Here is a list of our MUST-HAVES for the 2026 Spring season! 

J. Renee Burkett Linen Sandal. Effortless elegance for every spring moment.

These J. Renee linen-inspired heels offer a memory foam cushioned platform, a flattering block heel, and charming bow detail—perfect for brunch dates, social events, and moms who want polished style without sacrificing all-day comfort. $124.95

Immediate Relief. Everyday Protection

When skin flares up, finipil® gets to work instantly. This dermatologist-approved formula cools, soothes, and helps protect skin from irritation, razor burn, bites, and more. Gentle for all ages—and essential for every first aid kit. On Sale Now! $19.79

Taste your wines as your winemaker intended!

All natural plant-based wineglass cleaner brings purity to your glass. Restaurant Crystal Clean leaves glassware flawlessly clear and pristine, ensuring every wine’s true flavor shines through. No residue, no compromise, just pure elegance in every sip.

Fatty15, Healthy Aging for All

Delivers pure and patented C15:0, a foundational nutrient that strengthens cells & supports long-term health for kiddos, parents, and grandparents, too. Get 20% off your first purchase of any fatty15 subscription.

Campus Quilts

Don’t let meaningful t-shirts sit forgotten in a closet. This spring, turn them into a custom keepsake quilt or blanket you’ll use every day. Preserve the memories, clear the clutter, and create something that lasts. Start your Campus Quilt today. Starting at $139

Looking for Screen-Free Learning Kids Actually Love?

The GeoPuzzle 7-in-1 Pack lets kids explore the world one puzzle at a time. Each puzzle piece is shaped like a country or state, turning geography into hands-on discovery that makes learning fun. Perfect for curious kids and homeschool families.

Save $50 for a limited time and get all 7 puzzles for the price of 4 (just $99!).

Smarter Snacking Starts with Catalina Crunch

Catalina Crunch makes better-for-you snacks that actually taste great. Packed with protein and fiber and low in sugar, their cereals, granola, and snack mixes support a balanced lifestyle without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy a smarter way to snack every day.

The Adjustable Pillow Everyone’s Talking About

Meet the Easy Breather Pillow by Nest Bedding. With adjustable fill and breathable materials, you can create your ideal level of comfort and support. Whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach, it’s thoughtfully designed to support the way you sleep.

Spring is all about fresh starts and that includes the little things that make your everyday life feel easier, brighter, and more put together. Whether you’re updating your wardrobe with versatile staples, simplifying your routines, or finding new ways to care for yourself and your family, these must-haves are designed to help you step into the season feeling confident and refreshed.

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Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend a lot of time or money to make the outside of your home look as good as the inside. Not sure where to start? The experts at RubberMulch and RE/Max of New Jersey have teamed up to share their best tips on updating your home’s exterior this spring whether it’s to get it ready to sell or just to make it look more appealing.

• House Numbers—a super easy and affordable update is to replace house numbers. Today’s house numbers come in a wide variety of styles. Think chic, modern looking styles or utilize your DIY skills to make a rustic type that are attached to wood and hung on your home.

• Front Door—if your front door is in good condition but needs an update, skip purchasing a brand new door by applying a new coat of paint. With a good coat of primer and a couple coats of exterior paint, your door will look new and striking at first glance. Research shows that a home’s value can increase as much as $8,000 just by updating the front door. Take a look online for some of the more trendy door colors such as canary yellow, kelly green and shiny black.

• Exterior House Cleaning—realtors suggest a good, thorough cleaning of the front of your home can increase the value from $10,000-$15,000.If you stand back and look at the front of your home do you see mold, mildew, dirt and grunge? Pick up an exterior home cleaner or make your own recipes along with a brush to scrub the dollars back into your home.

• Mailbox—wobbly, dented and outdated mailboxes are an eyesore and unattractive to potential homebuyers. Replacing it will add more curb appeal to your home but will give it a little personality as well.

