Thrive Causemetics Launches New Sheer Strength® Hydrating Shine Lip Tint!
NEW YORK, NY - June 24 2025 - Thrive Causemetics is excited to announce the launch of their Sheer Strength Hydrating Shine Lip Tint ($26). Treat your lips to a wash of balmy color fueled by 24-Hour Moisture Lock Complex™ for long-lasting hydration! This is a lip-perfecting, lightweight formula that instantly rejuvenates lips to create a smooth, conditioned surface for optimal color laydown. Go through your day with confidence knowing your lips are protected and moisturized with a hint of tint. Now available on ThriveCausemetics.com.
All-Day Hydration - Fueled by 24-Hour Moisture Lock Complex™ and a unique blend of botanical oils, this tinted balm deeply conditions lips and locks in hydration morning to night, even hours after applying.Hint of Tint - 8 versatile shades, designed to enhance your natural lip color with a wash of buildable sheer color and a radiant, healthy-looking finish.Effortless Comfort - Infused with skin-loving ingredients like Mango and Shea Butters, this formula glides on seamlessly for always-comfortable, never-drying wear.
About Thrive CausemeticsThrive Causemetics and Bigger Than Beauty Skincare is a high-performance makeup and skincare company with a “bigger than beauty” mission. All of the products are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without parabens and sulfates. For every product purchased, Thrive Causemetics donates to help communities thrive. Since 2015, Thrive Causemetics has donated over $150 million in funds and products to over 600 Giving Partners.
Enterprising 28 Year Old Inventor Could Hold the Key to Solving This Global Health Crisis This 28 year old inventor and startup CEO just may save us from one of the most menacing health threats of our time. No, it’s not alcohol, cigarettes, or cholesterol. We’re talking about plastic, that common household material of convenience used in everything from resealable bags, food storage containers, and shampoo bottles to single use utensils and straws, water bottles, baby bottles and children’s toys (including some teething toys). One could argue it’s become a human addiction, but at what cost? Plastic adoption by the public significantly increased in the post-World War II era, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. With it’s sharp increase also came a sharp and steady decline in human fertility, According to the National Library of Medicine, “Over the past half-century, the world has witnessed a steep decline in fertility rates in virtually every country on Earth.” The connection had largely been shrugged off, along with many other steadily growing health complications, that is until now. Infertility isn’t the only issue, not by a long shot.A 2025 USA TODAY article sounds the alarm, stating “Evidence is accumulating that microplastics found nearly everywhere are also invading our bodies. The world has a plastic problem and it seems to be getting worse. A study released in late April found that chemicals in plastics were potentially associated with as many as 350,000 heart disease deaths globally in 2018.”The Washington Post backs up these studies, stating in another recent 2025 article, “Reports published in 2025 link exposure to specific chemicals found in plastics, known as phthalates, to a significant number of heart disease deaths worldwide. “The USA TODAY article continues, “Evidence is also accumulating that the microplastic bits now found everywhere in our environment – from Antarctica to the Amazon – are invading our bodies and have been implicated in everything from heart disease to infertility. In addition, the chemicals used in plastic can leach out into food, potentially increasing risks for obesity, heart disease and other ailments.The nation's new Health and Human Services Secretary, [Robert F. Kennedy Jr.],” historically branded an alarmist and conspiracy theorist, has been vindicated on many fronts, including this one. The USA TODAY article goes on to state that Kennedy, “has historically been skeptical of the safety of plastics, writing in 2023, "Some of the toxic chemicals used in everyday items such as plastic packaging can cause cancer and birth defects."60 Minutes Australia did a recent report declaring there are “potentially toxic chemicals hidden in [plastic] baby bottles.”It’s clear we have a massive problem. We’ve come to rely on plastic, but traditional petroleum-based plastics are being exposed as the new cigarette smoking, or worse. So, what’s the solution? Dillon Baxter (pictured, left) is the 28 year old inventor of PlantSwitch.PlantSwitch is a material that