Author: Kimberly West

Style+Life+Fashion is the brainchild of Kimberly West, a consultant, and on-air lifestyle expert. Although Kim started blogging as a hobby due to her love for Fashion, she quickly gained a loyal following as a respected industry expert and contributor for numerous fashion websites. She seeks to provide the latest trends as well as educate consumers about all aspects of fashion. Kim has hosted television segments as a fashion and lifestyle expert with ABC 33/40, WBRC Fox6, ABC2 News, Fox 45 WBFF, The List Baltimore, and WBAL News. Her fashion interviews include well-known industry experts such as Tai Beauchamp, Tomima Edmark, Julie Weiss, Clinton Kelly, Gianni Rich, Darius Gibbs, Dean Banowetz, and Lilliana Vazquez. In addition, she’s interviewed reality star Queensly Felix and R&B Artist, Keyshia Cole. She has also collaborated with online features for Glamour Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, and Macy’s, and worked to stream digital content and video for New York Fashion Week 2010.
Birmingham /

Sparkling Ice Water and Recipes

Sparkling Ice has a new water product line.  This is awesome because you can take your health and beverage selection to the next level.  The carbonated water’s infused with natural flavors and zero calories.  My personal favorite is Peach Nectarine.

Customers can also enjoy Sparkling Ice in a variety of ways beyond sipping from a glass.  Did you know the product line’s used in recipes?  Take a look at the selections below:

NewEngland

Ingredients

SPARKLING ICE Cherry Limeade
Mint Leaves
Mashed cherries
Lime
Club soda

Salad-Dressing-3-Copy-1024x715

Yield – 1 cup

Prep Time – Less than 5 minutes

Ingredients

½ cup Peach Nectarine Sparkling ICE
½ cup seedless raspberry preserves
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Combine Sparkling ICE and preserves in a bowl and beat with a whisk until combined.
Whisk in Dijon mustard and black pepper.

Serving Suggestion:

Pairs well with cooled roasted beets, topped with walnuts, and blue cheese.

Toss dressing with baby spinach, red onion, goat cheese, and strawberries.

 

Pork-on-Grill-edited-Copy-1024x715

Yield 2 cups

Serves 6-8 people

Ingredients

2 Bottles Sparkling Ice Cherry Limeade
1/3 Cup Soy Sauce
5 Garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 Tablespoon Fresh Ginger, minced
1 Tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1 Teaspoon red pepper flake
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 lbs. Pork Tenderloin
Salt and Pepper
1/2 cup Scallion, sliced thinly

Directions

To prepare the marinade, whisk together Sparkling Ice Cherry Limeade, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, whole peppercorns, red pepper flake and olive oil in a large bowl.
Place pork tenderloin in a large zip lock bag or shallow baking dish.
Pour marinade over pork, cover or seal.
Refrigerate for 6 hours.
Remove pork from marinade and pat dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Reserve the liquid.
Place marinade in small saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Preheat your grill (medium high heat).
Place pork on pre-heated grill and close the cover. Turn and brush the pork with the simmered marinade every 5 minutes. Cook until meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork registers 145°F, about 15-20 minutes.
Rest for 10 minutes, slice and serve with scallions and warm marinade liquid.

All recipes are from Sparkling Ice.com

Accessories /

Workout Style – Mistakes You Should Avoid and Tips

Activewear for women has never been as exciting as it is today. From bold prints to more creative designs, it’s easier than ever to look good when you’re working out. As well as making you feel amazing about how you look, it can also help you have a more effective workout. But even with more choice, styles, and colors some of us are still not getting out workout style quite right. This can make us feel uncomfortable and lowers our enthusiasm for exercising. So if you want to create a unique and effective workout style, here are some common mistake you need to avoid.

Wearing clothes that are too tight or loose

Wearing active wear that doesn’t fit you correctly is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Clothing that is too loose will lack the support your body needs to avoid injury. The excess fabric can also easily get caught in the gym equipment which increases your chances of a fall. On the other hand, activewear that is too tight is also not a good idea either. It can cause you to overheat, restricts your movement and makes you feel very uncomfortable. This can make you feel unwell and also increases the risk of accidents and injury. To avoid making this mistake, buy activewear that is the right size and fits comfortably. Search for brands like Lorna Jane online for activewear in a range of different sizes.

 leaderboard_jan13_activelife3

Wearing too many accessories

While accessories can help transform an outfit, they aren’t always practical or safe for the gym. Long necklaces, for instance, can easily get caught in machinery or get tangled causing a strangulation hazard. The noise created by bangles when you move can also cause distractions that could force you to lose concentration. This could cause accidents and injuries to you and to others. To avoid this, keep your accessories to a minimum. Also, consider what accessories could help you have a more effective workout. Wristbands, headbands and fitness trackers might all be options you consider. Store your jewelry in a locker at your gym or keep them in your gym bag until your workout is over.

