You stand there.

You stare at the counter like it personally betrayed you.

Why are you here?

Right. Coffee.

You already made coffee.

It is in the microwave.

For the third time.

Welcome to mom brain.

We joke about it constantly. We send memes. We blame it when we forget passwords, misplace phones, or call one child by the other child’s name and then somehow land on the dog’s name too.

But beneath the humor is something very real. The fog. The forgetfulness. The sense that your once razor sharp mind now feels like it is buffering.

Here is the good news. You are not losing intelligence. You are not becoming less capable. Your brain has simply shifted priorities.

What Is Actually Happening

Pregnancy and early motherhood trigger measurable neurological changes. Hormones fluctuate dramatically. Sleep gets interrupted. Stress increases. At the same time, your cognitive load multiplies.

Studies have shown that pregnancy can reshape areas of the brain related to empathy, social awareness, and emotional processing. Certain structural changes appear to make mothers more attuned to their babies’ needs. In other words, your brain reorganizes itself around caregiving.

It is not shrinking into incompetence. It is specializing.

When your brain is recalibrating for attachment, vigilance, and emotional scanning, it is going to prioritize differently. Remembering where you put your sunglasses may not rank as high as detecting subtle shifts in your child’s mood.

That does not mean you are declining. It means you are adapting.

It Is Not Just Pregnancy

Many moms expect the fog to lift once the baby sleeps through the night. And then years later, they are still wondering why they cannot remember why they opened the fridge.

That is because mom brain is not only hormonal. It is logistical.

Motherhood introduces chronic cognitive load. You are carrying a running checklist in your head at all times. School forms. Pediatric appointments. Sports schedules. Birthday gifts. What is for dinner. Who needs new shoes. Whether you signed that permission slip.

That mental background noise is constant.

You are essentially operating with 42 tabs open in your brain at all times. And occasionally one of them crashes.

Usually the tab labeled “Where Did I Park.”

Why It Feels Worse Than It Is

Here is where comparison sneaks in.

You remember your pre kid brain. You could sit through meetings without interruption. You could finish reading something in one sitting. You could focus for extended periods without someone yelling “Mom!” from another room.

Now your attention is split dozens of times per hour. Research shows that frequent task switching reduces working memory performance temporarily. The more you switch, the harder it is to hold details in short term memory.

You are not less intelligent.

You are more interrupted.

That distinction matters.

The Cognitive Trade Off

Here is something we do not talk about enough. While short term recall can feel foggy, many mothers report increased emotional intelligence, faster problem solving under pressure, and sharper intuition.

You may forget your own PIN code. But you can sense when something is off with your child before anyone else notices.

You may lose your train of thought mid sentence. But you can coordinate childcare, logistics, schedules, and emotional support simultaneously.

That is not decline. That is a shift in strengths.

Practical Ways to Clear the Mental Clutter

Now let’s get practical.

You cannot remove the mental load entirely. But you can lighten it.

First, stop trying to store everything in your head. Externalize information. Use shared digital calendars, notes apps, planners, whiteboards, whatever system feels natural. Your brain functions better when it is used for thinking rather than storage.

Second, protect your sleep like it is part of your job description. Sleep is directly tied to memory consolidation and cognitive clarity. Even small improvements in consistency can make a noticeable difference. That may mean earlier bedtimes or putting the phone down sooner than you want to.

Third, move your body. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and helps regulate stress hormones. It does not need to be extreme. A brisk walk counts. Dancing in the kitchen counts. Anything that gets oxygen flowing helps.

Fourth, reduce decision fatigue. Simplify repetitive choices. Rotate meal plans. Streamline wardrobes. Automate bill pay. The fewer small decisions you make daily, the more mental energy you preserve.

Finally, practice focused attention in short bursts. Ten minutes of uninterrupted concentration on one task can strengthen cognitive endurance. The brain responds to repetition and training.

When to Look Deeper

Mom brain is common. But if memory issues feel severe, rapidly worsening, or paired with mood changes, confusion, or personality shifts, it is important to consult a healthcare provider.

Thyroid imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, anxiety, depression, and perimenopause can all affect cognitive function. Many of these are treatable. Clarity often improves once underlying issues are addressed.

Trust your instincts. You know your baseline.

What This Season of Your Brain Is Really Showing You

Mom brain is not a joke. It is not weakness. It is not evidence that you are slipping.

