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Fall Into a Fitness Routine

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Fall is notorious for comfort foods like pumpkin spice lattes and game day nachos. Combine these tempting seasonal staples with darker, shorter days and it can be hard to maintain an active mindset. Despite the enticement to indulge, you can keep your active lifestyle going or even kick off a new fitness regime.

This year, take advantage of the winds of change when the seasons switch and commit to smart habits for a healthy fall.

Dress for success. As the temperatures drop, you may be tempted to bundle up before heading outdoors to exercise, and for your warm-up and cool-down period, that’s not a bad idea. However, while you’re in the midst of your workout, it’s easy to get overheated. Wear layers that you can shed as you begin to sweat and consider moisture-wicking materials that can prevent sweaty clothes from getting cold in the breeze.

Stay hydrated. You may not feel as thirsty when you exercise in cooler weather, but it’s just as important to keep your body well hydrated. When you sweat, you lose more than just water. An option like Propel Electrolyte Water helps you replace what’s lost in sweat through its key electrolyte – sodium – and supports hydration by stimulating thirst and aiding in fluid balance. With the same level of electrolytes as Gatorade, zero calories and no sugar, it can be a perfect choice to support your active lifestyle. Learn more at propelwater.com.

Opt for early workouts. When dark comes early, it can trick your mind into thinking it’s time to wind down for the night. Avoid that motivation pitfall by planning your workout earlier in the day, such as first thing in the morning or during your lunch break. If early mornings are daunting, remember that it won’t take long to shift your sleep schedule and early exercise is a caffeine-free way to put some energy into your day.

Find exercises you enjoy. Forcing yourself through exercises you despise will only backfire in the long run. If you’re not a runner, look for other ways to get your cardio pumping. Interval walking with varied paces and elevation can be an effective alternative or look at ideas like kickboxing or aerobics that you can have fun with while working up a sweat.

Indulge in moderation. Virtually every expert agrees that an occasional indulgence is perfectly acceptable, but use caution when the fall goodies start tempting. Those warm, rich desserts and drinks are filled with empty calories that can make all your hard work go to waste.

Set realistic goals. Having a long-term goal is a good idea, but be sure to set attainable expectations for yourself, including some milestones you can celebrate along the way to keep your motivation strong. Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to fitness with your other life demands so you can set your goals accordingly.

Don’t skimp on skin care. The sun may not be as hot, but if you’re exercising outdoors, you’re still at risk for sunburn. Protect any exposed skin with sunscreen before working out.

 

 

*FF

*Photo courtesy of Getty Images

The post Fall Into a Fitness Routine appeared first on AKA Mom Magazine.


5 Hacks for Holiday Hosting

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It may feel impossible to fit even more into already jam-packed days, but when the holidays roll around, entertaining and celebrating always find a way. Fortunately, you can find some shortcuts when hosting that offer plenty of festive style while also helping you avoid stressing over every detail.

This year, rely on some time-saving hacks so you’re not just throwing the holiday party, but enjoying some seasonal fun of your own.

Repurpose with purpose. There’s no need to make time for a trip to the store or to spend a bundle on party supplies. A pretty, oversized flowerpot or planter that has been cast aside for winter makes a perfect tub for icing down beverages. When it comes to decor, you can cover any old box with some of last year’s leftover holiday paper to add some colorful touches around the home. A similar idea: wrap canvas art or other frames in pretty paper to extend the theme up the walls.

Make easy attractive. Most holiday celebrations center on the food, but it’s still an area where you can shave some time. For example, a simple but attractive option like the wide selection of Chinet Classic White products is designed for practical use. They do not bend, fold or leak, and are strong enough for extra helpings no matter the occasion.

For a more elegant affair, the Chinet Cut Crystal collection is the only fully coordinated line of disposable plates, cups, cutlery and wineglasses. Guests will barely realize they’re not using the good china, but you’ll definitely notice when you’re able to skip time at the sink to spend more precious moments with your loved ones.

