• food,  Health,  New York,  San Diego

    Transform Your Baking: Mightylicious’ Innovative Gluten-Free Flour Blends

    Life is complicated. Baking shouldn’t be. For those who crave homemade bread and desserts but choose to live a gluten- and allergen-free lifestyle, Mightylicious has a simply delicious answer – high-quality flour blends that bring the joy of baking back into your kitchen.

    Mightylicious, renowned for their scrumptious handcrafted gluten-free cookies (a 2023 Top Pick in Food & Beverage Magazine), has revolutionized the gluten-free world with their amazing flavor and perfect crumble-free texture. Now, they’re bringing that same expertise to home bakers with their new line of Gluten-Free Flour Blends.

    Available exclusively online, these innovative flour blends include:

    • All-Purpose Flour
    • Vegan All-Purpose Flour
    • Vegan Chocolate Brownie Mix

    The Mightylicious difference lies in their commitment to quality. Unlike other brands that use grains like buckwheat and amaranth (which can leave baked goods with a noticeable taste and gritty texture), Mightylicious flour blends are made from top-quality, superfine rice flour for a neutral flavor. Milled specifically for baking, they deliver a soft, airy texture to all your favorite recipes.

    All three certified gluten-free varieties are kosher, non-GMO verified, and free from key allergens:

    • All-Purpose Flour (MSRP $8.99)
    • Vegan All-Purpose Flour (MSRP $8.99)
    • Vegan Chocolate Brownie Mix (MSRP $8.99)

    Elevate Your Baking with Vegan All-Purpose Flour and Vegan Chocolate Brownie Mix

    For anyone who can’t resist the allure of fluffy pancakes, indulgent brownies, or irresistible breads, the Vegan All-Purpose Flour and Vegan Chocolate Brownie Mix are game-changers.

    Vegan All-Purpose Flour: Perfect for a variety of baking needs, this versatile blend is vegan, kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO, and packed with 8 grams of protein. It’s designed to make your cookies, cakes, breads, and more taste deliciously good while maintaining the highest standards of quality. Whether you’re baking a birthday cake or trying out a new cookie recipe, this flour blend ensures your creations will be a hit.

    Vegan Chocolate Brownie Mix: If you’re a chocolate lover, the Vegan Chocolate Brownie Mix will be your new best friend. This mix is perfect for creating sweet, decadent brownies that are both vegan and gluten-free. Made with the finest ingredients, it promises a rich, chocolatey taste that will have you and your guests coming back for more. It’s vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and non-GMO, ensuring that you can indulge without worry.

    Baking Made Easy and Delicious

    Mightylicious understands that baking should be a joy, not a chore. With their new gluten-free flour blends, they’ve made it easier than ever to bake mouthwatering treats that everyone can enjoy. Their commitment to using clean ingredients and innovative baking techniques ensures that every bite is as delicious as it is wholesome.

    Find Mightylicious gluten-free flour blends online at www.mightylicious.com. While you’re there, be sure to check out their hand-crafted cookies, available in seven delightful varieties, including four vegan flavors: Peanut Butter, Brown Butter Chocolate Chip, Brown Butter Shortbread, Chocolate Chip, Grandma Arline’s Oatmeal Coconut, Double Dutch, and Oatmeal Raisin.

    And don’t forget to take advantage of their special offer – save 25% sitewide with code: PRIDE2024.

    About Mightylicious

    Carolyn Haeler, a celiac sufferer, spent years seeking out gluten-free cookie brands that met her high standards. One holiday season, after yet another disappointing experience with a crumbling gluten-free cookie, she decided to create a better solution. Leaving behind her lucrative position at JP Morgan, Carolyn founded Mightylicious, an LGBT-owned startup committed to sourcing the best quality ingredients and developing innovative baking techniques. Her mission is simple: to create gluten-free baked goods that are not only healthy but also irresistibly delicious.

    With Mightylicious’ new flour blends, gluten-free bakers everywhere can now bake like a pro and enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade treats.

