PAMPERING, FASHIONABLE, ENERGIZING PICKS & GIVEAWAYS FOR MOM by Robin Gorman Newman

 Proper Pillow combines comfort and corrective and rejuvenating therapeutic properties meant to optimize neck and spinal alignment so tireless nights can turn into sleeping with ease. The low density orthotic mold shapes to each sleeper with the ideal amount of support, and the low density foam allows your body to perfectly fit the pillow as it maintains its supportive shape.  It was designed and created by San Diego chiropractor, Dr. Rick Loos, to reduce back and neck pain due to improper sleeping positions.  Visit www.ProperPillow.com.  This pillow was a great find! Of late, I’ve found myself with sleep challenges, and this pillow is comfortable, supportive and helps to enhance my Zzzzzzzs.    

Klogs – WOW Komfort, shoes made for both men and women that love to be “Komfortable”.  Featuring three different brands, Klogs, Kravings by Klogs and Zen Komfort by Klogs, each are uniquely made to provide the absolute most comfort to its wearers. 

Klogs, the original brand by Latitudes, is great for those who spend a lot of time on their feet. Containing a proprietary polyurethane formula in both the outsole and footbed, Klogs provide shock absorption and an energy return which protects the feet, back and legs during long hours of standing or walking. Klogs aim to mimic the feeling of walking barefoot with top notch support on the bottom of the shoe.  Visit http://www.klogs.com.  This shoe ROCKS for the on the go mom who is out and about, and if you’re a professional who is on her feet at the workplace, these will give you a comfort edge. There are an array of styles and colors to choose from.  Pictured here is style: Syracuse.

Polar (www.polar.com), the leader in heart rate and fitness assessment technologies, released three new colors for its fitness and cross-training collection of smart coaching tools.

FT2 Blue ($89.95) – The bright blue of the Polar FT2 adds a dash of color to everyday wear and workouts. Whether jogging through the park or dancing in Zumba class, the trendy FT2 blue provides the information needed to exercise in the right zone and motivates you to push a little harder.

FT4 Green ($99.95) – The Polar FT4 has reinvented its style with the addition of a green unit – one of the most show-stopping colors yet. The vibrant green heart rate monitor helps keep users on track for your workouts by monitoring heart rate during exercise and displaying calories burned.

FT7 Blue / Lilac or Red / Orange ($119.95) – The eye-catching orange-on-red and fresh lilac-on-blue designs of the Polar FT7 give an extra energy boost to fitness training. The FT7, with its unique EnergyPointer feature, offers the ultimate guidance to train effectively whether it is to burn fat or improve fitness.   

Polar products come in a range of shades equipped with training features for aspiring exercisers, all the way up to elite athletes.  Please click here for the full listing of Polar products, arranged by color.

Not only are these super highly functional, but they are fun and fashionable.  I’ve long been a fan of Polar, and they are a worthwhile, affordable and reliable accessory to incorporate into your fitness regime. The new lineup of colors is available now through authorized Polar retail and specialty shops, online, and in select fitness facilities.

About Polar
Headquartered in Lake Success, NY, Polar USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finland-based Polar Electro OY, which invented the first wireless heart rate monitor (HRM) in 1977. Polar now operates internationally in more than 80 countries and its products are sold through 35,000 retailers globally. Polar heart rate and fitness assessment technology delivers unparalleled insight into the human body from valuable training guidance and feedback, to enabling individuals to improve their fitness level and sports performance. 

Il Divo, the record-breaking classical crossover group who has sold more than 26 million albums worldwide, recently released their 6^th studio album “A Musical Affair” (Syco/Columbia Records). The album release is timed with a limited run of live Broadway performances at The Marquis Theater with special guest, Heather Headley, that just completed in NY.  In 2014, the group is touring, and tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.  The album may be ordered at Amazon here.

“A Musical Affair” is Il Divo’s first compilation of songs inspired by Broadway shows such as Phantom of the Opera, Carousel and West Side Story and features stellar duet partners Barbra Streisand, Kristin Chenoweth, Nicole Scherzinger, Heather Headley and Michael Ball.  The album showcases Il Divo’s signature romantic and emotional interpretation of heartfelt classics like “Some Enchanted Evening” (South Pacific), “Bring Him Home,” (Les Miserables), “Tonight,” (West Side Story), and more. Il Divo has also provided new arrangements for these much-loved songs, as well as invited familiar Broadway and pop artists to appear on certain tracks as their duet partners. These top musicians lend their talent in songs like “Music of the Night” (Phantom of the Opera) – LIVE duet with Barbra Streisand; “All I Ask Of You” (Phantom Of The Opera) – duet with Kristin Chenoweth; “Memory” (Cats) – duet with Nicole Scherzinger; and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” (The Lion King) – duet with Heather Headley.

This is a really beautiful album, and one that would make a festive gift for the music lover…..especially if they love Broadway music.

GIVEAWAY: MotherhoodLater.com is giving away copies of the CD.  To enter, write to [email protected], and put IL DIVO CD in the Subject Line.  Please include your full name and mailing address and briefly state why you’d like to win.  Winners will be notified via email.  Please enter only if you’re in the U.S.

