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October 2018

Inside A Fitness Influencer’s Workout Wardrobe

Our favourite fit girl reveals her key exercise buys and the six health rules she swears by

A Dubai fitness influencer reveals her top places to visit in Dubai

A top Dubai-based fitness influencer’s health tips

 

Looking for a hit of fitspiration? Add Dannielle Blaker (@gypsyfitdxb) to your Instagram feed straight away. Based in Dubai, this Canadian exercise enthusiast’s social media account is filled with action-packed snaps, motivational quotes and regular updates on her own fitness journey. 
When she is not running her own business or teaching yoga, Dannielle is first in line to try all the latest exercise crazes in town. “I regularly mix up my classes to make sure I don’t get bored, plus it keeps my muscles guessing,” she says. 
On her top places to visit in Dubai, the health pro lists Barry’s Bootcamp Marina, Orange Theory, Define Barre, and Vinyasa Yoga at Inspire as just a few of her current favourites. 
Here, Dannielle reveals the six health rules she lives by, along with her must-have clothing picks for working up a sweat in style. 

The most stylish gym wear to shop now

The most stylish gym wear to shop now

 

Dannielle’s Quick Tips To A Leading A Healthier Lifestyle 

1. I truly believe we are what we eat. Nourish your body and it will be happy. I follow an 80% vegetarian diet and avoid processed food. 

2. Practice self-care. If you work long hours or have a stressful job, make sure you get enough sleep and look after your body and mind. 

3. Manage your digital consumption. Check your emails or social media at set times of the day and then put it away so that you are not always looking at a screen. 

4. If, like me, you live in a sunny country, mole mapping is so important as it will help detect any signs of melanoma. 

5. Drinking water is key. I have made it a habit to drink a minimum of three litres a day. Every time I leave in my car I take two bottles with me and then drink more when I get home. I don’t buy plastic bottles and instead refill glass bottles from my kitchen. 

6. My friends laugh at me for taking up to 10 vitamins a day, but I truly believe in their properties and never forget to take them. I only buy high strength and good quality, such as Solgar. 


Shop Dannielle’s Fitness Essentials 

Trainers by Adidas, available at Mall of the Emirates, plus Mall of Egypt and City Centres

Trainers, Adidas, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Beirut, City Centre Maadi and Mall of Egypt 

 

“I love the Adidas Parley trainers and the message behind them. They are made of recycled plastic from the ocean and I’m a huge supporter of the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ ethos. Adidas trainers are my favourite for running and I usually prefer solid neutral colours or white.”

Leggings by Lululemon, available at Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif

Leggings, Lululemon, visit Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif

 

“Lululemon leggings are so soft and breathable. I also love their colour palette – I have the Align Pant 28” in Vintage Grape and True Navy.”

Sports bra by Adidas, available at Mall of the Emirates, plus Mall of Egypt and City Centres

Sports bra, Adidas, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Beirut, City Centre Maadi and Mall of Egypt 

 

“The Adidas Alphaskin Tech Sports Bra feels like a second skin and offers great support for running. I also love that the padding is sewn in so that the pads don’t come out in the washing machine.”

 

Article Source: https://www.citycentremirdif.com/blog/lifestyle/inside-a-fitness-influencers-workout-wardrobe

 
September 2018

The Women’s Health Drive Taking Place across the Middle East

Take the test and help raise awareness for World Heart Day.

Free healthy heart tests for women in the MENA region

Free healthy heart tests for women in the MENA region


When it comes to women’s health – let’s get to the heart of the matter. It’s World Heart Day on September 29th, and we’re completely pumped up to take action with Feel the Beat – a campaign offering complimentary heart health tests for women throughout the region. 

Running throughout September across Majid Al Futtaim shopping malls within the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon and Oman, Feel the Beat brings easy heart health checks directly to you. 

