mother's day gift guide

Howdy y'all! Mother's Day is right around the corner (May 8th, if ya' forgot), so I figured today would be a good day for a new gift guide! Here are a few products I think your momma will love.

one // Anna Tovar art print
Anna Tovar is a local artist in my town that I'm highkey obsessed with. Her pieces are absolutely beautiful and her Instagram game is always on point. I absolutely love all of her work but I think this Magnolia flower print would be an awesome Mother's Day gift.

two // Magnolia Market flower vases
Flowers are a classic for Mother's Day, but even better if you've got something cute to put them in! I love these assorted vases from Magnolia Market and I bet your madre will too. ;)

three // Kendra Scott gift set
You can't go wrong with jewelry, amirite? This earring and necklace set is absolutely precious and they're giving you a lil' deal on it!

four // faux leather tote bag
My mom is kind of a purse hoe (sorry, fam) so if your mom is anything like mine, she'll probably love this faux leather tote bag. These have been super popular lately, they go with everything, and this one is reversible!!

five // a good ole' lipstick
Every girl needs a good lipstick. If your mom likes bolder colors, go for a bright red, if she's a little more subdued this deep blush color is gorgeous too! I'm obsessed with these Nyx Creamy Round lipsticks - the formula is great, they last a long time, and they're only $4 which means you can hook her up with another gift.

Got any suggestions? What are you getting your momma this Mother's Day?

Have a great day!

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#ENDALZ with music medicine

Howdy y'all! Today I've got a post that's a little different than my usual content, and a lot more serious, so I'm just gonna dive on into it.

The woman in the photo below is Norma. She was born on March 28, 1931, making her 85 years old in 12 days. She grew up in Texas and went to Mary-Hardin Baylor University to become an accountant. She later married my grandpa and adopted my aunt, Joanna, and my dad, Dave. She has played the piano since she was a little girl and loves music with her whole heart. She loves animals, particularly cats, and recently got one which she named "Oreo". She likes making chocolate cakes and giving kisses to all of her grandchildren. She is one of around 4 million Americans with Alzheimer's Disease.

Most of you know that I'm a sophomore in high school, and at my school all 10th graders are required to do a cumulative project over the course of the year about a world issue that we would like to solve or bring awareness to. I chose to do mine about Alzheimer's Disease, and more specifically, the use of music as a treatment for this disease. 

Music is well known as a brain stimulate that promotes cognitive function in almost every part of the brain. The area of the brain where music is processed is also one of the last places affected by Alzheimer's Disease. It's not hard to put two and two together here. Music can help us change the game with Alzheimer's.

Music medicine is essentially the practice of music therapy by someone who isn't certified in the latter. You strategically play music to affect the patient's mood, behaviors, and even potentially slow down their disease. Playing music from the individual's "prime time" (or the between the ages of 18-25), playing music with distinct percussive sounds (i.e. toe-tapper songs), and engaging while listening to music (i.e. dancing or singing along) are all strategies for administering music medicine. 

I have seen first hand the effects of music on my grandmother. It dramatically changes her mood for the better and I know it helps with some of her behavioral issues as well. All of us grand kids and both of her kids play an instrument and she lights up when she hears any of us play. I play the piano, and watching her listen to me play is one of the most rewarding things I'll ever do. 

I also believe that this form of treatment is very promising. I've created this infographic to bring more awareness to caregivers about music medicine in the home, and would greatly appreciate if y'all would share it. 

Alzheimer's Disease is also one of the only leading causes of death that doesn't receive good government funding. We have made leaps and strides in raising awareness and money, but if you would consider making a contribution of your own (big or small), it will help us in the fight to end Alz. You can donate here.

I am so grateful to have this little spot to share my thoughts and I hope y'all understand how passionate I am about this disease and helping those affected by it. I appreciate you reading and hope you've learned something from it.

Thank you again, 

Follow me on:

Twitter: @beautynblazers

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Contact me at:

beautyandblazers@gmail.com

*Disclaimer: This post was not sponsored or endorsed in any way and all opinions expressed are my own.*