Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift Suggestions

You knew Mother's Day was coming but somehow you ended up waiting until the last minute to get mom a gift. To give you some ideas, I've provided a few suggestions to help you celebrate:

-- If your mom is the Sporty type: buy her a couple of tickets to her favorite baseball team. Let her know you will take her out for a pre or post game meal to go along with the gift.

-- If your mom loves Flowers: instead of buying mom the traditional roses (unless they're her favorite), opt for different blooms such as Lilac, Sweet Pea, Lilies, Tulips or Orchids. If your the DIY type you can make your own flower arrangements and give it to your mom in a beautiful vase.

-- Mom keeps eyeing your new Coffee Maker: buy her one. Make it special by including her favorite coffee and also a new coffee mug.

-- For a mom who loves a bit of Culture: surprise her with brunch and a day at the museum or you can buy her tickets to an upcoming play she's excited to see.

-- For a mom who really enjoys Relaxing: A book or DVD she's interested in, lounge or sleepwear, a scented candle and a box a dark chocolate.

-- For the Sentimental Type: give her a digital picture frame with uploaded pictures of you (and of your siblings, if you have any) or a traditional framed photo of the two of you. Maybe include a bouquet of flowers with a future invite for lunch or dinner.

-- Mom who's into Fashion: buy her something really chic (that's in your budget) like an amazing bag or really great top. You could also plan a shopping day with mom complete with lunch or dinner.

-- For the mom who Doesn't want you to buy them any gifts: invite her over for a home cooked meal and also give her a bouquet of flowers and a nice bottle of wine.

-- For the mom who loves to Garden: buy her a new garden tool set, gloves, a kneeling cushion (in a bright color) and a beautiful potted plant.


I hope these suggestions work. Got a last-minute gift idea to share? Leave me a comment or an e-mail at styleandfocuspr@yahoo.com

Women's Health Presents Are You Game Outdoor Summer Festival in NYC on July 11th

-- Free Summer Festival to Feature Euro Bungee, Rock Climbing Wall, Virtual Surfing, Workout Classes, Beauty & Spa Treatments, Fashion Shows, Karaoke and More --

WHAT:

Women’s Health’s annual summer festival, Are You Game?, is returning to New York for the third year. Building on the success of last year’s events in New York and Chicago, which were attended by more than 4,000 people, Are You Game? will allow urban women to experience the ultimate in outdoor fun and adventure. Are You Game? will be open to the public at no cost and will offer a host of fun and athletic challenges and activities, such as:

* Euro Bungee
* Rock Climbing
* Beauty and Spa Treatments
* Workout Classes including: Masala Bhangra, Million Dollar Knockout, Hula Hoop Pilates, and more!
* Virtual Surfing
* Fashion Shows
* Karaoke
* Happy Hour
* And MUCH MORE for the thousands of expected visitors!


WHEN:

Saturday, July 11th, 2009
From 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

WHERE:

Manhattan’s Hudson River Park at Pier 46
(Charles Street and West Street)

PRICE: Free

WHO:

Women’s Health presents Are You Game? along with the following sponsors: American Laser Centers, ASICS, Champion, Edy’s, Garnier, Heartland Brewery, Maybelline New York, Oakley, and Subaru of America, Inc.

As the official spa partner for the event, Oasis Day Spa will provide all spa and beauty services for the “Workout to Knockout” pavilion, while Crunch, the official gym partner for Are You Game?, will instruct all the workout classes.

As the official beneficiary of the event, Susan G. Komen for the Cure will host a donation station where attendees will have the opportunity to make a donation.

For more information regarding Are You Game?, please visit http://www.womenshealthmag.com/areyougame

Or contact:

Allison Keane at 212.808.1676, Allison.Keane@rodale.com,
Erin Clinton at 212.808.1683, Erin.Clinton@rodale.com

Latest Obsession: Schwinn Roxie Bike

Schwinn Pink 26" Roxie Cruiser Bike $139.00 sale (reg. $169.99) Target stores

As soon as I opened my Target sales paper yesterday, I knew I wanted this bike. I like the color pink but I'm not obsessed with it (I wear it in moderation) but I just love the look of it. After work I'm going to head over to Target. I needed a new bike, I still have my old one from college.