Feel the Beat aims to help women lead healthier lifestyles

Feel the Beat aims to help women lead healthier lifestyles


It’s vitally important to keep your ticker in tip-top condition. Did you know that cardiovascular disease is accountable for nearly half of all non-communicable disease deaths, making it the world’s number one killer? It’s a sobering thought, right?

Heart disease causes one in three female deaths each year, according to the World Heart Federation. While we know, we should, and strive to live healthier lives, 52% of women in the GCC are still concerned about being overweight and 33% percent worry about high-cholesterol – both risk factors for heart disease.

Let’s change that!

Put your health first with a heart test now

Put your health first with a heart test now  


Feel the Beat makes it easy to work a health check into your day. 

Throughout September pop by the Feel the Beat activations within Majid Al Futtaim malls where friendly and trusted medical professionals will be on hand to check your blood pressure, blood sugar and Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine your risk from heart disease. Doctors will also be on hand to discuss your cardiovascular results further if required.

Pledge to do more for your heart – and we’ll see you there, ladies!

If you want to know more about Feel the Beat by Majid Al Futtaim ask here

Receive a complimentary heart screening in the mall

Receive a complimentary heart screening in the mall

Article Source: https://www.malloftheemirates.com/blog/lifestyle/the-womens-health-drive-taking-place-across-the-middle-east

 
September 2018

3 Superfood Smoothie Recipes to Beat the Bloat

Say farewell to sluggish days with our round-up of energising blends.

Detox smoothie recipes to try at home

Detox smoothie recipes to try at home


September is here, which for many of us means it’s time to go back to school, again to work and get back on the health bandwagon after a summer break. 

One of the quickest routes to rebooting your healthy habits is to start your day with a nutrition-packed super juice. 

After many hours of taste testing, we’ve listed a few of our favourite recipes to help you get back on the right track. 

Scroll down below to start juicing today.


Green Machine  

The grande dame of smoothies, this vitamin-rich recipe is brimming with iron-loaded kale, cilantro to reduce inflammatory and a dose of vitamin C from the citrus.

2 small ice cubes 
1 cup of water 
3 small slices of fresh or frozen mango 
½ green apple
1 handful of kale leaves
¼ cup of fresh cilantro
1 lemon, squeezed
1 tablespoon of spirulina or wheatgrass powder 


Berry Blast

This healthy smoothie is filled with berries known for their high antioxidant and fibre properties. This is also an excellent option for kids who will love the sweet taste, especially if you add a spoonful of creamy bio yoghurt or honey to the mixture. 

2 small ice cubes
1 cup of virgin coconut water 
½ banana
1½ cups of mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries and acai)
1 tablespoon of chia and flax powder 
1 lime, squeezed


Ginger Kicks 

The ultimate morning pick-me-up, this energising blend contains anti-inflammatory turmeric, vitamin A rich and beta carotene-packed carrot and stomach-soothing ginger.

2 small ice cubes
1 cup of water 
½ green apple or pear 
1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper (to help boost the absorption of curcumin in turmeric)
1 cup of carrot, grated
½ fresh ginger, finely chopped 
1 lemon, squeezed

Method: 

Roughly chop all ingredients, throw into a blender and whiz until the mixture turns to liquid – or keep a thicker consistency and pour into a bowl to be eaten with a spoon. If you have a juicer, press the ingredients through in batches, stir and drink straight away to get the full fresh benefits.  


The Essential Kitchen Tools To Shop Now 

Magic Bullet Nutri Bullet Pro at Sharaf DG, available at Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, and City Centres

Magic Bullet Nutri Bullet Pro, Sharaf DG, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Bahrain and Mall of Egypt 

 

Braun Food Processor at Sharaf DG, available at Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, and City Centres


Braun Food Processor, Sharaf DG, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Bahrain and Mall of Egypt 

 

Where To Buy The Freshest Ingredients  

Carrefour in Dubai is one of the best places to buy fresh produce

Carrefour in Dubai and across the Middle East is one of the best places to buy fresh produce


As one of the biggest supermarkets in the Middle East, you can’t beat Carrefour when it comes to selection – and competitive prices, we might add. They also offer a brilliant array of organic fruits and veggies, both local and sourced from abroad, amongst the fresh produce aisles. 