Fill the freezer. Whether your holiday entertaining is more impromptu in nature or you host a single sizable shindig, keeping a well-stocked freezer can help make hosting a cinch. Dedicate an afternoon to preparing items you can easily defrost and serve later, like casseroles, appetizers, side dishes and desserts.

Forgo fussy food. An elegant sit-down meal isn’t the only way to enjoy a holiday gathering. Guests may even appreciate a break from traditional heavier fare. Simple food stations, finger foods and even store-bought meals are all time-saving alternatives. Another time-saving option: dressing up store-bought food as part of a larger spread. For example, you can top side dishes like mashed potatoes with olive oil or butter and sprinkle with cheese or embellish a main course such as ham with rosemary sprigs and fresh fruit.

Keep cleanup simple. For a festive, yet deceptively easy table, consider using kraft paper as tablecloths and let some of that leftover wrapping paper do double-duty as table runners. Simply cut the wrapping paper to your desired length and fold the edges under to create clean seams. Match the DIY table coverings with a coordinated line of disposable tableware to make cleaning up a cinch.

Explore more hacks to simplify your holiday entertaining at MyChinet.com.

 

*FF

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Fabulous Fall Flavors: Why Autumn is ideal for gardening, plus timely tips for success

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For any gardener, fall is bittersweet. The exuberance of summer’s bounty has started to fade, while cooler nights and less daylight signal the approach of cold, dark winter.

However, there’s still plenty of time to savor some of the garden’s best flavors before you close your door on the season. In fact, now is the perfect time to plant what are collectively known as “cool weather” crops — tasty favorites that thrive in autumn’s chill.

Bonnie Plants grows a wide variety of cool-weather veggies and herbs, perfect for fall planting. Availability of Bonnie’s fall varieties is limited to specific regions, so check your local garden retailers to find plants near you.

Select some hardy favorites to get weeks of crisp cabbage slaws, healthy kale bowls, crunchy cauliflower and broccoli or even hearty greens like collards or Swiss chard, perfect to pop in a long-simmering winter braise.

Other fall favorites include Brussels sprouts — delicious roasted with slivers of garlic, olive oil and a touch of balsamic vinegar — or any of the versatile salad greens like lettuce and spinach or flavorful herbs like cilantro that tend to suffer and bolt prematurely in sweltering summer sun.

Here’s six timely tips from Bonnie Plants to help you make your fall garden as enjoyable as your summer harvest.

1. Go big at home

Plant pre-started vegetable or herb transplants rather than seeds to squeeze every last moment out of fall’s compressed growing season. These plants love warm soil coupled with cool air and will start to grow quickly. Using transplants instead of seed also means you’ll be gathering tasty produce weeks earlier than you would with seed-sown varieties.

2. Stretch the season

While you can certainly plant cool-season veggies and herbs in pots or in the ground, a simple, commonly available garden product, a “cold-frame”, can help you extend your fall season by providing some added protection. A cold frame is a four-sided, clear box — open to the soil at the bottom — with a hinged lid. Because the ground inside stays warmer than the ambient air temperature, a cold frame protects plants long after unsheltered veggies start to fail. (On warm, sunny days, be sure to crack the lid open to prevent too much heat from building up inside.)

3. Prepare you plot or pot

If planting in-ground, be sure to clear the area of previous planted crops and weeds, as they may decay and harbor bacteria. Always bag, tie and discard debris. Turn up the soil’s top layer and add some bagged compost, and mulch. If planting in a pot, be sure to sanitize pots and use fresh, new potting soil, specifically formulated for containers.

4. Proactively patrol for pests

While pest numbers naturally decline in the cooler days of fall, they don’t disappear entirely. Common pests of cool-season plants include tiny, sap-sucking aphids, caterpillars (particularly from cabbage white butterflies) and harlequin bugs. Inspect your plants for tiny clusters of aphids or tell-tale holes in the leaves. Handpick caterpillars or harlequin bugs from plants and dispose of them or use a strong blast of water from a hose to dislodge aphids.

