Tag: wellness

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Culture Fitness Health Lifestyle NYC Wellness

Sets in the City: Moving the Gym to your Home

By Lalaina “Lala” Duncan

WHEN NEW YORK LOCKED DOWN FOR THE COVID-19 pandemic last year, I was on vacation and figured I could improvise until things lifted — which had to be in a few weeks tops, right? “Workouts in the sand!” I decided, taking advantage of my surroundings. And honestly, why wasn’t I already doing this? Even though I was supposed to be on vacation, I was still taking meetings for the gym and frantically scouring the internet for fitness equipment I could have delivered and ready when I arrived back home. Back in New York, my clients were all one step ahead of me, transforming their living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens into home gyms. They consulted me in the process:

Client: “Should I get the 15s or 20s or both?”

Me: “Obviously, both.”

Client: “I can’t find 15s but they have kettlebells, should I get those?”

Me: “Absolutely. We can do a lot with kettlebells.”

Client: “Now the kettlebells are sold out but they have a barbell, what do think?”

Me: “You have room for a barbell? Yes, get the barbell — but good luck finding plates for it, because it’s sold out everywhere I looked. You got the bands right?”

Client: “Yeah, those are coming this week.”

Me: “Perfect! Get the barbell and if you can, buy a landmine attachment. You can borrow plates from the gym. You’ll be good!”

As we spoke and they continued to revamp their home gyms, It was becoming apparent that this was going to be longer than a few weeks. I started strategizing with clients on how they could continue to train at home, which led to Live Virtual Training sessions via FaceTime or Zoom. I’m not going to lie, there was something exciting about this new venture. I was able to maintain some normalcy during this time and do it out of the comfort of my own home. From a trainer’s perspective, I relished the challenge of trying to provide a good solid training session for my clients with minimal equipment. “Okay, so we’ve got two mini bands, one long red band, two 20 pound dumbbells, a 26-pound kettlebell, and a yoga mat. I’m going to murder your legs. Happy Monday!”

 

Lala Duncan and Walter Savage photo by Alice Teeple

 

By the middle of summer, the novelty of minimalist training was wearing thin, and many of my clients were starting to install full gyms in their homes. One of my clients in the Hamptons turned her basement into a full gym that would rival any boutique fitness studio, while another client moved to a slightly bigger apartment on the Lower East Side just so that she could have a squat rack in her living room. But our training program never changed. No matter what, in the gym or at home, on Mondays we squat. And as my client, Rachel, says to me, “No problem, let me move the chaise lounge to make room for my new squat rack.” As a strength coach and trainer, this can be better than hearing “I love you” for the first time from a new beau.

Now here we are a year later, and no one can predict what the future holds as the world starts to “open up.” What I can tell you is that in Manhattan and across the world, women are taking their health, fitness, and strength into their own hands. A lot of my clients have expressed to me that they now feel more comfortable strength training at home because there’s less intimidation than being in a crowded gym. And they feel confident that when gyms do fully re-open, they can walk up to the squat rack, adjust the height, load the plates themselves and lift like a boss. The conversations I used to have with my girlfriends and clients about handbags, clothes, and shoes have now turned into “Hey, what do you think if I bought a trap bar, do you think I’ll use it?” My answer? “Abso-freaking-lutely!”

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Culture Entertainment Featured Lifestyle Movies NYC Uncategorized

Downtown Q&A: Robin Russin, Lance Hool, and Eric Gregory of Netflix Sensation “2 Hearts”

2 Hearts from IMDB

It was a cloudy summer afternoon. I was home alone, surfing the television, in need of an uplifting movie to watch. After a few minutes too long of no luck, I resorted to a scroll on Instagram. The first post that popped up was one by Netflix, promoting a new film, “2 Hearts”. The main character in the teaser was recognizable: it was Jacob Elordi, the rising star from HBO’s “Euphoria”, and Netflix’s “The Kissing Booth”.

Without hesitation, I queued up the film, given zero context of the plot. “This seems like a simple, light romantic comedy for my relaxed Sunday,” I thought. Two hours later, I was uncontrollably sobbing, irreparably moved by this less-than-simple film. Two days later, I jumped on my email to get in touch with anyone I could that was a part of it. Two weeks later, I heard back from three important men. I sat down to begin writing this story. I felt as though it needed to be spread.

 

2 Hearts, 2 Intertwined Lives

Jorge Bacardi was born on April 6, 1944, with primary ciliary dyskinesia, a debilitating lung disease. He was also born into his family’s business: Bacardi rum, which produced spirits for 150 years. Jorge met Leslie Bacardi when she was a Pan Am air hostess. They later married. By the age of 64, Jorge’s life was slipping from his fingers. He was in need of a new set of lungs.

Christopher Mark Gregory was born on December 13, 1988. He was raised in Maryland, with his two older brothers, and his mother and father, Eric and Grace. Chris attended Loyola University in New Orleans, where he completed his first and only semester of college. In the middle of his second, Chris suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm. He was later pronounced braindead. 

The real Chris Gregory

On March 27, 2008, Jorge and Leslie received a phone call. There was a match found. Jorge would receive Chris’s lungs. Under 24 hours after the transplant, Jorge was walking around the hospital, without a breathing tube. The nurses dubbed him “Superman”.

Soon after his lung transplant, Jorge and Leslie Bacardi gave funds to Mayo Clinic and founded Gabriel House of Care, a nonprofit hospitality house for families awaiting an organ donation. Gabriel was the pseudonym the Bacardis used for Chris until they learned his real name.

 

What Could Have Been

2 Hearts follows two true love stories that lasted a lifetime. One of Jorge and Leslie, and that of Chris and his college girlfriend, who is referred to as Sam in the film. The plot fantasizes about what Chris’s life might have looked like if he had lived on. But unfortunately, it stops short and continues on in another body. In Jorge’s, and in the other six other recipients of Chris’s organs. 