Carrefour Supermarket is located at Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Beirut, City Centre Al Shindagha and City Centre Maadi 

Article Source: https://www.citycentredeira.com/blog/lifestyle/3-superfood-smoothie-recipes-to-beat-the-bloat

 
July 2018

3 Simple Décor And Tech Buys With Maximum Impact

Affordable interior buys to update your home instantly. 

How to decorate your home on a budget

How to decorate your home on a budget 

 

If your home is in need of freshening up, but your credit card is still steaming after paying for a summer holiday, fear not! Just follow a few clever design hacks and pick up a handful of affordable interior accessories to instantly breathe new life into your space. 

Crystal decanter by Crate & Barrel Dubai, available at Mall of the Emirates

Crystal decanter, Crate & Barrel Dubai, visit Mall of the Emirates 

 

Take a leaf out of the design experts’ book and create a bar top in your living room – you don’t even need a dedicated bar cart as any high table surface will do. On a tray, display a cocktail mixer, a selection of glasses (tall tumblers at the back and small sizes up front) and add decorative items such as a small bowl of fresh limes, a silver ice bucket and a mix of crystal decanters. 

Doorknobs by Zara Home Dubai, available at Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, and Majid Al Futtaim City Centres

Doorknobs, Zara Home Dubai, visit Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, City Centre Deira, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

 

Switching out old knobs for a more colourful selection will make old drawers look new and unique with minimal effort – it’s also an easy way of adding a touch of your personality to standard IKEA pieces that some of your friends may have too.


Ceiling lamp by Home Centre, available at Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, and Majid Al Futtaim City Centres

Ceiling lamp, Home Centre Dubai, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Mirdif and Mall of Egypt

 

You don’t have to be a tech genius to know that lighting has the power to alter a room’s ambience completely, so always opt for dimmers so you can control the setting throughout the day – anything too harsh can often make a place feel like a doctor’s surgery. We love these Moroccan-inspired ceiling lamps that reflect pretty patterns onto plain walls – beautiful light and art in one!

 

 
May 2018

The Definitive Guide to Dressing and Entertaining During Ramadan

Ring in the Holy Month with our style picks and top tips for hosting at home.

Best fashion and interior finds in Egypt for Ramadan

Fashion finds, and interior buys for Ramadan 2018

 

With the Holy Month on the horizon, we’re looking to the new season collections for stylish and modest outfit ideas to wear to Iftars, Suhoors and all the celebrations that Ramadan brings with it.

Burgundy jumpsuit 1 from Roland Mouret at Boutique 1

Burgundy jumpsuit, Roland Mouret at Boutique 1, visit Mall of the Emirates

 

Stand out in this striking burgundy-hued jumpsuit by Roland Mouret. The draped asymmetric silhouette works perfectly under an abaya or kaftan. 

Pleated skirt at Zara in Egypt at Mall of Egypt

Pleated skirt, Zara Dubai and Egypt, visit Mall of the Emirates and Mall of Egypt

 

Decked with shimmery panels, this swingy pleated skirt will be your go-to for all occasions during Ramadan. 

Beautiful Karen Millen Box clutch

Box clutch, Karen Millen, visit Mall of the Emirates 

 

A glittering gold box clutch to add a touch of sparkle to your evening attire or abaya. 

 

Ring In the Holy Month At Home 

These chic décor buys will ensure you are the hostess with mostess this Ramadan 

Metal Lanterns from Home Centre Egypt available at Mall of Egypt

Metal lanterns, Home Centre, visit Mall of the Emirates and Mall of Egypt

 

Create a Pinterest-worthy setting by placing fresh flowers and a scattering of mismatched metal lanterns along the middle of your table – Home Centre in Dubai and Mall of Egypt offer brilliant budget-friendly options.  