It is your brain adapting to one of the most cognitively demanding roles a human can take on.

You are managing logistics, emotions, schedules, safety, and relationships simultaneously. That requires enormous mental energy. The occasional forgotten grocery item does not cancel out the strength it takes to hold all of that.

So yes, you might forget why you walked into the pantry.

But you remember who needs you.

And that says more about your brain than any meme ever could.

The post “Mom Brain” Is Real. But Here’s What It Actually Is. appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

While gut health is not something many people consider, Mayo Clinic experts agree that it is important to pay attention to as it can affect your overall well-being. Here’s what you need to know about your gut and how it concerns your health.

Hundreds of different bacteria species live in your gut

The lining of your gut is covered in bacteria, and these organisms create a micro-ecosystem called the microbiome. Before you stare at your stomach in horror, know that many of these bacteria species are good for you and should be nurtured with specialized plant fibers called prebiotics.

Prebiotics encourage healthy bacteria growth and can be easily incorporated into your diet, as they are found in many fruits and vegetables. Look for foods containing complex carbohydrates, which can’t be digested by the body and instead become food for the healthy bacteria living in your gut.

Probiotics offer another way to help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria living in the gut. The difference with probiotics is that they actually contain live organisms. Instead of nurturing healthy bacteria, probiotics add specific strains of healthy bacteria to your microbiome. Probiotics can be found in foods like yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut. Kombucha is also a good source of probiotics.

You can also find prebiotic and probiotic supplements designed to help with specific conditions. Consult your doctor before adding supplements to your diet.

A healthy gut may be connected to weight loss

The benefits of a healthy gut are still being studied, and more research is needed to confirm how a healthy gut contributes to weight loss. In a preliminary study, Mayo Clinic collected and analyzed gut bacteria samples from a group of 26 participants enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Obesity Treatment Research Program. The research team found that those who did not lose weight had different gut bacteria than those who did. Dr. Purna Kashyap, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist and co-author of the study, says that these findings “suggested to us that gut bacteria may possibly be an important determinant of weight loss in response to diet and lifestyle changes.”

Poor gut health can exacerbate certain autoimmune disorders

While there are species of healthy bacteria living in your gut, some species in the microbiome are not helpful. Having an imbalance of the two can lead to poor gut health, which can then exacerbate certain autoimmune disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Improving your diet is the best way to foster healthy gut bacteria. Along with eating more fruits and vegetables, eliminate as much processed foods and added sugar as possible. It’s also a good idea to reduce meat consumption and to incorporate alternative proteins such as legumes, tofu and nuts into your diet.

By improving your gut health, you have the potential to boost your overall well-being. Learn more about the benefits of healthy gut bacteria by visiting us at mayoclinic.org.

*BPT

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Being a busy mom that is also savvy with time management is praise-worthy. Self-care is extremely important, so if you have found the time for working out while juggling other things in your everyday schedule, we salute you!

If gym is a regular to-do on your list, you must know how important proper skincare is. Air filth piling up, and mixing with skin’s natural oils and excessive sweat may result in breakouts and poor looking skin. When you exercise, your body temperature rises; your heartbeat increases as your heart pumps more blood to the vessels, the ones in your face included. If you’re wondering why you get the lobster-like color while other people don’t, it’s probably due to the fact your blood vessels are more superficial in the cheek area. Some things are genetic, but here’s what’s in your power and how you can work on prevention.

Minding the environment

Your skin is sensitive to external factors. While redness is caused by the regulation of the body temperature in the cooling-down process, the temperature and humidity of the room you’re exercising in, or the weather conditions your skin experiences while you jog – all have their impact on the overall skin’s look. Work out in a cool environment that enables your skin to breathe freely. Wear comfortable clothes that aren’t too tight and make sure you stay hydrated. As for the high-intensity workouts, you may want to scale it down and avoid switching between different intensities too quickly. Although it has its benefits for fat burning, you need to give your body time to gradually progress towards a different intensity workout: it will make your redness less visible and you’ll feel more relaxed during the mild cool-down process.