Style and Focus Weekend: The Sports Date

Show your competitive spirit by planning a sports date. Even if you're not naturally athletic, you will have a great time. Especially, if you make a real sport out of it by creating a challenge or two with a bet. The best out of 2, 4 or however many challenges you set and winner buys dinner (don't forget to make the reservations). Don't take it too seriously the point is the have fun.

Pick a few sports for the challenge, such as: tennis, running, biking, racket ball, golf, hiking, basketball, horseback riding, pool, indoor wall climbing, kite flying, chess or checker, etc. You could also hit up the arcade and see who can be the best at a few games. Start the date early in afternoon to fit in all your challenges and it'll leave you enough time to get properly cleaned before heading out to dinner.

However, if you're too tired to make it out for dinner simply just order take-out and make it a romantic evening with candles, flowers, wine, champagne, dessert and your take-out (served on real dinnerware).

No matter who won you will both feel like winners.

Friday Fashion Pick: Baseball Game Date

It's inevitable you're going to get invited on a date to a baseball game (whether you're a fan or not). But the question that will probably come to mind next is "What am I going to wear?" That all depends on whether it's a day or evening game.

Day Game



For day you want to go casual but still showcase your style because you're on a date right. Keep it simple but not dull by pairing a day dress with a team hoody and flip-flops or cute flats. It's part boho and part sporty giving you that "I'm a low maintence kind of girl" (even if you're not) look. Just remember to keep the accessories to a minimal and carry a sleek black handbag or tote.

San Francisco Giants Women's Rib Full Zip Hoody by "Touch" by Alyssa Milano
$32.97 (sale) shop.mlb.com

Tie Dye Flare Tank Dress $98.00 bebe

Classic Flip-Flops $14.50 J.Crew



Night Game

















The evening gives you a chance to add a little more sex appeal but don't over do it. You want to wear an outfit that will feel comfortable during the game or after (you never know you may end up going out for dinner and drinks later on).

You want to look glamorous without it looking like you spent hours getting ready or that you are too high maintence to enjoy the game. To look sexy casual wear a sexy top and jean with comfortable heels and carry a clutch. Don't forget to take a jacket, the evenings are starting to get chilly.

Katharina Trench Jacket $32.80 Forever21

Free People Olive Jersey Knit 'Mayan' V-neck Tank $53.00 Bluefly.com

Essential Jeans $52.00 (sale) Gap

Stuart Weitzman 'Delovely' Sandal $280.00 Nordstrom

Trends in Kid's Summer Toys

The trend this summer is to get kids and teens outside and moving. With an increase in non-activity, many parents will be seeking more active toys that will encourage play and adventure that will keep them busy and happy outdoors all summer long. This season the stores have a vast inventory of active toys that are sure to get the kids away from the couch. From the traditional toys and equipment such as bikes, skateboards and baseball to the non-traditional such as inflatable bouncers and water sports, the goal is to make the summer more active.

The emphasis is on taking the activities that they love from TV, video games and the computer to the great outdoors. If they love playing soccer or basketball video games then why not introduce them to the actual sport. They will learn new skills and will be having so much fun. Nostalgia of summers gone bye is another trend that have parents and grandparents introducing outdoor sports and activities of their youth to their children such as jump rope, ping pong, and flying kites all to create fun new memories.

Just don't forget to keep the summer safe with bicycle helmets and pads. Below are some fun options:


















Barbie Golf Jr Set
$39.93
Walmart



















Mylec Delux Hockey Goal Set
$39.99
Amazon.com















Design Your Own Soccer Ball Kit
$19.99
Target



















Sportcraft Garden Collection Croquet Set
$139.99
Toysrus.com only



















Jump Smart Trampoline
$49.99
Toys"R"Us



















Barbie Skateboard
$17.35
Amazon.com



















Mylec Soccer Goal Set
$49.99
Target














Spalding NBA Official Zi/O Excel Indoor/Outdoor Composite Basketball
$29.99
nbastore.com



















Little Tikes Auto Pitch Batting Trainer
$27.99
Toys"R"Us

###

Contact:
Style and Focus Lifestyle PR
styleandfocuspr@yahoo.com

Style and Focus Weekend: Baseball Weekend

"Take me out to the ball game, Take me out with the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack, I don't care if I never get back, Let me root, root, for the home team, If they don't win it's a shame. For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out, At the old ball game."