5. Embrace cooler, carefree comforts

With the warm days and cool nights of fall, less moisture evaporates from your garden or pots, so you’ll need to water less often. (Only water when the soil 2” deep is dry.) In addition, many cool weather crops handily survive light frosts, growing well until a very hard freeze ends their productivity. Better yet, chilly weather improves the flavor of many late-season varieties, including members of the cabbage family, kale, Brussels sprouts and chard, by turning their starches into natural sugars, making them a sweet and healthy treat.

6. Take time to relax

Just like plants, gardeners enjoy a break from the stifling heat of summer. With the leisure of cool days, fewer chores and less weeding as the garden begins to wind down, you’ll be able to enjoy the garden more while you wait to harvest your fall favorites to boost your recipes and brighten your table.

If you don’t want to give up on your garden’s bounty, pick up a selection of cool-season favorites from Bonnie Plants now — and keep your garden growing!

For more information on fall gardening and varieties, please visit www.bonnieplants.com.

 

*BPT

The post Fabulous Fall Flavors: Why Autumn is ideal for gardening, plus timely tips for success appeared first on AKA Mom Magazine.

Teal is The New Orange: The Teal Pumpkin Project

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By Candice Gregg

With the leaves falling and the cooler weather brewing, Halloween is right around the corner. While a lot of us are wondering what costumes we’re going to scramble to buy or put together, a lot of parents have to caution their children what to expect if they go trick-or-tricking. Why you may ask? 1 in 13 children have a food allergy of some sort. Imagine daydreaming about what you’re going to be for Halloween, get dressed up and go out with your family and friends to ask for treats, only to be able to eat a small amount of the treats you received if any at all.  It’s safe to say that this can put a damper on trick-or-treating. Luckily the Teal Pumpkin Project, a nationwide movement, is hoping to change all of that!

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So what exactly is the teal pumpkin project and why the color teal? In case you didn’t know, teal is the color for food allergy awareness and has been so for over 20 years! The Teal Pumpkin Project raises awareness for food allergies and the importance of making all children feel included when Halloween comes around. With some candies being made in the same factory as those with nuts, milk, eggs, and other allergens, it sadly isn’t an option for everyone.  The Teal Pumpkin Project has a list of allergy-free options to inspire a list of goodies everyone can enjoy.

With this information, you may be asking yourself, “how can I help or show support for the Teal Pumpkin Project?”. There are quite a few ways to help the cause or contribute to helping everyone have a safe and happy Halloween. You can start by spreading awareness on your social media by changing your profile picture or sending out a status update with information about the organization. If you plan to give out treats for Halloween and would like to provide options for children with allergies, you can add your home onto The Teal Pumpkin Project Map which is a useful tool for parents to use when planning the Halloween festivities for their family. Setting out a teal pumpkin or even a sign that you have goodies that are free of allergens helps too.

The bottom line is all children want to feel included. As adults, it is our responsibility to make sure that kids don’t feel left out of all the fun. Making a pledge to provide non-candy treats for trick-or-treaters makes a difference one house at a time. Please help by spreading awareness to your neighbors, organizers of your church’s trunk-or-trick event, or your children’s teachers.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

The post Teal is The New Orange: The Teal Pumpkin Project appeared first on AKA Mom Magazine.

Give the gift that gives twice… Operation ResCUTE

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By Candice Gregg

The days are starting to get shorter and the leaves will soon be swirling off the branches of trees. With Autumn creeping up on us, the influence of the cooler weather has started the countdown for Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities and events whether you look on social media or step into a store with holiday decor already on display. Sooner than later, your kids will have their wish lists for Santa and Christmas shopping will be right around the corner! Before you check out the holiday guides or the offers for Black Friday, consider a gift for your children that will give back to the community.

