• Gift Guide,  Los Angeles,  New York,  Toys

    Stomp Rocket®: A Gift Guide Essential for Active, Screen-Free Fun!

    Looking for an affordable, fun, and educational gift that keeps kids moving? Look no further than Stomp Rocket®—the award-winning, family-owned brand that has delighted children and families for 30 years! Stomp Rocket® toys are 100% kid-powered, making them a great way to encourage outdoor play and spark curiosity. Available for children as young as 3 years old, these toys are affordable, with each set priced under $30. Whether it’s launching rockets, racing cars, or performing cool stunt plane tricks, Stomp Rocket® keeps kids engaged, active, and off screens.

    Affordable and Engaging Toys

    Stomp Rocket® offers a variety of exciting products, including:

    • Stomp Rocket® Space Collection ($24.99) ASTRA 2024 Award Winner. Ignite your cosmic curiosity and stomp to launch three iconic NASA spacecraft in the air – SLS Rocket, Space Shuttle Atlantis, and Saturn V Rocket, with an adjustable launch stand. – For ages 5 years and up.

    • Stomp Rocket® Original Dueling™ ($19.99) – Includes four Ultra Stomp Rockets® and a special dueling launch stand with two launch pads with air hoses. Eight rockets are also available ($29.99). – For ages 5 years and up.

    • Stomp Rocket® Ultra Rockets ($19.99) – Includes four foam-tipped rockets that fly up to 200 feet in the air! Also available with six rockets ($24.99). For ages 5 years and up

    • Stomp Rocket® Jr. Multi-Color ($19.99) – Take turns launching multicolor rockets with your friends and family. Includes eight Jr. multicolor rockets, launch Stand and pad with air hose. Amazon bestseller!  For ages 3 years and up.  

    • Stomp Rocket® Jr. Glow™ ($19.99) – Launch glow-in-the-dark rockets up to 100 feet in the air for daytime and nighttime fun. This mega pack includes seven rocketsFor ages 3 years and up.

    • Stomp Rocket® LED Power Rockets ($19.99) – Three foam-tipped rockets with LED lights inside fly up to 100 feet in the air. LED rockets are bright enough to use as a flashlight with an auto off feature! Available at Target exclusively  For ages 5 years and up.

    • Stomp Rocket® Stomp Racers™($19.99/single; $29.99/dueling) – See how fast your car will go and jump off the ramp for extreme racing and tricks as you race to the finish. For ages 5 years and up.

    All of these sets are conveniently available at Amazon, Walmart, Target, and local retailers, ensuring you can find the perfect gift for any child.

    Award-Winning and Trusted Brand

    With more than 20 million toys sold worldwide, Stomp Rocket® has earned the trust of parents and kids alike. The brand has won numerous prestigious awards, including the Mom’s Choice Gold Award, Creative Child Magazine Best Toy Award, and the Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award.

    Encouraging Active Play and Learning

    Stomp Rocket® isn’t just about fun—it also offers STEM learning opportunities, helping children explore science and physics through play. The brand has been frequently featured in top media outlets like Good Housekeeping, Forbes, and The Today Show, making it a staple name in quality children’s toys.

    Perfect for Any Occasion

    With a wide range of products under $30, Stomp Rocket® is perfect for any gift guide. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a special treat, these toys are sure to inspire creativity, exercise, and joy in children of all ages.

    Discover more about Stomp Rocket® at www.stomprocket.com and follow them on Instagram @originalstomprocket.

  • New York

    Tips for Starting a Customized Sweatshirt Business for Boutique Owners

     

    If you are a boutique owner, then you appreciate the ever evolving need to find new trends to stock up on to help you stand out from the crowd. 

    Personalized sweaters are  trending this fall and winter because of their comfort, fun graphics and variety in designs. 

    Custom wholesale sweatshirts are an inexpensive way of offering your clients an item that feels tailor-made for them. 

    Below are some useful tips you can follow to help make sure your boutique offers the best for your customers. 

     

    Tip #1. Figure Out Who Your Customer Base is

    Before you purchase any wholesale sweatshirts, ask yourself, “Who is my customer base?” “Who do I want to cater to?”. 

    Are they young and more fashion-conscious or busy mothers who just want something comfortable and fun? 

    Understanding who you want to cater to  will help you determine the type of sweatshirts you will offer. 

