Tag: Lifestyle

Accessories /

Prime Day 2016 – Deals for Members

On Tuesday, July 12, the second-annual Prime Day will feature more than 100,000 deals worldwide exclusively for Prime members, making it the biggest Amazon event ever. New and existing members in U.S., U.K., Spain, Japan, Italy, Germany, France, Canada, Belgium, and Austria, will find deals across nearly all departments and categories, ensuring there will be something for everyone. Members in the U.S. can shop starting at midnight PT, with new deals as often as every five minutes throughout the day. To participate in Prime Day, sign-up or start a free trial of Prime on or before July 12 by visiting amazon.com/primeday.

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“Prime Day is a unique opportunity to discover new items and great deals, on top of our already low prices. Following last year’s record sales, we have dramatically increased the inventory behind many deals.  In fact, in the U.S. we have nearly double the TV units compared to Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined.” said Greg Greeley, Vice President AmazonPrime. “Even with this massive selection we know many of the Prime Day offers will sell out, so members should download the Amazon shopping app to receive notifications on their favorite deals.”

 

Something for Everyone

As reported last year, Prime Day was the biggest day for sales internationally up to that point. Beyond the top selling deals, and best-selling devices, there were other chart topping categories in each Prime-eligible country. Some of the highlights from 2015 include:

  • Canada: Headphones, diapers, and slow cookers
  • France: Video game consoles and speaker systems
  • Germany and Austria: Sandals and sweets
  • Italy: Routers and beard and hair trimmers
  • Japan: Skin care, household supplies and herbal supplements
  • Spain: Heart rate watches, sports computers and GPS devices
  • U.K.: Video games, headphones and power toothbrushes
  • U.S.: Toys, mobile device cases and pet products like toys, food and treats

Countdown Deals July 5 through July 11

In addition to blockbuster deals on Prime Day, July 12, Amazon will offer countdown deals for Prime members every day from July 5 through July 11. That means members in the U.S. will find summer entertainment deals starting July 5 including a 32-inch TV bundle with a Fire TV Stick for $119.99. Countdown deals will include gadgets on-the-go, products perfect for summer travel, for foodies and outdoor living, back-to-school and in-home essentials and daily deals on top of TV series and blockbuster movies available to rent or purchase and instantly stream through the Amazon Video app on TVs, mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire tablets, or online. Customers can learn more at amazon.com/primeday.

 

What’s New on Prime Day

  • Deals are Everywhere – Members can shop deals on all devices, across nearly all categories, in all Prime countries.
  • Lots of TVs – The deal inventory of TVs in the U.S. will be nearly 2x than Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined.
  • Toys All Day – Members in the U.S. will find toy deals nearly all day on Prime Day.
  • Watch-A-Deal – Readily track and shop any deal while at home or on-the-go with the Amazon App. Learn more at amazon.com/watched.
  • Sort by Category – Newly-enhanced deal shopping is designed to help customers swiftly sort deals by category.
  • Alexa Specials – There will be benefits to being an owner of an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot or AmazonTap on Prime Day.
  • More Sellers – Twice as many small business sellers around the world are participating in Prime Day this year.
  • More to Watch – Members will find unbelievable deals on some of today’s top rated TV series and popular blockbuster films to rent or purchase and instantly stream on Amazon Video.
  • Tips and Tricks – Find helpful advice on how to shop on Prime Day at amazon.com/primeday

 

Win Prime Music Experiences

In celebration of Prime Day, Amazon customers have an opportunity to win an unforgettable Prime Music Experience. In the U.S., starting today and running through Prime Day, customers can listen for a chance to win one of twelve unforgettable experiences with top artists, including Carrie Underwood, Blink-182, Norah Jones, Flo Rida, The Lumineers, Pentatonix, and more. Each winning experience includes airfare, hotel accommodations, tickets to see the artist in concert, and best of all—a meet-and-greet with the artists themselves.  Prime members in the U.S. can participate by listening to a song from select Prime Music playlists, each associated with a prize. For full details on the U.S. plan and alternate method of entry visit amazon.com/win.  There will be similar Prime Music Experiences taking place for Amazon customers in the U.K., Germany, Austria, and Japan.

