• food,  Gift Guide,  Health,  Los Angeles,  New York,  San Diego

    Give the Gift of Health and Wellness to Mom this Mother’s Day with MacroLife

    Mother’s Day is about a month away and it’s the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation and love for the special woman in your life. Give the gift of health and vitality this Mother’s Day with MacroLife – a brand that is committed to providing high-quality, organic superfoods that are packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants. Their products are designed to boost energy, enhance immunity, and support overall well-being, making them the perfect gift for the health-conscious mom who wants to stay on top of her game.

    While other companies may come and go, MacroLife has been in the SuperFoods industry for over 25 years. Their legacy brand has always had one goal – to help people in their health and wellness journeys. Try something from their fantastic line of products and find out how you can be adding a little to your day, and a lot to your life!

    MacroLife is a certified-woman and family owned legacy brand that helped to start the superfood category 25 years ago. They are known for award-winning, delicious, and nutrient packed greens and fruit-based superfood powders that feed the body at the cellular level and fill in nutritional gaps in the diet. All products address a balanced microbiome by providing billions of probiotics and other nutrients that reduce bloating. Products include: Macro Greens, Miracle Reds, Kids Coco Greens, MacroPets, and MacroMeal, a time-released protein powder. All products are made in the USA in a cGMP & FDA certified manufacturing facility.

    19 SUPERFRUITS & BERRIES with a great taste! Miracle Reds is your full spectrum antioxidant blend!

    Miracle Reds Organic Superfood powder supplement is not just a delicious fruit blend! It is doctor-formulated to be an advanced, non-allergenic, proprietary mix that goes great with your favorite beverage or as an add-on to your smoothie!

    Miracle Reds has nutrient-rich, anti-aging anti-oxidants, polyphenols and heart-friendly plant sterols. Tasty and nutritious, great for a pre-workout boost, post workout recovery…or anytime you want something delicious and healthy!

    Doctor Formulated:  Miracle Reds are rich in:

    • Vital vitamins
    • Minerals
    • Polyphenols
    • Probiotics
    • Digestive enzymes
    • Carotenes
    • Phytonutrient antioxidants

    Miracle Reds are:

    • Non GMO
    • Vegan
    • Gluten Free
    • Dairy Free

    The ingredient list boasts a mix of natural powerhouses:

    • blueberries
    • boysenberries
    • elderberries
    • blackberries
    • red raspberries

    1 delicious glass of Immune Support Superfood equals 5 servings of fruits and vegetables! Quick, easy, and tasty way to add a little to your day & a lot to your life!

    Macro Greens is a non-allergenic nutrient-rich super food supplement that optimizes pH for stimulant-free health and surpasses the nutrition of five servings of fruits and vegetables without the calories or carbohydrates. The benefits of using Macro Greens daily include:

    • Increased energy
    • weight loss
    • increased mental clarity
    • balanced blood sugar
    • strengthened immune system
    • improved digestion

    A little chocolate on a workout day never hurts! Get 25g of protein + that chocolate you’ve been craving all in one! Grab your Chocolate MacroMeal in either Omni or Vegan options today!

    Enjoy the delicious taste and amazing health benefits of MacroMeal Vegan Chocolate. MacroMeal (Omni and Vegan) are scientifically formulated with an advanced blend of fast, medium and slow digesting proteins that deliver protein for sustained energy. Feel the difference of Macro Nutrition!
    Each Product includes:
    • 25g of Science Based “Time Released Protein” 
    • 5g of nutrient rich fiber per serving
    • 500mg MCT OIL: (Coconut oil “50% MCT”) “Healthy Fat” source for long lasting energy
    • 3 Billion Probiotics + Digestive Enzymes: aids digestion and improve absorption
    • Macro Greens and Miracle Reds “Ultimate” SuperFood Blend: Organic Maca, Organic Barley Grass Juice Powder, Spirulina, Cracked Cell Chlorella, Spinach, Beet Juice Powder, Aloe Vera, Goji , Acai, Mangosteen, Pomegranate, Blueberry, Acerola Berry.

    From superfood powders to protein bars, MacroLife has a wide range of products to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect gift for any mom. Give the gift of health this Mother’s Day with MacroLife, and show your mom just how much you care.