Only thinking about the color

The color of your activewear is often what makes it so appealing. The extensive range of colors available also means you can be bolder with what you wear. But only focusing on the color of your activewear can be a huge mistake. You may choose a pair of legging that coordinate perfectly with your favorite crop top, but the fit and quality of fabric might not be ideal. This can often result in you having to replace items regularly. Overtime, this can be a costly mistake to make. Instead of just choosing activewear based on color, think about the fabric, function and fit too. This will ensure you choose clothing that lasts longer while still looking good.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can create a workout wardrobe that’s comfortable, stylish and suitable. You’ll find that you are more eager than ever to get your fitness regime started.

collaborative post

Accessories /

Ivyrevel debuts Midnight Safari Collection

unnamed-65

IVYREVEL is a pioneering digital fashion brand proud to be supported by H&M GROUP, PAYPAL and selected influential business giants within digital technology which launched globally in April 2016.

“We are proud to be digital-only, breaking boundaries to create a new fashion heritage by merging fashion creativity with technological innovation,” says Dejan Subosic, Co-Founder of IVYREVEL.

IVYREVEL’s style is polished, bold and extrovert, with a focus on feminine silhouettes and a dressed-up attitude. The IVYREVEL woman is a “revelista” who uses online living to her own advantage, setting her own rules, looking for the next trend she spots on her feed, always sharing her cosmopolitan lifestyle on social media.

Most of the designs will be limited edition, adding particular uniqueness for a global offering. The product range will be constantly monitored and updated to meet customer’s needs: there will always be something new and unique at IVYREVEL.

Innovation is in the heart of IVYREVEL. The company is reshaping the traditional creative process – experimenting within the fields where human creativity is empowered by machine learning ability, creativity and workmanship.

“Technology as a source of creative expression within fashion is something that excites us. We will learn a great deal about the evolution of creativity by fusing these two worlds together,” says Dejan Subosic.

Customer data has long been a backbone of the fashion industry: IVYREVEL will pioneer new trend analysis that fully integrates multiple sources of data. Specially developed algorithms will enhance its design, creating the product its customers want and ensuring IVYREVEL truly understands its customers changing passions.

IVYREVEL is founding its own Fashion Tech Lab in Stockholm that will be tasked with blue-sky thinking to experiment with the future of fashion. Machine learning as part of the creative process, interactive fabrics, wearable tech, distribution, customer experience: the Fashion Tech Lab will ensure that IVYREVEL continues to innovate, and to stay at the forefront of 21st century fashion.

IVYREVEL is supported by its global partners. H&M GROUP is an investor and support within production and strategic advice. PAYPAL is a partner and advisor within payment and distribution.

IVYREVEL is also embarking on several progressive projects with some of the biggest tech companies in the world within areas of data and digital innovation.

“We are delighted to support the entrepreneurs at IVYREVEL on their journey to explore the merge of fashion creativity with technological innovation and in creating a fashion brand for women of the digital generation”, says Björn Magnusson, Head of H&M CO:LAB, part of H&M New Business.

IVYREVEL is founded by Dejan Subosic, Aleksandar Subosic, Kenza Zouiten and Gustav Springfeldt.

IVYREVEL is available exclusively on www.ivyrevel.com.

unnamed-71 unnamed-72 unnamed-73 unnamed-74

unnamed-68 unnamed-69 unnamed-70 unnamed-67 unnamed-66

International /

Robert’s Grove in Belize – SOFT ADVENTURE SUMMER TRAVEL

If the family has done Disney, is over Universal, and the annual summer vacation hangs in the balance, it’s time to kick your game up a notch with an action-packed, soft adventure family bonding trip to Robert’s Grove in Belize. This summer Robert’s Grove is offering families the fifth night free and one complimentary excursion per person.

An upscale, family-friendly property nestled on 22 acres along the Caribbean coast of the Placenia Peninsula in Southern Belize, Robert’s Grove is perfectly situated to take advantage of the world-class diving along the Western Hemisphere’s largest barrier reef or to explore lush rainforests, Mayan ruins, or simply go toes in the sand, drink in hand and relax.