  • Books,  Gift Guide,  Health

    Winning Pickleball: Hot Summer Read

    “…offering an insightful guide to enhancing one’s game beyond the physical play.”
    —KYLE WHATNALL,
     Selkirk Sports, Senior Manager, PPA Pickleball Tour Player

    “…can help all players improve their game!”
    —MOIRA ROUSH,
     eight-time US Open Pickleball Champion

    “…a never-ending reservoir of tactics, strategies and life lessons to apply in your pickleball journey.”
    —PETER POPOVICH,
     US Open and National Senior Games gold medalist

    “…discusses the often overlooked aspects of balance and footwork which I truly appreciated.”
    —DR. SABY KARUPPIAH, MD, Selkirk Pro Team USAPA Atlantic Regionals Singles and Doubles gold medalist

    “Dave’s sheer determination to be the best mentally prepared player on the court comes through loud and clear in this inspiring book.”
    —DOUG ROWE, 
    former Head Men’s Tennis Coach, D-1 Player, USPTA Professional

    “…will give you tips to improve quickly, as well as tell stories, make you laugh, and give you insights into how the pros play and think.”
    —LEIGH WATERS & ANNA LEIGH WATERS, 
    #1 Ranked Pickleball Champions

    9781578269952.jpg

    Winning Pickleball shows players of all levels how to improve their game through strategy, technique and mental toughness.

    Whether you’re a pickleball novice looking to improve or a pro player eager to up their mental game, Winning Pickleball is perfect for anyone who’s ready to learn and ready to win — all without skills or drills.

    Pickleball expert David Satka shows players of all levels how to improve their game through careful strategy, refined technique and mental toughness. Remember: you don’t have to be a natural athlete to become a better player, so long as you know the secrets of winning.

    With Winning Pickleball, you’ll learn secrets to success like:

    • Identifying your current level and how best to play up to it
    • What peak performance really looks like
    • How to cultivate focus
    • Proper footwork and shot selection
    • Perfect practice to practice perfectly
    • The importance of partner communication

    Wanting to win isn’t enough — you need to know how to win to succeed at anything, and pickleball is no different. Let Winning Pickleball show you how to do just that!

    About the Author

    David Satka is a USA Pickleball Ambassador and certified Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) coach. An athlete all his life, David was a four-year starter on the Division I tennis team at Indiana State University. He began his instructing career at the World Class Tennis Camp in Baltimore and continued as a tennis teaching professional. David recently retired from a 25-year career as an educator and coach. He also founded the first outdoor pickleball courts in Altoona, PA. For more information, visit www.winningpickleballnow.com.

    Winning Pickleball
    Written by David Satka
    Foreword by Leigh Waters & Anna Leigh Waters
    978-1-57826-995-2, $15.95 paperback
    978-1-961293-02-1, $9.99 ebook

    Published by Hatherleigh Press.
    Distributed through Penguin Random House.
    Available wherever books are sold.
    www.hatherleighpress.com

  • Gift Guide,  Health,  New York,  San Diego

    Discover The Perfect Wellness Gifts: The Herbal Zen’s Shower Steamers

    Elevate your self-care routine with The Herbal Zen’s luxurious shower steamers. These wellness gifts are designed to transform everyday showers into extraordinary therapeutic escapes. Made with premium ingredients, The Herbal Zen’s shower steamers offer the best in aromatherapy, making them ideal for any occasion, whether as thoughtful presents or as part of a spa-themed gift basket.

    Headquartered in Philadelphia, The Herbal Zen was founded in 2018 by pharmacist Jason Donahue, who sought natural remedies for common wellness needs. Since its inception, The Herbal Zen has earned thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon and Etsy, a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

    Top Sellers for the Summer Season

    COLD KICKER ($24.99)
    Ideal for the summer season when allergies and colds can still strike, these shower steamers release powerful eucalyptus and menthol vapors that provide instant relief from congestion and promote easy breathing. Crafted with high-quality essential oils, they ensure a refreshing and invigorating shower experience. The thoughtful design, including a resealable bag, makes them perfect for on-the-go wellness or stand-alone gifts for anyone seeking comfort during the warmer months.

    MEDICINE CABINET ($33.99)
    The Medicine Cabinet variety pack is the gift of choice for shower aromatherapy enthusiasts. This pack includes an assortment of The Herbal Zen’s popular shower steamers, each handmade with precision to offer a consistent and delightful aromatic experience. With seven different scents in one pack, these steamers are excellent for those who love to mix and match their shower aromatherapy.

    RECENTER ($24.99)
    Designed for meditative aromatherapy, Recenter shower steamers blend musky patchouli, vibrant lavender, and eucalyptus to create a foresty, floral, and subtly sweet aroma that promotes inner stillness and authenticity. Expertly formulated by a certified pharmacist, these steamers ensure a premium, residue-free experience, helping users enter stressed and exit recentered and at ease.