 

The Story Heard ‘Round The World

After speaking with Robin Russin, the co-writer, the director, Lance Hool, and Chris Gregory’s father, Eric Gregory, it became very clear to me that I was not the only one who was so touched by the film. Each three of these men remarked on how people from all over the world reached out to them individually, sharing how moved they were by the story. 

The story is a kismet entanglement of and stunning example of right place right time. Not only in the plot of the film, but in the way that all of the puzzle pieces came together to bring the project to fruition.

 

Robin Russin

Robin Russin
Robin Russin

Robin Russin was the co-writer on “2 Hearts”. He is a screenwriter, playwright, and director. He studied at Harvard, Oxford, The Rhode Island School of Design, and UCLA. He is currently a professor at UC Riverside. He was approached by Lance Hool to work on this story.

 

Marley Gifford: How did you first hear about Chris Gregory’s story?

Robin Russin: Lance Hool approached me about it after his brother Conrad met Jorge Bacardi while on vacation and learned of the lung transplant and how he and the Gregorys got to know each other. I’d worked with Lance on several other projects, and he thought I had the right sensibility for this story. As it progressed, Veronica Hool brought in the idea of exploring the life Chris might have had, but never got the chance to.

 

MG: What moved you to want to be a part of the film, “2 Hearts”?

RR: I loved this story from the start because it was so moving, both sad and yet uplifting—how out of an unimaginable tragedy, a new friendship emerged. More than that—it was as if through this shared trauma these two families became one, and truly came to love each other.

 

MG: What sets it apart from other films in its genre right now?

RR: I think, as mentioned, it is different because — other than the fantasy sequence of the life Chris might have had — it is based on the generosity, courage, and decency of these real people. I really fell in love with these people myself.

 

MG: Did the actors in the film, like Jacob Elordi (Chris) and Adan Canto (Jorge), bring to life what you had co-written in the way you had imagined?

Yes, absolutely— they felt so real and so appropriate to the characters they were portraying. I also want to give a shout-out to Tahmoh Penikett, who perfectly embodied Eric, Chris’s father. But they were all great, and all so on-target with their representations.

 

MG: This must have been a big success for you, to have a film that you have co-written debut on Netflix? What was that like?

RR: A bit surreal, to tell the truth. I’ve been working in the film business for a long time, but often on projects that never got this kind of response. I’m hearing from people around the world, how moved and inspired they were by the film. I really owe Lance a great debt of gratitude for believing in me and involving me in the film.

 

MG: What message do you want viewers to take away from the “2 Hearts” film? What lessons did you learn through your journey with the film?

RR: I want people to come away from the film with the feeling that life is short, precious, and unpredictable— but that through love and sacrifice, life can achieve [greater] meaning and purpose than anyone could imagine. I want people to realize that even in death, a gift of life can be given to others, and that grief can be transformed into love.

 

Lance Hool

Lance Hool directed “2 Hearts”. He has also worked as a writer, executive producer, distribution company chairman, studio chief, and actor. He has produced over twenty-five major motion pictures. Two of which have reached number one at the US box office; “Missing in Action” and “Man on Fire”.

 

MG: How did you first hear about Chris Gregory’s story?  

Lance Hool: My brother Conrad met and befriended one of the couples. He told me their story and asked if I saw a movie in it.

 

MG: What moved you to want to direct “2 Hearts”? 

LH: My first impulse was: this is a great story but a very, very tough movie to make. How do we tell the story of two couples that are so far apart in age and in time? And how do we keep the mystery going of how they get together through a whole 100-minute film? I told him: “This is not in our wheelhouse.” “Man on Fire”, “Missing in Action”, those movies were. And if it was a comedy, “Pure Luck” and “Crocodile Dundee”. But this one was something that I’d been looking for for a long time, which was a story that was really deep in the human aspect of our lives. And so he convinced me, “You can make a great movie out of this story.” And so I jumped into it. Fully dressed, into the swimming pool. I was looking for a human story that was real.

 

MG: What sets “2 Hearts” apart from other films in its genre right now?  

LH: It is a film that relies entirely on human relationships.  There are no bad guys, no guns, it is based on pure love.

 

MG: What was it like working with the actors in the film, like Jacob Elordi and Adan Canto? Did they bring to life your vision for 2 Hearts? 

LH: Because it is such a unique story, I always felt that I needed to have actors that weren’t known. You have to get so involved with the character as an audience, the worst thing is to say, “Oh look, there’s Tom Cruise playing a doctor” or whatever. You just can’t get divorced from that for a while, so you’re out of the story. I wanted to capture every character so that the audience could easily identify with [it] immediately. So it was a six-month period of casting, in which we interviewed hundreds of people.

I had an extremely set vision that I saw throughout the film.  The first character I cast was the only “known” actor, Radha Mitchell, whom I had worked with in”Man On Fire”. She is a terrific actress who I knew would immediately create a base for all the actors.  Jacob Elordi was very green and took a lot of work but was a pleasure to be around, and Adan Canto is a revelation. A tremendous actor and [a] great human being. The other actress with a huge future is Tiera. I worked with a great cast and they performed beautifully.  The screenplay is exceptional.

 

MG: Congratulations on 2 Hearts Reaching Top 10 in the U.S. on Netflix! That must be a gratifying feeling, is it?  

LH: It hit number one. We are all thrilled at the millions of people who have seen the film and love it. It is very gratifying.

 

MG: What message do you want viewers to take away from the “2 Hearts” film? What lessons did you learn through your journey with the film? 

LH: Take every moment of your life as it could be your last. Leave a legacy. Remember always that you can’t take it with you and do your absolute best to do good and love.

