Mother’s Day Gift Guide : Something for The Fashionista, Beauty Enthusiast, and Athletic Mama

We have a little something for the mom in your life whether she’s a Fashionista Mama, Athletic Mama, or the Beauty Enthusiast.

MARSTÉ 
for the “Fashionista Mama” – available at marstefashion.com
Why Mom Needs Marsté: Marsté is made of high-quality material with attention to details. Marsté is designed for real women with real curves and runs size 0-22. 
1. Seattle High-Lo Sweater ($90) with Madrid Bodycon Midi Skirt ($90)
2. London Long Cardigan ($160) pairs well with [as seen in the right corner) Moscow Pleated Trouser ($90) & Rio Tank Bodysuit ($40)
3. Berlin Snap Midi Dress ($140)
4. Dubai Ruched Maxi Dress ($75)
5. Nairobi Wrap Skirt ($80) with Monte Carlo Back Zip Bodysuit ($60)
Makeup Geek
for the “Beauty Maven” available at Target, Target.com and at makeupgeek.com
Why Mom Needs Makeup Geek: This budget-friendly makeup brand is kind your pockets and is the animals with cruelty-free products.
1. Makeup Geek Brow Duo – 1oz ($12.99)
2. Makeup Geek Eyeliner ($11.99)
3. Makeup Geek Iconic Lipstick – 0.07oz ($14.99)
4. Makeup Geek False Lashes Graceful – 1 Pair ($7.99)
5. Makeup Geek Highlighter Compact – .25oz ($19.99)
6. Makeup Geek Eye Shadow Summer Surprise – 4ct ($21.99)
7. Makeup Geek Eye Shadow Purple Passion – 4ct ($21.99)
8. Makeup Geek Eye Shadow Naturally Nude – 4ct ($21.99)
IBKÜL 
for the “Fit Mama” – available at ibkul.com (select styles available on Amazon.com)
 
Why Mom Needs Ibkül: This activewear is fashionable and can go from the tennis court or golf course to a leisure outing with the kids. IBKÜL is moisture wick and has an Icefil technology in the fabric that decreases your body temperature as you sweat and move. 
1. Andrea Print Mock Neck Top 10176 ($96)
2. Ariel Print Long Sleeve Polo 11177 ($96)
3. Solid Short Sleeve Polo (available in long sleeve Polo 81000 – $88)
4. Lucky-Key Print Skort with Faux Wrap 26287 ($98)
5. Zazu Print Sleeveless Mock Neck Dress – 56291 ($126)

Mother’s Day Storefront Now Live: Amazon Curated List

Mother’s Day is coming up, and whether you’re searching for something for a new mom, mother-in-law, grandmom or dog mom, Amazon is here to help. Today, Amazon launched its new curated Mother’s Day storefront to help customers find the perfect gifts to celebrate mom this year (and all year round). The storefront offers an incredible selection of quality, top-rated items for moms – with top picks across beauty, fashion, home, electronics, sports and more. Check out some of our favorite gift ideas below, and amazon.com/mothersday for even more.

Seeking additional inspiration to celebrate mom this year?

  • Inspired gifts for everyone in your life. Amazon’s Gift Finder is the easiest way to find mom a gift she’ll love. Encourage mom to put together her own Amazon Wish List to ensure she gets exactly what she wants this year.
  • Shop fashion designer and television personality Whitney Port’s favorite handcrafted gifts for mom, on Amazon Handmade.
  • Give mom the gift of a sparkling clean house with help from Amazon Home Services
  • Give mom the gift of entertainment on-the-go with an Audible membership.
  • Prime makes every mom’s life easier, so what better gift is there this Mother’s Day? Visit amazon.com/giftprime to get your loved one three months ($39) or one year ($119) of Prime. In addition to unlimited fast, free shipping, Prime members enjoy unlimited access to award-winning movies and TV episodes with Prime Video, more than two million songs and thousands of playlists with Prime Music, unlimited access to Prime Reading, one free pre-released book a month with Amazon First Reads, and more!
  • Support a local small business and shop for mom on Amazon Storefronts.
  • For even more great Mother’s Day options, check out Amazon Home’s gift guide, which offers inspiring gift ideas for every mom including the mom who loves to cook, the entertainer, the gardener, and more. Also shop favorite picks from Martha Stewart, Giada DeLaurentiis and Cortney Novogratz at www.amazon.com/mothersdaygiftguide.
  • Want to show your mom how much you care with music? Amazon Music customers can simply ask, “Alexa, play the ‘Dear Mama’ playlist” in the Amazon Music app for iOS and Android, or on all Alexa-enabled devices. Or, if you’re looking for a soundtrack to stream while making a nice breakfast for mom, try “Alexa, play music for Mother’s Day Brunch,” to hear hits by Dua Lipa, Khalid & Normani, Shawn Mendes, and many more.