Prevention: using the right products

If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition such as rosacea, you are very prone to face-redness or might even experience broken capillaries. Either way, your skin is easily stressed out and irritated. This means you have to take particular care of what type of ingredients your beauty products contain, so you can provide your skin with what it needs in the long term. Don’t be lazy and read the ingredients list: choose moisturizers with natural ingredients, like aloe, honey, chamomile, or willow, which soothe sensitive skin. Don’t use products that contain retinol or chemical peels the night before a big workout. To restore your skin’s natural oils, use a face mask enriched with natural ingredients: they will help your skin calm down and become more resistant to outer influences. Invest in redness-reducing products and you can even bring them to your workout: a refreshing body spray will help your face cool down; nourishing wipes will ensure you remove the impurities during your training and cool your face.

Proper care is mandatory

Establishing a good beauty routine is crucial for well-cared skin during the times you’re breaking a sweat. Make sure you cleanse your face on a regular basis and use a gentle cleanser that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients such as green tea. Clean your skin before and after a workout. By all means, avoid wearing makeup to the gym – it will result in excessive filth accumulating on your skin, leaving you with blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. Avoid using hot water as it promotes dryness of your skin, making it more prone to redness. Don’t skip on using a moisturizing toner: it ensures all the impurities are removed and leaves you with a fresh-looking skin. In addition to taking care of your skin on the outside, make sure you do it from the inside, too. Proper nutrition is very important and do check your iron levels: its deficient may result in itchy and red skin, along with other problems.

When it comes to skin problems that occur due to exercising, prevention is the key. Take these simple steps into consideration, be disciplined with your workout and beauty routines, and enjoy leading a healthy life!d

The post Gym Beauty Tips – How to Avoid Post-Exercise Face appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

These time-saving tips will let you give your body the TLC it deserves, even when you’re pressed for time.

Be a multi-tasker. You can do two things at once to save time, such as applying a face mask or wash before brushing your teeth or letting a deep-conditioning hair mask work while you shave your legs. Letting the face wash sit on your skin while you brush allows you to get more of the skin care benefits without the added time, and pinning up your hair in the deep-conditioning mask while shaving then rinsing it out will help your hair feel softer and more hydrated.

Keep up with conditioner. You may find it tedious, but hair care is no place to cut corners. Keeping your hair well-conditioned helps keep it healthier in the long run. Healthy strands are easier to detangle and style, which ultimately saves time. Have an all-in-one shampoo and conditioner on hand for days when you simply can’t do both and save detangling time by using a wide-tooth comb in the shower.

Use products that do double-duty in the shower. Using a multi-benefit body wash can give your skin and senses needed nourishment in the shower. One example is the new line of Softsoap Luminous Oils Body Washes, which contain a touch of luxurious oil, essence of peony or iris and an alluring fragrance. The sheer, non-greasy formula will leave your skin feeling radiant and soft.

Master a few simple hair styles. Whether your hair is long or short, experiment with a few go-to styles you can rely on when time is short. Sleek ponies and messy buns can disguise a hectic morning. For shorter cuts, look for a style that lets you air dry for a carefree tousled look.

Lighten up when it comes to cosmetics. You may be surprised by how pulled together you appear with a minimalist approach to makeup. Use a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen to even your skin tone, then use natural shades to enhance your best features. Save complex eye makeup for a less rushed day and stick to the basics: mascara, a dusting of blush for color and a pretty nude gloss.

Speed up those busy mornings with these time-saving beauty tips. For more information, visit softsoap.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

*FF

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It can be easy to forget to take the time to recharge and reconnect with your family to really enjoy the time shared, whether it’s before school or during an afternoon snack.

For the parents preparing for the back-to-school rush, General Mills offers these five tips to decrease the frenzy and maximize family time:

1. Do your back-to-school shopping early.

Waiting for the first day of school to shop is a recipe for disaster. Beat the rush and picked over shelves by getting in your shopping early, when shelves are freshly stocked and the crowds are minimal. You might not have the full supplies list, but you know the essentials.

2. Prep meals for the family.

The first week of school can be pretty hectic and as a result, your family’s eating habits can suffer. Take one thing off your plate and prep your meals in advance. Prepping individual portions of cereals and pre-cutting fresh fruit means there’s one less question mark in the morning. Meal prep gives you more time to enjoy the company of your family.

3. Prep your kids for back-to-school mode.

The transition from summertime to school time can be a hard one, so ease your kids into school mode a week in advance by setting the alarms in the morning, having them work on learning activities during the day and having their “after-school” snack time. You can use these tips and get creative with your “snack game” by using their favorite cereal to help them beat the back to school blues.

