Renee Lynn Frojo is an amazing woman, mom, writer, photographer, leader, and entrepreneur. We originally met Renee at a foodie event many years ago and instantly connected. Renee has a vibe about her that is so inviting and warm. She’s traveled the world and she’s easily able to relate to people. Her smile is heart-warming and her laughter is infectious. It’s fun to have a good time. Not only is Renee super talented, she’s also a connector and incredible entrepreneur. As co-founder of Taavi (Takes a Village), she knows the importance of building a strong community that empowers women and parents. Cheers to making the world a smaller and better place. 

To celebrate Mother’s Day, Renee is sharing some of her favorite gifts to give to the special women in your life. These gift ideas will bring joy and comfort – what all women need every day.

1. Fellow Carter travel mug: It’s a rare and special day when I get to drink a full cup of my morning coffee before running out the door for the goat rodeo that’s school drop off. So, I need something that allows me to take my coffee on the road. I’ve gone through many travel mugs, and Fellow’s is by far my favorite. It’s minimal and sleek, it comes in pretty colors (like sage green), the lid stays snug, and it keeps my coffee hot—but not so hot that I can’t drink it. 
   
2. Superstar by MIJA: Morning rituals are important and I like having Superstar after my morning cup of coffee. While I do my best to eat a well-balanced diet of whole foods, I definitely need a boost of this superfood supplement to keep me going strong. Maintaining my health means everything.
   
3. DRAM waters: Just as I need a coffee in the morning to fuel my day, I need a drink at night to bring me back down. These little DRAM sparkling hemp and CBD-infused drinks are the best alternative to alcohol that do nothing more than take the edge off. Made with all sorts of berries and leaves and mushrooms and bitters, they also taste delicious. I recommend these so often to people I feel like I should start getting a commission cut. 
   
4. TAAVI Membership: I don’t think I could’ve survived early motherhood without a community of other supportive new mothers around me. That’s where TAAVI came in. It groups you with pregnant and postpartum moms in the same stages of motherhood and gives you access to resources and professionals ready and willing to answer your most pressing questions (of which there are a lot in those early stages!) You can buy a gift subscription for a new mom by emailing the founder jessica@jointaavi.com. 
   
5. Aaptiv: Another app I love is Aaptiv. Since having kids, the only way I’ve been able to consistently exercise is by carving out 15 to 30-minute windows of time to do workouts at home. I love Apptive because I can choose the type of workout I want (strength training, running, yoga), the trainer I like, the duration, intensity, body part focus and anything else I could think of. I mostly do 20-minute HIIT and Barre workouts and I’ve never been fitter. True story.
   
6. Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer: These, in my opinion, are the most perfect lip balms on the market. They stay on for a long time, they’re nontoxic and the rhubarb and cherry flavors give just the perfect amount of natural tint without looking too red. 
   
7. Origins Plantscriptions Overnight Mask: This was a game changer for my skincare routine. After I started using this overnight cream, nothing else could ever compare. And, my skin has never looked better. Love this stuff. Love. It.
   
8. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides: Another thing I’m convinced is helping my skin, hair and nails is Vital Proteins original collagen peptides. I put a scoop in my tea (after that my coffee) every single day. I can’t say for certain, but I’m convinced it works to keep everything looking and feeling healthy. Well, that and a good night’s sleep.
   
9. Heath Ceramics Flower Pots: Okay, so I’m a sucker for most Heath Ceramic pottery (remarkably, the dishware doesn’t shatter), but the little pots are the perfect gift for anyone and any style. Just make sure you get their color scheme right. 
   
10. Chatbooks: In my opinion, there’s nothing more sentimental or special than a framed photograph for a gift. In fact, I gift myself these things all the time! I love Chatbooks because it’s so easy and seamless to print photos as stand-alone cards or little books of a collection of photos. It takes the memories off my phone and puts them on the coffee table, where the whole family enjoys them often. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. 

POWER UP— The antidote for the post-hump day slump? Our Superstar Energy Balls! Add in your favorite nut butter, along with Superstar for a loaded dose of yummy, and good-for-you fats, energy-boosting superfoods, stress-alleviating adaptogens, and body-replenishing antioxidants.

Ingredients

½ cup rolled oats, ground into a fine-coarse flour

1 cup almonds, coarsely ground

¼ cup peanut butter powder (or flour)

1 Tbsp MIJA Superstar

½ cup cashew butter (or any nut butter of choice)

1 ½ Tbsp honey

1 ½ Tbsp coconut oil

Pinch of sea salt

Toppings (optional):

Coconut shavings and Cacao nibs

Directions

In a food processor or blender, combine the oats and almonds and grind into a fine flour. Add Superstar and blend. Add the cashew butter, coconut oil, and all remaining ingredients.