• Gutters—since plugged gutters shout “poor home maintenance,” clean out the leaves and weeds and make any necessary repairs. Plugged gutters can also lead to long term problems with the home and many buyers are warned to look for this problem and avoid a home that hasn’t had gutter upkeep.

• Windows and Trim—replace broken glass, scrape and paint trim and clean the inside and outside of windows until they shine. Brackets and decorative moldings can really make your exterior pop and are easy to install. Add a couple of window boxes to offer a cottage-like, homey appeal.

• Roof and Chimney—one of the last things a home buyer wants to see is a roof and chimney that needs work. This is an investment and deters many buyers from a home. It may cost you a bit to repair now but if you don’t, it will come off the bottom line of your home value. So make the repairs now for a better sale.

• Light Fixtures—strategically placed exterior lighting goes a long way. Exterior lighting is an easy and cost-effective way to add beauty and security to your home. It also highlights your beautiful landscaping and all the upgrades you’ve made to your home. It will also enhance photos a realtor takes of your home when putting it on the market. Think about uplighting to the landscaping and walkway, a hanging pendant light to the front doorway and additional lighting hung near the garage. Find styles that complement your home.

• Landscaping—this is the time to make an investment in some perennials, trees and bushes for your home if you haven’t already. Most plants you find at your local big box store or local nursery are typically easy to care for and right for your state. Finish off your garden beds with a nice border and quality mulch or rock. You’ll be amazed at how a little work on landscaping goes a long, long way.

 
Rubber Mulch is the original and environmentally responsible mulch made from 100% recycled rubber used in gardens, playgrounds and sustainable landscaping. Rubber Mulch is weather resistant, durable, and the most cost effective mulch around and is specifically designed to protect children from falls on the playground.

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Spring is here and summer is just around the corner!  Kids are tired of being pent up indoors due to cold weather.  Getting outdoors and breathing in the fresh air is healthy for you and your kids.  There are a myriad of things to do outdoors, whether you are in the city or in the country.  If you’re looking for some new ideas to get your family moving outdoors, try these simple, yet fun ideas:

• Kids are fascinated about how things grow.  Create a fresh herb garden in a window box.  Allow them to help decorate the planter box, fill it with dirt and plant the seeds.  Teach them about watering and sunlight to help the plants flourish.  Let them be in charge of watching for the spouts to push through the dirt.  Incorporate the fresh herbs in your cooking.  The kids will be proud to have been a part of the fresh ingredients they helped cultivate.

• Get out and walk through your neighborhood.  Point out the different types of plants in your neighbors’ yards.  Talk about the types of plants that grow well in your region due to rain, temperature and growing season.  If you have bunnies or other wildlife that come through, talk about the types of plants that attract them into populated areas.

• Do outdoor activities as a family.  Go for a hike in the mountains or local trails, go fishing in a lake or stream, play games at the park.  Staying active and getting fresh air is good for kids and adults alike.  If you live near state parks, go on a picture safari.  Capture photos of local wildlife and flora and fauna.  Make it educational and see how many plants and animals the kids can spot.

• Go geocaching.  Get a compass and draw a map.  Send the kids on a small scavenger hunt that requires reading a map and a compass.  Leave small trinkets for the kids to find along the way.  Split the family into two teams headed by Mom and Dad and see who can find all of the items on the treasure hunt list first.

• If you live near lakes or the ocean, go to the beach and build sand castles.  See who can build the tallest towers and turrets.  Be creative and try to make animal themed sand castles.  Kids love to use their hands and get dirty.  What could be more fun than getting Mom and Dad dirty too!

Kids enjoy being outdoors and they love having Mom and Dad outdoors playing with them.  Being outside provides opportunities for bonding, exercising and education.  Choose an event each week that you can share with your kids.  You may be surprised at how much you enjoy getting back to the basics.

