Mind Your Health - May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

Each month we try to bring you helpful health-related news with our “Your Monthly Check-up” column. In support of that – and to bring you an extra dose of wellness information – we’re happy to help spread the word about Mental Health Month!

For 65 years, Mental Health America and its affiliates across the country have led the observance of Mental Health Month each May by reaching out to millions of people through the media, local events and screenings. This year’s theme is “Mind Your Health.” Goals of Mental Health America include:

• building public recognition about the importance of mental health
• informing people of ways that the mind and body interact with each other
• providing tips for taking positive action to protect mental health and promote overall wellness

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about one in four Americans age 18 and over suffer from some form of mental disorder in a given year. That shows just how common these disorders are and how imperative it is for all of us to take care of our mental health.

We know what you’re thinking: “This sounds pretty important, but what can I do about it?” Glad you asked. Lime green is not only an amazing color, it’s the color of Mental Health Month. Sporting lime green shows you support the cause and stand up for erasing the stigma surrounding mental illness. You can also learn about how healthy eating, exercise, relaxation and other tools can improve your mental health as well as your overall health.

But most importantly, keep talking about it. Not one single person who suffers from mental illness is alone, even though it may feel that way. Mental disorders are prevalent and no one should have to feel ashamed about their thoughts or feelings. Let’s all do our part to keep this important topic in the “lime light!” 

Merchandise Monday: All About Mom!

Mother’s Day is coming up, and what kind of merchandisers would we be if we didn’t drop everything to tell you all about the great products we’ve got for Mom’s big day! From gardening and getting glam to DIY and de-stressing, Hinda has the perfect gift to shower every mom with on May 11 (don’t worry, we know you remembered)!

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Wi-Fi® eReader

Whether she’s into mysteries or a sucker for romance, the Kindle Paperwhite is designed to deliver the best reading experience. No screen glare in bright sunlight means Mom can enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing prime reading time. And since it’s over 30 percent lighter than some tablets, she can hold it with one hand while the other is occupied.

Brother® Project Runway™ Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Watch Mom unleash her design and creative potential with the Project Runway™ Limited Edition sewing and embroidery machine—the only Project Runway machine to offer embroidery! With computer connectivity, the machine allows for importing .pes designs from a PC or designs purchased from www.ibroidery.com and other web sites.

Conair® True Glow™ Hot/Cold Therapy Facial Sauna

The True Glow™ Hot/Cold Therapy Facial Sauna features an exclusive 2-step system. Warm steam opens pores and cleanses while a cool mist closes pores and hydrates. True Glow defends against dryness, signs of aging and environmental damage. Other features include auto-shutoff and a timer with five settings to choose the length of the facial.

Homedics® Shiatsu + Vibrating Massage Pillow with Heat

Treat Mom to deep-kneading Shiatsu massage plus invigorating vibration massage for the neck, back, shoulders and more. Four massage nodes provide extended coverage with a soothing heat option for a more relaxing experience. The ultra-soft and luxurious quilted pillow wrapped in a plush fabric conforms to the body.

Howard Miller® Picture This Table Clock

A generous space for a photo adds a warm and personal touch to this titanium-finished alarm clock with a folding easel-back stand. Large, easy-to-read LCD numbers tell the time alongside a month and day display and a thermometer that measures in degrees F or C. This would add the perfect personal touch to Mom’s office – or her favorite room in the house!

Nordic Ware® Set of 4 Prep n' Serve Bowls

Whether she’s a professional chef, a home cook, a kitchen novice or just likes to eat, these multi-purpose bowls are perfect for mixing, microwaving and serving. The 4-piece set includes 2-, 3.5-, 5- and 7-quart heavy duty bowls with silicone non-skid bases and nest into each other for easy storage. Made of BPA- and melamine-free plastic.

Sterling Silver Heart Necklace

Give Mom a piece of your heart that she can wear every day! This sterling silver heart necklace features a classically styled heart-shaped pendant strung on a black cord. It’s perfect for everyday wear and makes a great gift!

Wüsthof 2-Piece Garden Shears Set

This 2-piece sent includes 6” flower shears and 8” pruning shears. Flower shears are ideal for cutting fresh flowers or herbs, trimming dead or dying stems and flowers. The pruning shears cut through thicker stems, up to a half-inch in diameter and are perfect for cutting a variety of vegetables and fruit to keeping shrubbery and houseplants well-groomed.

Merchandise Monday: Show Mother Earth Some Love

Tuesday, April 22 is Earth Day, an annual celebration during which events take place all over the world in support of environmental protection. According to Wikipedia, the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, and is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and celebrated in more than 192 countries on April 22 each year.

In honor of Earth Day, this week we’re focusing on green, eco-friendly and socially responsible items available in our assortment. Why not do something good and give back to Mother Nature, the planet and the people who inhabit this home we all share!