 

Eric Gregory

Eric Gregory

Eric Gregory is the father of the late Chris Gregory. Less than four years after the death of his son, he wrote “All My Tomorrows: A Story of Tragedy, Transplant, and Hope.” In 2014, Jorge Bacardi met Conrad Hool, Lance’s brother and eventual producer of the film. From there, the manuscript was turned into “2 Hearts”. Eric carries on the legacy of his son through this story.

 

MG: What compelled you to open your heart and write your son’s story, “All My Tomorrows”, years after the passing of your son, Chris?

Eric Gregory: The project actually began in February 2012, less than four years after Christopher’s death. By then, we had become close friends with Jorge and Leslie Bacardi and met most of the other four recipients of Christopher’s organs. In the back of my mind, there was always the biological clock; that they might not survive long enough to see this project’s completion. It took me five years to finally get it into print. 

Beginning with Jorge and Leslie, among the first questions I asked each of these unique individuals (when we met) was “where were you when you got the call” that an organ was available for them? In Jorge’s case, he received two calls in the same evening, an extremely rare event. But as they each told us of the incredible events surrounding their transplants I started to overlay their experiences with our own. For instance, Nic was sent home (to die) after his failed angiogram about the same time that the second neurological exam confirmed Chris was truly brain-dead. Jorge was waking up from surgery about the time we were cleaning out Chris’ dorm room.

It seemed to me that everyone’s stories were intertwined and really interdependent upon each other. That’s when I thought it was a story that deserved to be told and I tried to convey this when I constructed the narrative of the book.

 

I really felt like I owed it to Chris to tell his story. I just hoped that I had the perseverance and writing skills to pull it off. I wanted to celebrate my son’s too-short life, promote the cause of organ donation and maybe offer some hope to other grieving parents since this was their story as much as mine.

 

MG: When did you first learn that your story was going to become a movie? What was that experience like?

EG: I believe in 2014 Jorge Bacardi called me and said that he had met a movie producer while on a cruise ship in the Pacific. The producer was Conrad Hool (Man on Fire), Lance’s brother. During their conversation, Conrad learned of Jorge’s transplant, about Chris, and about the friendship that was developing between the Bacardis and us. Basically, I was in disbelief. Jorge said, “I told him he needs to talk to you because you’re writing a book about it.”

 

Grace and I went to Santa Fe and met Conrad and discovered how serious he was. So I told Conrad that whenever I had a manuscript completed I would share it with him.

 

I can tell you that the research and writing process was an emotional roller-coaster and not the cathartic experience people assume it to be. There were many, many moments when I said, “I just can’t do this.” And then I’d get a call from Jorge, “Hey Boss. How’s that book coming? Conrad wants to know when he might get to read it.” And I’d throw myself back into the project.

 

I assure you thirteen years ago we never imagined talking about books or movies or any of this in the present context. It is very bittersweet and it isn’t lost on us that most donor families do not share this kind of experience. 

 

MG: When did you watch “2 Hearts” for the first time? Were you with your family? Were you emotional when you watched the film for the first time? 

EG: We saw it for the first time at a screening in Los Angeles. The Bacardis were there with some of their family and friends. Grace and I flew out from our home in Arizona. I was stunned by how well Jacob Elordi captured Christopher’s mannerisms and spirit.

 

I have seen the movie six times. I get emotional every time because, while some creative license was taken, the movie is still very true to the real story. So much of the dialogue comes from actual conversations and situations. I have heard from people who were actually there (at the hospital) saying that it is difficult to watch.

 

Lance told me after the screening, “Thank you for trusting us with your son’s story.” I have never regretted doing so. The Hool family always took care to treat Christopher with respect and to portray the subject of organ transplantation accurately. That meant a lot to us. It was the same meeting the cast and crew. They seemed genuinely invested in the story.

 

MG: I love the sentiment behind the letters that Jorge sent you and your family, and how he said he was “with Chris” when he was doing something like going fishing. What does that mean to you?

EG: I should mention that Jorge passed away in September but we remain close to his family, especially Leslie. I loved getting those letters and we still love hearing from Leslie or any of their family. They are always special. Those first letters were what stopped our downward spiral and let us know that we could survive the loss of our son.

 

We were told by the organ procurement agency that we shouldn’t expect to hear from anyone for years maybe. And even then we shouldn’t expect too much. But those first letters and e-mails, Leslie calls them the “love letters,” did more to help us heal than I can describe. 

 

MG: It is clear that Chris’s story has made an impact, and will continue to now that this film is getting out there more. How does that make you feel?

EG: Grateful. Humble. I am getting e-mails from people I’ve not met saying how much Christopher’s story has touched them. It means his life hasn’t really ended and that his love remains very much in this world. Especially when folks tell us that they signed up as an organ donor.  That’s why your interview is so important. Most people register to be organ donors at their local motor vehicle administration office. But because New York has so few drivers compared to the rest of the country, they have a smaller donor base but a greater need for organ donors. 

While the movie features Chris, it is about donors everywhere. They’re all so young and they die so suddenly. Justin Harrison was only fifteen. Tim Susco was twenty-four. Dru Mayon was ten. Their deaths were unexpected and they left behind holes in their families that can never be filled. Their parents didn’t get to plan their weddings. They had to plan their funerals instead. But somebody else lived because those kids died and that has to count for something. They didn’t die for [no reason]. I think the movie makes that point.

You know each of us has a story and we tell our story in the way we live our life. Well, Chris never got to finish his story. So I tried to tell his story through the medium of print. And now Lance and Robin and the cast and crew have told his story through the medium of film. And that means his story will be told forever because cinema is art and art doesn’t die. The craft of storytelling is powerful and compelling and permanent.

 

MG: What do you think Chris would say about having his story shared with the world right now?

He wouldn’t say anything. He would just get a wry grin on his face that meant he knew something the rest of us didn’t.

 

The Importance of Organ Donation Specifically in New York

Chris’s father imparted to me the need for organ donation in the state of New York; a region in which there are fewer drivers than in other states, meaning less opportunity for organ donors, in a state in dire need of organs. If you reside in New York, or anywhere else, consider checking the organ donor box the next time you can. Any opportunity to save a life is one worth taking.

