The best gift you can get for mom this Mother’s Day is a new healthy habit.  I know how challenging it can be to stay committed to healthy routine while  on the go.  That’s why Fox News and I recommend these thoughtful, wellness-inspiring products.

Traveling might seem like a luxury to most folks, but to a busy mom it’s not quite as relaxing— even if there are no kids in tow.

This Mother’s Day, give your always-on-the-go mom something to make her life easier while on vacation or a work trip.

“What you need to do is minimize the stress in any situation,” said Nancy Trent, the founder and president of Trent and Company, a New York-based marketing communications firm. “Why would you add things to what you’re taking back and forth that will only stress you out.”

Trent, who is also a healthy lifestyle trend-spotting blogger and speaker, tells Fox News Traveler about seven must-have products for the traveling mom.

“The best thing you can do for your mom is get her into a new healthful habit,” Trent said. “One little habit. So if I can get my mom to think about therapeutic gemstones to calm her down or using a quality pillowcase instead of something that’s probably not very good for her hair or skin - then that’s the best thing you can do.”

Since Mother’s Day, which is May 13, is right around the corner, there’s no better time than now to get cracking.  But no stress here.

Wallaroo UPF Scrunchie Hat

For the mom who is heading to a destination where she’ll be spending time under the sun, Wallaroo’s UPF Scrunchie Hat will give her shade and save her skin.

“Once you get into Wallaroo, that’s it,” Trent said. “I love my Wallaroo. You can roll it up. I stuff things in it when I’m packing… You just pull it out and it’s fresh. Some people are sensitive to some sunblock. You don’t have to worry about wearing a strong sunblock if you have it on.”

The wrinkle resistant hat has a ultraviolet protection factor of 50+, which Wallaroo says will block 97.5 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Whether the busy mom will be swimming in the pool with the kids or relaxing with a book on the beach, Trent says the stylish hat is fashionable and easy to pack without looking like it was crushed in a suitcase.

The hats are $38 and available at www.wallaroohats.com.

Polar Gear Portable Booster Seat

For the traveling mom with little ones, it’s always better when one item can serve two purposes. Trent says the Polar Gear Portable Booster Seat makes eating out with your baby easy, as well as functions as a bag when you’re carrying it through the airport.

“This is a total new-mom tip for ‘keeping it together,’” Trent said. “This bring-you-own-booster seat makes restaurant dining with a baby easy so you can show up to the table in style.” 

It’s not just the moms who are happy with this product. Trent says babies like it as well since it doesn’t look like a high chair.

“It makes the baby feel like they’re sitting in a chair like everybody else,” Trent said. “It’s very convenient. It’s not a big clunky thing.”

The booster seat is $39.99 and available at www.aparentcompany.com.

Branche Silk Charmeuse Pillow Case

Trent says you can make almost any hotel bed feel like home with Branche’s Silk Charmeuse Pillow Case. Made with 18 amino acids and a high copper content,  she says the pillowcase is great for mom’s skin and hair. 

“The threads are much thinner than the typical one so that’s a real benefit,” Trent said. “You get rid of that cutting knives effect on your skin.” 

She says another added benefit to bringing your own pillowcase is that you don’t have to worry about whether the hotel or airline uses strong detergents that might irritate sensitive skin.

The pillow case is $84.00 and available at www.branchebeautysleep.com.

GGO Wrap Dress

Made from 88 percent bamboo, the GGO Wrap Dress is anti-microbial - meaning it doesn’t have to be cleaned as often or ironed. Trent says the wrap style is complimentary on almost any body type. 

“It’s very versatile and incredibly chic,” Trent said. “The material doesn’t wrinkle, so mom doesn’t have to worry about ironing in a hotel room or debating style vs. comfort – she gets both.”

Whether you dress it up with a fancy necklace for an evening dinner or pair it with casual flats during the day, Trent says the organic clothing is a must for any vacation.

The GGO Wrap Dress is $135 and available at www.ggoclothing.com.

Harvey’s Original Seatbelt Bag – Favorite Things Tote

“Complete with a lifetime guarantee, the My Favorite Things tote will not only stand out amongst the crowd with its bright and unique X-ray design, but the durability and indestructible seatbelt material are so strong,” Trent said. ”It will be the last bag you’ll ever have to buy.”