Dreambean Candles Bliss Bag

Dreambean Candles products are handmade by participants of Bright Endeavors, a non-profit social enterprise and job training program committed to helping homeless and at-risk young women ages 16-25. Elevate the at-home spa experience with the Bliss Bag, 32 ounces of soothing fair trade Pink Himalayan soaking salt scented with invigorating, phthalate-free rosemary and mint oils. Each biodegradable Bliss Bag offers up to eight relaxing baths that draw out impurities and gently soften skin. Proceeds go toward support training, mentoring and permanent job placement for the young women that lovingly create and package each product.

Helping Hand Artisans 8.5-inch Square Bowl

Helping Hand Artisans is a social enterprise comprised of fair trade crafter and artisan collectives in the developing world. Its mission is to help these people create sustainable livelihoods for their families through the sale of their beautiful, eco-friendly crafts. They offer a line of fair trade, stylish, handmade accessories, housewares and gifts that are perfect for every occasion – each with an individual story. Freedom and independence ring true in these bold iron bowls. Artisans in India collect each individual iron ring from local repair shops and hand-weld each of the connection points. Helping Hand Artisans provides jobs and stability where few employment opportunities exist.

Smart Solar Umbrella Hanging Solar Lantern 8-pack

Looking to add a little light to your outdoor space? The Hanging Solar Lantern set is ideal for your patio or deck. Simply clip to an umbrella for ambient lighting around a table or even place on a flat surface. These open-bottom LED lanterns are eco-friendly and powered by an integrated solar panel that automatically turns the lamp on at dusk and off at dawn. When fully charged, they provide up to 8-hours of light per night. Lanterns include handle, hanging clips and replaceable rechargeable Ni-MH battery.

Superex® Deluxe Solar Powerstation with Air Compressor

Solar charging is really in right now and the Powerstation features a heavy-duty, large capacity battery that is a fully portable power source, perfect for cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, RVs, tractors, power failures or situations without conventional power sources. Features include built-in professional strength 6-gauge booster cables with reverse polarity alarm and multiple power outlets – two 12-volt (auto), 110 volt (household appliances, 200 watts max.) and USB port (for charging PDAs, iPhones®, MP3 players and other portable devices).

Wagan® Solar eCharger™ 2.1A

The Solar eCharger™ 2.1A recharges mobile electronics with a built-in Li-ion battery that fully recharges in 5-8 hours via sunlight or 2-3 hours via AC adapter. Indicator lights when unit is ready to deliver power (either from DC or solar) and when batteries are charged. Uses superior monocrystalline solar cells and features two USB outputs. Accessories include AC and DC chargers and cell phone tips. 

Merchandise Monday: Host an Unforgettable Sunday Brunch

Now that the weather is finally warming up, there's nothing better than a relaxing, leisurely Sunday brunch to kick off the new week. Whether you're playing host or hostess or bringing your favorite dish elsewhere, Hinda has everything you need to make your next Sunday brunch unforgettable. You might even need a post-Sunday brunch nap (which is just fine by us)!

 All-Clad® 2-Slice Toaster

No brunch is complete without toast, bagels or English muffins! This elegant stainless steel and die-cast toaster features six browning levels from light to dark plus defrost and bagel settings. The high-lift lever accommodates smaller pieces of bread and a cancel function that stops toasting mid-cycle. 

Cuisinart® Egg Central 10-Egg Cooker

The Egg Central has a new 2-tiered cooking system that allows 10 eggs to be cooked at once. Eggs can be cooked to a hard, medium or soft consistency. The egg cooker also comes with removable trays that can be used to poach eggs and make omelets – perfect for satisfying all tastes! 

De’Longhi Combination Espresso & Drip Coffee with Programmable Timer

This 3-in-1 machine makes drip coffee, espresso, cappuccino and latte all in one machine – and saves you counter space! Easily prepare latte and cappuccino with the swivel jet frother. Wake up to the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee with the programmable timer. Enjoy your coffee your way! 

Emeril™ Rotary Waffle and Panini Maker with Interchangeable Plates

Rock some hot waffles and panini with this versatile appliance. Its rotating plates help to evenly distribute batter to put some wow in your waffles. They also accommodate two waffles or panini at a time so you can prepare more food more quickly and satisfy your hungry guests – or yourself! 

Hamilton Beach® The Breakfast Master™ Skillet and Waffle Maker

Breakfast just got easier, simpler and more delicious with the compact, all-in-one Breakfast Master Skillet and Waffle Maker. With two sets of interchangeable, non-stick grids, this skillet and waffle maker lets you enjoy waffles, delicious sandwiches, eggs and bacon or a savory omelet any time you crave. 

