• 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.

  • pet,  San Diego

    AMERICA’S 10 MOST AMAZING SHELTER DOG MAKEOVERS UNLEASHED

    AMERICA’S 10 MOST AMAZING SHELTER DOG MAKEOVERS UNLEASHED
     Wahl joins forces with Greater Good Charities and animal advocate Lee Asher to highlight the impact of grooming on dog adoption –

    May marks National Pet Month, and it’s a time to celebrate the love and companionship our furry friends bring into our lives; however, let’s not forget about the dogs still awaiting their forever homes. With over three million dogs entering shelters every year, adoption remains a critical solution for giving these pets the love and care they deserve. Sadly, due to a lack of resources, a significant number of rescue dogs are deprived of vital grooming which significantly improves their health, happiness and chance of adoption. That’s why pet industry leader Wahl and Greater Good Charities, a global nonprofit, have partnered again for the 13th annual Dirty Dogs Contest. Wahl donated grooming supplies to rescues and shelters nationwide, and they in turn shared amazing Before and After grooming photos — including the Top 10 Shelter Dog Makeovers of 2024.

    From now until May 31, 2024, public votes will decide the three top dogs. The organizations affiliated with these dogs will receive a total of $15,000 in monetary grants to further support their efforts — $10,000 will go to the first-place winner!

    Visit DirtyDogsContest.com to see amazing makeovers and vote for your favorite.

    Wahl is also proud to continue its collaboration with animal advocate Lee Asher to shine a spotlight on the incredible shelter pets and their journeys. A true champion for the cause, Lee Asher is a beacon within the dedicated community of dog enthusiasts. His tireless efforts include traveling the country to spread awareness about the joys of adopting shelter pets, and operating an animal sanctuary where he provides a safe haven for at-risk animals, further demonstrating his unwavering commitment to animal welfare.

    “I’m so excited to continue my partnership with Wahl and lend my voice to emphasize the significance of grooming when it comes to getting a dog adopted,” Asher expressed. “Grooming isn’t just about appearance; it’s about nurturing a dog’s well-being and personality. With a little grooming and TLC, these shelter dogs can radiate health, happiness, and their unique charm, making them irresistible to their potential forever families.”

    (Watch animal advocate Lee Asher talk about the importance of grooming when it comes to dog adoption.)

    About the Dirty Dogs Contest

    For the last 13 years, Wahl’s donation of pet grooming supplies has helped transform hundreds of thousands of dogs and get them ready for adoption. This year over 400 heartwarming makeover stories were submitted to the Dirty Dogs Contest and 10 were chosen as finalists. Visitors to the contest page can see the remarkable journey of each dog, from their initial appearance upon arrival at the shelter or rescue to their stunning transformation post-grooming. Additionally, they have the opportunity to delve into the backgrounds of these remarkable canines and share their favorite stories across social media platforms.

    Most importantly, they can vote for one of the Top 10 Dirty Dogs, and the shelter or rescue affiliated with the winning dogs will receive monetary grants to further support their efforts. First place takes home $10,000, second place receives $3,000 and third place earns $2,000. The Dirty Dogs Contest runs until May 31, 2024. To vote for one of these inspirational pups, visit DirtyDogsContest.com; and check back in early-June to see the winners.

    For more information on Wahl’s complete line of pet products, including grooming tips, visit WahlUSA.com, or follow @WahlPets on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

    About Wahl Pet Products
    Wahl offers a full line of pet grooming solutions that make grooming from home safe, easy and enjoyable. The line includes hygiene products, clippers and accessories. Every year, Wahl is also dedicated to giving shelter animals a fresh start by donating pet grooming products to support adoption efforts and shelters devastated by natural disasters. For more information, visit WahlUSA.com.

    About Greater Good Charities
    Greater Good Charities is a 501(c)(3) global nonprofit that works to help people, pets, and the planet by mobilizing in response to need and amplifying the good. Greater Good Charities, with a Four-Star rating on Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal on GuideStar, has invested more than $750 million in impact, including cash grants, in-kind supplies, and programmatic support, to charitable partners in 121 countries since 2007. To learn more about how Greater Good Charities is amplifying the good across the globe, please visit greatergood.org or follow FacebookInstagramXYouTube, and TikTok.