 
About Shira Stein and PishPoshBaby:
Shira Stein is the lead Mom Rep at online baby and parenting gear company, PishPoshBaby.com.  She drives many of the company’s product selections based on experience, testing and customer feedback. In addition, she provides moms and dads with real world advice about the ups and downs of parenting and helps them navigate this special journey. The dream of PishPoshBaby was born out of a desire to find the more reliable baby products and advice available to real moms just like you.  Their high-quality online store supplies facts and advice to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear.  Visit their site at www.pishposhbaby.com for more information and follow their blog.  You can also “LIKE” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @pishposhbaby, Pinterest, and Instagram.

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(BPT) – For many, spring’s warmer weather is welcomed with spending more time outside. But for allergy sufferers, the season can mean facing symptoms that make them look and feel bad.

TV host, busy mom and longtime allergy sufferer Brooke Burke-Charvet has teamed up again with the makers of non-drowsy Claritin products to share her “My Claritin Clear Challenge”. The new two-minute video shares a sneak peek into Brooke’s daily life and gives an idea of how she’s able to handle some big and small everyday challenges without having to worry about her allergies.

Brooke’s story shows her tackling daily tasks related to family, work and friends that the 40 million Americans who suffer from indoor or outdoor allergies may also face. “Spring is a very busy time for me. I’m back hosting Dancing with the Stars so my TV season is in full swing, my kids are more active and demanding and we love spending as much time outdoors as possible. I certainly don’t have time for allergy symptoms to get in my way,” says Brooke. “That’s why I was happy to take on the challenge. It’s simple, as soon as your allergy symptoms start, take one 24-hour non-drowsy Claritin every day of your allergy season, as long as your triggers remain, for continuous relief or your money back. So for me it’s as long as the pollen keeps flying.”

Common allergy symptoms can include sneezing, runny nose and itchy watery eyes and can really get in the way of people’s everyday lives – impacting sleep, performance at work and other daily activities.

According to a new survey of allergy sufferers commissioned by Merck this year:

* 72 percent of adults with seasonal allergy symptoms admit they don’t feel like themselves when they’re suffering from allergy symptoms, leaving them sluggish, irritable and miserable.

* Allergy symptoms were the cause of almost four missed work days in the past year. The majority of allergy sufferers say it’s hard to concentrate on work when suffering from allergy symptoms and nearly half of allergy sufferers admit to being less productive at the office due to allergy symptoms.

* 51 percent agree they are no fun to be around when they are suffering from seasonal allergy symptoms.

* Seasonal allergy sufferers spend less time exercising (55 percent), cleaning (45 percent), and having a social life (37 percent) than they would like to because of their allergy symptoms.

* And 62 percent of seasonal allergy sufferers’ sleep less during allergy season.

“The good news is there are ways to help manage allergies and relieve symptoms,” says Dr. Robert Eitches, an allergy specialist. Here are some tips to help you survive the spring season:

* Beat the clock: Peak pollen production can occur in early morning, so try to plan outside activities at other times of the day.-

* Wash wisely: If you are going to be outside, it’s a good idea to shower and wash your hair when you return indoors to remove the pollen, which can be an allergy trigger. This prevents it from being transferred to your furniture and linens.

* Check the forecast: People with seasonal allergies should check for pollen counts in their area.- Pollen levels can vary day-to-day depending upon several factors, including the weather.

This spring, Claritin is encouraging allergy sufferers to try the challenge for themselves for continuous relief and is offering a money back guarantee. For more details on the challenge and the money back guarantee, visit www.ClaritinChallenge.com and Brooke’s full story can be seen at YouTube.com/Claritin.

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Spring is the perfect time to shake up your beauty routine. So get ready because I am going to walk you through some of my favorite products to help you get your best hair, skin, nails and even teeth! Warning, you might just find your new must-have products!