Hurom® Premium Slow Juicer and Smoothie Maker

Easily make delicious juices, nutritious smoothies made with frozen fruit, mixed drinks and purees! Control how much pulp is in your juice with the Pulp Control Lever, mix ingredients inside the juicer bowl and clean up easily with the Juice Cap. Fine and Coarse strainers let you juice anything – even nuts! 

Royal Doulton® Gordon Ramsay Maze Teal 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

This tableware is contemporary and stylish, yet durable enough for everyday use. The 16-piece set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four all-purpose bowls and four mugs. All pieces are rendered in a beautiful subtle teal glaze and decorated with embossed concentric circles. 

Wine Enthusiast® Indoor/Outdoor Chardonnay Wine Glasses, Set of 4

Perfect for pool, patio, inside and outside, these everywhere glasses have such clarity you might mistake them for crystal. But they’re actually made from food-safe, shatter-resistant Eastman Tritan™ copolyester that won’t crack or break, making them ideal for entertaining anywhere without worry! 

Merchandise Monday: Hinda Hits the Housewares Show Floor

The 2014 International Home + Housewares Show landed at Chicago’s McCormick Place last month and show officials reported very high attendance by buyers and significant growth from the international markets. The show's 2,100 exhibitors included 435 new vendors and more than 10,000 new products were displayed this year. Hinda’s own buying team was on the show floor and reported back with some of the new items they’re most excited about this year.

New releases from KitchenAid®, Keurig® and Vitamix® have Hinda’s buyers buzzing. KitchenAid has entered the fast-growing home carbonation category with the introduction of the Sparkling Beverage Maker, a premium countertop soda maker developed in collaboration with SodaStream International, Ltd., the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor of home carbonation systems.

KitchenAid also showcased its Pour-over Coffee Brewer – elevating the traditional coffee maker to another level. Pour over brew technology staggers water flow to fully optimize flavor extraction, a technique that is becoming increasingly popular among coffee aficionados.

Rather than heating the water in increments as standard coffee makers do, the Pour-over Coffee Brewer heats all of the water in the tank to 200-degrees prior to releasing it into the brew basket. By intermittently pouring and pausing the water flow over the coffee grounds, just as a trained barista would, this new model extracts flavors at a more finely calibrated pace than traditional coffee makers.

Speaking of coffee, Green Mountain Coffee® and Keurig brewing technology announced their new K-Carafe capability for its Keurig 2.0 Brewing System, available in Fall 2014. Keurig 2.0 brewers will be the first system to brew both one cup using a single serve pack and a carafe of coffee using the new Keurig K-Carafe pack.

Vitamix is redefining the personal blender with its S30, featuring variable speed control and pulse. The S30 makes it easy to create individual servings and small family meals it its 20-ounce travel up or 40-ounce pitcher. Create small batches of soups, sauces, frozen desserts and more.

KitchenAid is also reinventing the blender with the introduction of an ultra-powerful, first-of-its-kind blender that replaces the manual locking system with an interlocking magnetic drive system to power its blades and safely secure its jar. A thoughtfully designed magnetic coupler connecting the motor to the pitcher powers the blades and allows for a flat, smooth base with a front-load design. Instead of a complicated locking system that requires twisting and turning to connect and remove the pitcher from the base, the magnetic system allows the pitcher to easily glide in and out from the base.

These products are so new that they are not yet available at Hinda, but be sure to keep it tuned to Hinda Blog and our “Merchandise Monday” column for regular updates on these and other great new products arriving in our assortment!

Your Monthly Check-Up: Attacking Your Allergy Symptoms

Spring is in the air, but for some people, that can only mean one thing – the onset of allergy season. Also known as “hay fever,” allergies affect about 40 to 50 million people in the US, according to an article in “Healthy Living Made Simple” titled “Harnessing Hay Fever” by Dr. James L. Sublett.

Generally occurring anywhere from early spring to fall, allergies come with a host of unpleasant symptoms, including sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, congestion and scratchy throat. These symptoms occur due to pollens from trees and grass, weeds and mold allergens, as well as household nuisances such as dust mites, animals and various vermin.

According to Dr. Sublett’s article, allergies are triggered as an immune system response to genetically predisposed allergens and can occur at any age. While it’s a myth that children can outgrow allergies, it is true that allergies can develop later in life after years of being allergy-free. If you are one of these late allergy bloomers, you may mistake your symptoms for the common cold, as they are similar. But, according to Dr. Sublett, a cold will start off pretty minor, peak at around day four and work its way through your system by about day seven to 10. Unfortunately, we’re all familiar with the common cold.