 

Win $5,000 with Prime Photos

Prime Photos is sponsoring the Prime Day Prime Photos Sweepstakes launching June 30th. Customers who upload a photo to their Prime Photos account between June 30 and July 12 will be eligible for a chance to win $5,000 in Amazon Gift Cards. The winner will be chosen at random. For full details and an alternate method of entry, visitamazon.com/photosweeps.

 

Save More with Amazon Prime Store Card

Save 5% on Prime Day and every day at Amazon.com. Prime members who open an Amazon Prime Store Card now through Prime Day and get a $50 Amazon.com Gift Card instantly.

Save up to 40% on Kindle Unlimited

On July 5 and July 12, Prime Members in the U.S. can save up to 40% on a Kindle Unlimited membership. Enjoy unlimited reading from over one million titles on any device, including all seven Harry Potter books, the Wayward Pines Trilogy, The Man in the High Castle, the Paper Magician trilogy, over 300 Lonely Planet travel guides, and Kindle Singles from top authors such as Jodi Picoult, Nelson DeMille, and Hugh Howey.

More to Prime

A Prime membership is already the best deal in the history of shopping. Tens of millions of Prime members around the world enjoy the many benefits of Prime. In the U.S. that includes unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on more than 30 million items across all categories, unlimited Free Same-Day Delivery on more than a million items in 27 metro areas, and one and two-hour delivery with Prime Now on tens of thousands of items available in more than 25 metro areas. In addition to fast, free shipping, members have access to unlimited streaming of tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes with Prime Video, more than one million songs and thousands of curated playlists and stations with Prime Music, early access to select Lightning Deals all year long, free secure, unlimited photo storage with Prime Photos and one free pre-released book a month with Kindle First.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about.

Lifestyle Tips /

Indura Beach & Golf Resort – Exotic Summer Adventure

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If you’re looking for an exotic summer vacation, but don’t want to spend the time to get to a far flung destination, set your sights on Central America. Whether you’re looking for a family adventure or a romantic escape, Trust Hospitality properties have your ideal escape and special summer deals.

For Couples:

Indura Beach & Golf Resort: Reconnect at this luxury resort that is TripAdvisor’s top hotel in the area. Located on the northern coast of Tela Bay in Honduras, you’re ensconced in a national park bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the jungle. This new beachfront resort features an 18-hole Gary Player golf course and activities from swimming, snorkeling and SUP, to yoga and tai chi on the beach. Nearby excursions can have you spending the day whitewater rafting, zip lining or deep-sea fishing. This summer the Couples Special let’s you enjoy this seductive escape with the second night free. For more information visit http://www.induraresort.com/

Red Frog Beach: Total luxury awaits at this secluded resort voted number one by TripAdvisor in Bocas del Toro, Panama. You and your sweetie can enjoy lazing on stunning beaches, or going on adventures ranging from a horseback ride through the jungle to an indigenous Indian Village, to a cave tour reached via riverboat. Forbes recently Red Frog Beach one of the hottest beaches in Central America. Book the couples special and enjoy 20% off a three-night stay with breakfast and champagne and chocolate to enjoy by your private pool. For more information: http://redfrogbeach.com/

For Families:

Robert’s Grove: Memories are made over shared experiences, and your time together in Belize will be remembered for a lifetime. The Family Soft Adventure package gives families the fifth night free along with a snorkel with nurse sharks for the whole clan. From your base at Robert’s Grove in Placencia on the Southern coast your family will also enjoy beach time and a host of water sports, three pools and special kid friendly dining. There is also on-site babysitting so Mom and Dad can carve out some alone time to reconnect. For more information: http://www.robertsgrove.com/

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Indura Beach and Golf Resort

Set in a national park tucked between crystal-clear Caribbean waters and jungles teeming with exotic birds, monkeys and mangrove trees; Indura Beach & Golf Resort sits on the tranquil northern coast of Honduras. Set on a 26 mile stretch of Tela Bay, the overall design remains true to the region’s history and has been inspired by the coral reefs and surrounding tropical rain forests.