Visit organdonor.gov to make the choice that could save a life, or seven, just like Chris.

 

For more Downtown Q&A, click here.

Categories
Health Wellness

3 Ways to Consume Cannabis

https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-marijuana-edibles-on-dark-background-7667908/

Over the last few years, we’ve been able to harness the power of the cannabis plant into many different types of products. Most people are familiar with smoking cannabis to feel the effects of the plant, but in the past decade, it’s become quite popular to consume it in other ways. As legalization becomes more common in places around the world, more companies are discovering how they can be a part of this quickly growing industry.

Customers can choose from a wide variety of flowers, edibles, drinks, waxes, tinctures, oils, and many other products. There is something out there for everyone, and many different options to try. Check out the three main ways to consume cannabis to help decide which one is best for you.

Orally

The most common way to orally consume cannabis can be through smoking and inhaling, but there are other methods that are better for your lungs and overall health. There are numerous edible and beverage options that are available today on the market. They taste great and also provide the exact same benefits, so it’s a popular option.

You can also buy your own cannabis oil to use in your cooking. You can control how much you need to use with a few drops and it can be an economical way to consume it. CBD soft gels are also an edible option when it comes to mitigating pain or inflammation.

Sublingually


The many benefits of CBD can be found with only just a few drops of oil. You can use a few drops of CBD oil in foods or drinks, but you can also just put it under your tongue. What makes this method most effective is that the CBD is absorbed into your bloodstream. The Latin word sublingual translates to “under the tongue”, which was the pharmacological route of administering medicine. They discovered the soft tissues under our tongues absorb things more quickly with the help of our saliva. This method works best if you want quick results.

Topically

We’ve discovered the use of CBD oils and how they can help your pain, but did you know you can also use this compound topically? There are creams and oils infused with CBD that can help alleviate pain thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. There are products paired with other natural ingredients like peppermint or lavender that can help provide relief and comfort for various ailments like sore muscles or headaches.

If you’re curious about these options and what would work best for your needs, you should speak with your doctor, or check out your local cannabis store for advice on what products to start with. Everyone is different, so each of these methods of consuming cannabis can affect people in various ways. Some people find edibles to be the best option, while others opt for sublingual options or topical creams that can provide quick relief. Whether you’re looking for medical or recreational uses, you will find a variety of ways to enjoy the healing properties of this plant.

Categories
Featured NYC

The Best Mother’s Day Gifts from Downtown

If there is anything that this pandemic has taught us, it’s to reach out to those we love, more often.

Human life does not exist without Mother. This year let’s make sure that we pay extra special attention to our mothers and grandmothers.

Whether you buy something already gift-wrapped from her special shop, and have it sent directly to her, or opt for a beautiful bouquet of flowers, or take the time to thoughtfully purchase a present yourself, our editors have found Mother’s Day ideas that are bound to show her how important she is, even if you can’t be there to celebrate in person.

 

LINNEA candles offer three distinctive collections designed to invoke precious memories and transport you to faraway places. Our editors cannot get enough of Linnea scented candles. While each collection (Classic, Spring, and Herbal) has an assortment to choose from, we picked these three as perfect gifts for Mother’s Day.

Wood House (Classic Collection): Create a customized sensorial experience that suits your mood with  The Classic Collection or enjoy each fragrance on its own. Mom will enjoy the warm and woodsy scents of Wood House, a blend of bergamot, violet, and sandalwood.

Freesia (Season Collection): Highlight the Spring season and Mother’s Day with thoughtful blends to stir and awaken the senses. Freesia’s aroma of Anjou pear, freesia, and vetiver is like a subtle spring breeze.

White Sage  (Herbal Collection):  Our favorite scent for spring, clean and fresh. Inspired by rich soil between our fingers, the Herbal Collection is a homage to Mother Nature herself.  Inspired by sage smudge sticks and culinary herb gardens, White Sage features notes of Petitgrain, white sage, cardamon cedar, and black pepper.

 

 

Harbour Island Gingham Long-Sleeve One-Piece Suit, this irresistible, comfortable, and eye-catching. Seriously, it’s about time we see a suit that looks this glamorous and fits like a glove. Tommy Bahama’s apparel and beach gear collections offer built-in sun protection using fabrics with 30-50 UPF (ultraviolet protection factor), mom will love this feature. Women’s sportswear and most beach gear feature UPF30 while women’s swimwear features UPF50, which blocks 98% of the sun’s rays. This is the perfect gift for Mom, she will have everyone asking where she purchased this elegant swimsuit.

 

 

 

 

“Every time I wear the jacket I’m stopped and ask where I got it from.” This is the jacket to have in your wardrobe this season. While shopping for Mom, be sure to order this comfortable, Harbour Island Gingham Long-Sleeve Rash Guard. Our team is in love with all of Tommy Bahama’s 2021 beautifully bright, seasonal colors, just the perfect fit and Mom will ready for anything.

 

 

Pre Mother’s day purchase, order today, so that Mom is ready for anything, with this Linen-Blend Off-The-Shoulder Classic style meets comfort, Mom will thank you for sure, this year you hit the mark!

 

 

 

One of our best finds in 2020 STAX. We love this brand of activewear, it is the most comfortable brand, ever. You do not feel poured into them, never uncomfortable and they look FAB! This fashion-focused, figure-flattering premium sports-luxe activewear for both performance and lifestyle, created by Founder and Creative Director Don Robertson alongside Co-Owner and Brand Manager Matilda Murray. Prioritizing high quality whilst demonstrating luxury at affordable prices, STAX. blends a perfect mix of both fitness and fashion, dressing every person at every size, STAX.

