly smoothes for long-lasting, frizz-free style with full spectrum UVA/UVB color and heat protection. Available at ColorProof.com.

Well rounded

Give Mom the tools for success, starting with her hair brush. The Ostia Collection’s Round Copper Brush ($24-28) is has a pure copper core that retains and distributes heat evenly for a smoother and healthier finish to Mom’s style. The extra-long Tourmaline bristles and boar strip work together to create the perfect tension for styling. For a static-free styling, she can spray on Ostia Collection 3-in-1 Mist ($18) that smooths and adds shine while hydrating heat-styled hair.

She brings home the bacon, and fries it up in …

The kitchen is Mom’s domain, so give her cookware worthy of her Highness, with the Swiss Diamond XD Nonstick Cookware collection, dubbed the Rolls Royce of cookware.  The XD-double-coated Swiss Diamond Fry Pan Duo ($189.95) features a 9.5-inch and 11-inch frying pans that make the perfect pair for everyday cooking, from a succulent steak to a simple cheese omelet. The extra-thick, cast aluminum body and PFOA-free XD coating, reinforced with real diamonds and a rivet-free cooking surface, offer years of trouble-free cooking, maximum protection against bacteria build up and easy clean-up. The ergonomic handles are designed to fit comfortably in Mom’s hands and are engineered to stay cool on the stovetop. Additionally, both pans are oven safe up to 500°F (260°C).

Out in style

Active Moms need performance clothes that can keep up with them. Whether she’s out shopping or relaxing round the campfire, Craghoppers has an outfit for that, like Insect Shield Luna Tights ($48), the agile travel and adventure leggings that freedom of movement, while providing UPF 50+ sun protection and InsectShield insect-repellent fabric coverage from waist to ankle; or the all-purpose classic Kiwi Long-Sleeve Shirt ($36), a easy wash-and-wear quick-dry poly-cotton shirt with UPF 40+, and NosiDefence insect bite-proof construction to keep off the skeeters and other bugs on the trail.

Wired for sound

Tech savvy audiophile moms love themselves some wireless earbuds, but tangled lines or low- or dead-batteries are a bummer.  With myCharge’s PowerGear Sound ($24.99) Mom will always be charged up and ready to listen to her favorite music or podcast for her daily workout, traveling and anytime she needs to turn on and tune out. This portable protective charging earbud case supplies up to 14x extra battery life and is compatible with Powerbeats 2, Powerbeats 3 and most other Bluetooth earbuds.

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A beautiful new you for the New Year

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Look your best for the holiday season and year-round with these beauty boosters

Lash out

LashControl Squeeze mascara ($18) is the only mascara with squeeze control, featuring a patented tube that dispenses precisely as much mascara as you need on your brush every time you use it. You simply pinch the tube as you pull the brush out, and access formula stays in the cylinder. LashControl mascaras are formulated with botanicals and a beeswax base to keep lashes hydrated and conditioned, with formulas to promote lengthening and volumizing, and a clearcoat that can be used as a topcoat or a brow fix for a perfect finish. Available at www.lashcontrol.com.

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Smart blonde

Look your blondest best for the holidays and year-round with Tony Odisho Ostia Collection Beautiful Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner. This deep purple formula deposits violet color on locks to highlight natural and colored blonde sheen and knocks out dullness.  Also great for grey hair. $24 for two 8 oz. bottles.

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Raise the dry bar

The Dryonizer 5500 Pink ($109) from HSI Professional is a salon quality hairdryer to-dry-for. This powerhouse of a beauty appliance has an adjustable thermostat and three heat levels to prevent hair damage from excess heat. It also features speed settings for quick drying or a lower speed for styling, for salon looks you can achieve at home.

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Exotic beauty

Keprea skincare line, developed from rare botanicals harvested in North Africa, features patented anti-inflammatory and antiaging ingredients that nourish and transform skin and protect against environmental stresses. The Keprea Multi-Active Crème Day ($69.95) is a lightweight intensely nursing moisturizer that protects and repairs skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines to give skin a smooth and healthy appearance. Keprea Multi-Active Creme Night ($89.95) it is a rich and luxuriously hydrating night treatment that renews, restores and repairs skin by infusing hydration and nourishment overnight to improve skin clarity and texture.