Operation ResCUTE,  has a series of plush dogs and story books based on real dogs that the organization has helped rescue! They strive not only in helping shelter dogs, but to help teach young children empathy towards animals in need and help shape the desire of making a difference in their community by adopting shelter dogs. One major problem that our society faces is a surplus of abandoned dogs in need of a home. Breeders and pet shops are making a profit off of pure-bred puppies while millions of dogs living in dog shelters go unhomed and unloved. In fact, only 30 percent of dogs kept in shelters get adopted as an addition to a loving family, leaving an estimated 2.7 million healthy pets remain in shelters each year.

Founder of Operation ResCUTE, Laurie Brown-Nagin, decided to break the cycle of the problem with the overwhelming amount of shelter dogs needed help. After a chance meeting with animal control taking away a puppy in New York City, Laurie stepped in and fell in love with the puppy named Jingles. She became inspired by Jingles, researching dog shelters and with her findings, and created Operation ResCUTE. One of Laurie’s favorite roles is knowing that for every child who reads one of these books, it is an opportunity to shape attitudes and behaviors and hopefully helping one more rescue dog find the loving family they deserve. She says, “It is also equally important that my books and plush help teach empathy to the younger generation and the awareness of and desire to care for those animals and humans in need.”.

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With three newly designed series, along with the original beloved Jingles, available on Amazon in mid to late October, they are coming just in time for the holidays. Each collection comes with a book, sharing the stories about a real dog that has found their furever home with the help of this amazing organization. Each collection also comes with a plush that is designed based off the dogs as well. 100% of the proceeds from the series go toward helping other shelter dogs get adopted. While your kids get a new story and a new favorite buddy for bedtime, you can also teach them that they have made a difference in a dog’s (and family’s) life!

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The holidays help us as a whole realize the more important things in life. While not every family is able to open their homes to a furry companion, a plush and a book are perfect gifts to help one get noticed and adopted to a family that can. The best presents are the kind that teach us a valuable lesson and keeps on giving. Operation ResCUTE’s mission needs our help and these plush and book collections may seem like a small token, but the payoff is a lot bigger than what we could ever imagine!

Be on the lookout for these must-have collections coming to Amazon.com and don’t forget to add them to your wishlists!

The post Give the gift that gives twice… Operation ResCUTE appeared first on AKA Mom Magazine.

Salem: Every Autumn Lover’s Destination

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By Candice Gregg

With the gorgeous foliage and everything pumpkin spice, Autumn is officially upon us and hopefully, fall break as well. Although it’s the most magical around Halloween time, Salem, MA is every autumn lover’s dream. Salem is a quaint city that is rich in culture and history with charming touches that makes it truly unique. Whether it’s a trip for you and your significant other or a family trip, there are things to do whatever the occasion. Located in New England, Salem is a short distance away from Boston which makes it very accessible whether you plan to arrive by car, plane, bus, or even ferry.

Rich in history, Salem is a destination for any museum lover. The Salem Witch Museum gives insight about the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and the victims that were claimed. With an sit-down audio guided exhibit, it gives an one-of-a-kind learning experience that goes into detail about the Salem Witch trials and its conclusion. You also get to learn about the culture of modern practicing witches and how they differ from the stigma of the past and the way they are portrayed in Hollywood. If witch history isn’t your forte, Salem has a pirate history museum that may be up your alley. You can look at a variety of authentic artifacts before walking through a recreation of parts of the ships that used to set sail on the seas. The museum tour gives you a history of both famous pirates and some who aren’t as well known. The gift shop has a lot of pirate trinkets and souvenirs that will make any pirate lover happy. For art lovers, the Peabody Essex Museum boasts numerous levels of a variety of collections that complement any taste. Indulge in the rich cultures of countries including Korea, India, Japan, China, and others, and what they have to offer in terms of fashion, artwork, architecture, and sculptures. Check on their website for their temporary exhibits to be able to make the most of your visit.  