The Favorite Things tote is made out of real seat belts so there’s no need to worry about the traveling mom being rough on this bag. Trent says it is meant to withstand almost anything, and it’s sleek design makes it easy for going through security.

“They’re perfect because they’re fashionable, cool and interesting looking,” Trent said. “So whether you’re a fashionista or green goddess - this is right for you because this is truly eco-fashion.”

The bag is $154.00 and available at www.seatbeltbags.com/. 

Tara Walker’s Dream - Rejuvenating Dream Serum

Traveling can be anything other than calming - especially for women’s skin. Trent encourages moms to use Tara Walker’s Dream - Rejuvenating Dream Serum as a way to heal your skin while away from home. 

“When you travel, let’s face it, it’s really tough on your skin,” Trent said. “This all-natural beauty elixir features the essences of flowers, leaves, fruits, seeds and stems of plants and the finest marine ingredients sourced from every continent that will help your skin look flawless.”

The Rejuvenating Serum is $99 and available at www.tarawalkersdream.com.

Energy Muse Lotus Bracelet

Simple and pretty, the Energy Muse Lotus Bracelet will give more than just a sense of fashion to your mom on the road. Trent says the jewelry can calm her during the inevitable delays or inconveniences she’ll face while traveling.

“Crystal and Gemstone jewelry are incredibly powerful tools,” Trent said. “Energy Muse’s Lotus bracelet brings new beginnings, awakening and beauty to its wearer. Pink Jade helps to bring emotional balance, renewal and peace to the body – which is very helpful for a mom with a travel-heavy schedule.”

The bracelet is $69.99 and available at www.energymuse.com.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/05/01/gifts-for-jet-setting-mom/#ixzz1uVE7LkO1

Grooming isn’t just for grooms anymore.  With manscaping at an all time high and the new film Mansome on everyone’s lips, there’s no denying that men are stepping out in style.  As a result, spas are vying for the male consumer by marketing to bad boys, pretty boys and everything in between.  Here’s how I break it down for DAYSPA magazine.

I recently had the opportunity to hang out with the wonderful women of Natural Awakenings Magazine at the 2012 Earth Day Expo.  If you didn’t make it, I highly recommend going next year.  Between the live performances, delicious food and fascinating company, it was easy to ignore the stormy weather.

Find out at the IECSC in NYC on Tuesday, April 24th.  I’ll be talking about how to use viral and discovery marketing to give women 13 – 34 the tools they need to keep their youthful looks for the long haul with a breakdown of how Gen X, Y and Z communicate and care for their skin.

How does your brand fit into the well-luxe spectrum?  I’m speaking about that at the Luxury Marketing Council’s event on the “Luxury of Wellness” the evening of April 17^th at the Beacon Restaurant in NYC.  We are living longer, happier, healthier lives and we want to live them in luxury. I can’t wait to share and hear about trends in luxury marketing with my fellow speakers.  I’ll be posting a full report after the event. 

I learned a lot at the Digital Publishing Expo, and even more importantly, it provoked a lot of thought…  

It’s given me a new lust to leverage our social media tools to new heights.   It also confirmed what we have been saying for years.  Things just don’t go viral spontaneously.  That’s actually good news.  It means we are in control of the situation. 

The first step to going viral is engaging content.  After that, it takes strategy, tentacles and traditional media support to make something spiral online.   YouTube’s trends manager, Kevin Allocca, explained in a TED Talk that the wildly popular and incredibly silly “double rainbow” video went viral only after late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel praised it on twitter.   Similarly, a New York Times article recently explained that the Invisible Children’s Kony 2012 video went viral when they encouraged their existing following to enlist the help of celebrities like Oprah through twitter as well as twitter accounts with significant followers like Van’s Warp Tour to share the link. 

These are examples of “discoverability,” a buzz word at this event.  Bluntly put, in the digital landscape, just because you build it, doesn’t mean they will come.   You need to bring them to it.  How to do that is the trickier part of the equation and what makes this the wild west of social media. 

Discoverability is hampered by another staggering fact.  250,000 books were published in 1990.  In 2011, there were 2.8 million new books released.  While the challenge in the old days was how to make great products, the struggle in the 21^st century is sorting out demand, figuring out which markets to tap and how.  Knowing who your customers are, what they want, and how they get their information is necessary for success, as is getting their trust and permission to give it to them.   Social media allows you to learn more about what people want and want they like (literally, as they hit like buttons and pin their interests).