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Note-able looks

When you want make-up that will transform you from drab to dazzle, but you don’t want to break the bank, take Note. The wallet-friendly Note Cosmetics collection features rich-pigment shades in ultra-fine milled powders that are blendable, smooth and long wearing. Developed by leading European chemists, the formulas are infused with globally sourced botanical ingredients enriched with essential oils and vitamins, Paraben-free and never tested on animals. The holiday Shimmer and Shine gift set ($25) includes three Note best sellers: Terracotta Powder in Stardust, Eyeshadow Pencil in Pearl Beige and Long Wearing Lipgloss in Honeylove.

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Wrinkles away

The trusted name in anti-aging, StriVectin, can help you fend off Old Man Time with its high-performance skincare and haircare solutions powered by science. At the center of every formula is patented, proprietary NIA-114 technology that supercharges StriVectin products, all invented by skin scientists using a body of knowledge gathered in 35 years of research. SD Advanced Intensive Concentrate ($79, 4.7 ounce) is one of the line’s toughest wrinkle fighters, promising to reduce the look of wrinkles in just 15 days, getting you looking good just in time for party season.

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Beauty productsEat & DrinkLifestyleOutdoorsShoppingTravel

10 must-haves for end-of-summer

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Last-days-of summer essentials that will make the fun last

 

A hot Indian summer can last for weeks, or longer, after Labor Day, so don’t give up yet on fun in the sun. For summer’s last hurrah, do it right with these are six essentials for entertaining and enjoying the outdoors. Gear up and get outside, while you can.

Beach head

Let your groovy self go, with Violet Love chic headbands ($17 and up) and bandeaus ($24) that stay in place, at the beach, riding in the convertible, or wherever you head out or bust a move. This playful line of headwear, strapless bra tops and other accessories and apparel items features fun prints and styles and soft, stretchy lightweight fabrics that are comfortable, cute, and functional.

Throw on the towel

Distinguish your base camp on the beach with colorful Lacoste beach towels (Macy’s, $42). These stylish, crocodile-emblazoned towels are lightweight yet plush and absorbent, and their large size makes them a cross between a towel and blanket, to wrap up in after splashing in the water, or for sandphobes who want spacious ground cover when basking in the sun.

Blow up your kayak

If you’ve always wanted a kayak but didn’t think you had the space to store one, Innova Kayaks has a solution that blows traditional kayaks out of the water. These inflatable kayaks are lightweight and constructed of heavy duty natural and synthetic rubber that will last for years, even decades.  They blow up in minutes with a high-capacity foot pump, and after the adventuring they fold up compactly and can be carries away in an oversized backpack and loaded into even a compact car. One-person and three-seater models available, with capacity up to 900 pounds. Available at dealers nationwide $399 to $1,299.

Hot or not

Need to Facebook while you are on the beach? Stop being a lame-o and enjoy the beach, but if you do need your phone for an emergency, take along ClimateCase ($34.99) insulating smartphone case. The lined pouch protects your phone against extreme temperatures that can cause a phone to stop working.  The case features a multi-layered thermal system comprised of 7 mm of Neoprene and gel infused materials. Pop it in the fridge for four hours before using (or in the microwave for 20-25 seconds in cold weather), to keep your phone safe; or if the worst happens, you can restore an overheated (or frozen) phone in less than 60 seconds.

Skeeter-free

Mosquitos don’t stick to any calendar when it comes to biting season, so keep them away from you and your patio party with Thermacel Patio Shield.  ($39.99, at retailers nationwide). This sleek little portable-speaker-sized mosquito repeller burns an insect repellent mat that creates a 15’ x 15’ protection zone, perfect for a small outdoor area. It uses butane cartridges (four included, to last 48 hours) and two AA batteries to operate.

Coolest cooler

You’ve got your hands full, with beach chairs, blankets, boogie boards and kids. Free up a hand by strapping your cooler on your back, with the IceMule ($49.95 to $69.95), a portable insulated backpack that will keep your food and drinks icey cold for up to 24 hours. These padded sacks feature a heavy-duty inner and outer skin, a range of sizes and a ventilated backpack strap system.

