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Archive for the ‘Family’ Category

Mother’s Day Gifts Under $100

This Mother’s Day, a memorable gift doesn’t have to cost a fortune. No matter if you’re shopping for your mom, wife, or female role model in your life, the following gifts will surely bring a smile to her face! Show her the love and respect that she deserves with these thoughtful gifts under $100!

Unique Fashion

Unique fashion finds are hard to come by, but with the new Rotem Gear LE collection, you’ll find handcrafted artisan items that mom will absolutely adore! LA based designer Jean Roth has expanded her eclectic assortment of graphic tees to launch this limited edition line of tops, cardigans, and scarves that are inspired by the beauty of nature.

Rotem Gear LE Scarf v3

This Burgundy Scarf ($32) is made of soft, silky pima cotton, and the delicate Agapanthus design is derived from Roth’s own botanical photography.

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What also makes this a GAL find? This luxurious scarf (in green) was recently gifted to the most stylish celeb mom on the planet, Sarah Jessica Parker! Use my exclusive coupon code GALKARA to save 10% through May 13th!

Natural Beauty

Give mom the gift of natural beauty that gives back, with Josie Maran’s 100% Pure Argan Oil Model Citizen Editions ($52). The eco-conscious beauty mogul has teamed up with her closest model friends to create three limited edition versions of her most popular product.

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Maran’s revolutionary Argan Oil is luxurious, lightweight, and 100% organic, and can be used to moisturize, heal and condition everything from your face and body, to cuticles and spilt ends. Maran, along with supermodels Petra Nemcova and Angela Lindvall, designed special artwork for bottles of her 100% Pure Argan Oil.

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For every bottle purchased, 10% of the proceeds go to organizations in need, including Women for Women International, Happy Hearts Fund, and Healthy Child Healthy World. Each Model Citizen purchase also comes with a bonus gift from the Josie Maran Cosmetics collection!

Heart Healthy Chef

The American Heart Association’s “Go Red For Women” campaign has been raising much needed awareness of heart disease in women since 2004. Empower mom to take charge of her heart health with a gift from the Go Red shop!

GR Rhinestud Apron 29 GR Eco Utensil Set 25

The Go Red Rhinestud Apron ($29) and Eco Utensil Set ($25) would be perfect for the master chef in your life. While she cooks up a storm, she’ll be reminded to put her cardiovascular health first! The “Go Red For Women” campaign will continue to educate mom and give her the tools she needs to lead a heart healthy life. To save an extra 10% off your purchase, like the “Go Red For Women” Facebook page!

Feel Good Footwear

Every woman likes a great pair of shoes, but mom will really love that her gift of TOMS Shoes will also help a child in need. Continuing on with their world renowned efforts and brand mission of One for One, TOMS Shoes is now available in chic wedges and ballet flats.

TOMS Blk Wedges v2

These Black Canvas Wedges ($69) are the perfect combination of style and versatility. Mom will surely appreciate the comfort of the medium heel and soft, suede insole.

TOMS Burlap Ballet Flats

If she’d prefer a flat, these two tone Burlap Ballet Flats ($79) will be her new go to shoe. The classic colors and blend of natural fabrics can be worn with everything from jeans to a dress!

TOMS Hearts MOMS White 54 v2

For a limited time, TOMS is also offering an online exclusive version of their classic style with a loving message for Mother’s Day! The TOMS Hearts MOMS shoe ($54) is available in navy and white, and for every purchase, TOMS will give the same pair to a mom in need across the globe.

Spa Scents

If mom can’t get to the spa, the soothing scent of this SoHo Living Bamboo Candle ($9) will instantly take her there from the comfort of her home! There’s nothing like a warm, flickering candle to help you relax and feel rejuvenated.  513614

The clean and tranquil fragrance of this affordable candle rivals those that cost five times the price. And since they’re made of a long-lasting paraffin wax, mom won’t have to worry about being left in the dark as these beauties burn for up to 60 hours (really!).

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Fashionable Finds That Give Back – Spring 2012

While we all love to shop for the latest trends and fashion finds, it’s empowering to know that certain purchases can make a difference in the world. We should all strive to be socially responsible shoppers, and with so many products available, it’s now easier than ever. Here are a few of my favorite fashion finds that really give back!

 

Avon Empowerment Necklace

Avon Ambassador and Oscar winning actress, Reese Witherspoon, recently unveiled the “Empowerment Circle of Support Necklace” ($5, Avon.com) to raise funds for the Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program. The delicate silver-tone necklace features the infinity symbol, representing the unlimited potential a woman can achieve without violence in her life. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the necklace will be donated to the Avon Foundation, for programs dedicated to ending domestic violence against women. This beautiful piece of jewelry is an affordable way to support this worthy cause affecting women all over the globe.