A Few of Our Favorite Gift Suggestions for the ….

Foodie Mom

 

Design-Loving Mom

 

Active Mom

 

Beauty-Loving Mom

 

Fashion-Forward Mom

 

Pet Mom

 

Techie Mom

 

New Mom

 

Book Loving Mom

ZUMBA BLOCK PARTY FOR AUTISM AWARENESS at The Summit Birmingham #TheSummitBham

Grab your cute leggings and get ready to hit the dance floor!  The Summit Birmingham will host a Zumba Block Party for Autism Awareness.

If you follow my Instagram Stories account, you know that I am a huge fan of Zumba fitness.  It’s a fun way to break a sweat, stay healthy, and dance to Latin music.  I normally take Zumba classes at the local YMCA but looking to join the dance party on April 26th from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Featured Photo from The Summit Birmingham

The event is requesting that everyone wear blue and offer $10 donations in support of the Autism Society of Alabama.

According to the site, “After the fitness experience, be sure to check out Athleta’s After-Party in-store! Bring your friends, bring your spouse, bring your Zumba bestie and help raise money for Autism Awareness!”

Click here to learn more:  ZUMBA BLOCK PARTY FOR AUTISM AWARENESS

PBFit All Natural Peanut Butter Powder: Healthy Product Review

Let’s pause for a moment to talk about health and fitness.  This topic’s important not just because it’s almost swimsuit season.  Being healthy has a huge impact on our well-being in terms of living well.  A few of my fellow Instagram buddies made the suggestion of drinking meal replacements in the mornings to shed a few pounds.

If you’re a fitness enthusiast we all know the unappealing taste of meal replacement powders.  Yuck.  PBFit has created a new powder that sheds pounds with the delicious taste of Peanut Butter.  This yummy powder can be added to smoothies, shakes, and waffle batter!

Product Review:

I received the product last month because I am eager to shed a few pounds before summer!  My morning routine includes drinking a smoothie to ensure that I’m getting the right amount of fruits and vegetables.  I also love peanut butter and this was an easy option as a mid-morning snack.

The flavored powder tasted delicious and I can’t wait to create more recipes with the mixture.  We all know that eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich has the same amount of calories as eating a candy bar.  PBFit has 90% less fat and it’s made with real peanuts.

Let’s take this fitness journey together and try PBFit recipes.  It’s a fun and easy way to get fit and eat well too!

Healthy Snack with Apple

Chocolate Strawberry and Banana Smoothie Recipe

2 Bananas

10 Strawberries

1 teaspoon of Coconut Oil

2 TBsp of Chocolate PBFit

8 Ice Cubes

2 cups of water

Blend the ingredients and enjoy!

 

Active Ego Plus-Size Athleisure Wear By Jennifer James

Jennifer James is a creative professional and successful entrepreneur who founded and is currently CEO of plus-size athleisure wear line Active Ego.  In December 2016, James earned her Master’s in Business degree from the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.

After having her first child, James went into full gym mode to lose the baby weight, there she saw a void of quality activewear for plus-size women and decided to create cute and durable pieces for all curvy women to enjoy.