Going Out:

With the weather warming up this is a great time to experience the great outdoors with a baseball game. Go with family or friends to relax and have a great time cheering on your favorite team or just to look at the hot guys. With the food, fun and of course the field what more do you need.


Staying In:

Can't get tickets or your teams out of town. Then hit the sports bar. You can enjoy the game while sitting in a bar plus good food and maybe meet some new people. Who knows.

I am a baseball fan and I will be at the game this weekend. Enjoy your Weekend!

Stylish Yoga Finds To Keep You Motivated

With my busy schedule I try to make sure I find time to exercise. It's my time to clear my mind and relax. Right now my aim is to fit in a couple of yoga sessions a week. It's doesn't always workout that way. What keeps me motivated to continue this healthy lifestyle activity is finding new functional yet fashionable yoga clothes to buy every now and then.



















Bella Sport Top by Prana
Barefoot Yoga Co. (barefootyoga.com)
$46.00
















Cami Bra Top
Gaiam
$26.00



















Lola Sport Top Organic Collection by Prana
Barefoot Yoga Co.
$44.00

















OMgirl Practice Cami
Barefoot Yoga Co.
$38.00

















Yoga Pants
Fila
$65.00



















N.Y.C. Pants
Fit Couture (fitcouture.com)
$55.00
















OMgirl Organic Cotton Practice Pants
Barefoot Yoga Co.
$54.00



















Sweet Sweat Bamboo Pants
Barefoot Yoga Co.
$64.00













Hot Shorts
Fila
$40.00

What to Watch this Weekend: Music, Football, The Queen and Jane Austen

Saturday
9:00pm (check listing for time)
Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash 60min VH1


(Photo Credit: vhl.com)

Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash will feature performances by Mary J. Blige with special guest Ne-Yo and Maroon 5 to kick off the celebration for the Super Bowl.


Sunday
6:00pm
Super Bowl XLII 210min Fox

(Photo Credit: fremontdie.com)

This year's Super Bowl features the New York Giants vs. New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

8:00pm
Queen Elizabeth: The British Monarchy at Work Part 1 120min CBC

(Photo Credit: BBC.co.uk)

This three part series debuts Sunday night, "Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work" provides unparalleled insight into the work of The Queen and other members of the Royal Family over the course of a year. From major State visits and royal tours to smaller meetings and audiences, the series offers viewers a remarkable picture of how the Monarchy operates at home and abroad and includes a photo session with the world-famous American photographer Annie Leibovitz.


9:00pm
Masterpiece Theatre: Miss Austen's Regrets 90min PBS

(Photo Credit: pbs.org)

Approaching her fortieth birthday, Jane Austen (Olivia Williams) appears happily unmarried. When asked by her young niece Fanny to help her vet potential husbands, Jane's confident composure is threatened as she finds herself looking back on her own potential suitors and the choices she has made. Could potential family financial ruin have been averted if she'd accepted the proposal of a wealthy landowner? And what about the handsome young physician Jane meets as a result of a family illness?

Based on the life and letters of Jane Austen, Miss Austen Regrets tells the story of the novelist's final years.

Nacho Recipe for the Big Game: Cheesy Crab and Corn Nachos

When you think of the month of February there are numerous things that come to mind? Black History Month, Valentine's Day, Super Bowl Sunday, President's Day and Healthy Heart Month.

Thoughout the month of February, I will provide tips, suggestions or ideas on how you can celebrate all the above including the upcoming Super Bowl game.

I'm going to my friends house for a huge Super Bowl party and he wanted everyone to bring at least one dish since he's providing the majority of the food and beverages. I decided to bring Nachos but not just regular old nachos and cheese but Emeril Lagasse's Ultimate Cheesy Crab and Corn Nachos. These are absolutely mouthwatering. This recipe serves 6 but you can alter it and make it for a larger crowd.