 

Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face

 

 

 

 

TOUAREG DRESS 2CM PINK DEGRADED STRIPE 

Launched in 2013 by New York fashion photographer Randall Bachner, Marrakshi Life embraces comfort and craftsmanship. Taking key style elements from the traditional Moroccan wardrobe, an in-house team of local artisans helps create original, contemporary, and wearable design pieces. Randall describes his atelier in Marrakech as a community rather than a factory. He uses sustainable, low-impact production methods with garments, mom will be proud to wear.

 

 

 

Swimming is my go-to sport, you have likely seen grandmothers enjoying water aerobics in a Florida gated community and laughed silently as they attempted to exercise “elder style.” This is probably what you picture if someone says, “water workout.”

Not so fast…Fluid Running is a serious aquatic high-tech workout developed by certified trainer Jennifer Conroyd after she was injured and needed to rehab to run a marathon. Fluid running workout uses a flotation belt and Bluetooth, with a pair of waterproof headphones that connect with the Fluid Running app. Listening to music-backed workouts. You will enjoy, beginner to extremely advanced workouts led by Jennifer. Don’t worry about your phone’s safety as it will stay dry in your bag. Remember, these workouts are performed in deep water such as a pool, lake, or bay. Swimming and water exercise are some of the best and safest ways to stay in shape. Give the gift of health to Mom this Mother’s Day!

 

 

Do your feet hurt at the end of each day? Many of us spend most of the day on our feet.  We can definitely appreciate this new dpl® Slipper Foot Pain Light Therapy. FDA-approved OTC device eases foot pain while finally relaxing around the house. Medically proven to relax muscles and relieve muscle pain. Now this is a gift for mom!

 

 

No more running to the store to get your mom’s favorite carbonated beverage. Drinkmate,  carbonated beverages, not only cut back on trips to the store but also on plastic, and aluminum waste. Can you say recycle? Drinkmate, soda maker with a patented Fizz Infuser can carbonate virtually any beverage. The perfect gift for the carbonated mother!

 

To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power.

 

 

The FDA cleared SONIQUÉ MINI is a facial cleansing breakthrough that combines the soothing, restorative treatment of red, infrared red and amber LED light therapy trusted and recommended by skin care professionals, making it the ultimate skincare cleanser. Red infrared light therapy stimulates natural collagen and elastin for the reversal of fine lines and wrinkles. Improves skin’s overall texture. Sonic vibrations will massage the skin and open pores for a deeper cleanse and the waterproof design makes it easy to incorporate into mom’s daily routine.

 

 

 

Bushwick Kitchen’s gift sets Threes Knees Spicy Trio including their best-selling Spicy Honey, Gochujang Sriracha, and Spicy Maple, will have mom saying thank you for this Mother’s Day.

 

 

 

 

 

Seeds of Wellness SOW® is truly a delicious line of chia-based products that help to incorporate the nutritional properties of seeds in various types of preparations. Trust us, we were leery at first but then once sampling these delicious chia milk and pasts, we were blown away. Easy, delicious, and healthy. SOW’s methodology “from the field to your plate” they are sure to control the entire process, from the chia to the plant and how it’s cleaned, and processed. Even how their products are packaged and distributed. The benefits of SOW products they are ideal to help your Mom balance both her’s and your daily diet. Give Mom a healthy choice, this Mothers Day!

 

Motherhood is the exquisite inconvenience of being another person’s everything

 

Virginskin anti-aging cream 

One of our all-time favorites has been rebranded and back out for consumers. Dr. Lefkovits created Virginskin through his deep knowledge of botanical actives and their benefits in treating skin. By working with multiple botanicals over time, he developed a cream that not only soothed post-treatment, but could also firm, plump, and smooth the skin to the highest standards that he and his patients demanded. His formula was a breakthrough and essential to the skin health of his patients, who loved the new glow in their skin. Today, Dr. Lefkovits’ legacy is carried on proudly and passionately by his daughter-in-law Andrea Lefkovits. Natural ingredients such as acacia flower extract, Centella Asiatica, jojoba, Mimosa Tenuiflora bark extract, Sheabutter, and Squalane, Virginskin is a nourishing cream that feels luxuriously smoothing. 

 

 

 

ReGen De Peau Platinum is an innovative, natural skincare backed by science that disrupts the way you age with powerful treatments of healing, lifting, and wrinkle reduction. One product… One application… One minute. Two times daily! It is made up of four-ingredient complexes, MDI complex, UGL Complex, BMPX Complex, and the organic Japanese Blue Lotus flower extract, known to be a miraculous turnaround in anti-aging. Apply a dime-size portion directly onto your skin, each to the forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck with a firm tapping motion to expedite penetration and energy into the outer layer of your skin. Mom will experience a cooling, tingling sensation for a few seconds. Give mom the gift of anti-aging.

 

Everything I am, you helped me to be

 

 

 

When you think of Ladurée, you think delicious macarons, pastries, and oh their delicious Club Ladurée, think again!

La DoubleJ and the Parisian la Maison Ladurée are excited to announce an exclusive collaboration launching in time for Mother’s Day. The 12-piece collection brings the Milanese lifestyle brand’s happy maximalist homeware together with Ladurée’s delectable sweets.

Reinforcing La DoubleJ’s commitment to celebrating women and wellness, the collaboration draws upon the deeply personal and spiritual practice of the brand’s founder, J.J. Martin, and dives into themes of motherhood, fertility, and the spiritual concept of the sacred feminine. This is realized through the Tree Of Life print, a verdant La DoubleJ artwork, designed in-house in honor of the ancient Tree Of Life archetype, a symbol of fertility, renewal, life cycles, and all types of motherhood for everyone.

Framed by the soft pink and pistachio green shades of Ladurée’s world-renowned macarons, the collaboration ranges from La DoubleJ’s first-ever Teapot, an exclusive design crafted in fine porcelain by Italian manufacturers Ancap, to cotton twill Aprons and a new porcelain Goodie Jar, perfectly shaped to stash macarons. Sets of seven and 13 macarons will be housed in La DoubleJ printed confection boxes, available exclusively at Ladurée stores. This is calling your mother’s name this Mother’s Day.