    The Herbal Zen Promise

    All of The Herbal Zen’s products are made in the USA with the purest essential oils, ensuring the scents behind their aromatherapy blends come entirely from Mother Nature. Handmade in small batches, their products use mindfully sourced ingredients that are vegan, preservative-free, and free from harmful additives or fillers.

    100% Produced In-House
    From hand-batching to packaging and shipping, The Herbal Zen oversees every step of the production process. This in-house, handmade method ensures that their shower steamers are the top choice in strength, effectiveness, and overall quality.

    The Zen Promise
    The Herbal Zen guarantees that all products are made with the purest essential oils and are handmade in small batches to ensure the highest quality. Using mindfully sourced ingredients, their products are vegan, preservative-free, and never include harmful additives or fillers.

    Medicine Cabinet Variety Pack Gift Box

    The ultimate self-care gift box, the Medicine Cabinet variety pack, contains seven different aromatherapy experiences for targeted plant-based wellness. Each blend is individually packaged to lock in all the essential oil goodness packed into these powerful scented squares.

    Blends Included:

    • Cold Kicker
    • Head Hug
    • Sleepytime
    • Stress Fighter
    • Morning Energy
    • Morning Citrus Mint
    • Tropical Refresh

    Each pack contains two tablets of each scent, for a total of 14 shower steamer tablets. This variety pack is perfect for gifting as one large gift or breaking up into seven small gifts. Ideal for those who love all the blends and can’t choose just one, each essential oil blend is thoughtfully designed by a certified pharmacist to dissolve cleanly without leaving any residue.

    Customer Testimonials

    “I love this mix bag, it’s nice to have different options depending on what kind of boost I need. Have purchased these twice now. They are great!” – Theresa M.

    Regular price: $35.99 USD

    Make The Herbal Zen’s Medicine Cabinet variety pack your go-to wellness gift this summer and enjoy the benefits of relaxation, comfort, and aromatic bliss.

  • Books,  Health

    How Surfing is Mentally, Physically and Emotionally Therapeutic

    Surfing as a form of therapy? It sounds odd, right? As a lifelong surfer, I’ve felt better after surfing—the act of riding a wave in the ocean on a surfboard—but I didn’t know it could be therapeutic.

    I wanted to learn more about it, so I began talking with surf therapy practitioners and surf therapy organizations around the world. And what I found out I put in my book Surf Therapy: The Evidence-Based Science for Physical, Mental & Emotional Well-Being.

    “Surf therapy” is defined by the International Surf Therapy Organization as “the use of surfing as a vehicle for delivering intentional, inclusive, population-specific, and evidenced-based therapeutic structures to promote psychological, physical, and psychosocial well-being.”

    There is a treasure trove of evidence-based data and testimonials that shows how surfing is therapeutic—even life saving—for many afflictions and traumas, including:

    1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Whether you’re a military veteran, police officer, or you’ve experienced Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in your life, surfing can serve as a form of treatment. How does PTSD affect you? Stress causes your amygdala (the almond shaped area in your brain that involves emotion) to release toxins, and too much of it can damage your hippocampus (which helps you make sense and contextualize your experiences). This leads to thinking the past is present, and reliving trauma again and again. Surfing helps by requiring you to focus on the present so that you don’t relive the past. By surfing with a surf therapy organization, you’ll also meet others who may be going through a similar situation and can share their experiences.

    2. At-Risk Youth: In areas around the world where there isn’t much opportunity for young adults, many surf therapy practitioners are stepping up and taking them surfing. Surfing not only has been proven to improve self esteem, reduce impulsivity, improve attention, improve heart rate; it also reduces toxic stress that is more prevalent in these communities. Surf therapy practitioners also act as mentors, encouraging good behavior and good grades to help to guide children and young adults who may be missing one or both parents, or have no family at all.

    3. Physical Disability: The notion of surfing if you have a disability can be scary. Thanks to several surf therapy pioneers, adaptive surfboards ensure that you can experience the healing powers of the sea safely, even if you have a spinal cord injury, paralysis of any kind, cerebral palsy, amputation(s) or another disability.If a disability has taken away the ability to get an adrenaline rush, surf therapy can provide it. It also provides a cheering section of volunteers who root you on as you surf towards shore. The resounding theme from surf therapy events is that the act of surfing provides an incredible sense of freedom.