Ultimate Cheesy Crab and Corn Nachos

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 small can chopped green chiles, drained
1 1/2 cups grated Pepper Jack cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 (9-ounce) bag blue corn tortilla chips (8 to 10 cups)
1 pound lump crabmeat
1 cup cooked fresh corn kernels or 1 cup frozen corn kernels thawed
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced
3/4 cup sour cream, for garnishing
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnishing Pico de Gallo, for serving,

Prep:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat and whisk in the flour. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes. Do not allow the flour to color. While whisking constantly, add the milk in a steady stream. Add the green chiles and bring the sauce to a boil. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened and bubbly. Add the Pepper Jack cheese, salt, and cayenne pepper and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Cover and remove from the heat.

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large, ovenproof shallow casserole or on a large baking sheet, spread half of the tortilla chips in an even layer. Top with half of the crabmeat, half of the corn, and half of the cheddar cheese. Top with the remaining tortilla chips, crabmeat, and corn. Pour the hot cheese sauce over the crab and corn, then evenly spread the remaining grated cheddar over the top. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the nachos are heated through, 8 to 10 minutes. Garnish with the sliced green onions, sour cream and cilantro. Serve with the Pico de Gallo alongside.

Pico de Gallo:

Ingredients:
3 ripe plum tomatoes (about 3/4 pound) or 1(14-ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained
1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
2 tablespoons minced cilantro leaves
1 jalapeno pepper, stem and seeds removed, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon red hot sauce (recommended: Emeril's Hot Sauce)
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced

Directions:
In the bowl of a food processor, combine all ingredients and pulse until the salsa is of uniform consistency but still slightly chunky, about 7 pulses. Transfer to a bowl and set aside until ready to serve the nachos. Yield: 1 cup

How should you decorate for your Super Bowl party?

Seeing as it's a day a way, hopefully you have all you need for the party. I think it depends on how you like to decorate you can keep it simple or you can go all out. An idea, if it's in your budget, is to purchase small patches of wheatgrass or artificial turf to use as mini football fields. Depending on the height of the grass you can trim it down then add serving trays for appetizers or drinks.

Regardless on how you decorate make sure you have enough plates, untensils, cups and trash cans for the event. Oh, and don't forget to have fun.

What to Watch This Weekend: Sci-Fi, Sports and Jane Austen

Saturday
7:00PM and 8:00PM (Check local listings for time)
Doctor Who 60min each BBCA


(Photo Credit: firstposter.com)

I watched season 3 last year on another network and it's really worth watching. The first episod of the third season begins with the Doctor (David Tennant) trying to help a bride who mysteriously appeared on the TARDIS. In the second episode, the Doctor meets medical student Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) while trying to help save the patients and staff of a London hospital that has been transported to the moon. John Barrowman playing Capt. Jack Harkness will appear in this season, he was also on couple of episodes from the first season.


9:00pm
Torchwood 60min BBCA


(Photo Credit: criticsrant.com)

I'm actually looking forward to this. Season 2 of Torchwood takes off from believe it out not from a combination of season 1 of Torchwood and the last few episodes of Season 3 of Doctor Who. The premiere episode returns with the re-appearance of Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) who mysteriously disappeared also a stranger (played by James Marsters from "Smallville" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") claming to be an acquaintance of Jack's turns up in Cardiff causing a little trouble. Freema Agyeman who plays Martha from "Doctor Who" will also makes an appearance this season.


Sunday
6:00pm
NHL All Star Game 180min VS and CBC networks


(Photo Credit: therock951.com)

The NHL's 56th All-Star Game in Atlanta is sure to be interesting especially if you're a hockey fan myself included. Like the NHL in general, the All-Star game has been barely promoted. I did happen to run across an ad or two.


9:00PM
Masterpiece Theatre: Mansfield Park 90min PBS


(Photo Credit: expatyank.files.wordpress.com)

Billie Piper ("Doctor Who") stars in this adaptation of Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park" as Fanny Price, a young woman from a poor background who has been raised by her wealthy aunt and uncle.

Press Release: Nike and Foot Locker Create a Unique Shopping Experience with New Store, House of Hoops

Nike, Jordan, Converse Under One Roof - Only US Destination Featuring Player Exclusive Footwear

NEW YORK, -- NIKE, Inc. and Foot Locker, Inc. opened the doors to House of Hoops by Foot Locker on Harlem's 125th Street, a first-of-its-kind basketball retail experience with Nike, Jordan Brand and Converse exclusively under one roof.