4. Create a homework station.

It’s easy to get distracted when you’re doing something boring, that’s why creating a designated space for homework and studying is necessary. No more sitting in front of the TV while you “read.”

5. Take “cariño” time.

It’s easy to over-plan, over-schedule and over-stress with the arrival of the school year. Sharing a snack with your kids means time to relax and just enjoy their company. Whether it’s first thing in the morning or when they get home from school, enjoying a bowl of their favorite cereal or some cut up carrots and hummus together is good for the whole family both physically and mentally.

With all these tips in mind, parents and kids alike will be able to transition into the new school year full recharged and ready to take on the day! Additional quick breakfast recipes and school-friendly snacks, see quericavida.com for more.

*BPT

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If you find yourself in this situation, it may be a tough pill to swallow, but the good news is that with major advances in modern fertility technology, the donor egg IVF process has never been so effective or affordable.

Pick Yourself Up

Upon receiving the news that you aren’t likely to get pregnant using your own eggs, it’s only natural that you may not want to accept it right away. It is essential to take all the time that you need to get used to the idea. So be angry. Be mad at the world. You have every right, because you know what? Life is unfair.

Scream, shout, cry; try therapy if it helps. Take your time to process your emotions, and then, when you’re ready, pick yourself up and fight this battle head on. Don’t let infertility win. It’s time to look at the facts.

Consider Your Options

If you’re married or living with your significant other, this can be a very taxing time in your relationship and it’s important that both of you are on board with whatever decision you make. For some couples, it makes sense to adopt, while others can’t face the idea of going through such a lengthy process without even the guarantee of a successful outcome. Cases of mothers changing their minds at the last minute after giving birth are abundant, and the emotional strain can be too much to bear.

While the option of using a donor egg for procreation has been around for over thirty years and is now a fairly standard procedure, you may find yourself struggling with the idea that your child will not physically share your genes. However, using a donor egg still allows you to experience being pregnant; carrying your child in your womb for nine months and feeling him or her kick and hiccup inside you. The maternal bond is the strongest in the world and begins between a mother and child long before birth.

Using Frozen Donor Eggs

If you’ve decided that trying donor egg treatment is the best option for you, you still may have run into various obstacles. After all, not everyone has the finances for this fairly expensive treatment, or the time required to synchronize the menstrual cycle of the egg donor and recipient as required with a fresh donor cycle. That’s where frozen donor eggs come in.

In the last few years, major technological advancements in the field of vitrification (a flash-freezing technique used to freeze eggs) mean that access to this ground-breaking fertility treatment has not only become more widespread, convenient, and economically viable; but the chances of success are now higher than ever before.

Vitrification minimizes the possibility that ice crystals will form in the eggs, which often happened with slow-freeze methods. Due to new and improved methods of freezing and advances in thawing protocols, the chances of thawed egg viability and survival are now much higher. This means that the chances of frozen donor eggs leading to a healthy pregnancy and birth are also higher. Currently, the chances of success from using frozen donor eggs are almost as high as that of using fresh donor eggs in the United States.

Benefits of Frozen Donor Eggs

As with any major decision, you should weigh the pros and cons of all treatments. Bear in mind that using frozen eggs instead of fresh eggs still has a slightly lower success rate, and you will need to consider this against other factors, such as cost, convenience and increased availability and choice. But to give you an idea, the main benefits of using frozen donor eggs over fresh ones are:

• You no longer have to spend the time or high amounts of medication needed to synchronize your cycle with that of the egg donor
• Any complexities related to ovarian stimulation for the donor or problems that arise from stimulation have already been taken care of; the eggs are fully ready for fertilization
• Once you have chosen your donor, embryo transfer can begin quickly, and on your schedule
• Costs for each treatment cycle are lower using frozen donor eggs than fresh eggs
• You have greater selection as you are no longer limited to finding someone local or available

Keep in mind that a fresh egg donor cycle could run upwards of $28,000, (including agency fee, medication and IVF). Whereas using frozen donor eggs can be as much as half that price, with some donor egg companies even offering financing plans and a full refund if you aren’t successful after a given number of cycles.

While no one can make up your mind for you, it should be of some comfort to know that you have many options available to you and a real, viable chance of becoming a mother. So don’t let infertility win – consider frozen donor eggs.