Red Frog Beach

Panama’s Premier Beach location. Red Frog Beach offers some of the top accommodations in Panama with stunning beaches and an endless amount of tours and activities. Excellent for families and perfect for romantic couple getaways.

Robert’s Grove Beach Resort

Located along the Caribbean coast of the Placencia Peninsula in southern Belize, the award-winning Robert’s Grove Beach Resort, is a comfortable, beautifully appointed property set amidst 22 acres of tropical, art-filled gardens and sandy beach that offers easy access to all of Belize’s top attractions: The largest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere, lush Rainforest and Maya Ruins.

About Trust Hospitality

Trust Hospitality is an award-winning premier hotel owner and operator. With more than 25 years of experience, Trust has more than 30 projects in operation or development worldwide. Headquartered in Miami, Florida it also has offices in New York, Panama, Salvador and Lisbon. For more information, please visit www.TrustHospitality.com,www.Facebook.com/TrustHospitality orwww.Twitter.com/TrustHotels.

Lifestyle Tips /

Glow Bio – Stay Hydrated During the Summer Heat Wave

The summer days are getting longer, but with all the sunshine comes major heat! Be sure to keep cool and hydrated all summer long with Glow Bio! Start your mornings with a healthy, green energy kick thanks to the Glowing Green Smoothie, created by nutritionist, Kimberly Snyder.

Full of beauty nutrient greens that help nourish your entire body and have life-enhancing nutrients, this beauty friendly smoothie is the perfect way to keep you hydrated and feeling full throughout the morning up until lunch!

Glowing Green Smoothie

The Glowing Green Smoothie® Recipe

Author: Kimberly Snyder
Serves: 64 oz

Ingredients
· 1-2 cups very cold, filtered water

· ¾ pound organic romaine lettuce, rough chopped, about 1 head

· ½ head large bunch or small bunch organic spinach

· 3-4 organic celery stalks, halved

· 1 organic apple, cored, seeded, quartered

· 1 organic pear, cored, seeded, quartered

· 1 organic banana, peeled

· ½ fresh organic lemon, peeled, seeded

· bunch organic cilantro with stems (optional)

· bunch organic parsley with stems (optional)

Instructions
1. Place water, romaine, spinach, celery, and optional ingredients, if using, into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.
2. Starting the blender on a low speed, blend until smooth.
3. Gradually moving to higher speeds Add apple, pear, banana and lemon to the blender and blend until smooth.

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

WOE Magazine to Launch – Special Guest Bershan Shaw

This is the year of celebrating women! From running for office, to balancing their careers and personal life, to making miracles happen, women are showcasing their excellence in every aspect of their being. On July 16th, in partnership with the Nordstorm located in Annapolis, MD from 11 AM-1 PM, WOE Magazine will hold its launch event.

WOE (Women of Excellence) is the go-to guide designed to create a culture and lifestyle of excellence for women. Their focus is inspiration, style, self-empowerment and empowerment. How does WOE Magazine stand out from the other publications? They promote authenticity not perfection.

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The launch will consist of Continental Breakfast, Special Giveaways, a WOE Woman Fashion Presentation (Presented by Nordstorm), Excellence Curated Panel Discussion, a Celebrity Meet and Greet with Bershan Shaw who graces the front cover and a Complimentary Tote from Nordstrom. In addition, there will be other special invited guests will be making appearances as well.

When asked about creating WOE Magazine, Ayo Thomas CEO/Editor in Chief state’s “God gave me a vision to launch women’s group entitled (Women of Excellence Fellowship). I created a small intimate environment for women to share their heart, receive tools and strategies to walk in wholeness and discover their purpose. WOE grew from my living room, to a friend’s basement, community centers, libraries and hotels in the course of 10 years. I had a desire to reach women in a larger capacity by providing empowerment tools and strategies to increase their quality of living. I believe when a woman discovers her true authentic self, she becomes empowered to change her circumstances, life and destiny. In 2015, I decided to pursue my lifelong dream of designing a magazine and here I am today launch WOE Magazine!”