"House of Hoops is a hub for all things basketball and a new home for consumers who live and breathe the game," said Charlie Denson, President ofthe Nike Brand. "It's the ultimate basketball store. House of Hoops offers a stellar line-up of performance and basketball inspired footwear, apparel and equipment from the game's biggest names, meeting the needs of the everyday player."

As the ultimate consumer experience, House of Hoops flagship stores will feature basketball product available nowhere else in the U.S., including coveted player exclusive footwear. These limited edition personalized performance shoes include the embellishments that All-Star players like Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd and rookie Kevin Durant have on the shoes they lace up on court each night. These styles will be made available for the first time at House of Hoops. Other limited edition styles will also be offered, such as the China-specific colorways created for LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

"House of Hoops will be the destination of choice for the basketballplayers who love the game and want access to the best product for on andoff the court," said Matthew D. Serra, Chairman and Chief Executive Officerof Foot Locker, Inc. "It provides a fantastic growth opportunity in acategory where we have had a long track record of success and paves the wayfor a bright future."

At House of Hoops, the Hoops Essentials area gives players the chance to hook up their look from head to toe in the colors of their choice. The VIP Area allows them to read magazines, or check out commercials and behind the scenes interviews with top players-all from leather chairs in front of a 65-inch TV screen. House of Hoops also introduces the Scorer's Table, with special touches like customized t-shirts and a specialized electronic community board with a ticker posting real-time scores from local highschool basketball games, relevant basketball news, and information about upcoming store events.

The Harlem location is the first of the up to 50 House of Hoops by Foot Locker retail stores Nike and Foot Locker expect to open in the United States over the next three years. It extends a long standing store-within-a-store concept featuring Nike basketball product at Foot Locker stores nationwide into an elevated stand-alone retail presence. In addition to New York, House of Hoops stores are expected to open in Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas and other cities nationwide. The stores will be a combination of new and existing Foot Locker locations.

Nike, Inc. is the global leader in basketball. The company's Nike, Jordan Brand and Converse brands collectively are the strongest selling brands in the industry. The three brands have created basketball's most iconic and game-changing products, from the original Chuck Taylor All Star shoe, Air Force 1, and Air Jordan, to today's signature shoes for players such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade.

As part of its long-term growth strategy, Nike is investing in both direct and partner retail to create more elevated retail experiences focused on consumers in Nike's six core growth categories - basketball, running, football (soccer), women's fitness, men's training and sport culture. By creating destinations that offer performance and lifestyle product exclusively from its three basketball brands, Nike is reinforcing its goals to lead and energize the retail landscape with new concepts.

About Nike
NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; NIKE Bauer Hockey Inc., a leading designer and distributor of hockey equipment; Cole Haan, a leading designer and marketer of luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories and Exeter Brands Group LLC, which designs and markets athletic footwear and apparel for the value retail channel. For more information please visit Nike's official website.

About Foot Locker
Foot Locker, Inc. is a specialty athletic retailer that operates approximately 3,900 stores in 21 countries in North America, Europe andAustralia. Through its Foot Locker, Footaction, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports and Footquarters retail stores, as well as its direct-to-customer channel Footlocker.com/Eastbay, the Company is the leading provider of athletic footwear and apparel. For more information please visit Foot Locker's official website.

Alyssa Milano teams with MLB to launch new Headwear Collection

After launching her successful clothing line TOUCH by Alyssa Milano, she has teamed up again with Major League Baseball and also with Twins Enterprises to launch a line of fan fashion headwear.

TOUCH by Alyssa Milano Headwear collection will be available for retail Spring 2008. The limited collection will debut with twelve styles, including baseball caps, military styled hats and visors.

Below are a few pictures of Alyssa premiering her TOUCH by Alyssa Milano Headwear collection this past August at the MAGIC show in Las Vegas.














Related Articles:
Alyssa Milano's smart idea for baseball fashions
Alyssa Milano's "Touch" is Now Available
Alyssa Milano Expands Her "TOUCH" to Jewelry