Top tip: Steer clear of towering vases and elaborate floral centrepieces that may obstruct your guests’ conversations. We find a selection of small bouquets in low vases works best. 

 

Cup and saucer set from Zara Home in Cairo available at Mall of Egypt

Cup and saucer set, Zara Home Dubai and Egypt, visit Mall of the Emirates and Mall of Egypt 

 

This sleek cone-shaped cup and saucer set is perfect for serving post-Iftar tea and Arabic coffee. 

Velvet Rose and Oud candle from Jo Malone

Velvet Rose and Oud candle, Jo Malone, visit Mall of the Emirates

 

Add an air of luxury to your home with Jo Malone’s beautiful Velvet Rose and Oud candle. 

Article Source: https://www.malloftheemirates.com/blog/lifestyle/the-definitive-guide-to-dressing-and-entertaining-during-ramadan

 
October 2017

What is Pumpkin Spice?


October is a chilly time in more ways than one. Whether it’s the cold weather or the eerie mood of scary Halloween vibes, you can beat the autumn melancholia with a flavour that is bound to warm up your senses: pumpkin spice.

It was initially called pumpkin pie spice as it was explicitly meant for flavouring pumpkin pies. Now, this autumn ingredient fills up homes as a spray scent, candle, tasty meals and so many desserts.

Funnily enough, the spice is just a great mixture of traditional fall spice flavours infused together but includes no pumpkin. The vegetable’s presence comes from the fact that all these spices have been associated with pumpkin cooking.


Here’s how to make it:

•    3 tbsps. ground cinnamon
•    2 tbsps. ground ginger
•    2 tbsps. ground nutmeg
•    1 ½ tbsp. ground allspice
•    1 ½ tbsp. ground cloves

Pumpkin spice ingredients all placed on a marble top kitchen table.
 
Place all ingredients in a coffee grinder, add it into a small jar, and there you have it. The mixture could stay fresh for 2-3 years if it is stored well in a sealed container. It’s as easy as that.

So when you’re done making it, use it to make a spiced latte, butter, frozen yoghurt or a pie. The sky is the limit when it comes to what you can use pumpkin spice for. The warmth of cinnamon, the spice of ginger, the punch of nutmeg, the sweetness of cloves and the fragrance of allspice make it a great ingredient to make any bland recipe vivacious.  

A homemade pumpkin spice latte surrounded with autumn leave cookies and scattered all spice.


Here’s a quick recipe for a pumpkin spice latte to get you started:

•    1 cup milk
•    2 tbsps. pure pumpkin puree
•    1 tbsp. sugar
•    1/2 tbsp. pumpkin spice, plus more for sprinkling
•    1/4 tbsp. pure vanilla extract
•    1/4 cup hot espresso or strong brewed coffee
•    Sweetened whipped cream, for serving


Step 1:

Start by combining the milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice and vanilla in a safe microwave bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap that has a small hole in it for venting the vapour out. Microwave for 2 minutes.

Step 2:

Take the mixture out and whisk the milk vigorously for about 30 seconds until it is foamy. Pour the coffee or espresso into your mug and add the foamed milk.

Step 3:

Decorate with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.


What will you use pumpkin spice for next?



 
October 2017

Guilt Free Snacks

No one said achieving a perfect Greek physique or a healthier lifestyle means you should stop snacking. In fact, snacks are a great opportunity for you to fuel your body between your main meals while you’re out and about. However, in a world full of indulgences, it can be challenging to control your snacks.

So, we decided to gather a few power combos, with filling yet healthy ingredients for you to prepare from items you can easily find lying around in your pantry. Eating with no ‘food guilt’ involved sounds like the perfect recipe to us!