To attend the launch, please RSVP at www.woemagazine.eventzilla.net. Care to join into the conversation of WOE Magazine and share with your friends that you’re attending? Please use the official event hashtag #WOEMagazine and follow on Twitter @WOEMag and Instagram @WOEMagazine. You can also visit www.woemagazine.com to subscribe to receive updates on the magazine and other future events.

If you’re a media outlet interested in covering the WOE Magazine launch, please send your inquiry to Candice@CandiceNicolePR.com.

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Birmingham /

Sparkling Ice Water and Recipes

Sparkling Ice has a new water product line.  This is awesome because you can take your health and beverage selection to the next level.  The carbonated water’s infused with natural flavors and zero calories.  My personal favorite is Peach Nectarine.

Customers can also enjoy Sparkling Ice in a variety of ways beyond sipping from a glass.  Did you know the product line’s used in recipes?  Take a look at the selections below:

NewEngland

Ingredients

SPARKLING ICE Cherry Limeade
Mint Leaves
Mashed cherries
Lime
Club soda

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Yield – 1 cup

Prep Time – Less than 5 minutes

Ingredients

½ cup Peach Nectarine Sparkling ICE
½ cup seedless raspberry preserves
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Combine Sparkling ICE and preserves in a bowl and beat with a whisk until combined.
Whisk in Dijon mustard and black pepper.

Serving Suggestion:

Pairs well with cooled roasted beets, topped with walnuts, and blue cheese.

Toss dressing with baby spinach, red onion, goat cheese, and strawberries.

 

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Yield 2 cups

Serves 6-8 people

Ingredients

2 Bottles Sparkling Ice Cherry Limeade
1/3 Cup Soy Sauce
5 Garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 Tablespoon Fresh Ginger, minced
1 Tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1 Teaspoon red pepper flake
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 lbs. Pork Tenderloin
Salt and Pepper
1/2 cup Scallion, sliced thinly

Directions

To prepare the marinade, whisk together Sparkling Ice Cherry Limeade, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, whole peppercorns, red pepper flake and olive oil in a large bowl.
Place pork tenderloin in a large zip lock bag or shallow baking dish.
Pour marinade over pork, cover or seal.
Refrigerate for 6 hours.
Remove pork from marinade and pat dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Reserve the liquid.
Place marinade in small saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Preheat your grill (medium high heat).
Place pork on pre-heated grill and close the cover. Turn and brush the pork with the simmered marinade every 5 minutes. Cook until meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork registers 145°F, about 15-20 minutes.
Rest for 10 minutes, slice and serve with scallions and warm marinade liquid.

All recipes are from Sparkling Ice.com

International /

Robert’s Grove in Belize – SOFT ADVENTURE SUMMER TRAVEL

If the family has done Disney, is over Universal, and the annual summer vacation hangs in the balance, it’s time to kick your game up a notch with an action-packed, soft adventure family bonding trip to Robert’s Grove in Belize. This summer Robert’s Grove is offering families the fifth night free and one complimentary excursion per person.

An upscale, family-friendly property nestled on 22 acres along the Caribbean coast of the Placenia Peninsula in Southern Belize, Robert’s Grove is perfectly situated to take advantage of the world-class diving along the Western Hemisphere’s largest barrier reef or to explore lush rainforests, Mayan ruins, or simply go toes in the sand, drink in hand and relax.

Catering to families, Robert’s Grove offers suites and villas in addition to standard rooms, many of which overlook the ocean. Child-care services are available so Mom and Dad can also enjoy some alone time. There are three restaurants on property, the fine-dining Seaside Restaurant, the casual Habanero Mexican Café & Bar and the organic Sweet Mama’s. Meal plans are available.

