GIVEAWAY: Grace Hightower De Niro & Coffee of Rwanda Gift Set

In case you didn’t know, today is National Coffee Day!

Although I’m not a ‘cup of joe’ drinker, Grace Hightower De Niro is making me reconsider. Wife of the legendary actor, Robert De Niro, Grace is the woman behind the newly launched Grace Hightower De Niro & Coffee of Rwanda.

Inspired by the spirit of Rwandans, De Niro decided to create this line of fair trade coffees to celebrate, support and give back to the coffee farmers and citizens of the African country. Through direct sourcing, ethical practices and environmental stewardship, her commitment to the betterment of the hardworking farmers and their surrounding communities allows them to create a sustainable business that can be passed from one generation to the next.

Through Grace’s dedication, she helps make it possible for their products to be enjoyed and shared with people from all over the world. Available in four unique blends ranging from citrusy medium light roasts to deep espresso roasts, Coffees of Rwanda will surely satisfy the cravings of any coffee consumer!

Coffees-Rwanda

Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda available here and at specialty stores including Whole Foods, $12.50 each

As a celebration of her journey to Rwanda, check out this video titled, “LOVE!”

**GIVEAWAY: One lucky reader will win a Coffees of Rwanda gift set, a $25 value! Simply leave a comment sharing your favorite coffee flavor! The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Monday, Sept. 30.

Also, in honor of National Coffee Day, Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda will have a GH&COR food truck driving around NYC giving out free coffee on Friday, September 27th and Saturday, September 28th from 8 AM to 5 PM! Be sure to follow @coffeeofgrace  on Twitter and on Facebook.com/CoffeeOfGrace for updates, etc.

3 Sunscreen Tips That You Need to Know Now

If you’re still planning that summer getaway, don’t leave home without a few sun protection essentials from my friends at Aveeno.

Since becoming an Aveeno Brand Ambassador, I’ve tested and tried several options from the skincare brand. When my daughter was a baby I used, Baby Natural Protection Face Stick w/Broad Spectrum 50 SPF, which was super easy to apply and worked marvelously. My husband and I currently use the new Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30.  I’m a stickler for smelly sunscreens and this one is nearly fragrance-free, which is a major plus.

Aveeno-Active-Naturals-Protect-Hydrate-SPF30-LotionAveeno Active Naturals Protect + Hydrate SPF 30 Lotion available here, $10.99

Also, with skin cancers on the rise, we need to make sure that we take the proper precautions to prevent the deadly disease. Dermatologist Dr. Jeanine Downie shared three highly-overlooked skincare tips that we all need to know while having fun in the sun:

1. Remember to use sunscreen on ears, posterier neck, and the tops of feet because they are the most overlooked places for sun protection.

2. Use a hypoallergenic, non-comedegenic sunscreen underneath your eyes consistently and do not rub your eyes. This alone will decrease dark circles.

3. Don’t forget your scalp! “I am seeing more scalp skin cancers, many of which can be avoided. Protect your scalp from the sun by applying a spray sunscreen like Aveeno’s Hydrosport Wet Skin Spray Sunscreen w/Broad Spectrum 30 to your hair, on your part.

Do you apply sunscreen everyday?

Tia Mowry-Hardrict Gets Fresh for PETA

Our favorite twin sisters stay busy!

Tia Mowry-Hardrict is one of the latest celebrities to pose for PETA’s popular and sometimes controversial ads. Wearing an apron made out of fresh lettuce, Tia shows off her sassy side in the new ad campaign that reads, ” Let Veganism Grown On You.”

The “Tia and Tamera” star, 34, who has become incredibly health conscious since the birth of her son in 2011, wants to help educate her fans about the benefits of veganism.

Photo Courtesy: Robert Sebree/PETA

Photo Courtesy: Robert Sebree/PETA

“I wanted to become a voice for my community. … I wanted to educate my culture about the benefits of becoming vegan,” Mowry explained in an exclusive PETA interview. “The more you learn about the benefits of being vegan, the more you become alive and the more you become aware of why it’s a really great decision. Not only am I helping myself, I’m helping the animals out there, I’m helping the environment—going vegan, I feel great.”

According to PETA, going vegan has tremendous health benefits including, reducing the risks of heart disease, cancer, strokes, diabetes, and obesity.