    4. Drug Addiction: Surf therapy programs have been proven to help those with drug addictions stay clean. In a surf therapy program, you will find practitioners, counselors and therapists who can help you stay on the right track, along with a community of other participant seeking to do the same. Because surfing provides a natural dopamine release, along with an endorphins rush known as a runner’s high, it can still provide a natural hit that those with drug addictions may be craving.

    5. Mental Health: Instead of therapy inside four walls, therapy on the beach with a surfboard has helped individuals across the world experience an increase in calmness, resilience, confidence, happiness and improvement in friendships.

    Here’s the thing also, if you don’t have the means to travel to the ocean or the sea to experience surf therapy for yourself or a loved one, there may be a wave pool nearby that is offering this. Read more about surf therapy in my new book Surf Therapy. Available wherever you buy books.

    About the Author

    Cash Lambert is the author of Waves of Healing: How Surfing Changes the Lives of Children with Autism, as well as the Founder and Director of Editorial for American Surf Magazine. A former editor for Hawaii’s Freesurf Magazine, his articles have been featured in ESPN Outdoors, Surfing Magazine, Eastern Surf Magazine, the Outdoor Channel, Surfline, Stab Magazine, Flux, Patagonia and more. Cash lives with his wife and daughter in Florida.

    Surf Therapy
    Written by Cash Lambert
    978-1-57826-994-5, $20.00 paperback
    978-1-961293-01-4, $9.99 ebook

    Published by Hatherleigh Press.
    Distributed through Penguin Random House.
    Available wherever books are sold.
    www.hatherleighpress.com

  • food,  Gift Guide,  Health,  Los Angeles

    Cheers to NoliQ: The Bold, Sassy Revolution in Non-Alcoholic Drinks

    In a world where health consciousness meets the thrill of vibrant social experiences, NoliQ emerges as the sassiest alcohol-free cocktail in town. Created with the finest ingredients, NoliQ aims to satisfy sophisticated palates, nourish ambitions, complement dynamic lifestyles, and elevate social gatherings—all without a drop of alcohol. This summer, raise a glass to a drink that truly represents you.

    The Vision Behind NoliQ

    At NoliQ, the mission is clear: to shake up the beverage industry with bold, audacious flavors and an unapologetic flair. The goal is to redefine what it means to enjoy a drink by putting non-alcoholic options in the spotlight. NoliQ envisions a world where non-drinkers and those seeking alcohol-free alternatives are the VIPs of any gathering, enjoying a healthier, more exhilarating, and fulfilling lifestyle. With NoliQ, your taste buds will dance like nobody’s watching.

    The Founder: Nyina

    The story of NoliQ begins with its founder, Nyina, a physician, triathlete, and trainer who turned into a mixologist ready to revolutionize the world of non-alcoholic (NA) drinks. Born and raised in Kenya, Nyina draws inspiration from her rich African culture and advocates for healthier lifestyle choices. Her sophisticated, classy, and drama-free drinks are made with lots of love and are meant for everyone to share. With a deep commitment to health and wellness, Nyina created NoliQ to provide a delicious alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.

    “Sophisticated, classy, drinks-no-drama, made with lots of love, for everyone to share.” – Nyina

    The Story Behind NoliQ

    The idea for NoliQ was born from a shared frustration with the poor selection of alcohol-free drinks. Two friends, while freestyling to a beat at home, concocted delicious booze-less cocktails using herbs, spices, honey, and lime. This resulted in an epic night with 100% mental clarity, pure connections, and a wild idea to create a brand dedicated to alcohol-free living. Inspired by the magic of this lifestyle, Nyina embarked on a mission to raise awareness and make these treasures accessible to everyone.

    She became a mixologist, bought a mobile bar, and served her creations at various events. After being repeatedly asked if she packaged her drinks, Nyina took the plunge, went to the lab, and worked tirelessly to perfect her formulas. The result? Mind-blowing alcohol-free cocktails that are bold in flavor, low in calories, and infused with essential vitamins to fuel ambitions and energize pursuits.

    Introducing NoliQ’s Flavors

    NoliQ offers three unique flavors, each designed to cater to different tastes and preferences. These drinks are perfect for summer parties, offering refreshing and flavorful alternatives that align with a vibrant, health-conscious lifestyle.