Some say Oprah was the savior of publishing.  Her book club enabled her to connect with her viewers when they were not watching her.  She turned books into her social glue.   Books, like other products, movements and ideas, need to “always be launching” – the new social media mantra. 

One more contradicting fact that will impact social media success is that video is estimated to make 70% of search by 2015.  We are getting knowledge from reading books but we are getting our information from looking at pictures, online.

For those who still think social media is an after-thought, you better start rethinking social media.   It’s not something you can wing or only for the young.   Start making the effort to protect yourself and your projects with a positive social halo. 

From healthier food and beverages we consume, to environmentally friendly cleaning products we use in our homes, Americans are demonstrating that we are increasingly conscious about making better choices. Price is less of an issue and we are loyal to brands that fit the socially responsible lifestyle we strive for.

Smart companies and their brands also know that consumers’ changing attitudes caused changes in purchase behavior patterns. Many believe a specially created non-profit group can champion their cause. But brands that want to take the next step in demonstrating their corporate social responsibility, often lack the fundamentals about what to do and how to go about it.

PR expert, Nancy Trent, president of Trent & Company asked philanthropy executive, Joanne Heyman, founder of Heyman Partners, who helps entrepreneurial organizations with a social purpose about proven successful routes in developing or affiliating with cause-related, non-profit organizations, including when to join one, what resources are necessary, how to assure that your non-profit will be successful, and what the latest trends are.

Trent: Why should a company form a non-profit organization? 

Heyman: If a company wants to attract support from others—donations from individuals, other companies, foundations, etc.—the best way to do so is to create a public charity. This would require, among other things, an independent board of directors with governance responsibility. Otherwise, I would advise creating a grant-making foundation that would be controlled by the company’s executives.   This is less attractive to outside sources of financial support, but preserves the company’s ability to direct the activities.

Trent: How should a company determine whether to form a non-profit or to join one?

Heyman: Forming a non-profit is not for the faint of heart. It requires start-up capital, a significant contribution of time, passion, determination and a very clear sense of mission. Forming a grant-making foundation is far easier, but requires no less vision if it is going to be effective and deliver results. Regardless of which path you chose, do so because you are creating something of value that is in total alignment with your core values.

Trent: How can you determine if your company/brand can form one?  

Heyman: Any company can form a foundation, and any individual (or group) can launch a public charity.  The real question is WHY. Is there a problem you are seeking to address? A gap in a particular market (culture, healthcare, education, etc.) that you are dying to fill? Is there an expression of your brand that practically thrusts you into creating social good and impact? If so, philanthropy can be a great solution and outlet. An underlying issue is, will you meet a need better than others can? Will you create something for which there is a target audience that can benefit from your product or service?

Trent: How can you tell if the non-profit you are thinking of affiliating with is right for you?  

Heyman: First, look at their leadership. Do you like and respect them? Do they have a solid (and verifiable) track record of success? Are their plans credible? And, can your contribution make something happen that otherwise might not? Finally, are their values aligned with yours?  

Trent: What resources are necessary?

Heyman: Money and time. Lots. Willingness to leverage your technical/professional expertise. Buy-in by your leadership and staff. This is critical.

Trent: What are some common mistakes, or essential considerations, when forming an organization or joining one?

Heyman: It is easy to be charmed by a charismatic leader. If you are joining an organization, make sure that it is well managed, has the capacity to deliver on its promises, and can really use your participation.  Look at staff turnover. Talk to beneficiaries and colleague organizations. Check out the board. If you are forming an organization, be willing to go the distance. Board members typically contribute the lion’s share of start-up capital. Outside funders will look to see that you have really bought into the concept, and have skin in the game. Know this and plan accordingly. A common mistake is to underestimate how engaged a board is in the early years. They contribute not only money, but also time and expertise. They need to leverage their social capital as well. 

Trent: What are five tips for making your non-profit organization successfully?

Heyman:

1. Address a real need or gap in the market.

2. Gather a great board of people who have the resources—intellectual, financial and social—to help you gain lift off.  

3. Invest early in outstanding communications. If you can’t tell your story well you will not be able to get people to support you in the ways you need it.  

4. Invest in human capital—just like in other sectors, you get what you pay for.

5. Be willing to make and admit mistakes.

Trent: What are the most common ways well-meaning people sabotage a non-profit organization?  