The post Don’t Let Infertility Win – Consider Frozen Donor Eggs appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

You may know her as the talented, and insanely fit, dancer on Dancing with the Stars, or as a judge on Dancing with the Stars Australia, but what you may not know is that Kym Johnson is your new best friend to help you get into shape! She recently came out with her 5678 fitness program which includes exercise videos and a book that are designed to help keep you on track throughout your fitness journey.

I was able to speak with Kym about the program, what inspired her to create it, and even got some really great advice from the DWTS winner!

Kym’s inspiration for 5678 started when she began judging DWTS Australia, which meant she was no longer dancing eight hours a day and burning thousands of calories. As a result, she could no longer have the occasional hamburger without feeling the effects of it the next day. She knew she had to make a diet change, which was not going to be fun. In addition to a less active lifestyle, she was also constantly getting asked by people everywhere how they could get a great body like the celebs have at the end of the show. From all of her experience as a choreographer, she felt confident that she could create a program that everyone could enjoy and make a part of their daily routine.

That’s where 5678 comes in; where 5 stands for 5 protein sources, 6 is for the colors of the rainbow, 7 represents 7 anti-inflammatory foods, and 8 is for 8 glasses of water. This idea is based on the program that Kym worked on for herself with a nutritionist after she started judging DWTS. Having the numbers makes it an easy way to incorporate a healthier attitude into your lifestyle! The book that details 5678 has everything you need to get you inspired and started; from a menu guide to a recipe book and even stories about her time working with all of the celebrities on DWTS. Some of whom even collaborated with Kym on the book, including Florence Henderson who added a few of her own recipes. On top of other celebs contributing, she also has friends who are young moms in the book, adding their favorite recipes and giving advice for staying active during their busy days. Kym’s favorite part of the book are the gluten free pancake recipes, like the peaches and cream one, which she’ll often have for dessert. She’s also a huge fan of the tea recipes, especially the Sweet Comfort Tea which has cocoa and cinnamon- a great anti-inflammatory ingredient!

Then, there’s the 5678 DVD that is dance based and designed for anyone from a beginner to a total pro to get a good workout. The best part about the workout program is that it’s essentially interval training, meaning you go from high intensity cardio dance moves, like a jive, to moves that target your arms or legs. This means that you also get as much of a workout as you want, so if you want something low impact, all you have to do is slow down your jive! But don’t be surprised if you keep up with her pace as the workout itself will always keep you wanting to do more as you continue to learn new steps and start feeling just like the celebs on the show. Not to mention Kym’s super supportive attitude that makes you feel like you can conquer the world…or at least the dance floor!

And if you’re having trouble getting motivated, take some advice from Kym: if you’re really unmotivated, just tell yourself you’re only going to workout 15 minutes. You’ll often find that 15 minutes turns into you doing the entire workout once you’ve gotten started. This is a tactic she often used with the celebrities she trained. She would tell them that they’re just doing the first half of the routine, but found that once they did that, they would end up following through with the rest of it. Like she said, the hardest part of any workout, or anything in life for that matter, is just getting it started. But, once you do, you’ll always be happy with the end result.

This is obviously something she’s carried with her throughout her life. She started dancing at just 3 years old and ended up on DWTS Australia before she came to the US version to dance with Jerry Springer in her first US season. Although she was expecting George Clooney as her dance partner, she ended up getting some good advice from him: no matter what you’re doing in life, even if it’s just sweeping floors, just do a great job and you’ll get noticed and it’ll lead to something better. Kym has remembered this advice and it’s helped her when she’s working with a new partner each season. She notes that her partners really rely on her and have to trust her since they are put in an entirely new, and uncomfortable, situation of professional dancing. She becomes a quasi life coach to each of her dance partners, and hopes that that sort of coaching can shine through in her book and inspire readers to work hard to achieve their goals-fitness or otherwise.

And for anyone with kids looking to get into this industry, be prepared for a lot of hard work and a lot of rejection. But Kym believes that you have to have a sense of humor about it, and not let rejection get you down. You just have to remember that as long as you put in the hard work and have passion for what you do, the rest of it will fall into place! This is true not just for future dance stars, but for anyone working towards a goal.

So what’s next for this two-time DWTS winner? Well, she’s engaged to former dance partner and Shark Tank panelist Robert Herjavec and is busy planning their wedding. She says they’re thinking of dusting off their dancing shoes and having a big number at the reception. Fingers crossed we get a video!