Is veganism a lifestyle that you’d consider?

3 Life Lessons I’ve Learned Since Turning 30

This past Saturday I celebrated my 33rd birthday. The weather was great, my husband showered me with goodies, my daughter was giddy with excitement and I feasted on one of my favorite dishes (seafood pasta). After such a wonderful day, I stopped to ponder three of the most significant things I’ve learned so far in my thirties.

Ava and me on my birthday.

Ava and me on my birthday.

33-candles

Thought I’d share them with you guys!

1. Some friendships aren’t meant to last a lifetime. It took me until I was 30 years old to realize that all friends aren’t supposed to be in my life forever. I had to learn how to recognize when a friendship’s season has passed and move forward!

2. Worrying about what other people think of me is pretty pointless. In my 20s, I spent far too much time concerned about how people perceived me. In these last few years, I’m the most comfortable I’ve ever been in my own skin and people’s opinions of me no longer have a place in my life.

3. Happiness is a choice! I have read my fair share of self-help books pertaining to the pursuit of happiness and have finally concluded that happiness isn’t just a state of being, but a choice. We have the ability to make the most out of our less-than-ideal situations and see the silver lining in every aspect of our lives. And Oprah is right, happiness and gratefulness goes hand-in-hand!

If you’re in your 30s (or beyond), what’s been the most significant thing you’ve learned during the third decade of your life?

Black History Month: Disney Junior to Air ‘We Are Doc McStuffins’

While I try to monitor the amount of television my toddler watches, there’s one show that always gets the green-light in our house—Disney Junior’sDoc McStuffins.”

This entertaining and educational cartoon debuted last March and features an adorable young African-American girl named “Doc,” who aspires to be a doctor like her mom. In the series, “Doc,” diagnoses and “finds cures” for her “ailing” toys.

The animated show helps to diminish toddlers’ fears associated with visiting doctors for routine check-ups, while teaching them the importance of being active and healthy. Plus, it promotes positive images for all children, especially those of color.

Disney Junior's "Doc McStuffins," airs weekdays  at 10:30 am and 4:30 pm.

Disney Junior’s “Doc McStuffins,” airs weekdays at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

In honor of Black History Month, Disney Junior is debuting “We Are Doc McStuffins” interstitials that will feature three real-life African-American physicians sharing what their jobs entail, and saluting their heroes. They will begin airing today on Disney Junior (10:25 am and 4:25 pm EST ) followed by a brand new Valentine’s Day episode of “Doc Mcstuffins.” The short segments will run through spring.

DR. ALETHA MAYBANK, QUEEN MAJESTY RUFFIN

Dr. Aletha Maybank, Queen Majesty Ruffin  Photo Courtesy: Disney Junior

The interstitials feature three of the founding members of the “We Are Doc McStuffins” movement – Dr. Myiesha Taylor, an emergency doctor based in Dallas; Dr. Aletha Maybank, a pediatrician in New York City; and Dr. Naeemah Ghafur, a family doctor in Los Angeles who provides specialized care for the underserved, including the elderly and patients with high-risk illnesses.

Ava with her favorite toy, "Doc McStuffins." She sleeps with her every night!

Ava with her favorite toy, “Doc McStuffins.” She sleeps with her every night!

Watch a sneak peek:

If you haven’t seen “Doc McStuffins,” definitely  check it out! I enjoy watching it with my daughter because it’s an awesome animated show that encourages children to aspire to greatness!

Interview & GIVEAWAY: Dr. Ian Smith On Shredding Pounds Once and For All!

Now that we’re a full week into the new year, are you still on track with your resolutions?  If you’re like countless Americans who’ve made the commitment to get in shape this year, Dr. Ian K. Smith’s new book,  Shred: The Revolutionary Diet—Six Weeks, Four Inches, Two Sizes, will make it easier to keep your promise, and keep those pesky unwanted pounds in the past.

Dr.Ian K. Smith @doctoriansmith

The New York Times best-selling author’s latest effort serves as a comprehensive weight-loss manual. Think of it as a book version of a hard-nosed personal trainer and nutritionist, outlining in reader-friendly detail what it takes to well, shred those hard-to-ditch pounds. From stressing the importance of meal planning to strategic ways to switch up workout routines to increase weight loss, Shred doesn’t skimp on articulating the methods and techniques needed to complete the six-week program. Plus, it includes easy recipes for delicious smoothies, soups and stews to help maintain the plan.