After a day of learning, let Flatbread Company feed you and entertain you with an activity not well-known to areas outside of New England. Eat like a local with their renowned wood fired pizza, a thinner style pizza, and local beers that are sure to quench your thirst after a long day of tourism. When you’re done eating, walk on to the attached bowling alley, Derby Lanes. Derby Lanes is not your average bowling alley. They offer candlepin bowling, an unique New England activity. Candlepins are long and skinny, while the bowling ball is slightly bigger than what you would use in Skeeball. While this may be challenging, who doesn’t think a challenge can be fun?

This attraction is every movie lover’s must go-to: Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery. Recently relocated, Count Orlok now has a bigger size to accommodate even more exhibits of interest. This museum has dozens of genuine artifacts and trivia knowledge from the classic horror films that showcase the golden age of cinema. You can see highlights of horror films from each decade leading up to present day. There are plenty of lifesize wax figurines of characters that have guaranteed horrified you in your childhood and currently as well. End the visit with their gift shop of scary goodies and movie souvenirs.

Whether you are interested in the surroundings, history, food, or entertainment, Salem  has tons to offer. While it is a tourist city, it is recommended to live like a local for the duration of your time there. The city’s website lets you plan your trip itinerary with information and suggestions that will enrich each day you plan to visit. Hopefully, you now have some autumn envy and find an excuse to visit the New England city. So gather up your boots, sweaters, and your sense of adventure and plan your visit today.

 

The post Salem: Every Autumn Lover’s Destination appeared first on AKA Mom Magazine.

2018 Holiday Must-Haves for the Family

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By Candice Gregg

With the bustle of preparing for the holidays, you find yourself struggling to find ideas of what to give your wife, a family member, or a close friend. Asking people what is on their wish list might eliminate the element of surprise you were hoping for.  This list will help take the guess work out of finding a unique gift for your loved ones without breaking a sweat or even leaving the your home. So get a cup of hot cocoa, put on the Christmas music, and get comfy in your holiday pj’s for gift shopping this year.

This gift idea is a must-have for anyone! The Smile Direct Club has a state-of-the-art whitening kit with two treatments to help dramatically improve any smile. The Bright On. Whitening Kit has a light accelerator with 20 blue LED lights that work together with the teeth whitening formula which claims to be three times faster than regular whitening strips. It is also smartphone powered which allows you whiten wherever you go. The formula used has the same enamel-safe whitening agents also used by dentists. Priced at $79, this is an affordable and very effective method of teeth whitening and will definitely bring a smile!  

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Whether you’re a dog mom, dog dad, or your kids have a sibling with paws, the family dog deserves a little love during the holidays too. A great way to connect with your pet while you’re anywhere, the Furbo, $169, is a camera that allows you to check in with your fur baby and even toss it treats using your smartphone. It has 2-way audio with barking detection that sends a push notification to give you ability to calm your dog and toss a treat to show your love.

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For the techie or worker bee in the family, Felix Gray has glasses that will quickly become an essential. Not only do these glasses make a fashion statement with quality frames, they also filter out blue light and eliminate pesky screen glare. This allows you to be able to work in front of a computer screen for long periods of time without the side effects blue light can cause such as headaches, eye strain, and blurry vision. Prices start at $95, glasses are available in nonprescription, prescription, and readers in order to accommodate all.

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For mom or any other beauty lover, the  Vinmori Sonic Face Brush is a great tool priced at just $32 that won’t break the bank! This brush is made with medical grade silica gel which prevents bacterial growth and is wireless so the user is able cleanse their face anywhere without worrying about a cord. With 12 different vibration settings, it has the power to deep clean your face and in the fraction of the time it would without it. It even lets you know, via a vibrating notification, when you need to switch to a different part of your face so you don’t irritate your skin, which makes this suitable even for sensitive skin types. Comes with a wireless charger.