  • food,  Health,  Los Angeles,  San Diego

    Get 92 out of the 102 minerals your body needs from Transformation Factory’s organic and wildcrafted sea moss

    Start your day right! Take 2 tablespoons of Transformation Factory’s sea moss and power yourself with 92 out of the 102 minerals your body needs. Health is POWER. Sea moss is the go-to natural supplement for many! Its energy-boosting properties combined with its anti-inflammatory benefits are the perfect combo for your next workout routine. The benefits of Sea Moss are priceless. From boosting energy to promoting hair and nail growth, sea moss has a benefit for you! Sea moss also helps get rid of excess mucus. How does this happen? Well, fatty acids, omega-3s, chlorophyll, and several other valuable components help sea moss act as an efficient and reliable decongestant.⠀

    Sea moss is a wholefood source of minerals containing 92 of the 102 trace minerals found in the body.  Although you can get your trace minerals by eating a wide variety of foods, with a busy lifestyle this may not always be possible.  Sea moss health benefits can help you fill in the gaps.

    Pineapple Sea Moss Gel

    Supercharge your day with Transformation Factory’s  Pineapple Sea Moss Gel. This blend combines the 92 minerals from sea moss with the bromelain, vitamin c, manganese,  phosphorus, and B1 vitamins in pineapples. Pineapples can be especially beneficial because they are the sole source of bromelain, a combination of protein-digesting enzymes that fight inflammation in the body.  Combine this incredible fruit with the minerals contained in sea moss you have a great addition to your health regimen.

    Strawberry Banana Sea Moss Gel

    Supercharge your day with Transformation Factory’s  strawberry banana sea moss gel. This combination of mineral packed sea moss with organic bananas and strawberries is rich with vitamins, minerals, nutrients, antioxidants , and plant compounds.  All of which contribute to healthy cell functioning.  This is a perfect mix for a sea moss shake.

    Elderberry Sea Moss Gel

    Stimulate your immune system with Transformation Factory’s Elderberry Sea Moss Gel. This blend combines the 92 minerals from sea moss with the vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants in the form phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins contained in elderberry. Elderberry is commonly used to boost the immune system and treat colds and flu.

    Goji Berry Sea Moss Gel

    Support your immune system and eye health with Transformation Factory’s Goji Berry Sea Moss Gel. This blend combines the 92 minerals from sea moss with the fiber, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C contained in goji berries. Goji berries are also packed with antioxidants Also note that Transformation Factory’s sea moss blends do not contain white sugar or sugar substitutes. The ingredients are simple, sea moss, pineapples and agave.

    Transformation Factory’s sea moss has to be FDA approved before it can enter The United States. All Transformation Factory’s sea moss gels are a combination of sea moss, fruits, and agave. The only difference is the added benefits that each fruit provides. You can choose one based on your favorite fruit(s). This also means that Transformation Factory’s gels are gluten-free and keto and vegan-friendly.

  • food,  Health,  Los Angeles,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    Sea Moss Gel – The perfect texture, flavor, and nutrients… all in one jar.

    Have you heard of the benefits of Sea Moss gel? You can get 92 out of the 102 minerals your body needs from Sea Moss Transformation‘s organic and wildcrafted sea moss. Pineapple, mango, elderberry, strawberry, dragon fruit, strawberry banana, goji berry… You have so many flavors to choose from.

    As part of an overall mission to support the positive transformation of lives, the Transformation Factory sells products that promote physical, emotional and spiritual health.

    What is Sea Moss?

    The Transformation Factory’s wildcrafted sea moss or “Irish sea moss” is an organic, vegan superfood that can be enjoyed by the entire family. The Transformation Factory’s sea moss is “wildcrafted” which means that it is harvested from its natural “wild” habitat in unpolluted waters without the use of any type of chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

    The Transformation Factory’s farms practice environmentally sustainable and socially responsible farming and wild harvesting. Once harvested, the sea moss is transferred to a vegan kitchen where it is blended in alkaline spring water and made into a gel. Many fruit flavors are made with organic fruits and natural agave with no preservatives.  To ensure this freshness is passed on to the customers, The Transformation Factory delivers its sea moss gel in a cooling pack, fresh and ready to be enjoyed.

    Benefits

    Sea moss is a wholefood source of minerals containing 92 of the 102 trace minerals found in the body.  Although you can get your trace minerals by eating a wide variety of foods, with a busy lifestyle this may not always be possible.  Sea moss health benefits can help you fill in the gaps.

    Did you know sea moss also improves joints and muscles? The benefits of sea moss for joints and muscles happen because of the fish oils and fatty acids that are typically found in sea moss.

    Sea Moss Transformation, this black-owned and operated business was founded by entrepreneur Alexiou Gibson. He has a remarkable story of how he used Sea Moss to reset his health and experienced a huge weight loss of 500 pounds. Sea moss gel is 100% plant-based and a great way to get all of the necessary nutrients your body needs!