    For instance, a younger women might want a more oversized fit with vintage or trending designs while older women might want something more fitted and minimalistic.  

    Keep track of the latest trends like color blocking and vintage logos to remain competitive in the market and prevent your boutique from becoming stale and irrelevant.

     

    Tip #2. Find a Reliable Source for Wholesale Sweatshirts

    Now that you know who your customer base is, take some time to look for a reliable supplier for wholesale sweatshirts.

    Look for suppliers offering a range of styles, sizes, and colors to provide variety. 

    As a boutique owner you know that you need to watch the bottom line but try not to prioritize price over quality. The last thing you want is to have customer complaints in your shop reviews stating poor quality or damaged items. 

    A great way to ensure you are stocking a quality item is to order samples before deciding on which supplier to go with.

    Tip #3. Sweatshirt Customization

    This is the area where your sweatshirts will shine, so choose wisely. 

    There are several different ways you can customize your wholesale sweatshirts and each of the methods has its own advantages.

    • Embroidery: Great for a clean, elegant finish. Embroidery works well for small logos or simple designs.

    • Screen Printing: Great for graphics that are eye-catching and full of color. This method is inexpensive and flexible, so it is good for large quantities.

    • Heat Transfer: This is great for 1-off or small personalized projects, especially when the sweatshirts are made to order.

    When doing the customization yourself, try to invest in good quality equipment and tools whenever possible.

    On the other hand, if that looks too complicated and costly, partnering with a reliable print shop is another great option. 

    No matter what type of customization you choose, make sure that it fits with the trends that your customer base is interested in. 

     

    Tip #4. Develop a Brand and Marketing Plan

    Now that you’ve decided what type of customization fits with your customer base start focusing on branding and marketing.

    Be sure to portray your brand clearly  when designing and engaging online.

    Fun, playful boutiques should reflect that in their wholesale sweatshirts, while minimalist brands should opt for sleek designs. 

    Use visually engaging photographs to market your line of Customizable sweatshirts on platforms known for their visual media like Instagram, Tik Tok,  and Pinterest.

    Working with influencers is also a great way to market to your customer base and reach out to new clients.

     

     

    Tip #5. Set the Appropriate Price for Your Products

    Pricing your sweatshirts might feel tricky but it doesn’t have to be.

    Figure out what all your costs will be, include wholesale prices, customization materials, labor, and shipping.

    After you have those estimates, you then add in your profit margin.

    Remember, you want the pricing strategy to be competitive but still reflect the value of your customized products. 

    Analyzing what other boutiques are charging for similar products and find that pricing sweet spot that works for you and your client base. 

     

    Tip #6. Make Sure Your Customer Remember You

    Stand out with additional customizable options like colors, text or even designs.

    A design-your-own sweatshirt option can add a unique and highly personal touch to your boutique. 

    Don’t forget about packaging—branded or environmentally friendly materials can also add to the boutique feel and leave a lasting impression.

     

    Final Thoughts

    Starting a customized sweatshirt business for your boutique can be a fun and rewarding way to expand your products and cater to your customer base.

    Following the tips listed above will get you off to the right start and put you on the path to success. 

    With a little imagination and proper organization, your boutique could become the next go-to place for customers looking for that perfect, personalized sweatshirt. 

     

  • New York

    Discover Ignacio Gana’s Gold Black Collection: A Fusion of Art, Elegance, and Symbolism

    Ignacio Gana, the renowned Chilean-born, Miami-based artist who was honored as “Artist of the Year” by the Latin Grammy Awards in 2017, is making waves once again with his Gold Black Collection. This series of sculptures, inspired by the vibrant spirit of Miami, seamlessly blends sensuality, harmony, and elegance through its striking use of gold and black. The gold symbolizes luxury and prosperity, while the black represents depth and mystery, adding layers of sophistication and timelessness to the pieces.
    Gana’s collection, particularly the standout piece “Flamingo Girl”—a bronze sculpture that symbolizes a journey of transformation and joy—offers rich narratives for features on elegant decor and the intersection of art and lifestyle. This is a significant piece for Gana as it marked a milestone in his career when it was installed in Miami’s prestigious Design District neighborhood. Gana explained that this is, “a work that speaks of change, of daring to leave the comfort zone, to jump into the pool in search of happiness, to have fun, to enjoy life, all with a bit of irony and humor.” 
     