 

Caprese with an Oriental Twist

Ingredients:

•    Sliced tomatoes
•    Dried basil
•    Dried oregano (optional)
•    Sea salt and pepper
•    White cheese (or mozzarella for a milder taste)
•    Balsamic vinegar
•    Olive oil
•    Pomegranate molasses (debs el remman)

This recipe fuses the Greek Caprese salad with the delicious Egyptian ‘gebna bel tamatim’ and the Lebanese touch of pomegranate molasses "debs el remman". Get your tomatoes and slice them evenly. Using a spoon, add dollops of white cheese (salted or neutral) onto the tomatoes generously, depending on how creamy you want the dish to be.

Sprinkle a bit of dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to get those Mediterranean smells and flavours running through the earthy greens. This easy-to-make, low-calorie snack will instantly fill you up for hours on end, and it only takes a minute to make. If your taste buds can tolerate it, try to avoid the salt completely. Drizzle a little bit of balsamic vinegar, pomegranate molasses and olive oil to add a pungent, sweet taste to it all, glossing up the tomatoes with flavour.

You can have this before starting your day, or serve it to your friends for brunch.

Low-calorie oriental Caprese snack: tomatoes with cheese and herbs


Another go-to snack you could take everywhere with you is honey-glazed nuts. Nuts are filled with Omega-3 and Vitamin E. In other words, they are the snacks to have when you’re trying to cut down a few pounds. To satisfy that sweet-tooth of yours, we’ve added a little twist to make healthy more appealing.

 

Honey-glazed Nuts

Ingredients:

•    A handful of unflavored mixed nuts
•    Honey
•    Vanilla sugar

In a bowl, mix some honey with vanilla sugar until they're perfectly combined together. Honey regulates your blood sugar levels, increasing athletic performance, acts a probiotic and is the ideal alternative for sugar. Add in a handful of mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts) and mix it in with the honey until all the nuts are coated. If you want to add a little tanginess to the nutty sweetness of the snack, add some dried apricots or cranberries. Place the mixture in the fridge for an hour at the very latest, and it’s ready to go! For every handful of nuts, drizzle no more than a teaspoon of honey to cut down on the calories. Pack it up in a mason jar with a small spoon, and you've got the ideal snack to carry around.

Munch on on-the-go honey-glazed nuts


Our next recipe is a biscuit without the dough. Shying away from all the dangerous “whites” (flour, caster sugar, sea salt), these apple peanut butter cookies harmonise the glory of crisp, pungent, fruity and intense flavours.


Apple Peanut Butter Biscuits

Ingredients:

•    Sliced apples of your choice
•    Peanut butter
•    Dark chocolate chips
•    Raisins and nuts of your choice (optional)

Grab yourself a few apples and slice them up into circular biscuits, and evenly spread no more than a tablespoon of peanut butter on each slice. Sprinkle a few raisins, a handful of chocolate chips, your choice of nuts on top and you’re done! The dark chocolate is great for when you’re feeling blue and need to stabilize blood pressure and sugar levels.

We suggest having these for breakfast as an alternative to caffeine-filled coffee as the peanut butter and chocolate will energise you, while the carbohydrates in the apples will give you an instant boost of energy.

Deliciously sweet with nutritious benefits. Who said biscuits can’t be healthy?

Peanut butter apple ‘biscuits’ with nuts, raisins, and chocolate chips will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth


Chia Pudding with Fruit

Ingredients:

•    ½ to ¾ cup of chia seeds
•    3 cups almond milk
•    1-3 tablespoons of honey

Suggested toppings:

•    Granola
•    Fresh fruit (berries, apple slices, pineapples, peaches, and kiwi)
•    Coconut flakes
•    Pure maple syrup
•    Cinnamon
•    Nuts and seeds

A very underestimated power food packed with omega 3 and fibres. The chia seed is nutrient-dense and carries a huge load of energy-boosting power, hence it meaning “strength” in the Mayan language. It promotes healthy skin, supports the heart and digestive system, and reduces signs of ageing. Chia pudding is a perfect snack you can create in no time, and even top off with any juicy fruit.