Who wears skort skirts?

In between summer and fall, it’s the perfect time to wear something in between shorts and a skirt. The Royal Robbins Jammer Skort ($60) is a sporty and comfortable skirt with stretchy built-in shorts underneath that allow you to be active and lady like at the same time.

Shoe be do

Step out in fashion forward and comfort-driven Off the Beaten Track sandals. You can stride in style the best thing next to bare feet, on the boardwalk, at the theme park, shopping, strolling, or anywhere you want to wander in these casual go-anywhere, do-anything earth-inspired leathers, with attention to detail that will make you want to put your feet up, to show them off.  The line also features shoes and boots for all seasons, $79 to $179.

Hydrate, or dry

If summer’s sun had taken a toll on your skin, hydrate and refresh it with Vichy’s Mineral 89 ($29.50), a skincare formula comprised of 89% Vichy Thermal Water, derived from mineral-rich volcanic territory in Vichy, France, plus the addition of hyaluronic acid which ramps up the performance of the mineralizing water to boost skin’s resistance to daily aggressors, for year-round healthy-looking skin.

Snack on

When you are tossing some treats into your tote for an outing, its hard to find nutritious and yummy snacks that won’t melt into mush on a hot day. All-natural KUTOA snack bars ($23.99 fo r12-pack)are not only delicious, they are perfect for packing along to the beach or pool, soccer game, or other outing, and you can feel good about eating these oatmeal bars because they are non-GMO verified, vegan, gluten, and contain no dairy, soy, wheat, preservatives or added sugar, plus for every bar that’s purchased, KUTOA helps feed a children in need around the world. Flavors include Chocolate Banana, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Blueberry Almond, Chocolate Espresso Bean, and Cherry Cashew.

 

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A little off the top

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Solutions for women at a loss about hair loss

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January Jones admitted it, but she was a rare case. Female hair loss is a beauty issue that many women don’t want to talk about, or even acknowledge.  In her case, Jones’ hair thinned due to frequent color treatments related to her acting career, so she started wearing wigs.   But most women though will only wear wigs and hair pieces or turn to prescription remedies as a last resort and in the case of extreme hair loss, but for those who have a mild to moderate hair shedding, which can be due to age, medications, hormone levels, genetics, and other health or lifestyle issues, fill-in powders may be a suitable option.

While the beauty industry has been slow to provide solutions, there are several options for women who experience hair loss.  Products like Fill-in Powder from Cover Your Gray can be dusted on with a brush to conceal thinning around the temples and cover graying or balding spots. Cover Your Gray’s formula contains Procapil, a natural botanical that promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss, so while camouflaging thinning areas it can help thicken hair and protect against further loss. The powder comes in four shades for matching, and it stays on through rain, sweat and normal daily activities.

fill in powder

While many other similar cover-up hair products are designed for touching up hair color between highlights or color styling, they can also be used to cover thinning hair and boost volume, such as sprays to cover thinning spots; permanent or wash-out root touch up designed to cover grey close to the scalp; touch-up sticks for around the hairline, side burns and roots; and brush-in wants for broader cover-up for scattered gray hairs throughout the head.

These are all affordable options, usually around $6 to $16. Look for brands that are waterproof, do not flake or rub off, and in shades that match as closely as possible to the rest of the hair, or slightly lighter. Powders and other topical solutions for thinning hair are generally the most efficient way to treat this beauty concern, and they are the safest and most economical, not to mention they can help extend time between salon visits.

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Mother’s Day gift ideas for the best mom ever

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Show your appreciation for your mom this Mother’s Day with one of these fabulous gifts that will make her day.

Got that sunshine in my pocket-book

Give Mom a gift she will cherish and literally keep close to her heart every day — the M Hulot Gia cross body bag ($199), perfect for work, shopping, travel and everyday outings. With its luminous yellow color, luxurious Italian vegetable-tanned leather and bespoke craftsmanship, Mom will admire it each time she carries it.  Designer Anna Kreeger chose the materials for the M Hulot line based on an “emotional response,” which this purse is sure to elicit from Mom, for its beauty and hand-finished detail.  Like the bag itself, the collection’s intriguing M. Hulot name, taken from a character of a classic French comedy, is a conversation piece that adds to the fun Mom will have carrying it. Available at www.waremakers.com.