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iHeartKids Tee

Soles4Souls and iHeartKids have teamed up to help those in need of one basic necessity, shoes. The two organizations recently launched the T-Shirt Project, a design competition giving kids of all ages the opportunity to submit their unique artwork for consideration. A colorful collection of some of the best drawings is now available for purchase online! A portion of the profits from the limited edition iHeartKids Tee ($20 -$22, iHeartKids.com) will benefit Soles4Souls. By purchasing one shirt (available in kids and adult sizes), five pairs of shoes will be given to deserving people all around the world.

iHeartKids Tee iHeartKids Tee Woman

Three Dots Scarf

Three Dots (a fashion brand known for their luxurious contemporary knitwear) and Saving America’s Mustangs have come together to bring much needed awareness to the mistreatment of wild horses in the USA. By purchasing their American-made, Watercolor Silk Scarf ($60, ShopThreeDots.com), half of the purchase price will be donated to Saving America’s Mustangs. Funds raised from the sale of this versatile scarf (available in two colors) will go towards the preservation and protection of this iconic American animal.

Three Dots Scarf

Rachael Ray’s Milk & Honey Shoes

Foodie and TV Personality Rachael Ray teamed up with Milk & Honey Shoes to raise money for a cause close to her heart, the Yum-o Organization! Rachael combined her two loves (shoes and food) to create this fabulous chocolate brown platform pump with snakeskin print. For each purchase of “The Rachael Heel” ($195, MilkandHoneyShoes.com), 100% of the profits will be donated to this wonderful organization that empowers kids and families to develop healthy relationships with food and cooking.

Rachael_Yumo_Milk and Honey Shoes

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GAL Travel – Mayan Calendar Draws Budget Tourists to Mexico in 2012

With the end of the 5,126 year-long Mayan calendar in December, tourists are flocking to the Riviera Maya region of Mexico! 2012 is definitely the time to travel to the Yucatán Peninsula, especially if you’re looking for an out of this world experience in one of the most beautiful locations on the planet.

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The Riviera Maya is just south of Cancun and offers affordable but luxurious amenities, tranquil beaches, and rich cultural significance, making it a desired destination for travelers of all ages.

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If you plan well enough in advance, there’s still time to find airfare deals online. On Travelocity.com, flying from Tuesday to Tuesday in mid-May (from Los Angeles) will cost either $459 (Aeromexico) or $510 (American Airlines) for a roundtrip ticket. That’s hundreds of dollars cheaper than buying an airplane ticket to other popular destinations such as Hawaii or Europe.

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Hotels in the Riviera Maya have also decreased their rates dramatically, with hopes that tourists will return to the region despite the negative press the country has experienced in recent years. One of my favorite hotels is Hacienda Tres Rios, an eco-friendly resort set amongst a 326 acre nature park. For a limited time, this lavish resort is offering their lowest rate ever to families of 4 (with 2 children under 12). For just $135 per adult per night, a family can indulge with the Endless Luxury plan, including the suite, an all inclusive meal plan for all plus unlimited alcoholic beverages for the adults, and infinite access to the many tours and activities available on the property. This is truly an incredible bargain!

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Fun and adventure for those that love the outdoors is endless in this area of Mexico. Crystal clear blue waters are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling, while the many underground caves and cenotes make for a unique day of hiking, swimming and exploring. The Riviera Maya is also known for zip line tours, the perfect option for thrill seeking travelers!

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By far, the most enticing tourist attractions in the region are the remains of the Mayan culture. There is nothing like soaking in the rich history and magnitude of the Mayan ruins, up close and in person. The seaside Mayan city of Tulum is said to be one of the most well preserved ancient relics, with the cooling waters of the Caribbean Sea just steps away to keep you refreshed after a long day of walking. The ruins of Chichen Itza and Ek-Balam are also just a few hours away, and make for an ideal day trip.

Take my word for it that the Riviera Maya is a must visit destination, no matter if you go in 2012 or in the years to come. Whether you’re traveling solo or with you family, this tropical paradise has a little something for everyone. And the best part is, you won’t break the bank!

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Back to School Must Read – The Temptation Series ($9.99)

With kids all over the country starting school this Fall, parents need to find the time to talk about Cyber Bullying, one of the biggest issues facing today’s tech savvy youth.  We can continue to assume that our kids will not be the ones involved or affected, but open your eyes parents because Cyber Bullying, Sexting, and other scary tech issues are everywhere!  A great way to get the conversation started is the Temptation Series, a series of books that discusses the potential dangers of cell phones, social networking, and the Internet.  Creators Karen Child Ogden and Danielle Tiano have put together some great tips to help parents talk about these issues with their kids.   So, if it’s too late to take the cell phone away from your first grader, do yourself a favor and educate them about the risks before it’s too late!  For more information, click here

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