Ever since supermodel Niki Taylor turned me on to Nature’s Bounty Optimal Solutions, there is rarely a morning at my house that doesn’t start with a chocolate protein shake! Made by women for women, Nature’s Bounty Complete Protien & Vitamin Shake Mix is the perfect blend of everything that women need for energy, immune health, bone health, digestive health, healthy hair, skin and nails, and a metabolism boost. As if that list wasn’t enough it also tastes amazing! In addition to the shakes, the Optimal Solutions line has vitamins and supplements for a range of needs including menopause support; hair, skin and nail growth; and bone density. Remember, beauty starts from the inside out and Nature’s Bounty Optimal Solutions has everything you need to build a great foundation!

After your hair, skin and nails are looking great, it is time to move on to your teeth. There is nothing like the confidence that a radiant, white smile gives you! If your teeth aren’t quite there yet, have no fear Luster has the solution! Want gorgeous results instantly? Start with Luster’s 30-Minute Pro White System. This kit channels the same light-activated whitening technology that dentists use to produce visibly whiter teeth in less time than it takes to catch up with the Real Housewives! If you want to maintain these newfound pearly whites, brush your teeth with the Power White Toothpaste. This toothpaste (on it’s own) produces whiter teeth in 1 week, so pair it with the Pro White System and warn your friends not to look you directly in the teeth! Added bonus: both products are enamel safe and won’t cause tooth sensitivity!

Now that your teeth are movie star-white let’s move on to your skin. Is your face as smooth, bright and healthy as you want it to be? Don’t pick your face products simply based on pretty packaging and catchy commercials, trust in a line of products backed by 25 years of research. The Nia24 line is a cutting edge, Niacin-powered skin therapy that works its way deep into your skin to treat it from the inside out. This complete line of products will help balance your complexion and reverses the signs of sun damage. Nia24 is lightweight and non-greasy, so it is perfect under make-up or on a make-up free day. The whole line is wonderful but my favorite product is the Rapid Exfoliating Serum, which leaves my skin bright and smooth!

If you have read my previous beauty articles you have probably heard me rant about my Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream which has been my go-to face lotion for years, but I have found a new love and my days with my Beautiful Skin Cream might be history! So what is this new product that has stolen my heart, or um skin? Boots No7 Protect & Perfect line! Ok so I didn’t stray too far, but when you find a company that makes great products for a great price, you stick with it! The Protect & Perfect line has everything I loved about the Beautiful Skin line with the added bonus of fighting signs of aging! My favorite products from the line are the Protect & Perfect Serum and Protect & Perfect Eye Serum.

We are finally getting some warm weather and that means plenty of time in the sun. There are few things more annoying than reaching for your sunscreen or lip balm to find it’s completely melted! The solution is Cool-it Caddy! Simply throw these stylish little make-up bags in the freezer until frozen, then remove, throw in any make-up and products that you want to keep cool, and you’re ready for fun in the sun. These are perfect for time at the beach, picnics, the boat, or by the pool. Added bonus: the chilled products will feel amazing on your warm skin!

Have you ever wondered what the secret is to achieving an even complexion? For many people, the problem isn’t what product they are using but how they are using it. Fingers, brushes and angled sponges can leave your foundation looking streaky and unnatural. Do you ever wonder was celebrity make-up artists use to make the stars look flawless? The answer is the Beauty Blender. It is a sponge for blending your make-up that is simple in concept but perfectly executed! It has the beauty editors at Allure raving, naming it Beauty Tool of the Year four times. What makes it so special? The perfectly teardrop shape and satin-like texture allows it to glide over your skin, smoothing away any imperfections.

We have all heard the term “beauty sleep” but do you ever wake up with a tired face and crazy hair and wonder where on earth that phrase came from? The problem could be your pillowcase! Standard cotton pillowcases can actually damage your hair, cause you to develop fine lines, and gasp even wrinkles! It has long been known that sleeping on a satin pillowcase can reduce these nasty sleep side effects but one company is taking it a step further. Cupron’s Cosmetic Pillowcase will actually reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone while you sleep, allowing you to wake up looking and feeling younger! The pillowcase is made of a satin-polyester weave with a 270 thread-count, so it’s bound to be the comfiest place you’ve ever rested your head. It is also made with Cupron’s patented copper technology embedded in the microfibers which promote the growth of skin firming proteins. So go ahead and sleep yourself younger!