 

 

 

Downtown is crazy about their afternoon tea. Perfect timing for This Ultimate Gift Set with the ultimate tea experience for two. Featuring a Tea Tasting Assortment Tea Chest of 20 blends, forty signature silken pyramid infusers in all, is our most expansive selection of premium gourmet teas. Also includes are two signature Café Cup presentations: two lidded porcelain Café Cups, two bamboo oval serving trays, two orchid white Tea Trays, and two porcelain Sugar & Creamer Set. This gift set is presented in a keepsake slate grey gift box with elegant gold foil Tea Forté lettering, with your Moms name on it!

 

 

 

 

The perfect introduction to the Tea Forté experience. Beautifully packaged and always appreciated, this curated tea collection is a most welcome presentation of the world’s most extraordinary teas. The Tea Tasting Assortment Presentation Box contains 20 pyramid infusers, two each of the following 10 blends: African Solstice (herbal tea), Black Currant (black tea), Chamomile Citron (herbal tea), Earl Grey (black tea), Ginger Lemongrass (herbal tea), Green Mango Peach (green tea), Jasmine Green (green tea), Raspberry Nectar (herbal tea), White Ambrosia (white tea), and White Ginger Pear (white tea). The open lid reveals a detailed tasting menu.

 

 

 

Give Mom a chance to relax, restore and revitalize her mind and body with this wellness-focused tea collection, inspired by the elegance and holistic knowledge of fine luxury spas. Organic green tea blends and herbal tisanes come together to support a glowing complexion, enlivened spirit, fortified defenses, calm state of mind, and purified sense of tranquility. The Wellbeing Presentation Box contains 20 pyramid infusers, four each of the following blends: Defense (green tea), Invigorate (green tea), Purify (herbal tea), Radiance (herbal tea), and Serenity (herbal tea). The open lid reveals a detailed tasting menu. All teas in this collection are USDA Organic and Kosher Certified.

 

 

Take Mom out for a delicious meal at one of our new favorites Charlie Palmer New York City

 

 

 

Charlie Palmer Collective grew out of Aureole, American cuisine pioneer Charlie Palmer’s landmark restaurant. For 30 years it has been one of New York City’s most celebrated restaurants, garnering 13 Michelin stars and two James Beard awards. Traveling, no problem you can find coast-to-coast locations by Charlie Palmer award-winning restaurants and luxurious boutique hotels in beautiful significant historical locations and each designed with distinctive personalities to provide unique experiences. If you have not been to Charlie Palmer’s it’s time, take mom out for Mother’s Day this year!

 

There is no role in life that is more essential than that of motherhood

 

 

 

 

 

You might just want to give Mom a break from grocery shopping. You can find everything you want and more at Eataly Downtown. Think about it, fresh Italian cheese, pasta, fruit, meats, seafood all delivered right to your door. Want to make mom dinner but you’re still learning, no problem, contact Eataly they will provide you with just the right supplies to make a delicious home-cooked meal. Or order in, Eataly will be sure to deliver the same quality meals from their chefs. Here we chose bundles, we like to stock our pantry so that we are ready for one or more guests. Now that’s Italian!

 

Help Mom’s cravings with Chocolate Lover, combat stress with Golden Mellow, and help her sneak in a full serving of veggies with Super Green. These delicious healthy choices include a full serving of our best-selling superfood mixes, absolutely no fillers or additives, and 100% organic ingredients. Now you can take the power of superfoods anywhere with Super Bars and we at Downtown do just that!

 

 

Book Mom the perfect getaway, she does everything for you, now it’s time to pamper her. Whisk Mom off to the heart of Ibiza, to this luxury boutique hotel Cas Gasi offering exclusive accommodation in Ibiza to those looking for a peaceful haven within easy reach of the island’s delights.

 

 

Our bags are packed for this beautifully restored country home is set on four hectares of the picturesque Mediterranean landscape of pine forests, orange and olive groves, almond, fig, and carob trees plus organic vegetable plots. A relaxing hideaway in pure surroundings. I don’t know about you but my bags are packed just in case my daughter decides to give me this much-needed vaca for Mother’s Day!

 

 

 

 

Making memories, just got fun! Polaroid unveils the newest, and the tiniest member to join their family. The Polaroid Go camera. Just 4.1 inches long, 3.3 inches wide, and 2.4 inches tall, the Polaroid Go is the smallest analog instant camera in the world. Polaroid’s greatest, and most exciting new launch in decades. Designed as a wearable creative companion, the pocket-sized Go camera leans on Polaroid’s iconic heritage of design while simultaneously creating a new format of instant cameras for a new generation. Features include a newly developed selfie mirror, self-timer, long-lasting battery, dynamic flash, double exposure, and travel-friendly accessories – making it easier for anyone to capture memories wherever creativity takes them. Accompanying, their launch is the Go film, reimagining Polaroid’s classic square format in the smallest analog film the brand has ever produced. Give mom this new polaroid and watch the magic happen, on film!

 

 

 

We believe! The dpl® Joint Wrap Pain Relief Light Therapy is the most versatile joint pain relief device that’s both medically proven and clinically tested. Unlike a heating pad, infrared light therapy works below the skin’s surface-reaching deep tissues. stimulating cells and increasing circulation to target pain at the source. Powerful pain relief LED lights using IR (infrared) and red wavelengths, the dpl] Joint Wrap Therapy promotes circulation, accelerates healing,  and reduces inflammation. Used by professionals, athletes, and physicians, it benefits pain resulting from arthritis, joint injury, tendinitis, muscle pain, and more. Plus, it’s a safe, natural solution for all skin types with no side effects. Mom will thank you for this new device this Mother’s Day!