looks, feels, and performs identically to plastic, only it’s made from plants. Baxter’s plant plastic sheds zero harmful microplastics into our bodies or into the environment. Unlike traditional plastic, which takes an average of 1,000 years to break down in landfills, PlantSwitch plastic breaks down in just weeks in standard home countertop or backyard compost bins and does not require industrial compost bins as previous attempts at alternative plastics have. Baxter’s plastic is derived from agricultural waste that had previously been discarded by the farming community who didn’t have a clue about its potential to remake an entire industry, as well as our health and environment. It is, in fact, according to Baxter, “the key to solving our plastic problem.” Americans use roughly 37 million tons of plastic, annually. And a lot of it is making its way into our reproductive organs, our hearts and blood vessels, our livers, and it is even crossing the blood-brain barrier. A PlantSwitch fork (left) after composting vs. a different alternative plastic after composting PlantSwitch plastic is made from materials like rice husks, flax, hemp and wheat straw which creates zero harm to the planet and our bodies. PlantSwitch has been embraced by VC investors, Federal grants and other mission-driven investing partners. The company opened their U.S.-based 52,000 square foot manufacturing facility in early 2024 to accommodate the growing demand for PlantSwitch’s plant-derived plastic. Widely adopted, PlantSwitch has partnered with major national food brands like Taylor Farms and national retail chains like Walmart and Costco. They are in talks with additional conglomerates from national fast food chains to cosmetics brands. How did PlantSwitch become the leader in alternative plastic?In addition to the safety, efficacy, and convenience of its material, PlantSwitch plastic is the first company to produce a true drop-in solution for companies, making it the most affordable alternative plastic available. PlantSwitch plastic pellets are compatible with existing plastic processing and molding machinery, so industries do not have to invest in new machinery. PlantSwitch plastic is currently being molded into products like utensils, bowls, plates, packaging, straws, jars, lids, coffee pods, cosmetics containers, medical devices and more; with the capability to be produced in most colors for branding.Right now the company is working on a way to produce clear plastic that can eventually replace petroleum plastic water bottles and re-sealable storage bags
How Shifting Consumer Demand Patterns are Contributing to High Egg Prices
Avian influenza may be the biggest factor driving egg prices higher, but rising consumption and demand for specialty eggs are also playing role
DENVER (February 6, 2025)—U.S. consumers are facing a prolonged period of higher egg prices that will likely extend through the Easter holiday and well into 2025. Rising egg prices and increased volatility in the market are largely attributable to supply challenges brought on by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Since the current outbreak began impacting U.S. poultry farms in 2022, nearly 100 million table egg laying hens have been affected.
However, HPAI is not the only factor contributing to the supply and demand imbalance driving egg prices higher. Consumer demand for eggs has skyrocketed in recent years, with per capita consumption growing 20% from 2016-2019. Demand has also shifted away from conventional eggs as more consumers are choosing cage-free and other types of specialty eggs – further complicating the supply challenges. As well, nine states have enacted laws that require eggs sold in their states to be from cage-free hens.
According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the increase in overall demand for eggs, combined with the growing preference for specialty eggs, is exacerbating the impact of tight supplies precipitated by HPAI. The confluence of all three factors is prolonging the timeline for bringing egg supply and demand into closer alignment. Until then, retail egg prices will remain elevated.
“Egg demand was relatively stable in the early 2000s and seasonality played a much bigger role in peak demand periods than it does today,” said Brian Earnest, lead animal protein economist with CoBank. “While seasonality remains an influencing factor, egg use has grown dramatically over the last 20 years. “Eggs have become a staple item for innovation in quick-service restaurant entrees, and marketing trends like the emergence of all-day breakfast have significantly boosted egg demand.”