Finally, lets talk about developing a tactical plan of attack for your hair. While I’m sure some of you might think I have gone off the drama deep-end, another portion of you completely get it! There are those days that you spend valuable time styling your hair just so, only to step outside and get ambushed by weather that has a whole new (less chic) style in mind for you. Wind, rain and humidity are the biggest culprits when it comes to ruining your ‘do, but with proper planning you can fight even the worst of conditions. Nice N Easy created a hair-saver tool called the Local Hair Day Forecast. This free online tool lets you select your hair type and location, and it generates not only the weather forecast but also a tip on how to style your hair for minimal environmental input. Never again will your hair be at the mercy of Mother Nature! 

So hopefully some of my favorite products will help you update your beauty routine and have a beautiful spring!

The post Spring Beauty Spotlight appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Spring is finally here and what better time to bring some major color into your wardrobe!  Mixing bold colors can create a great look but it can also easily go wrong.  The key is to pair two or maybe three colors with classic neutrals to create a fun look that is not reminiscent of a circus clown!

This first outfit shows how you can fit 3 pastel colors in one outfit is a tasteful, classic way.  Start off with dark wash jeans.  Dark wash is important here because it anchors the look and keeps you from appearing washed out.  Next add a staple that I am obsessed with right now, a white denim jacket.  The reason that I am so in love with this piece is that it is super versatile!  Next add a colored v-neck.  These come in literally every color under the rainbow so feel free to pick your favorite.  I chose this great mint color because it screams springtime.  Now you can play up the outfit with fun accessories.  Nothing says spring like sunny yellow and this necklace adds interest to an otherwise very classic outfit.  Finish off with some trendy turquoise loafers that are both practical and stylish!

The next outfit is dressier and slightly less bold than the previous outfit.  It starts with this great coral wrap dress from Banana Republic.  Wrap dresses are great for slimming your waist and giving your body a more hourglass shape.  A blazer balances the dress by adding structure.  The fun khaki stripes and bright yellow lining definitely add some attitude to this outfit, but you could also sub the denim jacket from outfit one to dress it down a bit.  Next, bring in some teal with a delicate necklace and bold handbag.  Finish the outfit with some nude strappy sandals, just be sure to shop around to find a pair that complement your skin tone to maximize their slimming effects!

Every year Pantone comes out with the Color of the Year and I am in love with this year’s color, emerald!  Emerald translates so well across ages, body types, and lifestyles.  Another big trend is colored denim, which can be very hard to wear.  My personal rule for making colored denim wearable is that the color needs to be darker than medium wash jeans.  These emerald jeans are perfect for highlighting both trends!  My favorite color combo with emerald is magenta so I paired the jeans with this soft magenta top.  Finally, to brighten this otherwise dark outfit I added some bright orange earrings and sandals. 

The key to mixing colors is balance.  Mix dark with light, pair bold with classic.  When you create contrast, you get really interesting, wearable outfits!

Outfit One 

Anne Klein Talin Women's Slip on Shoes in turquoise

Anna & Ava Flora Bib Necklace in Yellow

GAP Essential short-sleeve V-neck T in Neon Mint Green

Gap Women’s Dark Perfect Boot Jeans Dark Wash

Gap White Denim Jacket

Outfit Two

GAP Striped Khaki Academy Blazer

BR Gemma Wrap Dress
David Jones Tote Bag with Removeable Shoulder & Crossbody Strap - Turquoise

Michael Kors Pave Slice Pendant Necklace, Turquoise/Silver Color

Naturalizer Dhani Slingback Sandals 

Outfit Three

Eddie Bauer Slightly Curvy Colored Denim Straight Leg Jeans

H&M Embroidered Yoke Top in Burgundy

Alexis Bittar 'Dewdrop' Earrings in Neon Orange

MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Plate' Thong Sandal in Tangerine

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