Month: April 2018

Accessories /

Ann Taylor Presents: Mother’s Day Gift Guide

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking of the perfect gift. Why settle for just flowers and a card, when Ann Taylor has all of the looks that will make her smile the whole season?

From bold hues to colorful prints, Ann Taylor has everything that will have Mom looking trendy, sophisticated and feminine.

Fashionable footwear, admirable accessories and desirable dresses are the perfect way to tell her “I love you!”

 

Celebrity /

Festival Fashion Celebrity Style: Coachella 2018

Coachella Festival is a time to be free and set the fashionable tone for summer activities.  The event is considered to be the epitome of boho chic with festival-goers wearing crochet tops and fanny packs.

This year, celebrities showcased their individual style.  Some went the traditional route of wearing floral tops while others selected rompers.

It was an eclectic mix of fashion!  There was definitely an influence of pop culture with bright colors and logo filled outfits.

 

 

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Owen Kolasinski/BFA/REX/Shutterstock (9629924q)
Cardi B
Moschino party, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Palm Springs, USA – 14 Apr 2018
WEARING VERSACE

Photo Images are from People Style

Accessories /

#Beychella 2018: The Fashion, Music, and Return of Destiny’s Child…Update

Beyonce performed for the annual Coachella Festival 2018.  This was a highly anticipated event-based upon her name alone.

The performance was streamed on Youtube with the hashtag #Beychella or #DestinysChild.

Kelly and Michelle joined the stage wearing camouflage inspired costumes.  Some are saying that it was the performance of the decade!

Beauty /

Festival Season Beauty Essentials From Josie Maran, Malin+Goetz, Rita Hazan & More.. Inbox x

With festival season approaching, you need these last-minute beauty essentials to help you feel a dash fresher during the day and night.

 

Rita Hazan Lock + Block Protective Spray ($26 at ritahazan.com)
A dry, weightless mist that locks in color and style, blocks out humidity and UV rays, and protects from premature color fading formulated for color-treated hair, but also protects natural hair color.

 

Josie Maran Moonstone Stick ($25 at sephora.com)
A multi-use highlighting and pore-smoothing glow stick infused with Pure Argan Oil and holographic priming pearls for a radiant glow on the go.

 

MALIN+GOETZ revitalizing eye gel ($42 at malinandgoetz.com)
Rejuvenate tired-looking eyes with this lightweight eye gel. Rice and soy protein amino acids brighten the overall eye area while cooling cucumber extracts soothe dry skin and help alleviate puffiness.

 

Rebels Refinery Dirty Boy Bamboo Face & Body Wipes ($7.99 at rebelsrefinery.com)
These natural face and body wipes can help any dirty boy or girl get clean. Rebels biodegradable, natural bamboo wipes are softer than the softest cotton and contain natural anti-fungal properties. Stay clean, cool and non-sticky in any “pinch” of a situation.
Beauty /

Mother’s Day Gift: The RESCUEHER for Busy Moms

The RESCUEHER kit in basic black, pink or white is the perfect gift for the busy mom.

Chock full of 34 high quality, must-have cosmetic, personal, and beauty essentials for the on-the-go mom, RESCUEHER ensures she is never left in a pinch.  With products like BB cream, lip gloss, a contour pallet, makeup wipes, Advil, tweezers, earring backs and crazy glue for that broken heel or nail, she’ll be covered thanks to your Mother’s Day gift.

This versatile bag is perfect to keep in the car or at work or in her suitcase while traveling; it even doubles as a cross-body bag for a night out with leftover room to fit her smartphone, credit cards, and other basics.

 

 

Accessories /

Looking Your Best: Quality Pieces and Seasonal Colors

The last few weeks have been extremely busy.  From moving into a new subdivision to developing my business structure.  Despite the busyness of life, I believe in looking your best.  This concept varies from day-to-day.

Featured Photo Pleated Shift Dress:  New York & Company

For example, crazy school mornings call for leggings and a pull-over.  While afternoon meetings include a blazer, jeans, and flats.  I dress according to the occasion; no heels at the grocery store.

Looking your best doesn’t have to cost a fortune.  Simple quality pieces can update any outfit.  For example, gold earrings, silk scarves, structured handbag, diamond studs, leather belt, and trench coat can pull together last-minute appearance.

Lately, I’m a huge believer in wearing seasonal colors.  Some of us love the classic tone of wearing black but why not try a Lavender t-shirt or Sky Blue earrings?  Fashion can be a fun experience when we coordinate and invest the time!

Leaving the news station with a client.

Belted Shirt Dress Comparison: Forever 21   | Sunglasses:  Target | Blanket Scarf Comparison:  Amazon | Handbag Comparison: Saks Fifth Avenue

Added Color Strip Extensions from Hairdo

Peplum Blazer:  Amazon | Denim Leggings:  Express | Handbag Comparison:  Belk

 

Accessories /

Recap | Style Fashion Week Palm Springs

This weekend, Style Fashion Week brought excitement and elegance to the Palm Springs Air Museum. Guests sipped Notorious Pink Rosè and GT’s Living Foods Kombucha Cocktails, as they mingled amongst socialites, and shopped the Style Fashion Week marketplace—featuring artwork by local artists and brands including Father Akki, John Otterson, Jev Pic, Sharon Ryder, Brandini Toffee, Pura Vida Bracelets and others. Emerging musician, Sofia Zorian, opened the night with her powerful vocals. The crowd additionally enjoyed a live performance by Vezt music artists, Chris Stylez and Mann.