Catering to families, Robert’s Grove offers suites and villas in addition to standard rooms, many of which overlook the ocean. Child-care services are available so Mom and Dad can also enjoy some alone time. There are three restaurants on property, the fine-dining Seaside Restaurant, the casual Habanero Mexican Café & Bar and the organic Sweet Mama’s. Meal plans are available.

Robert’s Grove provides a wide array of water and land-based excursions, but the most popular for families is the Explore Belize Package, which brings together the most popular activities into a no-brainer itinerary the entire family will love. Spend one day snorkeling in the crystal waters off of the Placencia Peninsula, another day taking in Mayan ruins and swimming through local caves, a third day on the child-favorite Monkey River tour to see and hear Howler monkeys and other wildlife, and the last day venturing into the Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve, the only reserve dedicated solely to the nocturnal jaguar, for hiking and river tubing. With all that excitement, plan to spend your complimentary fifth day relaxing by the crystal blue waters reflecting on all the family memories you just made.

unnamed (21) unnamed (22)

ABC /

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment – Safe Decorating for Kids Rooms

I was invited to host a lifestyle segment on ABC 33/40, Talk of Alabama and share safety tips for kids rooms. The segment was a lot of fun because I truly enjoy discussing new products with a local audience!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH:  TALK OF ALABAMA

The main focus was to bring safety awareness of products for kids rooms.  Parents must ask are home decor items functional and eliminate hazards for little ones?

As a mom, I love to decorate my kids room (especially in character themes) but there’s also consideration for electric plugs, heat consumption, contained storage bins, and comfortable sleep.

The products shown below are beneficial and can be successful in everyone’s home:

 

 1.  Blindsgalore (BG Kids Brand) Shade – recommends completely cordless blinds or shades when children in the home.  The company offers hundred of independently certified child safe blinds and shades.


2.  Kidzooz Pillow – Designed by a chiropractor, parent and grandparent, this is more than just a stuffed animal or pillow but a product that combines the two while encouraging good sleep habits.


3.  BPA Free Storage and Organizers –

  • Available in three colors – grey, pink and blue
  • Includes three pieces – a caddy, bucket and tote
  • The storage items are BPA Free and made of a durable canvas exterior.


4.  Interactive Finding Dory Wall Friend –  The interactive light-up, talking Wall Friend from uncle Milton toys is a perfect addition to a child’s bedroom.

  • Just touch the remote control button and watch as Dory lights up and talks with many fun, familiar phrases from the new Finding Dory movie.

 

Beauty /

SALLY HANSEN MIRACLE GEL SUMMER COLLECTION

[gdl_gallery title=”GALLERY_TITLE” width=”GALLERY_WIDTH” height=”IMAGE_HEIGHT” galid=”1″ ]
Give your nails the royal treatment! Sally Hansen Miracle Gel™ will keep your manicure looking majestic with up to 14 days of color and shine. The revolutionary, #1 zero light gel manicure system boasts seven new splendid hues in its “Royal Splendor” collection. The Miracle Gel™ 2X Volume Top Coat must be used in tandem with the Miracle Gel shades to experience the long-lasting benefits of its no-light curing technology.

 

The “Royal Splendor” collection features seven new regal shades:

 

  • Plush Blush This powder pink features a Hall Of Mirrors-esque iridescence
  • Frill Seeker Stop searching, you’ve arrived at the perfect resplendent, creamy-peach shade
  • Regal Rosé Wine and dine — or let them eat cake — in a sparkling pale peony
  • Mauve-olous Take the throne in this beige-tinged medium-pink tone
  • Off with her Red! Hold court with this vibrant, true red
  • Can’t Beet Royalty Bring it to the boudoir in this rich maroon
  • Prince Char-mint A refreshingly Versailles-worthy pale verdant hue

When applied over the Miracle Gel™ shades, the Miracle Gel™ Top Coat volumizes as it protects – more chip-resistant than regular nail polish! Once applied, this gel top coat provides a high-gloss finish and mirror shine. The result: The look of a gel manicure at home, without the trip to a salon! Miracle Gel’s two-step application is super-simple. First, apply two thin coats of Miracle Gel™ color to clean, bare nails. Then, apply one coat of the Miracle Gel™ Top Coat. Natural light cures the polish, yielding a manicure that resembles a UV / LED cured gel polish. It removes easily with regular nail polish remover.