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Here, there every wear

Mom wears many hats, so give her the clothes to go with them. Royal Robbins makes a versatile line of go-anywhere clothing for mom, and the whole family, for a classy casual day at the winery, or a weekend campout. The Royal Robbins line, created by an active, outdoorsy, rock-climbing married couple, are as comfortable as they are functional, with smartly designed pockets and details, like reinforced bartacks at stress points, and they are made of eco-conscious materials, such as UV blocking, wicking and odor resistant fiber blends.

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Outfit Mom for a relaxing Moms’ Day weekend in the ultra-soft wool blended Merinolux V-Neck Tee ($65) paired with the comfy Jammer Capri or fun hybrid Jammer Skort for trekking and travel ($65); or suit her up in the tailored-for-comfort Diablo Camp Shirt ($70) or the perfect-for-layering breathable Cool Mesh Shirt ($70) for a sophisticated casual look that works on the trail, a picnic, at the office, on a plane, or at dinner.

A face any mom will love

Even if you can’t afford to send mom to a tropical island for Mother’s Day, you can still give her a glowing sun kissed tan with Skineral’s organic California Sunless Bronzer (8 oz., $27.99). Applied with a special velvety mitt, its unique foam formula goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly without streaking, and it has no strong unpleasant smell like many other self-tanners, and the natural looking color lasts for days. Help Mom keep her skin feeling and looking healthy, youthful and dewy with dermatologist recommended Skineral’s line of skincare, including cleaners, moisturizers, anti-aging serums and the best-selling mineral spray, Topazanite Theraceutical Skin Solution (2.5 oz., $19.99), containing organic ingredients with more than 77 powerful mineral and earth elements sourced from seven parts of the globe, for miraculous effects on acne, sunburn dermatitis and eczema skin.

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Fry easy

Mom can bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan, so give her cookware that’s worthy of her super abilities, from the Hexclad collection (Starting at $79.99 for 8” frying pan).

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This new high-tech cookware blends tri-ply stainless steel with a patented nonstick surface that can handle whatever Mom throws at it.Portable Network Graphics image It has faster heating and greater heat retention than traditional cookware, so it uses less energy to cook, and its unique hexagonal honeycombed-pattern nonstick surface takes less energy to clean up, and Hexclad ware even can go in the dishwasher. It has a stay-cool handle, so no potholders are required to handle it, and it can be used in the oven up to 500°.

Drink up-scale

Mom can stay hydrated in style with Not Vodka bottles, the sleek and colorful line of designer insulated drink thermoses that keep beverages cold for up to 30 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. Not only will Mom enjoy having her drink taste cold (or hot) and fresh all day (and night), she will feel great about using this reusable container to replace disposable bottles and knowing  that the bottle maker donates a portion of proceeds to charities that help hydrate humanity in water-starved areas of the world. The line comes in an array of feminine and pretty hues, like rose glitter, neon pink and Tiffany-ish sea foam, emblazoned with the conversation-starter brand name Not Vodka — but if you do fill it with vodka, who would know? $25 for 17-oz., $32 to $59 for 25-oz.

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A run for the money

There’s those moms who get a flutter over Jimmy Choos, and then there’s those moms who can run circles around them, in Icebug running shoes, the absolutely cutest athletic footwear she will ever blaze a trail in and that are as hard core and durable as her. Running wonder moms can rely on these Swedish-made hi-tech and high-performing but low-maintenance shoes for serious runners that will get them over the hills and through the woods and streams in comfort and style. Emblazoned with the distinctive Icebug emblem, she will stand out as she tears up the trails, in one of the many specialty styles designed for just about any weather conditions, such as the feather-light, mesh upper Oribi RB9X ($149), an everyday running shoe that can conquer rocky terrain with aplomb.