*Photo credits: Glenn Nutley 

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Incorporate these eight healthy habits and activities into your daily life to help you optimize brain health and stay sharp in the years ahead.

Get Moving

Physical activity is good for your health at every age. Studies show being active is associated with a lower risk of brain issues. Whether it’s nightly walks, playing with the grandkids or taking your favorite yoga class, find an activity that meets your needs and gets your heart pumping for at least 30 minutes every day.

Eat to Thrive

The antioxidants in nutrient-dense foods like berries, broccoli and legumes, including some fats such as olive oil, may lower some risks to your brain. Try eating a healthy, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet with lots of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains such as oatmeal and brown rice.

Know Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can have serious effects on your brain health. If your blood pressure is high, get it under control. It may help reduce some risks to your brain.

Drink Moderately

How the body handles alcohol can change with age. Some older adults can feel “high” without increasing the amount of alcohol they drink. This can make them more likely to become confused or have accidents. So limit the amount of alcohol you drink – or don’t drink it at all.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Poor sleep, or inadequate sleep, due to issues such as insomnia or sleep apnea, doesn’t just leave you feeling tired. It can have serious physical effects and can impact memory and thinking, too. Get comfy and go to bed. Seven to eight hours is a good night’s rest.

Discover a New Talent

When you learn new things, you engage your brain. Try something you haven’t done before – learning French, ballroom dancing or carpentry, for example. Challenging your brain on a regular basis is fun and beneficial.

Stay Connected

Science has shown that regular engagement in social activities can help reduce some risks to your brain. Stay connected and invite family or friends over for a healthy meal, go on a hike together or just hang out.

Talk to Your Doctor

As you age, some changes in brain function, including short-term memory, happen more frequently than when you were younger. If you have questions or are concerned, ask your doctor at your next appointment.

For more tips on keeping your brain healthy and thriving, visit BrainHealth.gov.

*FF

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Shark Tank is known for some of the wackiest products, especially when it comes to products related to beauty and health- remember “Cougar Energy”? But there are a few ideas that end up making it into the realm of actually useful. Here are 5 favorites that should make their way into your health and beauty arsenal!

1. Glacé Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is one of the newest health and wellness procedures to see popularity in the U.S. Cryotherapy involves forcing cold air onto the body for 2-3 minutes, causing blood vessels to constrict and then dilate once the procedure is over. As a result, your body sees a range of benefits, from tightened skin to muscle pain relief. Cryotherapy has been in use since the ancient Egyptians, but a spa called Glacé Cryotherapy is making it more accessible. They have special chambers for the procedure, and everything is done with the privacy and expertise of a Cryosauna operator.

2. Glow Recipe

If you’ve been in a Sephora lately, the majority of new products are from Korea and Japan. Why? Because they’re holistic ways of approaching beauty and wellness have not only worked for centuries, but are also healthier for your skin and more sustainable on the environment. Glow Recipe is a company that took the best parts of Korean beauty practices and bottled them up for us to use! They’re formulas are tested and researched on different skin types and ethnicities, so you can be sure you’re getting something great for your skin.

3. Simple Sugars

Need a skin refresh that won’t make your sensitive skin freak out? Look to Simple Sugars for your solution. These are all natural facial, body, and foot scrubs that are specifically designed for people with sensitive skin. On top of being gentle, they are all designed with special benefits like their super powered Coffee Facial Scrub with Coffeberry Extract that will not only wake you up, but also give your skin the antioxidants it craves. Can someone say Mother’s Day gift?

4. Buzzy

This is for the little ones in your life, or yourself if you hate needles! Buzzy is a device that is designed to distract from the the pain of needles while simultaneously providing pain relief. It achieves this by having an ice pack attached to the device, which then vibrates when applied to the injection area. It has been shown to help increase the success rate of IV insertions and studies have even shown that is reduces pain in both children and adults. Some hospitals have them, but you can also purchase one for home use or to bring to your doctor’s office.

5. Hot Tot Hair Products

Are the kids always stealing your hair products- and by stealing I mean putting too much in their hair, or even worse, pouring it out all over the bathroom sink? Well now there’s Hot Tot, a line of hair care products, including a shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, detangler, and curl serum, designed specifically for children. It soy, dairy, and peanut-free, while also being completely eco-friendly and cruelty free. So go ahead, get the kids their own products and teach them a bit of environmental sustainability while you’re at it!

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