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As we spend more time with our families around the holidays and memories and nostalgia are in full force, people may get curious about their family history and genetics – 23andMe allows you to explore your ancestry and get answers about your health with their at-home DNA testing kits, currently on sale for $139. With this testing, you can find out what diseases you are at higher risk for, learn about your ancestry background, or even how your DNA influences your traits, tastes, and facial features.  Whether you’re health conscious and want to know how your genes play a role in your lifestyle, or just curious about the genetics that make you “you”, 23andMe makes it possible.

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If you know a first-time parent or you are the parent of a newborn, you might realize how hard it can be to get a good night’s sleep. The Baby Shusher is looking to make night time a happier time for everyone in the household.  This product is designed to help baby lull into sleep using a rhythmic shushing sound. Equipped with a 15-minute or 30-minute timer, it can help put even the fussiest baby to sleep. It is doctor tested and approved. Neonatal units everywhere are using the baby shusher to help soothe babies staying overnight. You can choose from the Baby Shusher for $35 or get the Baby Shusher Collection (shown below), priced at $45, which comes with 2 swaddles and 2 pacifiers that further help add to your baby’s relaxation.   

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Have a little girl on your list? One of the most popular toys right now are the L.O.L. Surprise Dolls. Dropping the shaped bath fizzies will reveal which of these little cuties you receive. This limited edition pearl style gift has a Doll and matching baby sister with 6 surprise balls containing accessories to style them. These accessories are mix and match so the more Surprise dolls, the more options you have for different looks. Pricing varies depending on which edition and style you get.

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With all the technology around us, drones have gotten more and more popular. While full size drones can be expensive, this mini drone, Scoot, is appropriate for kids and adults alike and more budget friendly priced at only $30. Scoot is hand motioned controlled and easy to use. With the ability to fully charge in an hour, this gift makes it easy to be ready to go. To get flying, just toss Scoot up in the air and move your hand close to it in the direction you would like it to move. Easy for beginners! Kids of all ages are sure to have this on their list this year!

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For those are hard to shop for or those that appear to have everything, the Wallet Ninja Version 2.0 is a perfect stocking stuffer. Priced at $12.99 and up, depending on the color, the Wallet Ninja is a credit card sized multi-tool that can be handy in any situation you may face. It fits in your wallet or your back pocket and has 20 tools in 1! Need a screwdriver? It has it! You can also peel fruit, open a bottle, use it as a cell phone stand, open a box, etc. It comes in pink or black and has a nail file and mirror as well. This is the kind of gift no one knew they needed but will be so glad they received!

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Do you have a chef in the household? Maybe it’s you or your significant other? The Nature’s Blossom Herb Garden Kit ($20) is a kitchen must-have. Growing your own herbs not only adds healthy options for seasoning and garnishing meals but it also brightens up your kitchen and smells great. Whether or not you have a green thumb, this kit makes it easy to grow 5 of the most common herbs used in the kitchen. These little pots take up very little space making it super easy to find a home for them in your kitchen. And good food is always a win-win situation for dinner time with the family!

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This last gift will allow your kids (or let’s be honest… you when the kids aren’t around) to be a super star in the comfort of your own home. Alone or with a crowd, the Singing Machine will definitely get the party started! Sing along to your favorite tunes with this Bluetooth karaoke system, featuring a built-in 7″color LCD screen for easy lyric reading. Wirelessly stream digital audio from any Bluetooth compatible device. This karaoke machine is also compatible with CDs and also has a USB port allowing the use of MP3 formatting as well. Equipped with multi-colored LED lights with a dimmer option, you can also put on an impressive light show while singing along to your favorite songs. There are even two microphone jacks so you can perform the ultimate duet – Islands in the Stream.. I Got You Babe… Priced at $129.99, this is truly a gift that everyone in your household will enjoy time and time again. Comes with 5 free karaoke downloads.