    • Amaretto Sawa: This alcohol-free cocktail strikes a beautiful balance between rich, velvety caramel and almond flavors, with a hint of maraschino cherry sweetness and zesty Amalfi lemon. Infused with a special vitamin blend and magnesium, Amaretto Sawa helps you stay energized and ready to conquer tomorrow’s goals. Lightly carbonated, it’s a sweet and nutty delight perfect for any occasion.

    • Gingerberry Burst: Combining blueberry sweetness with a zesty kick of ginger and a refreshing minty finish, Gingerberry Burst is a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds craving more. This alcohol-free cocktail is perfect for those who love a bit of spice and sweetness in their drinks.

    • MargnoliQa: A smoky, fiery twist on the classic margarita mocktail, MargnoliQa blends tart, sweet, salty, and smoky flavors with a kick of jalapeño. Infused with vitamins and minerals, it helps you rock today and slay tomorrow’s goals. Lightly carbonated, MargnoliQa is the ultimate party drink, offering all the flavor with none of the alcohol.

    Perfect for Summer Parties

    This summer, make NoliQ the centerpiece of your gatherings. These alcohol-free cocktails are designed to complement your dynamic lifestyle, allowing you to maintain your social life without compromising your health. Bold in flavor and low in calories, NoliQ drinks are infused with essential vitamins to keep you energized and ready for anything. Raise your glass to a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle and enjoy the thrill of vibrant social experiences with NoliQ.

    For more information and to purchase NoliQ’s delightful non-alcoholic cocktails, visit their website and join the sassy revolution that’s taking the beverage industry by storm. Cheers to your success, your ambitions, and a future filled with extraordinary, alcohol-free moments.

  • Books,  Health

    May is Anxiety Awareness Month

    Anxiety and sleep disorders go hand in hand. Poor sleep causes anxiety and anxiety causes poor sleep. In fact, it’s likely not a coincidence that the number of Americans suffering from long-term sleep disorders and the number of Americans diagnosed with anxiety disorders every year are the same: 40 million.

    It is currently estimated that 1 in 4 people experience sleep difficulty, including falling asleep, staying asleep, experiencing restless and unsatisfying sleep. Did you know? A sleepless night is known to cause a rise in anxiety by 30%.

    Sleep problems affect how we function emotionally, mentally and physically. Poor sleep causes people to become more irritable, feel depressed and problem solve less effectively.

    When poor sleep escalates into sleep deprivation, things deteriorate even further, negatively affecting our emotional functioning, overall mood, and anxiety level. Once we become disconnected from our emotions, our anxiety gets worse.

    So, what is the solution to this vicious sleep-and-anxiety cycle?

    1. Create a sleep routine before bed. It’s important to have good sleep hygiene for our mental health. Two hours before you go to bed, focus on relaxing and decompressing. Stay away from intense exercise in the evening or watching the evening news or movies with violence. Also avoid alcohol and caffeine in the evening.

    2. Activate your senses. Stimulate your Parasympathetic Nervous System, your “rest and relax” nervous system, by activating your 6 senses: put a candle on, use your favorite bubble bath, do a foot massage bath, drink warm milk, or cuddle a pet.

    3. Unload all your stress and worry. Worry is the fear of the future and can keep you up at night. Journal in a book, talk to a supportive friend, anything you can do to unload your stress and worry for the day.

    For many more tips and strategies on how to decrease your anxiety and improve your mental health, check out my latest book The Instant Anxiety Solution.

    About the Author

    Michelle Biton is a Health and Wellness Coach and Educator. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Master’s Degree in Holistic Nutrition and a Certificate in Kinesiology, Health and Fitness Studies. She has been invited to write for the Encyclopedia of Natural Health, Alive Magazine, a variety of online publications, and has been featured on various television, radio shows and magazines as a health and fitness expert.

    Praise for The Instant Anxiety Solution

    “…full of practical advice and simple hacks on how to reduce your anxiety level. A must-read for anybody wrestling with anxiety.” —Beth Hedva, PhD, author of Betrayal, Trust and Forgiveness

    “…a must-read for anyone suffering from anxiety. I particularly like Michelle’s holistic approach.” —Ramona Braganza, celebrity fitness trainer

    “…an essential read for anyone suffering from anxiety. Michelle has a true passion and skill for her trade of helping people lead healthier lives.” —Michelle Lovitt, MSc, fitness trainer and author of Exercise for Your Muscle Type