    The Story

    The Transformation Factory (TTF) is the passion of founder Alexiou Gibson.  In his current role as CEO and President, he leads the company as a continuation of his own transformation from one seeking answers, to one providing answers.  TTF is the culmination of his more than 10 years of battling health issues.  He has used every disappointment, achievement, heartbreak, success, and learning moment to create the concept of TTF as a resource and inspiration for those trying to become their best selves. The TTF website will become  is a depository of information, tools, support communities and products. These are things that Alexiou feels would have helped him a great deal when he started his “Alexiou 2.0” journey.  The good news is that  “Alexiou 2.0”  has culminated into The Transformation Factory – a place that will give everyone the tools they need to succeed on their own journeys.

    Alexiou started his transformation in 2014 when his physician told him that he would not live to see thirty. Weighing in at over 500 lbs. at 21 years of age, he was told that his body was in disrepair and he was too far gone to make any significant changes to his health.  At that time his body was riddled with multiple chronic conditions. He also had respiratory conditions making it difficult to walk long distances.

    Now, years later, Alexiou has completely changed his lifestyle, and lives a vegan lifestyle, powers through dips and squats, and finds any opportunity he can to coach, inspire and encourage.

  • Books,  Health

    IF MONEY HAS NO GENDER! WOMEN NEED JUST AS MUCH…

    FIND OUT FROM GUEST EXPERT:

    Nancy J. Hite, CEO, The Strategic Wealth Advisor® CFP® AIF®

    Accredited Financial FIDUCIARYand author

    “The Retirement Mirage”

    Financial guru Nancy Hite, is available for Women’s History Month to cover Women and Money!  Great insight, examples that get you thinking differently about money, especially Women vs. Men.

    To learn more about Nancy Hite, visit https://thestrategicwealthadvisor.com and be sure to subscribe to her newsletter.

    Fortune Recommends article: https://fortune.com/recommends/investing/mutual-funds-vs-etfs/

    “If you are still uncertain, you may want to consider the advice of Nancy J. Hite, CEO of The Strategic Wealth Advisor who says simply: “Get professional help, don’t try to be your own medical doctor with investments.”

    About Nancy Hite

    Nancy’s Passion for Planning

    Helping people is my passion.  I love what I do.  I take pride in getting to know all of my clients very well because all my clients become friends as well as part of my extended family.

    As a widow, I understand the emotional and financial issues that are created by this unexpected event.  I miss the beautiful days my husband, Leonard, and I spent playing golf together and my winning a hole or two in the round. Also, the time we spent at the 19th hole.  Cooking is a hobby of mine, and I continue to cook the unique recipes we shared together.

    I also enjoy going to the gym early each morning to keep my body strong and my mind sharp.  Going to the gym also starts my day on a positive note. I love what I do, helping people and I realize how fortunate I am to enjoy helping people prepare for the retirement they have always desired and deserve.  I do not look at Monday through Friday as workdays but rather as days to help multiple people achieve their financial dreams!

    Because cooking is my hobby, I use the analogy of breaking down the financial planning process step-by-step, just as one does with a recipe, so that the process is not overwhelming but is actually enjoyable.  K.I.S.S. Keep it Simple, Sweetie.  There are only 3 things you can do with money: SPEND IT NOW, SPEND IT LATER OR SPEND IT NEVER®.

    When we begin working together, I want to know your dreams for your family and your retirement.  Working together, our goal will be to make your financial and lifestyle dreams a reality.  We will want to find out what is important to you: safety, growth, taxes, liquidity, and/or other issues.  Is there anything about your present situation you are not comfortable with?  Together we will develop a recipe (a sophisticated financial plan) and make sure to include desserts (special financial rewards and treats for you to enjoy!).

    Each of us has a lease on life, yet we need to know how long that lease is.  There are no guarantees, and due to medical breakthroughs and healthier lifestyles, many of you will live much longer than you anticipated.  My job as a highly trained and highly experience Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary is to ensure that you do not run out of money before you run out of time.

    I know what you’re thinking… My office is not near you. Can your robust, proven processes and solutions still work for me?   ABSOLUTELY!  I can work very successfully with you through conference calls, shared screens, and the power of the Internet!

    My new book, “THE RETIREMENT MIRAGE: TIME TO THINK DIFFERENTLY,” offers a powerful fresh perspective using stories on how you can address and achieve financial stability and the freedom to control your own time.

    I would love to help you and your family pursue your financial dreams. Let’s Talk!