 

The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation

 

 

 

One of our team’s favorite sweets! A limited release 16 piece Mother’s Day collection is a flavorful display of your love and gratitude for everything mothers do. Beautifully handcrafted and infused with layers of delicate flavors, this collection displays admiration for the most important woman in your life, your Mom. Enrobed in buttery white chocolate, our Lemon curd apricot truffle is a blend of intense citrus balanced with the golden sweet flavor of apricot at the center. This Raspberry rose petal truffle is infused with aromatic notes of rose petals and sweetened with raspberries that gently unfold onto your palate, all wrapped in creamy milk chocolate. A decadent box filled with florals, fruit, and intricate flavors, this special collection recognizes all the care and dedication mothers put forth for their families every day. Trust us our entire office can attest to these delectable bites, we cannot get enough and neither will you mom this Mother’s Day!

 

 

 

Together with the master gardeners at the New York Botanical Garden and renowned perfumer Laurent Le Guernec, Caswell-Massey’s NYBG Living Florals Collection brings the experience of the garden to your home and is the ideal Mother’s Day gift. Available in three single-note fragrances Lilac, Gardenia, and Honeysuckle, plus two premium rose fragrances—Beatrix Rose and RÒS—and two orchid fragrances—Orchid and VIC—that represent the complexities found in the garden’s most prized florals. Give a gift that gives back to mom, this Mother’s Day, because a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these products will support the New York Botanical Garden’s work in plant research and conservation, horticulture, and education. What could be better than giving and then your gift, giving?

 

 

For the sensitive tummy mother, we have a new brand just for you. These did not last long in our office. Raised Gluten Free is a women-owned business bringing to market the ultimate comfort food for those with food allergies. Sweet and savory pies, and yes we sampled almost all of them! Made in small batches at a dedicated, certified gluten-free bakery in Northern California, the plant-based offerings are not just gluten-free, not just vegan, they’re both and more. The artisan products deliver indulgence that’s also free of dairy, eggs, and peanuts, Kosher Pareve, and Non-GMO Project Verified.

 

 

 

Eataly has unique gifts for Mom. Calvisius begins within the small town of Calvisano, situated between Venezia and Milano. There, you will find Agroittica Lombarda, the most prolific caviar farm in the world, producing 25 tons of eggs per year. This project of farming endangered fish in freshwater began in collaboration with the University of California: Davis and a Pacific species of White Sturgeon. This four-pack of caviar comprises Royal, Classic, Tradition, and Siberian caviar, all sourced according to sustainable methods from the Caspian Sea to the Pacific Coast.

 

 

 

Mom will be in savory bliss with this ultimate turkey burger from Pederson Farms. Seriously it’s delicious and with zero sugar, nitrite-free, uncured pork bacon making this the best turkey burger she will ever taste. These ultimate burgers are freezer to grill ready. It’s your turn to make mom dinner, easy to make but not to forget.

 

 

 

 

“Being a mother is the greatest gift, yet it is sometimes the most under-appreciated role. It’s hard to find that balance between supporting and defending without overstepping that fine line. Every mother thinks they got it wrong at one time or another, but the truth is, no matter what mistakes we may make, we still get it right. We bring life into this world, and the lives we give will go on to become extraordinary individuals. They will remember who taught them to tie their shoelaces, button their shirts, and comb their hair. We glow with pride and smile when we witness our children living their lives, because hopefully, we have given them the tools to succeed.” Grace A. Capobianco

Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Categories
Health Wellness

Explore What CBD Oils Are and How They Can Help Your Pain 

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CBD comes from the cannabis plant and it is additionally named cannabidiol. The cannabis plant comprises 120 mixtures out of one is CBD. Not many compounds of the cannabis plant have health advantages however CBD is one that offers a mind full of health benefits. With neuroprotective properties, CBD additionally can oppose uneasiness and discouragement. 

 

CBD is a natural remedy that helps a lot of people to get relief from pain. It is a perfect natural alternative for medical prescriptions and physiotherapies that take months to show positive results. There are numerous CBD oils available in the market however they all vary in their dosage and not all of them are tested by a third laboratory. Therefore, after hours of research and with the help of reliable and authentic information from chron, I am mentioning top CBD oils based on their potency, flavor, hemp source, and testing. Here they are: 

 

Top five brands along with their reliable CBD products: 

After elucidated research, I have recorded down the top best CBD brands conveying quality-based items. My exploration relies upon the outsider lab test, oil strength and flavor, cost, and hemp source, so you may pick the best for yourself. Here are they: 

 

Fab CBD:  

The items made by Fab CBD are outstanding and are available at reasonable expenses. In case you need extracts from the hemp plant to relieve your pain or inflammation then Fab is the best choice. The outstanding quality CBD oil drops of this brand are what you need to feel better and appreciate a rapid recovery.  

 

Joy Organics:  

Joy Organics was dispatched by Joy Smith having one point and that was to pass on the best CBD items for customers. You may pick any from full-range CBD oil to broad reach CBD oil. The oils go with USDA check, additionally, Joy Organics guarantees that their various products from body treatment to colors all are freed from pesticides, fake tones, or engineered fertilizers that may hurt clients, to ensure that you are being passed on with the best.  

 

Cheef Botanicals:  

Cheef Botanicals having experience of 25 years in the field of the prosperity business serves its customers with the best nine assorted CBD oil items that would soothe your agony in a matter of seconds. These oils join tones, skin creams, and vape cartridges.  

 

Royal CBD:  

California-based, Royal CBD, uses plants that are 100% characteristic and have floated through lab evaluations so you can trust and rely upon them. Their items are likely the best ones to keep watch and their canine treats are award-winning as well so you can rely upon them with a blindfold on.  