Heyman: Don’t assume workers in this sector are happy with sub-standard pay and benefits because they love the work or that others share their passion and belief in the mission. Investments in communications are necessary. You can be doing great work, but if you can’t communicate it, you’ll have real challenges getting financial support.  

You get what you pay for and trying to get important work done for free for too long will not help you. 

Believing that you have a great idea is not enough. You must have outstanding programs managed by talented staff,  good systems, and be rigorous about evaluating your success (or not) and embracing change when necessary.

Trent: What are some trends in non-profits? 

Heyman: Creating income-generating activities; hiring traditional and social media gurus; moving away from galas to more sustainable forms of fundraising; partnering with companies and other organizations to go to scale (and go way beyond marketing); and embracing innovative financing schemes.

As seen in Whole Foods Magazine.

Eyes are becoming a hot topic for all ages and there was something for everyone at the Vision Show this weekend in New York City.

As with every marketplace, the crux of the trend is in healthy.  Sparkly wet eyes that see the distance are a sign of health and youth.  Expect products that enhance tears to be as popular as Botox.  Supplements with omegas and Lutein that help with eyesight will sell well too.  There are many more available than ever before including equipment to analyze tears. 

After walking the Vision Show I feel the fashion is going to two extremes.  I can either use my glasses as a mask (some look like super heroes) or try to mask that I am wearing glasses with practically imperceptible frames.  Some frames are super subtle while others are major thick.  Statement glasses are definitely being used as trademarks that make people unforgettable but I fear chunky glasses can be distracting and unattractive.  Very few can pull it off.

Stems are more elaborate and sculptural too with wire, jewels, fur, animal skin, and even recycled jeans.  Personalized and DIY services make wearing glasses more attractive, fun and comfortable. 

I am featured with “Gotham ladies in-the-know,” Sarah Jessica Parker, Tina Fey and Julianne Moore about how I lose weight while living the fabulous life in the just released and highly buzzed about book, The Manhattan Diet.  Check out my excerpt on page 86.   If you are wondering my choice of shapewear…it is Leonisa of course!  How do you stay fit in a food obsessed culture? 

Things are getting fancier in the food industry as household staples get makeovers. The trend was evident at Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco’s Moscone Convention Center, January 15–17. This season’s event was full of surprises. This post was seen in Whole Foods Magazine’s most recent issue, which you can find here.

• Brownie Madness The news is brownies—different types of chocolates, different health benefits and a range of sizes. Still, there is a dazzling array of cupcakes by the ton and the varieties in sizes and shapes continue to increase.
  
  
• Is This My Local Health Food Store? Pre-packaged smoothies and power drinks used to be reserved for the health food market, but they’ve crossed-over into gourmet circles. Gourmands see smoothies as a way to survive big meals and using them between meals has become a conventional survival strategy.
  
  
• You Don’t Have to Sugarcoat to Go Mainstream  Chai is becoming the new granola. What I mean by that is we need to stop manufacturers from pumping this healthy, delicious treat with sugar to disguise it to mainstream consumers.
  
  
• Traditional Grains, More Exotic Flavors  Rice is coming in from all over the world in a variety of colors, which can turn classic dishes into indigenous feasts. Cous cous and quinoa are the latest choice of vegetarians and the flavors are expanding.
  
  
• Packaged As Your Own  Anything homemade-style will sell, especially hand-churned butter.
  
  
• French Prepped  Francophiles would be delighted. Cooking “en papillote” with a sampling of parchment options make it easier.

• Tea Wars  Tea companies are duking it out in a more Zen way than the colas with sourcing as the point of difference. Teas are focusing on functionality versus flavor, whether that is giving back and social responsibility or teas to heal every condition and ailment. Look for single-garden direct.
  
  
• The Biggest Meal of the Day  From old-fashioned pancakes or grains, to cookies or muffins with added antioxidants, breakfast is becoming a focal point. You can have a three-course meal for the calories of a traditional breakfast bagel.
  
  
• Brush Up on Your Condiments  Salt varieties are rivaling Baskin Robbins flavors and Hummus alternatives are not far behind. But the star condiment at the show was olive oil. Americans are going to start learning about its distinctions. Expect to meet olive oil sommeliers and get invitations to oil tastings.

Consumer tastes are getting more sophisticated and their time is limited. Those are some hot new categories that gourmet retailers should keep an eye on.