Price & Availability: The Miracle Gel™ Royal Splendor Collection, SRP $9.99 each, hits shelves beginning July 2016.

Sally Hansen 1 Sally Hansen 2 Sally Hansen 3 Sally Hansen 4 Sally Hansen 5 Sally Hansen 6 Sally Hansen 7

Celebrity /

CFDA Awards 2016 – Red Carpet and Winners

Last night was The CFDA Awards 2016.  Celebrities graced the red carpet wearing plunging necklines, chiffon dresses, and tailored pantsuits.

Beyonce shocked fans and the fashion industry once again, being honored with the Fashion Icon Award.  This is no surprise for our website because the “Lemonade Queen” has so many diverse looks!  Additional highlights and winners include:

Marc Jacobs – Womenswear Designer of the Year

Gucci, Alessandro Michele – International Award

Thome Browne – Menswear Designer of the Year

Imran Amed – The Media Award
IMG_4622 FullSizeRender (18) FullSizeRender (19) FullSizeRender (21) FullSizeRender (22)

Beauty /

Pretty Summer Feet – Beauty Tips

52079154 The 2016 Los Angeles Film Festival Lowriders Premiere held at The Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood, California on 6/2/16. The 2016 Los Angeles Film Festival Lowriders Premiere held at The Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood, California on 6/2/16. Eva Longoria FameFlynet, Inc - Beverly Hills, CA, USA - +1 (310) 505-9876
52079154 The 2016 Los Angeles Film Festival Lowriders Premiere held at The Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood, California on 6/2/16.
The 2016 Los Angeles Film Festival Lowriders Premiere held at The Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood, California on 6/2/16.
Eva Longoria FameFlynet, Inc – Beverly Hills, CA, USA – +1 (310) 505-9876

Since we learned to walk, our feet have been supporting us. They walk us anywhere we want to go. They get us to the bus stop with three seconds to spare. And they dance into the early house in crazy high heels. For most of the year, we take our feet for granted. But in the summer months when the socks come off, we can no longer ignore them. Follow our simple steps to pretty summer feet.

  1. Scrub

This sounds obvious but in the summer months we sweat more. It’s important to keep feet clean and smelling fresh. Wash your feet at least twice a day. Scrub them with a brush and warm soapy water. Or, create a DIY foot scrub. Apply a generous amount of foot cream to keep them moisturized.

  1. Comfortable Shoes

The summer months are a great excuse to ditch the high heels. Not all of the time, of course, but for at least some of the time we can enjoy flats and sandals. Combine style and comfort with a pair of sandals, like Uggs. Shop around for an Ugg coupon code and other promos.

  1. Heels

Heels can be a problem area. They are a pressure point on our feet, and often hard skin builds up. After a while, it becomes dry and can crack. This is unsightly and painful. Treat yourself to regular at-home pedicures to remove hard skin. Use a foot file or pumice stone and gently rub away the problem areas. Always apply a good quality foot cream to prevent skin from drying out.

  1. Toenails

Keep toenails neat and short. Cut them regularly with toenail clippers. Cut straight across to avoid ingrowing toenails. File rough edges with an emery board.

Toenails are prone to fungal infections, and so it is important to keep them trimmed and clean. Apply some tea tree oil after cutting, to prevent infections.

  1. Nail Polish

Nail polish is the final touch if you’re wearing peep-toe shoes or sandals. However, don’t wear it all the time. It is important for your nails to rest.

  1. Blisters

Blisters are more common in the summer months. People tend to walk more when the weather is warmer. Blisters are caused by rubbing. Make sure your shoes fit well and wear them in before wearing them for long periods of time. Opt for shoes with absorbent insoles to absorb sweat. Or, alternatively, wear socks. This will prevent your feet slipping and sliding inside your shoes and rubbing against the sides. Keep some plasters in your handbag in case a blister develops.

  1. Sun Protection

When applying sun cream, don’t forget your feet. They need protection like every other part of your body. Apply a sunblock liberally and ensure you keep it topped up throughout the day.

  1. Smelly Feet

Your feet contain more sweat glands than any other part of the body. Odor is caused when the sweat breaks down. To prevent smelly feet take the following precautions:

  • Keep feet clean
  • Don’t wear the same shoes every day
  • Apply antiperspirant
  • Use insoles that can be removed and replaced
  • Wear shoes that allow air to circulate

 

Follow these simple steps to pretty, sandal-ready feet.

collaborative post