 

CBDistillery:  

Their items are firmly recommended. Since they use basic developing methodologies to remove quality-based CBD from plants. The gathering rules of their oils are incredibly high. To ensure quality research centers carry out detailed tests and to add on their hemp oil are freed from hereditarily changed life forms. 

 

What types of pain can be cured by CBD oils? 

CBD oils are effective for the human body, from lower pain to arthritis in your hands all could be cured by these oils. In case you use a high-quality CBD oil, then you would be able to treat joint or muscle inflammation as well. It is proven that traditional anti-inflammatory is not that effective as compared to THC. This, therefore, implies that you would feel more relaxed and pain-free using CBD oils than ibuprofen and that is the reason why many of the populace are now opting for CBD to cure their pains. There are some other pains or maladies as well for which CBD oil can be opted for and here are they: 

 

  1. Chronic pain 
  2. Back pain
  3. Arthritis
  4. Osteoarthritis
  5. Migraines 
  6. Inflammations
  7. Cancer treatments. 

 

Use of CBD oils: 

If the cure is applied perfectly then the chances to recover gets doubled. Therefore, it is important to know how to use CBD oils. 

 

The method of usage depends on the type of CBD product. Creams and oils are the common forms of CBD while it also comes in the form of cartridges, vapes, and capsules. CBD can be used through three methods: 

 

Orally: 

You can take the CBD oils orally by simply adding the drops to your food or drinks. The time it takes to show the results depend upon the metabolism and weight of the individual however it takes two hours and 15 minutes generally to react. 

 

Sublingually: 

In case you desire faster relief then you should opt for sublingual products. You need to place a few drops of oil beneath your tongue and within five minutes you would be able to see results. 

 

Topically: 

This is best for aches, inflammations, and stiffness. You need to apply it on the affected part, and you would feel the results soon after CBD dissolves in your skin. 

 

Final words: 

Joint inflammation is an unbearable sickness, and it can transform into a deep-rooted issue if not restored appropriately and opportune. Hence, obtain CBD oils to fix your joints and select one of the previously mentioned products to dispose of the agony. 

Categories
Lifestyle Living Wellness

Got the At-Home Blues? Here’s How To Take Care of Your Mental Health

Got the At-Home Blues? Here's How To Take Care of Your Mental Health

Have you noticed family dynamics seem magnified the longer we socially distance? You’re not alone.

 

Families around the world are experiencing unprecedented amounts of time together and, for many of us, the struggle is real.

Have you noticed your family dynamics seem exponentially magnified the longer we socially distance? You’re not alone!

Whether it’s heightened sibling conflict, non-stop bickering, anxious thinking, or adjusting to new routines, many parents feel like they don’t have the necessary tools and resources to get through this period of uninterrupted family time.

Here are six ideas for boosting your mental health while at home with your family:

1. Practice self-care

Self-care can sound like a buzzword for overindulging or emotional numbing. As caregivers, we often find it difficult to prioritize our own needs without feeling guilty or selfish. But we need to change our thinking. After all, our ability to stay centered and balanced during this time of global hardship will be critical to our family’s well-being.

Whether you find something that energizes your mind and body or one that relaxes it, doing a small act of self-care each day can help you feel refreshed and ready to help others.

2. Plan for your child’s energy level

Do you have a high-energy kid who thrives on having places to go and things to do? Or is your child a “homebody” who does best with lots of downtimes? Remember, every child will have a different response to social isolation based on their own unique personality traits, temperament, and energy level. Create a daily routine that matches your child’s natural energy to promote consistently positive behavior.

3. Harness sibling rivalry

Are your children becoming more competitive with each passing day? For many families, sibling rivalry is heightened during this time of togetherness. Rather than trying to stop the competitiveness, parents might encourage a little “friendly competition” such as relay races, scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, or treasure hunts.

If you’re feeling really creative, you might even find ways to incorporate housework into these challenges! (Example: “The first person to put on all their dirty clothes, run to the laundry room, and take off their dirty clothes is the winner!”)

4. Limit children’s exposure to news

For many of us, watching the news helps us feel up-to-date and in control during a time when things are very much out of our control. Although we might be comfortable riding the wave of news briefings and global developments, this can lead to more anxiety and uncertainty in some children.

Be mindful of kids’ exposure to information by limiting the amount of time spent watching the news. Depending on your child’s age and developmental level, one or two check-ins per day should be sufficient. If you want more frequent access to information, consider getting updates online to avoid overwhelming children’s ability to cope with current events.

5. Choose screen time wisely

This is understandably probably not the time you’re cutting back on screen time or video games for your kids. But keep in mind that not all games are created equally.

Games that mimic high-intensity situations (such as theft, war, or survival) can actually produce a fight-or-flight response in children. Instead, consider screen activities that foster connection, learning, movement, or problem-solving. Visit www.commonsensemedia.org for expert reviews and hand-picked lists of quality online entertainment for kids.

6. Get creative

Social distancing is stressful and lonely, especially if you can’t be with your children and loved ones. It is especially important to be creative and stay connected during this period of isolation.

You might consider playing games that can be played across screens. For example, Battleship and Catchphrase can be adapted to play virtually over FaceTime or Skype. Send kids on a scavenger hunt around the house, read them stories, or create art projects together. Bring back old games like Pictionary or Charades, ‘I Spy’ or 20 Questions. The most important thing is to find meaningful ways to connect and engage, even from a distance.

Just like caring for our physical health, mental health requires daily attention. Try out these strategies to see which ones help your family during this time.

Reach out for help if you believe your family needs professional support to manage the stress of the COVID-19 crisis. If you or your child are currently working with a therapist, check to see if they offer online ‘telehealth’ therapy. School counselors and previous therapists can also be a valuable resource during this time. 

For families that don’t have an existing relationship with a counselor, now is a good time to seek help from community mental health centers such as NAMI-National Association for Mental Illness.

By Rachel Heuchert, Conifer Play Therapy as seen in https://lowermanhattan.macaronikid.com/