In 2014, James launched Active Ego and with the success and awareness of the Active Ego brand, the JJ (Jennifer James) collection was conceived and successfully launched in 2017.

James mission is to develop an exclusive line of active and leisure lifestyle apparel that serves and provides options for the plus-size/curvy women who have been underserved in the marketplace. Her vision is to pay attention to detail and be inventive for Active Ego, and successfully market the brand to plus-size/curvy women across the globe.

 

 

High Fashion Jewelry for Apple Watch and Fitbit

The Ultimate Cuff is a selection of high quality, patent pending, modern technology jewelry for the Apple Watch and Fitbit Charge.

With the new Apple Series 3 out, women are going to need a stylish cuff option so they can accessorize their smart watch – which is why the Ultimate Cuff is perfect because it’s affordable, and the interchangeable metallic jewelry cuffs serve as an everyday functional piece of jewelry.

It ranges in price from  $98 – $142, and is a great alternative to the basic leather band, multitude of color silicone bands, or designer straps often costing an upwards of $360.

Sweat In Style With DYI – Define Your Inspiration Activewear

We all love being active and exercising, but sometimes it’s easy to make up excuses and say it’s just too hot. DYI, the company that Forbes named the next Lululemon, has your perfect solution to the scorching summer heat!

Everyone has a different way they enjoy being active so DYI- Define Your Inspiration created a line of clothing for any and all athletic endeavours. While they’re known for their leggings, they have created shorts, a skirt and tops that are perfect when it’s just too toasty outside.

The too hot for leggings DYI bottoms include:

  • Active Short: Comfort meets style in our all new summer Active Short! A sporty stretch woven fabric stretches and moves with you. Two invisible zipper pockets allows you to carry a phone hands free while you focus on your workout. Two pockets on the back side give a little style and extra interest to this perfect breathable, lightweight short. The inseam on this short is 4 inches.
  • Relax Ponte Short: LIFESTYLE short for Pre and Post workout. This short is a part of our STREET Collection- made for women who need a comfortable, but polished look this summer. This short has a fold down waist made from our famous BOND fabric. Perfectly comfortable, but can be dressed up for a night time look.
  • Active Skirt: Whether you’re on a hike, a bike or traveling this summer, our Active Skirt is a perfect addition to your Summer workout wardrobe. A lightweight woven, stretch fabric moves with you and keeps you cool during warmer months. Built in short gives coverage and comfort no matter what you plan on doing. Two invisible zipper pockets allow you to carry a phone or other items hands free.

Pair these shorts and skirt with some loose tanks including:

  • Deep Breeze Tank: Get Breezy in our Deep Breeze tank! Our lightweight, breathable tanks is the perfect layering piece to transition from spring to summer.
  • No Sweat T-Shirt: Made for your most intense sweat session. With our super soft and pliant Bond fabric for the body, and our signature power mesh on the back, a staple to have for every workout.
  • Simply Sporty Tank: The tank that is missing from your workout wardrobe. Longer length, all mesh striped back, tencel front, and easy to take on and off. What more could you ask for?
  • Take It Easy Tee: The perfect fit V neck T-shirt! Made for those days you just feel like wearing a t-shirt, but you can still look fabulous!
  • Breathe Tank: Our Breathe Tank is our most popular top this Spring! Whether you wear it loose or tied in the back, this tank will look incredible with every yoga tight in your wardrobe!
  • Balance Tank: This Active Tank is not only beautiful, but also ready for your next sweat session! Made in Tencel fabric, this tank will keep you dry through your workout, but beautiful enough for your night out. Drapes and twists in the back.

Whether you run, yoga, weight train or rock climb, DYI’s apparel is perfect for you to sweat in style!

To learn more about DYI visit www.shopdyi.com.

ABOUT DEFINE YOUR INSPIRATION

DYI I Define Your Inspiration is an activewear and lifestyle apparel brand with the perfect fusion of fashion, performance and function. What inspires you to move? Whether you’re inspired by a maximum intensity sweat session, strength training, or a rejuvenating yoga class, DYI designs apparel specifically for your state of mind. The DYI brand brings together fashionable clothing and healthy living in a unique way. It isn’t just clothing, but a mindset, a philosophy and a movement! It’s about living a happy, active and balanced life by doing things that inspire you!