  • Books,  Gift Guide,  New York,  San Diego

    Pages of Appreciation: Father’s Day Book Gift Guide

    Welcome to our Father’s Day Book Gift Guide! Father’s Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the dads in our lives with meaningful gifts that reflect their interests and passions. This guide is dedicated to book lovers and offers a curated selection of literary treasures that are sure to delight every dad who enjoys getting lost in the pages of a good book. Whether he’s a history buff, a fan of thrilling mysteries, a lover of heartwarming stories, or a seeker of knowledge in any field, we have handpicked a variety of books that make thoughtful and memorable gifts. Let’s embark on a journey through these wonderful gift ideas for the book-loving dads in your life!

    THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN BOOK OF QUOTES is a collection of the best quotes, speeches, and advice from one of the most influential and greatest presidents of all time compiled together in one place and reaches out to an America, and a world, which need them more than ever.

    HOW TO HUG A PORCUPINE is an inspiring and practical guide for anyone struggling with challenging relationships. It features innovative and refreshing strategies for how to love, understand, and communicate with difficult people—at home, at work, and in your community.

    LIFE ON THE GREEN from legendary sports talk show host Ann Liguori is a dream collection of insights and life lessons from some of the most compelling characters and champions in the game’s history. The book features 12 golf legends including Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sorenstam, Padraig Harrington and more.

    THE RESILIENT ATHLETE is a step-by-step self-coaching framework designed to build on foundational fitness principles and help you develop athletic resilience, all while optimizing your training for sports, athletics and adventure.

    THE STOICISM BOOK OF QUOTES compiles over 200 inspirational and illuminating quotations from the world’s greatest philosophers. These ancient words come to life in the present and help provide much-needed strength, wisdom, and resilience for all of life’s challenges.

    WINNING PICKLEBALL shows players of all levels how to improve their game through strategy, technique and mental toughness. Whether you’re a novice looking to improve or a pro eager to up your mental game, this book is perfect for those ready to learn and ready to win—all without skills or drills.

  • food,  New York,  San Diego

    Discover the Luck of the Irish with Java Monster Irish Crème: A Flavorful Blend of Tradition and Energy

    Java Monster Irish Crème is the newest addition to the Java Monster family, and it’s already winning hearts and taste buds alike. The buzz around this flavor is fueled by its rich, lush, and coffee-forward profile, combined with the signature sweet Irish Crème flavor that adds a delightful twist to every sip. What sets Java Monster Irish Crème apart is not just its delicious taste but also its energy-boosting properties, thanks to being supercharged with the legendary Monster Energy blend.

    One of the reasons for the hype surrounding Java Monster Irish Crème is its unique sourcing and production process. With overwhelming demand for Java Monster products, the team behind the brand had to think outside the box to keep up. That’s when they turned to a European source, ensuring that they could continue delivering the same great-tasting product that fans have come to love. So, if you happen to notice a bright gold top on your favorite Java Monster flavor, don’t be alarmed—it’s simply the Euro version, made with the same premium coffee and cream that sets Java Monster apart.

    The flavor profile of Java Monster Irish Crème is a nod to tradition and innovation. It brings together the comforting familiarity of Irish Crème with the boldness of coffee, creating a taste experience that’s both classic and exciting. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or an energy drink enthusiast, Java Monster Irish Crème offers the best of both worlds.

    So, what can you expect when you crack open a can of Java Monster Irish Crème? A smooth and creamy texture that’s complemented by the perfect balance of coffee and Irish Crème flavors. Each sip is like a journey to the Emerald Isle, where the warmth of Irish hospitality meets the energetic kick of Monster Energy.

    In summary, Java Monster Irish Crème is not just a beverage; it’s a celebration of flavor, energy, and innovation. Whether you’re starting your day or need a pick-me-up in the afternoon, this newest member of the Java Monster family is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Cheers to the luck of the Irish and the deliciousness of Java Monster Irish Crème!

  • Art,  San Diego

    An invitation from the San Diego Mesa College Fine Art Department and Art Gallery to a reception for two exhibitions: Spring 2024 Student Art Exhibition & Exquisite Corpse, printmaking exhibit

    Reception: Thursday, May 9, 4:00 – 7:00 pm,

    Art Gallery in Fine Arts Bldg. 1st Floor, FA103

    Student exhibit juried by ICA curator Jordan Karney Chaim .