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Moms need support

It may seem like a rather intimate Mother’s Day present, but Mom will never forget the gift of all-day comfort and confidence in her clothes that a ThirdLove luxury bra ($68) will give her. Guaranteed to fit, the ThirdLove bra system begins with an online survey that she can fill out, indicating her shape and form and bra fit issues. She can select her preferred style, from the 24-hour T-shirt bra style to full coverage or push-up styles, and she can even indicate a half-size. Using the try-before-you-buy option, if after wearing the bra for up to 30 days she decides the bra doesn’t fit, she can return it or exchange it, until she’s completely satisfied. The styles come in a variety of neutral and flashy colors to suit any mom’s style.

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Cabana girl

Moms of all styles and shapes will love the way they look and feel in Cabana Life swim and beachwear ($50 and up), with built-in 50+ UV protection, designed by mompreneurs who are skin cancer survivors. With flowery and flashy patterns, stripes and solids, the mix-and-match collection suits every taswomen_s-rashguard_cabana-life_cabana-coast-zipper-rashguard_and-aqua-side-tie-bikini-bottomte and body type, with multi-functional two-piece and one-piece swimsuits coverups, rashguard swim shirts and skirts and even
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Perfect for the mom who likes to do a little paddle-board yoga or splash at the pool or beach with unique style. She can top off her look with a Cabana Life sun hat and accessorize with a colorful tote or even a matching cell phone cover.

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Barking up the cocoa tree

If mom loves to indulge in delicious chocolates, but you don’t want to be cliché with a traditional box of bonbons, treat her to JoJo’s chocolate bark. This sweet and rich 70-percent dark chocolate was created by breast cancer survivor Jodie Jones, who wanted to satisfy her chocolate cravings in an antioxidant-packed, brain-boosting, heart healthy way. She formulated a blend of all-organic chocolate infused with slow-digesting protein and pure ingredients that tastes scrumptious and offers an uplifting and guilt-free chocolate fix. $13.99 for an 8.4 oz. bag/one-week supply.

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A cut above

Mom can cut it anyway she wants it with a new shiny set of Edge of Belgravia stainless steel precision knives ($86.00 for complete set), the remarkably light but durable cutlery that will look stylish in her kitchen and makes slicing and dicing quick and easy. A unique creation of contemporary London designer Christian Bird, the ergonomically designed diamond-like facet shape handles offer a comfortable and steady grip, and the razor-sharp non-stick coated stainless steel blades can cut through the toughest meats like butter.

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Sweet dreams

Let mom sleep in on Mother’s Day, but let her rise and shine other days with the gentle and Hi-Tech wake up Experience of BEDDI Glow ($79.99), the new smart alarm clock that features a glowing LED light that mimics a sunrise and can be set to wake her up to her favorite radio station or streaming her favorite tunes from iTunes or Spotify premium music services. The light changes color to suit mom’s mood and even pulses to her favorite streaming or airwaves music if she desires. Other features include two USB charge ports and a white noise generator with a variety of sound effects, such as rainforest or crashing waves.

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Always effervescent

Forget the reservations, make Mom brunch at home, and toast her with Gran Campo Viejo Cava Brut Reserva ($16.99), perfect for mimosas with its complement of  aromas of white fruits with hits of wood.cava_brut_reserva

As festive as it is delicious, this refreshing golden colored Spanish sparkling wine is aged 18 months and undergoes a second fermenting process in the bottle, giving it a persistent stream of bubbles and a sensational finish on the palate.  If wine is the way to Mom’s heart, she will savor ruby-red colored Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva ($12.99), a bright and deep ruby-red colored wine that balances fruit flavors of cherries, black plums, ripe blackberries and the nuances coming from the American- and French-oak casks where it is aged 18 months before rounding off the aging process for another 18 months in a wine cellar.

 

 

Cover girl

Spread out Toad &Co’s Debug Ground Cover ($55) and treat mom to a bug-free Mother’s Day picnic. The light-weight ground cover can fold up compactly to carry along wherever she goes – from the sidelines at soccer games, to camping, the beach, or anywhere bugs might be pesty. The odorless Insect Shield Technology built into the fabric is a safe and effective alternative to insect repellant sprays, and it stays effective for up to 70 washings. Toad & Co also makes fashionable insect-repellant Debug apparel for Mom and the whole family, made of eco-wise and organic materials.