Rising demand for cage-free eggs has also outpaced supply in recent years. Currently, more than 120 million or roughly 40% of the table egg layers in U.S. commercial flocks are housed in cage-free production systems. That compares with just 30 million layers housed in cage-free systems in 2015. While the growth in supply of cage-free eggs has been substantial, more will be needed to adequately meet demand projections.
Total egg laying hen inventories, including conventionally raised hens, have not been substantially depleted from where they were at the beginning of the HPAI outbreak. Commercial operators who have been impacted have moved swiftly to repopulate hens. Through January 2025, the U.S. egg industry has 8% fewer egg-laying hens than it did two years ago. But HPAI has evolved to become a persistent, year-round threat to production.
“The last widespread outbreak of HPAI in 2015 was largely seasonal with most cases occurring during the winter and spring migration periods for wild birds,” said Earnest. “That seasonality appears to be gone. During the current outbreak, HPAI has been detected in birds or other species nearly every month since the outbreak began in February 2022.”
CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 77,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country.
CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.
2x the Calories, 2.8x the Sodium: Trump’s Diet Under the Microscope
President Donald J. Trump's diet may not be for the faint-hearted, and definitely not for those who try to limit their calories, sodium, sugar and fat intake.
A newly released analysis from Healthnews reveals that President Donald J. Trump’s daily meal plan may substantially exceed dietary recommendations, especially for his age group.
At 78 years old, President Trump became the oldest person to be inaugurated president. The candidates' age and health were common concerns during the presidential campaign, although most of the criticism was directed at Trump’s initial opponent, former President Joe Biden.
Diet undoubtedly plays an important role in determining health, especially in aging individuals. It is recommended that older adults limit foods high in unhealthy fats and avoid empty calories.
However, the current President seems to be going in the exact opposite direction since his publicly documented food choices—including multiple Big Macs, milkshakes, and significant amounts of Diet Coke—suggest Trump’s daily caloric intake exceeds 4,600 calories, roughly 2.3 times the recommended level for men his age, considering he does not skip breakfast.
The Healthnews team analyzed the nutritional value of Donald Trump’s diet, focusing on a day when he indulges more than usual and includes breakfast, a meal he often skips.
In short, on "feast days," when he doesn't skip breakfast, his meal plan looks like this:
Breakfast: Bacon and eggs.
Lunch: A very well-done steak with ketchup.
Dinner: Two Big Macs, two Filet-O-Fish sandwiches, and a small milkshake.
Snacks: A bag of Doritos.
Drinks: 12 Diet Cokes throughout the day.
The nutritional breakdown of such a diet is the following:
Calories: 4,653 kcal
Fat: 250 g (Saturated fat: 68 g, Trans fat: 3.9 g)
Cholesterol: 830 mg
Carbohydrates: 416 g (Fiber: 15 g, Total sugars: 106 g, Added sugars: 79 g)
Protein: 184 g
Sodium: 6,419 mg
Caffeine: 552 mg
Key Micronutrients:
Vitamin D: 2.23 mcg
Calcium: 1,283 mg
Iron: 24 mg
Potassium: 3,773 mg
Sodium and calories are off the charts
The number of calories Trump consumes on a day of full eating exceeds the United States dietary guidelines recommendationsaround 2x, which estimate that men 76 years old and older need around 2,000–2,400 kcal per day, depending on their physical activity level.
An average American consumes too much sodium, and while Trump is by no means an average guy, his diet is no exception, with 6,419 mg of sodium daily. According to USDA guidelines, men 51 years old and older should consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. The current President exceeds the recommended daily sodium intake by around 2.8 times.
Sommer Ray’s Wellness Brand, Imaraïs Beauty, Launches Nationwide at Target!
The best-selling plant-based wellness brand expands its reach to Target locations nationwide
Los Angeles, CA – February 3, 2025 –Imaraïs Beauty, the innovative plant-based ingestible beauty and wellness brand founded by media personality Sommer Ray and supplement industry veteran Aaron Hefter, is proud to announce its nationwide launch in Target stores and online. Located in the beauty section, customers and fans across the United States will now be able to discover Imaraïs Beauty’s innovative product line in stores.