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While the most important part of the holidays is spending time with your loved ones, gift-giving is an added bonus and can make you feel good when you find just the right gift for the right person. And this year, give yourself the gift of online shopping so that you have more time to spend with your family. Whether it be for your son or daughter, your husband, yourself, or Fido, these gifts are sure to please!

Happy Holidays!

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How to Become Your Best Self

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Ask yourself … are you truly who you want to be? Is this the life you really want? Are you living each day as your best self? What can you change today?

How would you answer those questions? Think about your daily life. Are you thriving, or going through the motions? Are your days full of work, relationships and activities that are true to your authentic self or do you feel trapped on a treadmill of responsibility? If you dream of a better life, now is the time to turn your dream into reality.

The tools you need to design a life that is fulfilling on the deepest levels are within your grasp. Written by Mike Bayer, known to the thousands of clients whose lives he has changed as Coach Mike, “Best Self” can show you how.

Bayer has helped everyone from pop stars to business executives to people just like you discover the freedom to be their best selves. By asking them and leading them to ask themselves a series of important but tough questions, such as “What are your core values?,” “Do you go to bed each day more knowledgeable than when you woke up?” and “Am I neglecting some aspect of my physical health out of fear or denial?,” he helps them see what their Best Selves and Anti-Selves really look like. As a mental health specialist, a personal development coach and an all-around change agent, Bayer has seen the amazing ways in which lives can improve with honesty and clarity. He understands the daily struggles people face intimately, because he’s faced – and overcome – his own, and he knows that change is possible.

By working through each of the Seven SPHERES of Life – Social, Personal, Health, Education, Relationships, Employment and Spiritual Development – “Best Self” is an accessible and interactive book that distills all of Bayer’s wisdom into a compact, focused guide that can ignite your desire for change.

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The Seven SPHERES of Life:

Social

Take a look at your social life in terms of your communication skills and dive into how you feel in your own skin when interacting with others.

Personal

In attempting to be your personal best self, work to have an abundance of respect and compassion for yourself. Take care of yourself by nurturing an authentic, positive self-image to see benefits reach other spheres of your life.

Health

If you’re unhealthy, it’s difficult to be your best self in other areas. The goal should be to act in your own best interests when it comes to your physical health in order to feel your best and be at your best.

Education

Even if you didn’t enjoy school or believe you simply don’t like the process of taking in new information, you may still be thirsty for knowledge in areas that interest you on a deeper level. Find what quenches your unique interests and explore the best methods to learn in those areas.

Relationships

From time to time, relationships can get out of balance. However, you can be proactive about doing your part to get them back to equilibrium by determining ways to control your authenticity and what you can do when those around you aren’t reflecting their own.

Employment

Determine whether you’re acting as your best self at work just as you are at home. If you can’t be yourself at work, you may be wasting valuable time. Don’t lose yourself in a fear of trying to be something you aren’t while on the job.

Spiritual Development

The place within you from which goodness radiates can be described as your spiritual self. It’s where you form integrity, values and treatment of other people, so focus on aligning those traits with your vision of your best self.

Learn more about how to become your best self and take a self-assessment quiz at coachmikebayer.com/book.

 

 

*Photo courtesy of Getty Images 

*FF

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Show Off Your Sweet Side This Valentine’s Day

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Treat family, friends and co-workers to something they will all love this Valentine’s Day by making easy and impressive cookies. Start with your favorite roll-out cookie recipe or simply dress up store-bought ones by adding some simple details with icing.

From the cupids at Wilton, here are three ways to leave them smitten with sweets this Valentine’s Day: 

  • Desserts with dimension. Triple your treats by stacking three decorated cookies in different sizes together and attach them with icing.
  • Complement with color. A simple piping technique looks stunning when piped in different colors on your cookies.
  • Get to gifting. Wrap your finished treats in a Valentine’s Day treat bag or box.

For more fun and delicious Valentine’s Day recipes, baking tips and inspiration, visit www.wilton.com.