Follow DYI:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest

 

WANT TO BE IN A GOOD MOOD? EAT HEALTHY FOODS

A number of lifestyle factors can contribute to depression, but one that’s often overlooked is what you put in your mouth. “Diet plays a huge role in depression,” says with Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O., a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine.

Do you crave sweet, salty, and fatty foods when you’re feeling blue? You’re not alone. But, says Dr. Calapai “If we eat better foods like lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fish, we short-circuit the junk food cravings and have higher energy levels and sharper mental focus.

Vitamin D (sun exposure; fortified breakfast cereals, breads, juices, milk): Vitamin D is required for brain development and function. Deficiency in this “sunshine vitamin” is sometimes associated with depression and other mood disorders.

“Smart” Carbs Can Have a Calming Effect

Carbohydrates are linked to the mood-boosting brain chemical, serotonin. Experts aren’t sure, but carb cravings sometimes may be related to low serotonin activity.

Choose your carbs wisely. Limit sugary foods and opt for smart or “complex” carbs (such as whole grains) rather than simple carbs (such as cakes and cookies). Fruits, vegetables, and legumes also have healthy carbs and fiber.

Tryptophan (protein sources including turkey, beef, eggs, some dairy products, dark, leafy greens): An amino acid, tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin. It’s not well understood, but low tryptophan seems to trigger depressive symptoms in some people who have taken antidepressants.

 

Increase your intake of B vitamins

People with either low blood levels of the B-vitamin folic acid, or high blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine (a sign that you are not getting enough B6, B12 or folic acid), are both more likely to be depressed and less likely to get a positive result from anti-depressant drugs. In a study comparing the effects of giving an SSRI with either a placebo or with folic acid, 61% of patients improved on the placebo combination but 93% improved with the addition of folic acid.

 

Boost your serotonin with amino acids

Serotonin is made in the body and brain from an amino acid called tryptophan. Tryptophan is then converted into another amino acid called 5-Hydroxy Tryptophan (5-HTP), which in turn is converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin. Tryptophan can be found in the diet; it’s in many protein rich foods such as meat, fish, beans and eggs. 5-HTP is found in high levels in the African Griffonia bean, but this bean is not a common feature of most people’s diet. Just not getting enough tryptophan is likely to make you depressed; people fed food deficient in tryptophan became rapidly depressed within hours.

Up your intake of chromium

This mineral is vital for keeping your blood sugar level stable because insulin, which clears glucose from the blood, can’t work properly without it. In fact it turns out that just supplying proper levels of chromium to people with atypical depression can make a big difference.

Select Selenium-Rich Foods

Studies have reported a link between low selenium and poor moods. The recommended amount for selenium is 55 micrograms a day for adults.

Evidence isn’t clear that taking supplements can help. And it’s possible to get too much selenium. So it’s probably best to focus on foods:

  • Beans and legumes
  • Lean meat (lean pork and beef, skinless chicken and turkey)
  • Low-fat dairy products
  • Nuts and seeds (particularly brazil nuts – but no more than one or two a day because of their high selenium content)
  • Seafood (oysters, clams, sardines, crab, saltwater fish, and freshwater fish)
  • Whole grains (whole-grain pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, etc.)

Caffeine and Sugary Foods

Caffeine may be difficult for many people to completely eliminate from their diet. However, it is good to only have caffeinated drinks in moderation, particularly when you are experiencing depression-like symptoms. Caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns and make you feel anxious, both of which won’t help your depression. People who drink more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, the equivalent of four cups of brewed coffee, should consider cutting back.

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed as the “The Stem Cell Guru” by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S.

His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson’s.