Integrating the latest developments and ingredients in beauty, plant-based nutrition, and functional foods, Imaraïs Beauty has created a revolutionary approach to beauty and wellness, disrupting the industry with a complete range of ingestible beauty gummies which are PETA-certified vegan, cruelty-free, sugar-free, gelatin-free, gluten-free, and clinically proven. The delicious gummies support a range of beauty, health and wellness goals, including GLOW skincare, CLARITY anti-blemish, DE-PUFF anti-bloating, NOURISH haircare, YOUTH anti-aging, and SUTRA sexual wellness.
High Res Imagery"The launch of Imaraïs Beauty at Target is a dream come true," says Sommer Ray, co-founder of Imaraïs Beauty. "We’ve worked tirelessly to create products that deliver real results with plant-based ingredients, and now we’re making them more accessible than ever. I’m excited for Target shoppers across the country to experience the benefits of ingestible beauty and join our mission to feel confident and radiant from the inside out." "At Imaraïs Beauty, our mission has always been to redefine beauty from the inside out, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring our ingestible beauty line to Target stores nationwide. This launch allows our products to be more accessible to everyone, and we’re thrilled to share our innovative approach with Target’s community of beauty and wellness enthusiasts," says Aaron Hefter, Co-Founder of Imaraïs Beauty. To celebrate the launch, the brand will offer opportunities for customers to connect with the brand through live experiential events and digital content featuring Sommer Ray herself. In addition, 2X Gold Medalist & reigning NCAA national college basketball champion Chloe Kitts has joined the team, and Selling Sunset star, Bre Tiesi, has recently joined the team as a Global Ambassador and Investor, set to star in various brand campaigns. Bridging the gap between beauty, lifestyle, health and wellness, Imaraïs Beauty’s arrival at Target’s beauty aisle invites customers nationwide to join the growing community of ingestible beauty enthusiasts. Imaraïs Beauty retails for $24.99 for a one month supply and is now available to shop online and nationwide in stores at Target and on www.target.com, and www.imaraisbeauty.com.
Convenience Stores Evolve to Become True Food Destinations
Variety of offerings, private label brands and loyalty programs fuel in-store sales growth
DENVER (January 29, 2025)—Convenience stores are intensifying their focus on foodservice offerings to drive foot traffic, in-store sales growth and frequency of repeat visits. Strong consumer interest in prepared foods, commissary and beverage options has led convenience stores, often referred to as c-stores, to compete much more aggressively with quick service restaurants and fast-food chains.
The focus on offering a wider variety of prepared and ready-to-eat food items is clearly paying off, as c-stores registered record sales in 2023. Those gains are largely attributable to in-store sales, which grew 8% year-over-year in both 2022 and 2023 according to Circana, well ahead of overall inflation numbers for both food at and away from home. While sales appeared to soften in 2024, a Convenience Store News survey found two-thirds of c-store retailers predict total sales per store will grow in 2025.
According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the line between grocery stores, quick-service restaurants and c-stores will continue to blur, intensifying competition across the foodservice and retail grocery spectrum. C-store chains are increasingly viewing QSR and traditional fast-food chains as their chief competition and tailoring their food offerings to match if not exceed competitors’ menu options.
“Convenience stores have evolved from their gas-fueled beginnings to become true food and beverage destinations,” said Billy Roberts, food & beverage economist with CoBank. “Food service is the future for c-stores, and we expect they’ll continue to emulate their competitors with a greater variety of freshly prepared items, along with more attention to signature menu items and private label products.”
The emergence of c-stores as formidable destinations for prepared foods hasn’t gone unnoticed by major food manufacturers. Several leading food brands have taken the merger and acquisition route to enter the c-store channel. J.M. Smucker cites c-store distribution as an important reason behind its early 2024 acquisition of Hostess Brands.