RADICAL SKINCARE – RESTORATIVE MOISTURE

An intensely hydrating, multi-tasking formula infused with maximum levels of anti-aging ingredients. More than a moisturizer, this powerful age-reversing hydrator works to even skin tone, increase firmness and minimize wrinkles while delivering antioxidant protection. The formula also reduces the production of pigment by inhibiting tyrosinase to stop the process of pigment formation, fostering an even skin tone.

What it’s made of:

 -Trylacel technology: The foundation of every cutting-edge, the luxe formula in the Radical Skincare collection, Trylacel Technology encapsulates powerful actives and an array of potent antioxidants—including Resveratrol, Acai Berry, Grape Seed Extract, Green Tea and Coffee Berry Extract—in a lipid membrane that drives the ingredients to the deepest layers of skin while preserving their potency and preventing ingredient degradation. Because antioxidants aren’t one-size-fits all—each type of free radical is neutralized by a unique antioxidant—Trylacel Technology incorporates the range of antioxidants necessary to vanquish every free radical.

 Visit http://www.radicalskincare.com.  This moisturizer not only feels indulgent, but it’s hard-working, and my skin is smooth and well-hydrated.

The “Yon Wearable Blanket” is a versatile three-in-one blanket which can function as a blanket, foot warmer, and pillow. The blanket is easy to use, keeps you warm and hands-free, and is a great travel accessory.  It’s also convenient for outdoor events and uses ranging from at home, work, school, and more.  Made in a premium polyester fleece textile, the blanket resists pilling and is machine washable. It is currently available in six different solid hues and for best fit and two sizes s/m and l/xl. The versatility of the wearable blanket starts with two round arm openings in front with stretchy, soft cuffs, front pocket for accessories, top front black fabric hood that can be pulled over the head for a cozy nap, and a detachable Velcro pouch that can be used as a foot warmer. It also has convenient two-side straps that can clip on to your luggage or carry-on, and the blanket rolls into pouch to become a pillow.

Yon O. Chang is a fashion designer with her line, Yon Design, and has been creating elegant traveling collections for the last 12 years, as she is an avid traveler herself. “I travel frequently for my business, and I noticed the majority of airlines don’t provide anything for the passenger’s comfort anymore. I was always cold, so I bought several blankets. I noticed that most of these blankets are small and uncomfortable. On board, I use my laptop, read a book, or eat, and constantly had to struggle with the blanket. Because of these reasons, I decided to design a blanket that would be more versatile and comfortable than any other blanket on the market,” says Chang. Visit http://yonwearableblanket.com.

I love this blanket!  It’s snuggly and convenient, and right now has become a staple in the trunk of my car…ya never know when you need a blanket on the go, and it’s a great item as well for tail-gating or for moms frequenting their kids sporting events and sitting out in the cold.  Or, even in climates when the temperature drops at night and you’re at a picnic or outdoor concert. 

Carrington Farms has a line of healthy and organic products for snacking and baking needs—some of these products include coconut oil, ready-to-eat roasted flax seeds, as well as chia/flax and hemp/flax seed blends.  Carrington Farms Flax Paks allow you to readily add Organic Milled Flax Seeds to a healthy diet. Packed in portable and convenient single serve packets with a pre-measured daily dosage, Flax Paks don’t require refrigeration and are ready to eat, so can be used at after-school activities, in the car, at home, and more.

Add a pouch of Flax Paks into yogurts, cereals, oatmeal, smoothies, baked goods, or salads (just to name a few!) to ensure that the entire family is getting a healthy and beneficial serving of Omega 3s, Omega 6s, fiber, and lignans.  I’m a big time flax and Omega fan, and Carrington Farms makes quality products.  I love the idea of Flax Paks that I can even take away with us if we travel and throw into cereal, etc. For additional information or find a Carrington Farms retailer, visit, www.CarringtonFarms.com.

An inspiring and accessible workout from The Facts of Life star and Survivor: Philippines runner-up, international speaker and mother of three, Lisa Whelchel’s Everyday Workout for the Everyday Woman  debuts on DVD on December 3rd from Acacia, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. brand. With the help of her trainer, Lisa leads these workouts geared towards beginners with a friendly, encouraging vibe and modifications for ALL levels plus personal training tips (17 min.) on proper body alignment, engaging the core, and breathing ($16.99; 44 minutes, plus bonus; Visit AcaciaLifestyle.com.

As Lisa says, “I’m an everyday woman when it comes to fitness. I know exercise is key for my health and well-being, but I don’t always enjoy doing it. And as a busy working mom, I have a hard time fitting workouts into my schedule. But I’ve learned that having fun with exercise can make all the difference. So I’ve teamed up with trainer Janice Clark to demonstrate two safe, sane, and effective workouts for women of all shapes and sizes. Two more friends join us so we can show three options for each move: beginner (and those with physical limitations), a step up, and challenging.

Lisa’s trainer, Janice Clark holds certifications as a personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She has a degree in sports medicine and has worked in both medical therapy and exercise studios.

I used to love The Facts of Life, and the fact that Whelchel  is a “real” woman, makes this workout feel doable.  It’s not always easy for a multi-tasking mom,  as she is as well, to fit in a workout routine, but armed with this DVD in the convenience of your own home, you don’t have to get to a gym.  Do it with a friend or plan a girls night out fitness event.

 Note: Thanks to the featured companies for providing product samples.

Tags: ballet slippers, carrington farms, chia seed, clogs, flax seed, polar heart rate monitors, products for moms, proper pillow