Stackable Ombre Heart Cookies

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  • Each stacked cookie serves 1.
  • Favorite roll-out cookie recipe
  • Royal icing (recipe on wilton.com)
  • Rose Icing Color
  • Heart Micro Mini Icing Decorations

Directions:

Prepare and roll out cookie dough following recipe directions. Use 3 smallest cutters from 4-piece heart nesting cookie cutter set to cut out shapes. Bake and cool cookies.

Divide royal icing into three equal portions, and tint 3 shades of rose. Thin a portion of each shade following recipe directions. Use tip 3 and full-strength tinted icing to outline cookies. Use thinned tinted icing in cut decorating bag to fill in cookies; gently tap to smooth icing. Let dry overnight.

Use icing to attach cookies, stacking largest to smallest; place icing decoration on top.

Scalloped Heart Cookies

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  • Each cookie serves 1.
  • Favorite roll-out cookie recipe
  • Ready-To-Use White Creamy Decorator Icing
  • Icing Colors: Burgundy, Red-Red and Christmas Red

Directions:

Prepare and roll out dough following recipe directions. Use largest cutter from the 4-piece heart nesting cookie cutter set to cut out shape. Bake and cool cookies.

Divide icing into four equal portions. Tint one of each portion light burgundy, dark burgundy and combination of red-red/Christmas red. Reserve last portion white.

Starting from top edge of heart, use tip 102 and icing in dark burgundy, light burgundy, red and white to pipe V-shaped groups of two petals, one piped from left and one from right, to create row of petals in alternating colors. Repeat with second row between petals in first row. Continue to repeat pattern until cookies are covered.

 

 

*FF

The post Show Off Your Sweet Side This Valentine’s Day appeared first on AKA Mom Magazine.

5 Easy Ways to Say “I Love You”

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If gift-giving isn’t your strong suit, occasions like Valentine’s Day are likely to bring on stress and worry, but procrastinating will only serve to elevate your unease.

Follow these steps to simplify your shopping, and while you may not come to love the task of finding the perfect gift, your loved one will undoubtedly appreciate your effort.

  1. Browse for ideas online. Many retailers offer special promotions and gift idea sections on their websites, so finding inspiration can be as easy as visiting the sites of your loved one’s favorite stores. There are also dozens of articles online to help get the ideas flowing. Searches such as “gifts for horse lovers” or “Valentine’s gifts for a new boyfriend” will reveal a long list of ideas to peruse.
  1. Keep it simple. Although the advertising industry works hard to convince consumers otherwise, Valentine’s Day isn’t really all about the bling. Sure, a pretty bauble is a welcome gift, but there are plenty of ways to show your affection that don’t require spending a month’s salary. A heartfelt card paired with a memento of a meaningful event or place in your relationship sends the same loving sentiment.
  1. Make it a (different) date. For many couples, navigating the demands of work, kids and life make spending time together a luxury. Instead of fighting crowds at busy restaurants on the official date, celebrate your love on a day of your own choosing, when you can relax and enjoy the time together without the pressure to rush through dessert so your table can be flipped for the next waiting couple.
  1. Give blooms a boost. A dozen long-stem red roses is a beautiful gesture, but unless your intended rose receiver is a strictly traditional type, try adding a little spice to your floral arrangement. Go for a bouquet in her favorite color, or have the flowers arranged in a practical vessel she can reuse to remember the occasion, such as a cocktail shaker or a watering can.
  1. Go ahead, gift yourself. It may seem counter-intuitive, but finding a gift you’ll enjoy may inspire an idea for your loved one. The trick is finding something you can share together, whether it’s tickets to a show or his and hers mugs for enjoying your favorite brew. Just be sure the item is something your intended will share your enthusiasm for, or you may as well go buy a blender.

Find more ideas to simplify every occasion at eLivingToday.com.

 

 

*FF

*Photo courtesy of Getty Images

The post 5 Easy Ways to Say “I Love You” appeared first on AKA Mom Magazine.





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