But don’t be mistaken, this isn’t your typical diet book. There are no gimmicks to getting in shape. It takes hard work, dedication and will power to see successful results as the former “Celebrity Fit Club” medical expert expresses throughout the book.

I recently spoke with Dr. Smith to discuss Shred, working with the president and his favorite pig-out food!

The Shred: Revolutionary Diet—6 Weeks, 4 Inches, 2 inches

Shred: The Revolutionary Diet—6 Weeks, 4 Inches, 2 inches; Available here, $15

 

BGG: What sets Shred apart from your other books?

Dr. Ian Smith: It’s all of my best strategies in one place!

BGG: Tell me your thoughts on the key to losing weight with Shred.

DS: It’s not really a diet, it’s a way of life. It’s about a way of living. A lot of people think that they should go on a diet if they’re going to a reunion, birthday or on vacation. It’s fine to lose weight for those purposes, but I am interested in you losing weight permanently and for long-term healthy reasons, as well as aesthetic reasons.

BGG: Why is it so difficult for individuals to lose those last few pounds?

DS: When you’re so close to your target weight, it’s in general just more difficult to lose weight. People who have been successful at losing weight reach a plateau because they’ve done what they’ve been doing and their body has settled in and now they have to shake it up. The body has to see different foods, different quantities, etc. That’s what “Diet Confusion” is all about. “Diet Confusion” is about keeping the body off kilter so that you keep your metabolism going and your body won’t get adjusted to the same foods.

BGG: What do you want to convey to women about weight loss?

DS: I want women to know that weight loss is possible and weight loss is possible through making lifestyle changes. It is not about gimmicks to get those last few pounds off because once you stop the gimmick, the weight is going to come back. It’s not about perfection. It’s about finding a way to eat and exercising comfortably. It’s about making smart choices and balance.

BGG: Did you always want to work in the healthcare field?

DS: I always wanted to be a physician since I was a little boy; so my dream has come true. I was supposed to be a surgeon, but I got into weight loss and nutrition by accident. I was a columnist for Time magazine and a lot of my readers would and in questions about diet, weight loss and supplements. In order to fulfill the needs of my readers to understand in a complicated and frustrated marketplace I started becoming an expert in nutrition and weight loss.

BGG: Tell me about your involvement with President Barack Obama’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

DS: We (ambassadors for the White House) go around the country whether it’s on TV, in schools or churches to spread the importance of getting people to eat better and exercise more.

BGG: You’ve had many notable accomplishments throughout your career. What makes you the most proud? 

DS: I think the 50-million pound challenge and having the ability to enhance the national dialogue about the need for us to lose weight and to be healthier. I think that was a big deal.

BGG: We all know that you’re incredibly fit, but what’s your indulgence when you just want to pig out? 

DS: I was recently on “Rachael Ray” making barbecue steak, buttered mashed potatoes, and honey glazed carrots!

Watch Dr. Smith cooking in the kitchen below:

Be sure to follow @DoctorIanSmith on Twitter for daily health tips, quotes, etc. 

Is losing weight one of your New Year’s resolutions? If so, leave a comment below and you could win a copy of Shred! One lucky reader will be randomly selected and announced later this week! 

Pretty/Tasty Pick-Me-Ups

I don’t know about everywhere else in the country, but spring-like temperatures haven’t hit New York City, but layoffs and cut-backs certainly have. Until the warmer weather arrives and the economy is revitalized, a great way to get a dose of spring and a sense of joy is to bring flowers into your space.

In these uncertain times, everyone can use a quick pick-me-up that’s both pretty and generally inexpensive. In addition to flowers, candy is also a thrifty way to treat yourself. Yesterday, I read in the New York Times about how candy sales have increased tremendously as a result of the recession. Who knew?


Pink roses are my absolute favorite flowers. You can purchase bouquets that will suit your budget. Roses are more expensive, but sunflower and daffodil arrangements tend to be more affordable.


Gummi bears are my candy of choice. You can satisfy your sweet tooth almost anywhere, the key is to eat it in moderation!

What beautiful blooms and tasty sweets do you prefer to uplift your mood?