Managing allergy symptoms is like a 3-legged stool, according to Dr. Sublett – education about avoiding what you are allergic to, effective medications and allergy shots. Since only a small percentage of allergy sufferers find adequate relief from over-the-counter drugs, it’s best to schedule an appointment with an allergist or immunologist, especially if you suffer from moderate to severe allergy symptoms. Once a proper diagnosis is reached, the specialist can then recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

Whether your allergies are severe, mild or non-existent, improving the quality of your indoor air is a great step toward reducing allergy symptoms. Dr. Sublett outlines 10 things you can do right now to improve your air quality:

• No smoking inside the house
• Measure indoor humidity and keep it below 50 percent. Do not use vaporizers or humidifiers – in fact, you may need a dehumidifier. Vent fans in bathrooms help remove moisture and repair water leaks.
• Remove wall-to-wall carpet from bedroom. Use a central vacuum with HEPA filter regularly.
• Wear an N95 particulate mask when vacuuming, sweeping or doing yard work (CDC NIOSH-rated).
• Keep pets out of the bedroom and use a HEPA Air Cleaner with an adequate Clean Air Deliver Rate (CADR).
• Put mite-proof covers on your mattress and pillows and wash bedding weekly with hot water.
• Install a MERV11 or 12 disposable high-efficiency media filter in the furnace and AC system and change the filter every one to three months
• Leave a fan on to create “whole-house” air filtration
• Have your heating and AC units inspected and serviced every six months            
• Vent gas appliances and fireplaces to the outside and maintain regularly

With just a few simple household changes and a trip to the doctor, you can spend this allergy season breathing easier than ever before.  Read Dr. Sublett’s full article here and check out Hinda’s assortment of fans, HEPA vacuums and air purifiers! 

Merchandise Monday: Shape Up for Summer!

We’re almost a week into spring, and while temps are still on the cool side, there’s no better time than now to start getting in shape for swimsuit season! From duffels to duds and footwear to fitness trackers, you’ll find all your workout necessities within Hinda’s ever-growing assortment!

adidas® Medium Duffel

Perfect for the gym, practice or even a weekend away, the Medium Duffel features four pockets – including a dry/wet storage compartment – a Velcro closure grab handle, padded airmesh shoulder strap and measures 11” W x 22.5” L x 13” H. Fit everything you need no matter where you work out!

adidas® 3-Stripes Piped 1/4-Zip Men's Pullover

This Men's Pullover features self-mock, contrast piping on shoulder and sleeve, contrast adidas® brandmark on bottom-right hem, contrast 3-Stripes tape on back neck and is made of 100 percent polyester French terry with hydrophilic finish. Stay comfortable and dry during your workout!

Escalade® Goalrilla GLR GS III Basketball System

The Goalrilla brings you some of the best components and construction available in the market. It features a sturdy 5” x 5” square steel pole, a height-adjustable 7.5-10’ rim and a 54” W x 34” H tempered glass backboard that provides a superior rebound compared to acrylic or other materials.

Fitbit® Flex™ Wireless Activity + Sleep Wristband

Wear this slim, stylish device all the time – even in the shower – and get the motivation you need to be more active. It tracks steps, distance and calories burned and shows you how you’re stacking up against your daily goals. At night, it tracks your sleep cycle and helps you learn how to sleep better.

Jawbone® UP™ Fitness Tracking Bracelet

Wearing UP captures a complete picture of your day so you don’t have to guess how active you are. UP tracks your steps, distance, calories burned and time spent active vs. idle. It also tracks your sleep, your mood and discovers hidden connections and patterns in your day-to-day activities.

Mizuno® Impermalite Hyper Rain Jacket

This soft-touch, ultra lightweight waterproof jacket features Japanese technology that delivers the ultimate in rain protection. A super thin membrane provides lightweight performance while a loose liner allows movement against bare arms when worn directly over a base layer. Don’t let the rain stop you!

Nike® Lunar Ascend Men's Golf Shoes

These men’s golf shoes feature Hyperfuse technology which combines synthetic leather, mesh and TPU, a Lunarlon cushioning in heel, full-length comfort sockliner, full-length TPU Integrated Traction and the Nike® Power Platform. Stand out on the course in this ultimate summer shoe!

Trek® Gary Fisher Collection Dual Sport Bike

This go-anywhere machine is road-bike fast, trail-bike capable and fun everywhere. It sports an aluminum frame, Bontrager wheels and multi-surface tires. A 63mm travel fork has on-the-fly suspension lockout, hydraulic disc brakes and the confidence of all-conditions stopping power!

Zume™ Flying Dizk™

This great-grip flying disc is super tough with a comfortable soft touch. The unique design allows the Dizk to fly, float and flex and the center hole creates more ways to catch. Dizk measures 10.5” L x 10.5” W x 1.5” H and is suitable for ages 6-plus. Great for the beach, family picnic or any open field!