Dr. Calapai started his practice in New York City in 1986 and for over 25 years he has hosted nationally syndicated radio shows, including his two weekly call-in shows on WABC 770-AM, where he offers health and medical advice. He has a show on Saturday morning 8-9am and Sunday evening from 6-7pm. He has consulted with numerous high-profile individuals including Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Fox series Gotham’s, Donal Logue and worked as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers hockey team as well as various modeling agencies.

Dr. Calapai received his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and he consults in Manhattan with practices on Long Island, in East Meadow and Plainview. He has appeared on News12 and in the pages of 25A Magazine and Social Life Magazine.

He is the author of E-books Heavy Metals and Chronic Disease, Reverse Diabetes Forever! Seven Steps to Healthy Blood Sugar, Top Ten Supplements You Can’t Live Without, and Glorious Glutathione. Learn more about Dr. Calapai on his website: www.drcal.net

Get Summer Ready without The Latest Fad Diet

The internet is full of celebrity bodies and all we hear is the importance of getting summer ready. It’s enough pressure on women and many of us are trying to find the latest fad diet.

However, if you have tried all the celeb diets and find yourself studying the pages of www.RoxyPlasticSurgery.com we might have a last attempt at looking like Kim Kardashian.

Featured Photo from Instagram

First up let’s talk about your face. Most celebrities have had some work done and use the best natural products.  There are some great new products in the beauty industry which will improve the texture of your skin and make it tighter. Le Creme Beaute has a fantastic mask that is made entirely from organic, natural products, you will also find moisturizer that can help reduce wrinkles. The most important thing you can do to keep your face young and fresh is drink water, hydration and sleep can take years off you.

How about that tight waist and gorgeous bottom. It is no secret that diet and hydration are the keys to a smaller frame, however, to get yourself a body like Kim you need to do specific exercises. You may have seen the Squat challenge on the Internet. Starting at 50 a day you will hit 250 squats and it’s an insane waste of time. For a well-rounded bottom, you need a routine which focuses on using additional weights to your squat/lunge routine to get a booty lift.  There has been a lot of talk about whether Kim had some help.  She denies it, crediting her body to hard work and a lot of squats!

What is most special about Kim is that she has made the most of her body. She may have used enhancements but the rest was based around realistic goals of how she wanted to look and hard work.

 

Sponsored Post

Beauty Essentials For Your Gym Bag

From hot yoga to spin class, it’s important to fill your gym bag with the best beauty essentials to keep you looking and feeling fresh, natural and effortless after a workout. With these beauty essentials, you’ll look like you never worked a sweat and ready to conquer the day.
Goldwell Kerasilk Volume Re-Power Dry Shampoo ($29.99)
Get rid of sweaty hair with Goldwell Kerasilk Repower Volume Dry Shampoo. It instantly revitalizes hair, leaving your locks luxuriously, silky and shiny just in time for your after next appointment.
Where to Buy: www.goldwell.us C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine/Breath Freshener ($7.50)
Add moisture and a touch of shine to your lips after a workout with C.O. Bigelow’s Mentha Lip Shine/Breath Freshener. Its formula is mint-infused to provide a glossy shine with a refreshing cooling sensation. Your lips will stay moist while the peppermint oil gives your breath a dose of long lasting freshness
Where to Buy: www.bigelowchemists.com Molton Brown Comice Pear & Wild Honey Hand Cream ($15.00)
The cold fitness studios can ruin your hands. Condition your hands with Molton Brown’s Comice Pear & Wild Honey Hand Cream, a moisturizing product with fresh notes of honeyed comice pears, gardenia and sweet biscuit. It’s an indulgent addition to your hand care routine this spring.
Where to Buy: www.moltonbrown.com Mally Beauty Perfect Prep Neutralizing Primer ($30)
Take out post-workout redness with Mally Beauty’s Perfect Prep Neutralizing Primer. Its formula works as both a primer and a color-corrector. Not only does it seal in makeup, it is designed to eradicate sun spots, redness and visible veins. You can wear it alone for a flawless fresh face or under make up to lock in your look.
Where to Buy: www.QVC.com