    Another prominent piece in the collection is “Peace Face” which is a striking and symbolic sculpture that features a stylized human face depicted with a serene and contemplative expression. The sculpture, composed of bronze,  incorporates elements of geometric abstraction, such as fragmented sections and overlapping planes, adding depth and complexity to the piece.
    “Lucky Duck” is a playful and whimsical piece that embodies Ignacio Gana’s flair for combining humor with artistic elegance. Due to the quirky yet refined nature of this piece, the sculpture can be the perfect fit for almost any space. From contemporary homes, to children’s spaces, to corporate offices, this sculpture is certain to add a light-hearted element.
    About Ignacio Gana:
    Ignacio Gana is a renowned Chilean painter and sculptor. Each of Gana’s artworks has a strong narrative, representative of his imagination and appreciation of the human form and are showcased worldwide in open public spaces, museums, or private collections in individuals’ homes. His inspiration comes from life itself. Gana was selected as the “Artist of the Year” by the Latin Grammy Awards in 2017. For further information, visit ignaciogana.com.
  • New York

    Tech savvy podiatrists step up their game by launching app for designing custom shoe inserts at home

    A Florida technology company has launched a new mobile phone application called MediScan, which allows users to create the same medical-grade custom shoe inserts a podiatrist would normally prescribe, without the need to physically see a doctor.

    MediScan Custom Orthotics, which was founded by two Florida-based podiatrists and a longtime expert from the medical device industry, offers the exact same orthotic devices and custom shoe inserts a patient would normally receive from their podiatrist, without the burden of having to schedule and visit a doctor’s office.

    These inserts can help with foot pain, foot aches, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, tendonitis, bunion prevention and general everyday comfort.

    Within the application, users are guided through the creation of reliable 3D lidar scans of their feet using their phones or tablets. Those scans are then sent for review to a MediScan podiatrist who will then design the custom shoe implants based on the user’s unique needs. The finished product is then sent directly to the doorstep of the user, without the patient ever having to step foot in a doctor’s office.

    “MediScan is about much more than providing the highest quality custom shoe implants to get patients up and moving again. This is really an advancement for modern medicine, as a whole,” said Dr. Bret Brennan, a podiatrist and MediScan’s co-founder. “We are combining the ease and convenience of telehealth with the creation of custom orthotics, drastically cutting the time it takes for patients to receive the solution that’s right for them. We’re thrilled to launch our mobile app today, and we’re excited to see our brand-new technology in action.”

    Ultimately, MediScan will make it easier for people of all ages and athletic abilities to get moving again, and will help them do so at a record pace. By using MediScan, patients can receive their inserts without having to wait to get on a doctor’s calendar, which can often take weeks.

    Additionally, MediScan Custom Orthotics can be delivered anywhere in the United States.

    The company is the brainchild of Brennan and Dr. Anh Nyugen, who run a successful multi-location podiatry practice in the Tampa Bay area. Additionally, Donald Dykstra, a medical device expert who has worked in the industry for more than a decade is also a founding partner.

    About MediScan:

    The concept for MediScan came about during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Dr. Bret Brennan and Dr. Anh Nyugen, podiatrists who run Healthy Feet Podiatry and two of the four owners of Mediscan, saw a drastic decline in patients coming to their practice in-person. They began to think about how to deliver reliable custom orthotics to patients, without those patients having to leave their homes. After a couple of years of mobile application development and testing, along with honing the craft of making custom shoe implants using 3D scanning technology, MediScan was officially launched. The company hopes to deliver reliable custom orthotic solutions to the entire country.

  • Books,  New York,  San Diego

    Connected & Engaged Remove Digital Distractions & Reconnect with the World

    Staying connected and engaged with the important people in our life has never been more critical—or more challenging. The widespread epidemic of digital addiction and device overuse has contributed to a near-complete breakdown in our ability to form lasting, meaningful relationships with those around us.

    As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Lori Whatley has invested years into helping people manage their digital devices to live fuller, more vibrant lives. Born from her one-on-one interactions with patients, Connected & Engaged delivers actionable advice that will transform your relationships and your life.