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Grill momma

Summer is coming, and moms who are flippin’ crazy about cooking on the grill will love quick-and-easy cleanup with Grill Daddy ($14.99), the mother of all grill cleaning tools. This baby is a wire scouring brush with steam cleaning power that will shine up a grill rack in no time, so that mom can get to some serious searing and enjoying steaks, burgers, whatever she wants to charbroil without worrying about the mess.

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Pressed for time, the Skin Laundry hi-tech facial cleans skin in 15 minutes

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IMG_1630Skin Laundry is an apropos name for a new breed of salon that offers the latest laser technology facials. As the name promises, the treatments clean the skin, at a deeper level than possible by other traditional  facials, and without the downtime of redness and breakouts. The treatments take about 15 minutes and are done by a facial technologist who zaps your face with a laser, while you lie on a memory foam padded lounger – which by the way is stylish enough I wouldn’t mind it in my home – in a small brightly lit treatment room, that looks part doctor’s office part massage room.

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My only hesitation about this treatment came upon confirming my appointment online, when I received a number of health forms to review, including a laundry list, pun intended, of contraindications. While I did not have any of the contraindicated health concerns listed, such as precancerous skin, facial scarring recent Botox or tanning bed use, it did give me pause to think that some of these common things could cause a predisposition to a complication. The fact that I was asked to review the contraindication list at least three more times before the treatment further made me nervous, but as I said, I had none of the conditions, so I proceeded with the treatment.

The therapist was thorough in explaining the procedure, and she started slowly and told me each step what she was doing. She explained, “I am starting here in the middle of your four head, and I will move to the right.”

She explained that if I smelled any unpleasant odor it might be the debris from under my skin vaporizing. She assured me it was not my skin burning. As she began to move the laser across my face I felt a hot pin prickly feeling, similar to if you were frying oil on a pan and small amounts of oil were popping and landing on your skin.

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The therapist did one side of my face, then began the other. I asked for a short break before she completed the other side, to momentarily rest, because of the slight discomfort. The therapist explained that most people tolerate the procedure very well, though a few do not. Being a pretty big wimp myself, who fainted when I got my ears pierced, I figure if I could tolerate this procedure, then most people can.

After the laser treatment, the therapist did a second treatment, where she spread a gel across my face and used a very large flashing light laser to treat all areas of my face. Under the goggles I could see about 10 bright flashes of light as she went all over my face.

After the treatment, an assistant took over to clean the gel off my face and apply a toner and moisturizer. She also explained to me all the other products skin laundry carries that would be suitable for my skin.

In the end I felt no pain as I left the salon. I looked in the mirror and saw my face only slightly pink, as if I was flushed from a brisk walk. I noticed one small reddish blemish on my cheek that I had not noticed before, but it was very slight. Otherwise I did not notice any change to my skin. The therapist told me to avoid harsh cleansers and the sun for the day. Otherwise, she said I could carry-on as usual.

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My skin is in the normal range, and I don’t have any major skin issues, so I didn’t notice a significant improvement. I could see how this treatment would be beneficial for those with acne and blotchy skin. In fact the slideshow on the large TV screen in the lobby area showed the before and after pictures of women with severely damage skin who, after a number of treatments, had remarkable results.

I left with a number of products as recommended by the therapist, including a hydrating mask and an antiaging mask, as well as an advanced protection daily moisturizer with 35 SPF, a gentle washing foam with green tea cucumber and chamomile extract, and a nourishing cleansing oil that the therapist highly recommended. All of the products are carried at the salon under their own brand name of Skin Laundry.

While for myself this is not a treatment I would need very often, I can see the benefits for those with more severe skin problems, and it is great for busy women like myself who need a quick facial don’t have and hour or more for a treatment, because we are all pressed for time, and we hardly have time to do our jobs, meet family commitments and of course housework, including regular laundry!