Mix with the processor or blender until combined and hand roll into balls. Put balls in the refrigerator until chilled and hardened (est. 3 to 5 hours) and enjoy.

Serving size: 20 Energy Balls

Happy Year of the Water Tiger! There’s much to look forward to in the New Year. Let’s go over the prevailing concepts that will shape this year:

• The Year of the Tiger is about adventure, boldness, and courage. Take chances, chase dreams, and embrace passions.
• The Water Element represents flexibility, malleability, and maneuverability. Face challenges with creativity.
• The Tiger is a ‘Yang’ animal, while the Water is a “Yin” element. Expect big energies. While this may sound intimidating, it also brings balance. Water’s fluidity is a respite to the high-octane nature of the Tiger. Similarly this is the year to go all out, but also remain flexible, and open.

Here’s what to watch for:

• The Tiger and Water Element are both active Qi signs, and don’t do well with stagnancy. Replenish with kidney Qi supporting foods such as functional mushrooms, ginger, and goji berry – all in our Superstar supplement.
• Digestion will be a major area of interest this year. Healthy digestion enhances the mind-gut connection, clears mental fog to help with creativity, and breaks up stagnant Qi. Our Superstar contains Cacao, Ginger, Turmeric, Moringa Leaf, and Nutritional Yeast that improve digestion and gut health.
  

1. Superstar by MIJA: Because loving yourself means taking care of yourself from the inside out, I’ll give a jar of Superstar to my dearest friends who value Wellness from Within. Optimize your health by filling in the nutritional gaps – Superstar is where it’s at.

2. Liquid Courage by YÜLI: Giving the gift of anti-aging love through an antioxidant-packed face oil and serum in one is a fabulous gift. And the name says it all, when you want to feel fierce and confident, Liquid Courage is my go-to powerhouse for radiant, glowing skin.

3. Sage Cleansing Oil by Monastery: I love going to bed with a fresh face free of all the dirt and makeup that’s accumulated during the day and I know my friends do, too. It’s great to give a gift that removes the day’s grime while hydrating the skin and protecting it. Make it your daily self-care ritual.

4. Lab-03 Rooted Lip, Cheek, & Lid Balm by Olio E Osso: Having soft, kissable lips with a boost of color is always desirable. This 3-in-1 lip balm is also made with edible, natural ingredients because what we put on our skin, we should be able to ingest safely. And when you buy this for a friend, you’re also paying it forward because 50% of the proceeds go to Portland’s Wild Diversity, a nonprofit which supports BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.

5. Cashmere Aromatherapy Eye-Pillow by Bodha: Relaxing with the fresh scent of lavender and chamomile while relieving facial tension through the softest eye-pillow is a must for anyone who ever experiences an ounce of stress. I always want my friends to feel blissful and rejuvenated after resting their eyes.

6. Organic Grow Kits by Back to the Roots: Growing your own herbs, microgreens, lavender, and more in a windowsill planter box is so special. My friends can live anywhere while enjoy their own, personal herb gardens from sustainable, organic farmers.

7. Black Truffle Sea Salt 10% by Selezione Tartufi: Literally, this salt is packed with 10% of black truffle flakes. I’m obsessed with black truffles and could devour them daily over almost any meal. Your friends’ mouths will be orgasming with this burst of flavor.

8. Chocolate by Dandelion in San Francisco: When every bite of chocolate gives you an experience of distinct flavors, you have to share this with others. For friends who have a sweet tooth, they’ll find magic with each bite. And there are lots of gift and sampler options.

9. The Date Gift Box by Just Dates: It includes 1 pound of organic medjool dates, 3 bottles of Just Date Syrup, and The Date Cookbook. Date syrup is super yummy and made with just 1 ingredient – dates. It’s literally the tastiest, all natural syrup to add to any recipe requiring that extra sweet love.

10. Meat to the Side: A Plant Forward Guide to Bringing Balance to Your Plate by Liren Baker (aka Kitchen Confidante). I’m such a fan of Liren’s cookbook. The recipes are made from the heart and she puts so much love into her food, you leave feeling satiated and delighted. We use this cookbook weekly in our home.
    

Get your daily dose of anthocyanins and vitamin C with this sweet Wild Berry Blast Superstar Smoothie. Your taste buds will tingle with bliss and your skin will feel vibrant and radiating.

Serves 1; Serving size: 12 ounces

Ingredients

½ frozen banana
¾ cup frozen mixed berries (any berry of choice)
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
2 tsp MIJA Superstar

Toppings (Optional)
1 tsp hemp seeds
1 tsp coconut shavings
1 Tbsp dried pichuberries or golden berries
1 fresh strawberry, sliced
2-3 fresh raspberries

Supplies Needed

Blender

Directions

In a blender, mix the smoothie ingredients. Once blended to desired consistency, pour into a cup and garnish with toppings.

Purchase SUPERSTAR