Robert’s Grove provides a wide array of water and land-based excursions, but the most popular for families is the Explore Belize Package, which brings together the most popular activities into a no-brainer itinerary the entire family will love. Spend one day snorkeling in the crystal waters off of the Placencia Peninsula, another day taking in Mayan ruins and swimming through local caves, a third day on the child-favorite Monkey River tour to see and hear Howler monkeys and other wildlife, and the last day venturing into the Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve, the only reserve dedicated solely to the nocturnal jaguar, for hiking and river tubing. With all that excitement, plan to spend your complimentary fifth day relaxing by the crystal blue waters reflecting on all the family memories you just made.

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ABC /

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment – Safe Decorating for Kids Rooms

I was invited to host a lifestyle segment on ABC 33/40, Talk of Alabama and share safety tips for kids rooms. The segment was a lot of fun because I truly enjoy discussing new products with a local audience!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH:  TALK OF ALABAMA

The main focus was to bring safety awareness of products for kids rooms.  Parents must ask are home decor items functional and eliminate hazards for little ones?

As a mom, I love to decorate my kids room (especially in character themes) but there’s also consideration for electric plugs, heat consumption, contained storage bins, and comfortable sleep.

The products shown below are beneficial and can be successful in everyone’s home:

 

 1.  Blindsgalore (BG Kids Brand) Shade – recommends completely cordless blinds or shades when children in the home.  The company offers hundred of independently certified child safe blinds and shades.


2.  Kidzooz Pillow – Designed by a chiropractor, parent and grandparent, this is more than just a stuffed animal or pillow but a product that combines the two while encouraging good sleep habits.


3.  BPA Free Storage and Organizers –

  • Available in three colors – grey, pink and blue
  • Includes three pieces – a caddy, bucket and tote
  • The storage items are BPA Free and made of a durable canvas exterior.


4.  Interactive Finding Dory Wall Friend –  The interactive light-up, talking Wall Friend from uncle Milton toys is a perfect addition to a child’s bedroom.

  • Just touch the remote control button and watch as Dory lights up and talks with many fun, familiar phrases from the new Finding Dory movie.

 

Fitness /

FOREST BATHING IN COLORADO’S CANYON COUNTRY – Resort & Spa

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Forest bathing, a fancy term for getting back into nature, is one of the hottest trends in the wellness travel space and no one does it better than Renee Diamond, a Yogi and creator of the DiamondFit program.

From June 22-26 she takes her yoga/fitness program into the great outdoors in Colorado’s stunning Canyon Country at the boutique Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa.

During the five-day retreat participants will enjoy hiking the Lumsden Canyon, Cutler Trail and Juanita Arch hikes, toning their body and letting the beauty and serenity of the area relax and tone the mind. Daily yoga and meditation classes’ focus on building strength and flexibility of mind and body, and luxurious spa treatments pamper the spirit and soothe sore muscles. Plenty of free time is built in to the program so participants can paddle a river, ride a horse, climb a rock or simply sit poolside and drink in the Red Rock setting.

Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa has garnered awards from Forbes, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure and Virtuoso. Its’ location nestled in Unaweep Canyon, one of the most unique red rock canyons in the world, is the ideal setting for this retreat. The program includes 5-days/4 night’s accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, shuttle service to and from the airport, all taxes and gratuities, and a daily gift bag. An Early Bird Promotion is available until June 7th for . The retreat does not include airfare, but flights can be booked through Retreats Unlimited.

The DiamondFit Retreat is curated by Retreats Unlimited and Wild Wellness Travel. To make a reservation, review the detailed itinerary or for additional information visit Retreats Unlimited or call 312-961-3280.

Retreats Unlimited

Retreats Unlimited is a full-service retreat company offering fitness, self-improvement and wellness vacations. Unlike any other, our retreats and wellness holidays are in destinations that are unique. The resorts are luxurious and each retreat offers unique experiences. http://www.myretreatsunlimited.com/

Wild Wellness Travel

Wild Wellness Travel creates balanced vacations based on a philosophy that includes stress reduction, fitness, cultural involvement, self-care and food education. With these five pillars we promote and offer transformational wellness experiences internationally. www.wildwellnesstravel.com