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Valentine’s Gifts for Him and Her

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Valentine’s Day is an occasion to express our love for those who are special in our lives.  Show your sweetheart you care with these thoughtful Valentine’s gifts for her or him that are sure to warm your loved one’s heart.

I heart dogs

For those of us who love our pets, the way to our hearts is often through our furry friends. Hugger Memories has found a way to capture our sentiments for our pets and express them in a unique art pieces using inspired fabrics. Sarah Gibson Wiley, the artist behind these creations, uses photographs and stories to render Custom Pet Portraits in the form of monogrammed style pillows or fabric art suitable for framing. These home accents are sure to become a family heirloom and a gift that preserves special memories of a pet to cherish for years to come. $225 for a single pet.

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Jewelry from the sea of love

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to give a special piece of jewelry, like a design from artist Wendy Mignot. Each of her unique and elegant bohemian chic creations features pearls and natural and reclaimed items from the ocean and surrounding terrain. Her pieces combine Tahitian, South Sea, and freshwater cultured pearls along with sea glass, shells, stones and ancient and shipwrecked coins, strung on soft, hand rolled-leather and tied with precision to create a one-of-a-kind piece that can be worn to the beach or a ballroom.  Priced $75 to $1,250.

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The face of love

Pamper your sweetheart with Annemarie Borlind natural skin care products for that make the wearer feel beautiful inside and out. The anti-aging LL Regeneration collection with proprietary bioactive complex includes a Gentle Cleansing Milk ($43.99), a Revitalizing Blossom Dew Gel ($49.99), Revitalizing Day ($59.99) and Night Cream ($59.99), and Eye Wrinkle Cream (54.99). These cosmologist-created, vegan products, made in the Black Forest, are made from plants, deep spring water and all natural and pure ingredients like Shea butter. in laboratory tested formulations that make skin look and feel firmer and revitalized. To make you feel even better about the line, none of the products are tested on animals and all are made in an ecologically responsible manner with fair working conditions and no child labor.

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I’ve got your backpack

Your loved one works hard for the money, so make carting around work stuff easy. Solo backpacks look as stylish as they are functional, with rich textures and thoughtful details such as fully padded laptop compartments, key clips, internal iPad or tablet pockets, front pockets, cloth interiors, and lightweight but durable materials. Two polished and preppy styles for her or him are the Bridgehampton Ladies Backpack, $89.99; and the East Hampton Backpack, $119.

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Locks of love

Your Sweetie will have a good hair day and feel spoiled with luxurious hair care products from Obliphica Professional.  The heart of Obliphica’s rejuvenating formulas is the powerful and therapeutic Seaberry superfruit, a centuries-old secret to beauty, rich with bioactive compounds, that naturally nourishes, heals and protects the scalp and hair, and has been revered for its rejuvenating powers by ancient cultures since 5000 BC. The Seaberry Shampoo ($24, 300 mil. size) cleanses hair and scalp, removes impurities and softens the hair, controls static and protects hair with natural UV filters for longer-lasting color, hydration and shine. The Seaberry Mask ($38, 250 ml. size) intensely hydrates and repairs the hair, and nourishes and moisturizes the scalp. Seaberry Serum ($38, 65 ml. size) nourishes and repairs hair, while leaving a luminous, shiny and silky finish.

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Sizzling hot love

Give your honey a gift that he or she will use every day and think of you. IMUSA Induction Sauté Pans are go-to every day pans that are both durable and versatile. Great for sautéing foods, making pancakes and eggs or grilling sandwiches, these pans are quintessential pieces for any kitchen. The induction bottom is suitable for gas, electric, ceramic and induction stove tops. The hundred percent ceramic nonstick coating makes cleanup easy and allows you to use less oil. Available in assorted sizes of 8 inches, 10 inches or 12 inches for all size cooking jobs.  $54.99 for a three-piece set.

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Light up your love light

Set the mood for your Valentine’s Day celebration by lighting up fragrant Goat Milk Stuff candles. These soy candles last up to 50% longer than paraffin candles, and they burn slower, cooler and cleaner, and they hold their sent beautifully. They come in a variety of fragrances and colors, such as the soft pink Luv Spell scent, to suit any mood and taste. $6 each.

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