    There is absolutely no cost or obligation to speak with me. In our conversation, you can ask me all your questions, have them answered, and learn if my 20 years of experience as a Certified Financial Planner® and a Fiduciary is what you have been looking for.

     

  • Beauty,  Gift Guide,  Health,  Los Angeles,  San Diego

    Finding new ways to enhance your waves, curls, and coils is all a part of the curly hair care journey

    After two decades in the haircare space, Jessicurl (www.jessicurl.com) relaunched with a new, fresh look to pair with their time-trusted, curly-girl friendly formulas and products last month. Jessicurl offers three hair care collections for their curly haired consumer: The Light and Luminous Collection for finer curls and waves, the Rich and Radiant Collection for thicker, curly hair and the Confidence Collection for coarse, kinky hair. All collections come available in your choice of Citrus Lavender or Island Fantasy scents, as well as a no-fragrance option.

    Understanding how to begin to care for your curly hair starts with identifying a few key attributes of your hair.  You’ll want to determine your hair type (the curl pattern type of your curls), your hair texture which would be either fine, medium or thick (coarse) and the porosity level of your hair. Jessicurl line is developed by founder Jess after she realizing that most hair products on the market contain ingredients that are bad for her hair. It seemed like everything had drying alcohols in hair gels or harsh detergents in shampoos. Like the people running it all didn’t know that there were certain ingredients to avoid in curly hair products. Nothing treated her naturally curly hair with the respect it deserved. She wanted to let other curlies know as to why she avoid certain ingredients in Jessicurl products.

    Jessicurl products don’t use any silicones. By using ingredients that IMPROVE the health of your hair rather than hiding damage, the result is a more vibrant head of curls.

    You’ll note the ingredients lists for Jessicurl Spiralicious Styling Gel does contain a drying alcohol. Ethanol, to be exact. Their bottles of Spiralicious contain about 7/10ths of 1% ethanol. It’s a necessary part in making Polyquaternium 69, one of the ingredients we use in that gel. However, the amount of ethanol is so low in this gel that it doesn’t have any negative effects. It’s been used on curlies around the world for well over a year now. They have never had a single report of it causing dryness. There ARE, however, certain types of alcohols that are actually good for the hair. These are what give that creamy consistency to most conditioners. The good ones are Lauryl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Myristyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Cetearyl alcohol and Behenyl alcohol. The bad ones are SD alcohol, SD alcohol 40, Alcohol denat, Propanol, Propyl alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol. You’ll never find any of the bad ones in any of Jessicurl products and should avoid them all together. They’re really just horrible for curly hair.

    Gentle Lather Shampoo and Hair Cleansing Cream only use gentle cleansing agents like Decyl Polyglucose and Cocamidopropyl Betaine. This ensures that you have a good hair day EVERY day, not just three days after washing. Jessicurl is not interested in creating unhealthy dependency on their hair care products. The conditioners moisturize without coating the hair. The cleansers gently wash without stripping. And the styling products sculpt soft curls without building up on the hair. Jess believes in treating your hair with the respect it deserves and that you’ll love the results.

    About Jessicurl

    Jessicurl is an independent, curly-girl approved haircare brand that intentionally chose to grow organically through word of mouth rather than using hired spokespeople or glossy advertising. Jessicurl has thrived using this approach due to their outstanding product formulations and their commitment to vegan and cruelty-free curl-care. Relying on their dedicated customers to share word of the products and brand has allowed the company to grow steadily over the last 20 years while still maintaining high quality products and personalized customer care

    Today, Jessicurl products are sold worldwide and used in salons both domestically and internationally. However, in many ways the brand is still a well- kept “secret”, used primarily by those who heard about it from a trusted friend.

    The cult-favorite was founded in 2002 by Jess McGuinty, with the mission of producing high quality products that are specifically designed for curly hair. Jess is one of the pioneering female entrepreneurs in the U.S curly haircare movement/space in the early 2000’s and was also an early and frequent contributor on NaturallyCurly Curltalk. Through that work she developed a close friendship with Michelle Breyer, co-founder of naturallycurly.com.