    FREE PARKING ON RECEPTION NIGHT ONLY
    Park in Lot 1 in STAFF parking.
    (Students with permits should park in the student spaces)
    Exhibition on view May 6 – 16, 2023

    Printmaking, painting, ceramics, drawing, sculpture and more! Come see what students have produced in our Studio Art classes. There will be large inflatable sculptures by Wendell Kling’s class out in the patio entrance.

    The Spring 2024 Student Art Exhibition was juried by ICA curator, Jordan Karney Chaim. During the reception light refreshments will be served and student awards will be presented. We want to thank the San Diego Mesa College Foundation donors, faculty,  administration and the Clairemont Art Guild for supporting students with cash prizes. Celebrate the end of the school year with us!

    The printmaking class and the Art Club collaborated to create and print a series of large-scale images. The project drew inspiration from the century-old Surrealist parlor game known as the “Exquisite Corpse.” To create each printed image participants carved sheets of printmaking linoleum measuring 2 x 3 feet. After carving was completed, black ink was hand-rolled onto each block, allowing the designs to be transferred, much like a rubber stamp, onto long fabric panels. The large-scale print pairings, reaching over 72″ in height, were printed using an industrial construction steamroller. A curated selection of these prints, complemented by project photos and ephemera, will be in the exhibit at the San Diego Mesa Student Art Gallery from May 6 to May 10, 2024.

    All aspects of the student exhibition were designed and executed by the San Diego Mesa College Museum Studies class under the direction of Professor Alessandra Moctezuma and Gallery Coordinator Jenny Armer. The image for the invitation was designed by Museum Studies Spring 2024 student Ari Doerr.

    For up to the minutes updates and photographs of our exhibitions please follow us on Facebook: Mesa College Art Gallery or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sdmesacollege_gallery/  

    We offer San Diego’s only hands-on program in Museum Studies and Gallery Management.
    For more info:  https://www.sdmesa.edu/academics/v2/programs/museum-studies/

    Gallery Hours: M -TH 12 – 5 pm or by at other times by appointment.  Closed on weekends, Fridays and school holidays.
    FOR PARKING INFORMATION DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS: http://www.sdmesa.edu/parking/index.cfm

  • Gaming,  Gift Guide,  New York,  San Diego

    Discover Fun and Excitement with Blue Orange’s Latest Games for 2024

    Blue Orange Games has announced the arrival of their highly anticipated 2024 line-up, bringing a wave of excitement and entertainment for families and gamers alike. With a focus on family-oriented fun, strategic challenges, and engaging gameplay, Blue Orange is set to captivate players with their new releases.

    Introducing Slingz: A Family Word Game

    Slingz takes inspiration from the classic Game of Categories but adds a unique twist. Instead of limiting players to specific categories, Slingz features 280 dynamic themes that reflect everyday life. Players race against each other, aiming to discard their cards by saying words or short sentences that start with their designated letters, fitting the theme in play. The game’s fast-paced nature and diverse themes ensure endless replayability and laughter-filled game nights for the whole family.

    Tap a Bell’O: Clap-and-Ring Fun for Children

    Tap a Bell’O (formerly known as Ring It!) returns by popular demand, now with charming new features. Children will love the mushroom bell and forest-themed icons that add whimsy to the gameplay. Players take turns placing cards on the table, eager to spot a match between colors, numbers, or icons. The race to clap hands and ring the bell upon finding a match adds an element of excitement and friendly competition, making Tap a Bell’O a delightful addition to family game time.

    Coming Soon: Night Knight – A Pillow Fight Party Game

    Prepare for laughter-filled game nights with Night Knight, a pillow fight party game that promises hilarious moments and strategic challenges. Players must quickly identify the correct action based on the cards in play and race to grab a real mini pillow. Will you throw it at an opponent, protect yourself, or even pretend to sleep on it? The goal is to be the first to snatch a pillow and execute the right action, leading to uproarious fun and unforgettable game nights.

    Excitement Builds for Blue Orange’s 2024 Line-Up

    As Blue Orange Games unveils their new titles, anticipation is high for the summer releases, including additional family-friendly games and new strategy challenges. Whether you’re a fan of word games, interactive clapping and ringing fun, or hilarious pillow fight antics, Blue Orange’s 2024 line-up promises something for everyone. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to dive into a world of fun and excitement with Blue Orange Games!