Mix the almond milk with a few tablespoons of honey until they’re blended evenly. Add the chia seeds into the mixture. Pour the chia seeds and milk evenly into mason jars, and mix it after 10-15 minutes to avoid clumping. Let the flavours in the pudding sit in a fridge for 3 hours (or preferably overnight) until a pudding-like consistency is observed. Cut up gorgeous chunks of fruits or other toppings to have with the pudding.

Try a healthy twist to your chia seed pudding


Baked Sweet Potato Sticks

Ingredients:

•    5 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
•    Olive oil
•    Rosemary

House seasoning:

•    1 cup sea salt
•    ¼ cup pepper
•    ½ teaspoon paprika
•    ¼ cup garlic powder

It says guilt-free all over. Treat sweet potatoes the same way you would treat fried potatoes for a lighter, sweet & salty snack that works with yogurt or hummus dips.
Season them with rosemary and sea salt for more tang and freshness.

Line a sheet tray with parchment. In a large bowl, add olive oil and the house seasoning, and mix them evenly. Toss in the slices of sweet potatoes, and coat them evenly. Then, spread the sweet potatoes equally and bake them for 20 minutes until they are crisp and golden brown.

Substitute French-fries with freshly baked sweet potato fries

 
February 2017

Horoscope Of The Month: Pisces

Trying to analyze the people around us, our relationships with them and ourselves by reading about horoscopes has become second nature. We simply can’t get enough of them. Get to know more about the horoscope of the month, Pisces, to find out if there’s anything “fishy” about someone you know!

A water sign that is known to be ruled by the planet Neptune, Pisces are compassionate, intuitive, gentle, wise and musical. follow their hearts and always attempt to push beyond their limitations to be amazing individuals. Extremely friendly due to how selfless they can be, Pisces are one of the most likeable in the horoscope family amongst people.  


PISCES FRIENDS

They are probably the best friends that could exist due to their compassionate and loyal natures. As water signs, they can always sense if something is wrong, relieving their friends from having to explain why they feel a certain way. They are a great source of motivation and energy, as they view life through rose-colored glasses, fueled by a magical sense of positivity with life.

PISCES CAREER

As creative beings, Pisces always thrive in positions where creative skills are needed. They are loyal to their work, dedicated and reliable. As great problem solvers, they make great vets, social workers, architects and attorneys as well.


PISCES LOVE

A Pisces, due to their honest and loving nature, will manage to bring out the best in you. They have a natural ability to capture your hearts with their loyalty and care. But never mistake their kindness for naivety; Pisces are extremely insightful and intelligent beings. Your Pisces partner is most likely to be honest and express themselves truly, regardless of the circumstances.

Other famous Pisces people:
Albert Einstein, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Adam Levine, George Washington, Drew Barrymore

 
February 2017

A Different Mother’s Day

Mother's Day is just around the corner and we think it's about time to buy or do something different other than buy chocolate, generic gifts and take her out for dinner. Here is s a list of things you could do on the special day:

Put together an appreciation video

Gather all your family in a WhatsApp group and ask them to send in a short one-minute video telling your Mother why she is so important to you. With some basic editing, compile the videos together and on Mother's Day, share it with her or show it to her first thing in the morning.

Take her out for karaoke
All Mothers were jealous from the likes of Cher and Madonna. Take her out for a nice night of karaoke to show her that you believe in her untapped potential.

Buy her something she actually needs
There's no harm in materialistic gifts as long as they are useful. Disregard the price tag and focus on buying her something that would be valuable to her. It could be as simple as a dress she was always too shy to wear or a unique cutting board.

Personalized Gift
It could be a laser cut rolling pin, a birthstone necklace, an artwork that you feel represents her or even an engraved iPad. Whatever it is, just make sure it isn’t just a store-bought item that doesn’t have her touch.