     

  • food,  Health

    FoodTrients, the award-winning food website, lists the foods to eat for beautiful, healthy skin

    FoodTrients, the award-winning food website, lists the foods to eat for beautiful, healthy skin.
    Many of us spend hundreds of dollars each year on skincare products.  Products that say they will make us look younger, provide hydration and elasticity to our skin.  But what if you could achieve that without spending so much money?
    The age-old adage that you are what you eat is true, especially for your skin. Foods that are good for your skin help to hydrate and guard from environmental damage. Beneficial foods contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in addition to being hydrating and supporting wound healing.
    Grace O, cookbook author and founder of FoodTrients®, has compiled the ultimate list of foods that can enhance not only your health but also your skin with a holistic view of the many factors that support our largest organ.  Certain foods like melons, citrus, chile peppers, fish, and whole grains are full of “foodtrients” that promote beautiful skin, shiny hair, and strong nails.  Others include:
    Cabbage – All colors of cabbage contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Researchers have identified nearly 20 different antioxidant flavonoids and 15 different plant phenols in cabbage, all of which have demonstrated antioxidant activity that can support scavenging free radicals in the skin.
     
    Chia seeds – A plant-source of polyunsaturated fatty acids called omega-3 fatty acids, chia seeds can support skin health. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids play a role in the antioxidant defense system of the skin. Additionally, nuts and seeds including chia are rich sources of copper, another precursor to collagen production for skin health.
     
    Garlic – Part of the reason we see skin lose elasticity, resulting in sagging and wrinkles with ageing has to do with a process called glycation which is already well underway by early adulthood. High intake of sugar can speed this process while research has shown that certain herbs and spices including ginger and garlic can slow it.
     
    Spinach – Packed with antioxidant vitamins C and E as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, fresh spinach is a skin-supporting veggie. Another bonus, it is a good source of zinc so it really contains many of the most critical nutrients known to protect your skin.
     
     Green Tea – Packed full of antioxidants, namely epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCg) a potent polyphenol, green tea is a friend to healthy aging. Studies indicate potential skin protective effects of consuming green tea, particularly in conjunction with protection against UV damage from the sun and for reducing inflammation.
     
     Oats – Another rich form of beta-glucans, oats are an important part of the diet for your skin. Studies have shown that beta-glucans support the skin in many ways including the reduction of wrinkles, wound healing, antioxidant activity, anti-UV and moisturizing effects.
    To view the complete list of FoodTrients® list of the top 50 foods go to: https://www.foodtrients.com/beauty/top-50-foods-beautiful-skin/.  Watch this video to learn more, and read about the compounds that promote beauty in this story: Beauty Foods Help You Look Younger.
    As we head into spring, try this light and easy salad from Grace’s current cookbook Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World, that is not only healthy and delicious but contains many of the foods on our list that contribute to beautiful skin.
    Aztec Berry Salad with Chia Dressing
    SERVES 4
     
    The Aztecs recorded using chia seeds as far back as 1540. This colorful and refreshing salad is perfect for summer afternoons and evenings. Serve this salad as a starter, side dish, or light summer meal.
    Benefits
    Chia seeds provide energy in the form of healthy fats (including anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids) and plant-based protein. Fresh, seasonal berries provide a concentrated source of beneficial antioxidants such as vitamin C and anthocyanins, which improve capillary function in the brain, eyes, and skin.
    Gluten-Free
    Vegan if using maple syrup
    Vegetarian
    Ingredients
    For the salad
    2 cups (packed) roughly chopped baby spinach
    1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
    1 cup fresh blueberries
    1 cucumber, diced
    ½ cup sunflower kernels
    ¼ cup (loosely packed) chopped fresh basil leaves
    For the dressing
    2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
    Juice and zest of 1 lemon
    1 tsp. minced garlic
    1 Tbs. chia seeds
    1 tsp. honey or maple syrup
    1 Tbs. water
    Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
    Procedure
    1. Combine salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
    2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
    3. Toss the salad with the dressing immediately before serving.
    Recipe and Photo may be reprinted with the following credit:
    ANTI-AGING DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
    By Grace O
    Skyhorse/August 2022
    Over a span of 30 years, Grace O has built an impressive record of business achievement, community building, philanthropy, and community service in California. Guided by her spirit of entrepreneurship and building on a model of generosity learned from her family, Grace has spent a lifetime helping people heal through food and medicine. In 2011, Grace combined her entrepreneurial skills, her passion for the culinary arts, and her commitment to health by launching a new culinary brand, FoodTrients®, a non-profit website and cookbooks dedicated to the nutrients in foods that help prevent the diseases of aging. She is also the author of two award-winning cookbooks—The Age GRACEfully Cookbook: The Power of FOODTRIENTS to Promote Health and Well-being for a Joyful and Sustainable Life and The Age Beautifully Cookbook: Easy and Exotic Longevity Secrets from Around the World.  In 2022 she released her third cookbook, Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World.  For more information visit www.FoodTrients.com.