Similarly, Hormel Foods dramatically expanded its c-store penetration with its 2021 purchase of Planters and Corn Nuts brands. Hormel has subsequently leveraged those newfound distribution relationships to bring more of its products to c-stores, including pizza toppings and bacon.
C-store kitchens are seeking quick and easily prepared products. Hormel is among the suppliers that has found c-stores to be something of a testing ground for new flavors and product concepts. For example, the key distinction of Hormel’s Bacon 1 isn’t necessarily flavor but ease for the operator. The fully cooked product heats quickly, enabling c-store operators to easily add bacon to a host of their menu options.
Customer loyalty programs are also playing a significant role in the success c-stores have had with food sales and repeat visits. Several c-stores have developed loyal followings on a near-nationwide scale. The 2024 Loyalty Trend Report from Paytronix finds at least 80% of c-stores’ loyalty program members in the top half of loyalty transaction visits per store every month.
“This enthusiasm for loyalty programs will be a tool that c-stores look to sharpen as they attempt to claim more traffic from restaurants, which have seen weak results of late,” said Roberts.
CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 77,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country.
CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.
Get ready to pucker up! I am thrilled to announce the launch of Legions TWO brand new, mouth-watering Creatine Gummy flavors: Sour Watermelon and Sour Blue Raspberry! 🎉
Use code: trainitright of 20% off your first order and then for points on your account orders after!
These new sour flavors are packed with the same great creatine you expect, now with a tangy twist that's perfect for a pre- or post-workout treat.
Effective: Delivering 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving, supported by 19 peer-reviewed scientific studies showing it boosts muscle and strength gain, improves muscular endurance, reduces muscle damage and soreness, and more.
Convenient: Easy to take on the go, no water or mixing required.
High-Quality: Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients in NSF-certified and FDA-inspected facilities that adhere to Current Good Manufacturing Practice standards. They also contain no artificial fillers, food dyes, or other chemical junk, and are analyzed for purity and potency in a state-of-the-art ISO 17025 accredited lab.
Backed by Science: Our formula and dose are supported by 19 peer-reviewed scientific studies.
Transparent: Total formulation transparency (no proprietary blends).
Risk-Free: Backed by our “No Return Necessary” money-back guarantee. If your followers don’t absolutely love our creatine gummies, just have them let us know, and we’ll give a full refund on the spot. No forms or returns necessary.
Big News: I’m Officially Partnering with Legion Supplements!
Version 1.0.0
I’m beyond excited to announce that I now have a special code with Legion Supplements, one of the top supplement brands in the fitness industry!
Why Legion?
Legion isn’t just another supplement company. They’re dedicated to creating products backed by science, formulated with clinically effective doses, and made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients. Here’s what makes Legion stand out:
No artificial junk: No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.
Transparency: Every product lists its ingredients and dosages—no proprietary blends, no guessing.
Science-driven formulas: Each product is carefully formulated based on research and clinical studies to ensure it delivers real results.
Third-party tested: You know exactly what you’re putting into your body.
Why I’m Excited to Partner with Legion
As a fitness coach, kinesiologist, and IFBB Pro, I’ve always been passionate about fueling my body with the best. Legion aligns perfectly with my mission to help others achieve their goals in a healthy and sustainable way. Whether you're aiming to build muscle, improve performance, or boost recovery, their supplements provide the support you need.
What This Means for You
You can now use my exclusive code to save on all your Legion purchases! Keep an eye on my page for recommendations, tips, and reviews of my favorite products from their lineup.
I’m thrilled to partner with a brand that truly cares about quality and results. If you’ve been looking for supplements to take your fitness journey to the next level, Legion is the way to go!
Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s crush our goals together!
You can save 20% on your first order with code: trainitright and then use the code to collect reward points on your following orders!
Alicia Bell - Online Coach
After nearly two years of consultations, the federal government announced last week that healthcare practitioners other than doctors, such as nurse practitioners, pharmacists and midwives, can provide medically necessary care and it will be covered by the public healthcare system.