Pampering Day
She won't go to the spa unless you take her there. Book a rejuvenating massage and treatment for all her aches and sores. Force her to relax and soothe her mind and soul on a day that celebrates her. If she’s not into massages and tropical oils, take her for a nail treatment or a simple mani at a nail boutique.

Have a Series Marathon
Pack up on the popcorn and tissues (if needed) and watch a new series with her by downloading all the episodes and spend hours analyzing characters and relating them to your real-life relatives. Anything from Friends to Gilmore Girls will do!

Social Media crash course
Although this gift may come back to haunt you, your Mother will always appreciate a helping hand in how to be up to date with the coolest slang, the newest shortcuts and the useful apps that only you know how to use. It could be as easy as teaching her how to text with two thumbs instead of one finger. Trust us, she will love it.

Mom for a Week
Decide to switch roles with your Mother. Promise to handle all her chores and duties for a week while she relaxes and focuses on herself instead of the family. Pretty impossible for her to do, but your helping hand will be great use to her, even if she doesn’t admit it.

A Coordinate Bracelet
Get a bracelet engraved with the coordinates of a special place between you and your Mother. It could be the place you were born, your first home or her home town. You could wear one too!

Memory Book

Create a book filled with your Mother’s favorite people. Circulate the book around and have everyone write a small message with a memory or something they’d like to tell her. Add pictures as well!



 
February 2017

Spring Detox

Now spring is here and it’s time to clear out our wardrobes, lives and most importantly jump start our bodies with a detox.

We absorb all kinds of toxins, waste, preservatives, stimulants through what we eat and the environment around us. Our bodies produce toxins as well (metabolic waste products) that occur from natural processes like digestion and respiration. Don’t worry though, your digestive, endocrine and circulatory systems eliminate these toxins.

Problem is, our bodies are so overwhelmed with the other toxins from processed foods, sugars, caffeine and lack of exercise, making it hard for it to eliminate them all. That’s where detoxes come in to remove the bad and fill us with the good!

There’s no ideal detox. The internet is filled with different variations for different purposes, making their duration last from three days to a full month.

Here are the basic guidelines that most of them have in common:

Eliminate alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars and saturated fats
These are usually unhealthy and hard to digest and will overwhelm your bodily systems while the detox tries to do the opposite.

Sip filtered water
Whenever you get the chance to, drink water to flush out your toxins and clear your liver. Add some limes, raspberries or lemons to give it an extra fresh feel. Increasing your fluid intake is important since you’re increasing your fiber intake with veggies and fruits.

Sweat sweat sweat
Go to a sauna and let your body cry its sins away. If you have no time, take a hot bath with Epson  salt and sweat out the waste

Exercise for an hour a day
Pilates or some ashtanga yoga for an hour will do. The more you sweat and the more you move, the more active your body will feel and get.

Meditate and Breathe
Clearing your mind is just as important as clearing your body. Taking everything in and processing it helps alleviate your soul and heart from all your daily difficulties. Try breathing deeply by breathing in for several seconds, holding it in, and exhaling it over a course of eight seconds.

Minimize chemical based care products
 Switch to natural alternatives. Use coconut oil as toothpaste or natural oils instead of hair creams.

Find the right balance of healthy food and spread them throughout your day.
Stick to leafy greens, healthy fruits, pressed juices, whole grain foods, protein. Contact your nutritionist to create a mix that works for you and your body type!

Let your body do its job
Stay away from the laxatives and the pills. Your bodily organs can detoxify well enough. A detox is just helping the process happen without replacing their function.

These small steps with a healthy mindset and food program will make a world of a difference. With time, you could begin to incorporate these guidelines in your everyday life, minimizing the toxins you take in and unleashing your body’s full potential. The moment you become aware of the toxins you take in and consciously try to avoid them is when your detox will really show the fruits of your labor.



 
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