    The insights provided in Connected & Engaged will empower you to:
    • Create strong relational connections with the people closest to you
    • Minimize the stress that comes from your digital devices
    • Employ more effective, in-person communication methods
    • Set and maintain personal boundaries against digital distraction

    Are you ready to connect with the people around you, engage in the world, and create a life that makes you feel alive? Today is the day to truly get connected and engaged!

    About the Author

    Dr. Lori Whatley is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the effects of digital device usage on both individuals and businesses. Over her 25-year career, she has worked with thousands of clients to help reconnect and repair personal connections. To learn more or get in touch, visit DrLoriWhatley.com.

    Praise for Connected & Engaged

    “…equips us with practical suggestions to help us put people first.”
    —Rory Vaden, New York Times bestselling author

    “An honest look at our digital lives with real-life solutions.”
    —Kelly Jameson, PhD, LPC-S

    “…a powerful, yet simple blueprint to help us manage our distractions and focus on what matters most, the people in our lives.”
    —Anton J. Gunn, MSW, CDM, CSP

    “…helped me use technology to increase productivity, reduce stress, improve my relationships, and feed my brain with the same intention I feed my body.”
    —Kristen Coffield, Founder and CEO of The Culinary Cure

    “…gives refreshing and thought-provoking advice on how we can live our best lives in this age of technology.”
    —Kaedy Kiely, Afternoon Drive Host at WSRV-FM


    Connected & Engaged
    Written by Dr. Lori Whatley
    978-1-961293-06-9, $18.00 paperback
    978-1-961293-07-6, $9.99 ebook

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

  • Books,  Los Angeles,  New York,  San Diego

    The Collective Book Studio Celebrates Hispanic History Month with a Selection of Inspirational Children’s Books

    In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, The Collective Book Studio proudly highlights three exceptional children’s books that honor Latinx voices and stories: The Fly Who Flew to Space, I’ll Be the Moon, and Calvin and the Sugar Apples. Each of these captivating titles has been recognized for their creativity, cultural significance, and their ability to inspire young readers through imaginative storytelling and the richness of Latinx heritage.

    The Fly Who Flew to Space
    This debut children’s book by award-winning journalist and philanthropist Lauren Sánchez takes readers on an exhilarating space adventure with Flynn the Fly. Through Flynn’s journey, young readers are introduced to early space concepts like atmosphere and G-Force, while also exploring Earth’s incredible natural wonders.

    The story is a testament to how curiosity and big dreams can lead to astonishing discoveries. Since its release, The Fly Who Flew to Space has become the #1 New Release in Children’s Literature on Amazon, reaching the bestseller list for its engaging narrative and educational value.

    I’ll Be the Moon
    Written by Phillip D. Cortez and illustrated by Mafs Rodriguez Alpide, I’ll Be the Moon tells the heartfelt story of a young girl on a journey to reunite with her father across the border. Guided by the moon’s gentle light, the book illustrates how hope can shine through the darkest of times.

    The story recently earned top honors at the 2024 International Latino Book Awards for its moving narrative, celebrating identity, dreams, and resilience. With its beautifully illustrated pages, I’ll Be the Moon offers a poignant reminder of the power of connection and hope.

    Calvin and the Sugar Apples
    Written by Ines E. Oliveira and illustrated by Vanessa Balezza, Calvin and the Sugar Apples is a sensitive exploration of loss and change. The story follows ten-year-old Amelia as she grapples with the absence of her beloved chinchilla, Calvin. When he is no longer in his cage, and her parents tell her he’s in a “better place,” Amelia struggles to cope with her feelings of loss.

    The book also addresses her personal challenges, including a falling-out with her best friend and missing a school talent show. Calvin and the Sugar Apples was recognized with an honorable mention at the 2024 International Latino Book Awards for its tender portrayal of grief, friendship, and healing.

    Through these stories, The Collective Book Studio reaffirms its dedication to amplifying diverse voices in children’s literature. These three award-winning books not only celebrate Latinx culture but also offer important messages of hope, resilience, and connection.

    As a woman-owned, independent press based in Oakland, CA, The Collective Book Studio publishes high-quality lifestyle, gift, and children’s books. With a mission to inspire, entertain, and educate, the studio’s carefully curated selections are perfect for readers of all ages. Distributed by Simon & Schuster, The Collective Book Studio brings readers the very best in storytelling, making it easy to find the perfect gift for any occasion.

    For more information about these books, visit Simon & Schuster’s website at www.simonandschuster.com.