The changes, which take effect on April 1, 2026, mean more people will have access to care, helping to alleviate pressure on walk-in clinics and emergency rooms.
Mr. Jankowski warmly welcomed the federal health minister’s decision because it helped to clarify the Canada Health Act and opened the door to the private sector playing a bigger role in helping to improve Canada’s healthcare system with public tax dollars.
With that said, he is worried about where the provinces will find the funds to pay for the new services, and is concerned existing services could suffer if provinces shift money to fund them.
My Honest Review of the Oura Ring
As a fitness enthusiast and coach, I’m always on the lookout for tools to optimize performance and recovery. I’ve been using the Oura Ring, and here’s my honest take on its pros and cons. I have had mine for a little over a year. It was originally a gift from a friend who said it is better than the WHOOP. So he gifted me one to prove it to me.
My Oura Ring
Pros
Exceptional Sleep Tracking: The sleep insights are incredibly detailed and accurate. It’s been a game-changer in helping me understand my sleep patterns and recovery.
Real-Time HR Monitoring: I love the real-time heart rate feature—it’s helpful for tracking stress and overall health metrics throughout the day.
Focus on Holistic Health: The ring gives great indicators for sleep, stress, and readiness, which are vital for maintaining balance, even for athletes like me.
Sleek Design: It’s discreet and stylish, which makes it easy to wear all day.
Cons
Battery Life: My ring dies every 3–4 days, which feels a bit short for a device designed for continuous wear.
Durability: I chose the black ring, and I’ve noticed the surface wearing off over time. If you’re considering this ring, you might want to opt for a different finish to avoid the same issue.
Limited Activity Recognition: Unlike the Whoop or Apple Watch, the Oura Ring doesn’t automatically recognize or prompt for activities, which can be frustrating for tracking workouts.
App Experience: The app could use a redesign. It feels a bit jumbled, and finding specific stats isn’t as intuitive as it could be.
Target Audience: While it’s great for the average person, it feels more general in its approach and less tailored to athletes who need more granular activity tracking.
Final Thoughts The Oura Ring is a solid choice if you’re looking to optimize sleep and stress management. It’s not perfect—especially for someone with a high-performance lifestyle—but it’s a great tool for gaining insights into your overall health.
Plastic adoption by the public significantly increased in the post-World War II era, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. With it’s sharp increase also came a sharp and steady decline in human fertility, According to the National Library of Medicine, “Over the past half-century, the world has witnessed a steep decline in fertility rates in virtually every country on Earth.” The connection had largely been shrugged off, along with many other steadily growing health complications, that is until now. Infertility isn’t the only issue, not by a long shot.A 2025 USA TODAY article sounds the alarm, stating “Evidence is accumulating that microplastics found nearly everywhere are also invading our bodies. The world has a plastic problem and it seems to be getting worse. A 
So, what’s the solution? Dillon Baxter (pictured, left) is the 28 year old inventor of PlantSwitch.PlantSwitch is a material that looks, feels, and performs identically to plastic, only it’s made from plants. Baxter’s plant plastic sheds zero harmful microplastics into our bodies or into the environment. Unlike traditional plastic, which takes an average of 1,000 years to break down in landfills, 
How did PlantSwitch become the leader in alternative plastic?In addition to the safety, efficacy, and convenience of its material, PlantSwitch plastic is the first company to produce a true drop-in solution for companies, making it the most affordable alternative plastic available. PlantSwitch plastic pellets are compatible with existing plastic processing and molding machinery, so industries do not have to invest in new machinery. PlantSwitch plastic is currently being molded into products like utensils, bowls, plates, packaging, straws, jars, lids, coffee pods, cosmetics containers, medical devices and more; with the capability to be produced in most colors for branding.Right now the company is working on a way to produce clear plastic that can eventually replace petroleum plastic water bottles and re-sealable storage bags