Showing designers included: House of Grayling Purnell, Andre Emery, Glaudi by Johanna Hernandez, Mario De La Torre, Underrated, Smock Me, Richard Hallmarq, Father Akki, Merlin Castell, David Tupaz, Royal Heart by Sergio Davila, Bohimi, Andrew Christian, Sweet Talk Swim, Celebrity stylists, and Style FW hosts, Derek Warburton and Ashley North sat front row amongst influential attendees and mingled with designers.

The three day series of runway shows immersed the Greater Palm Springs Region in fashion, art, and music. Style Fashion Week is proud to support this artistic community are so thankful for the incredible amount of love and support we have received from the community.

 

 

Beauty /

3 Body Luminizing Highlighter Alternatives for Fenty Beauty’s Body Lava

While we eagerly wait to purchase Fenty products I wanted to share three perfect body highlighter alternatives from the mineral makeup brand, jane iredale;  the leader in high-quality, professional makeup products, Mehron Makeup; and the world’s first zero-waste beauty brand, Ethique that will give you the same gorge color you’re craving — with clean ingredients!

  • jane iredale Golden Shimmer Face and Body Lotion ($32, janeiredale.com) A lightweight moisturizer that imparts an irresistible golden glow, designed to warm and smooth the complexion. Infused with Diamond dust, a unique mineral pigment from Mica delivers significant shimmer while Grapefruit and orange peel extracts brighten and illuminate the skin leaving a refreshing citrus scent.

How to use: Apply all over the face and body with fingers or a brush. To highlight the face, dab a small amount over foundation. To highlight the body, apply to décolleté, shoulders and legs.

  • Mehron Aura Bronzing Gel™ ($25.99, Amazon.com)  A unique, lightweight bronzing gel for all over body coverage. Aura Bronzing Gel™ gives any skin tone a beautiful, even, natural-looking glow that mimics the look of a day in the sun without the damaging effects.  A skin soothing gel blend of hydrating extracts of lemongrass, ginseng, chamomile, comfrey, cucumber, aloe vera and Japanese green tea with a generous helping of golden bronze shimmer will leave skin beautifully radiant. Complements all skin tones. Plus it’s free of oils and parabens.

How to use: Apply to clean dry skin and wait for 1-2 minutes before dressing.  Aura Bronzing Gel™ can be applied with a sponge or fingers.  Wash hands carefully after application.  Use alone or mix into a cream foundation for a natural, radiant glow.

  • Ethique Bombshell – The World’s First Natural Self-Tanning Bar ($32, Amazon.com) The world’s first solid self-tanning bar! Bombshell will leave you with kissably smooth, golden skin with no streaks. Bombshell contains a bronzer for those who want instant gratification in addition to its self-tanning properties. Each bar is equivalent to over two bottles of liquid tanner and comes in a box for easy storage in your bathroom. Color develops from 4 hours and is complete at 24 hours, and will last for up to 10 days if the skin is kept hydrated.

How to use: Ensure skin is freshly exfoliated (within 24 hours). Best results if the skin is moisturized 30 mins prior, or when just out of the shower so skin is still warm but dry. Slide bar several times down each leg (or area to be tanned.) Use less than you need. Massage in well and wash hands after application. Leave on. Color will develop from 2-4 hours and the final result will be present within 24 hours.

Birmingham /

Zucchini Lasagna Spirals Recipe: Cooking Demo on WBRC Fox6 News

Last Tuesday I had the opportunity to visit WBRC Fox6 news and host a cooking demo.  The recipe that I prepared was Zucchini Lasagna Spirals.  This was a fun opportunity because I like to prepare meals at home for my family with time-saving kitchen appliances.

Feature Photo from Destination Delish

I wanted to share the ingredients for those that enjoy trying new meals.  See the list below.

Zucchini Lasagna Spirals

 Ingredients:

  • 2-3 cups Cucina Antica Tomato Basil cooking sauce
  • 12 oz. ricotta
  • 2 tbsp. basil, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated
  • 8 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 medium zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise
  • Salt

Preparation:

  1. Lay the zucchini strips out on a cooling rack (cooling rack allows excess water to drain). Sprinkle salt across the tops of the zucchini and let sit for about 10-15 minutes to let the water sweat out of the zucchini. Pat the water off the zucchini and then flip them over and repeat with the next side. Wipe off excess salt with a towel.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F
  3. In a medium bowl mix ricotta cheese, basil, mozzarella, and egg. Stir well.
  4. Spread 1/2 cup Cucina Antica Tomato Basil on the bottom of casserole dish.
  5. Lay out the sliced zucchini noodles and spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture over each individual zucchini noodle. Add a spoonful of Cucina Antica Tomato Basil over the top of the ricotta.
  6. Carefully roll up the zucchini and place in the casserole dish.
  7. Spread extra Cucina Antica Tomato Basil cooking sauce over the top of the rolls. Sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano on top.
  8. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the cheese on top is a nice golden brown.

A suggestion I provided on-air would be to include onions, mushrooms or ground turkey meat.  This is the perfect dish to serve for dinner or during Sunday brunch.

Lifestyle Tips /

Montgomery Looks Ahead to Exciting Spring Events Calendar

Springtime offers ideal weather and a jam-packed calendar of events in Montgomery this year. Known for its Southern hospitality and its revitalized downtown, this riverfront capital city was the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and has established itself as a landmark Deep South destination. With a world-class monument and museum opening in April, more visitors than ever will make a stop in Alabama’s capital city to experience the civil rights landmarks, take in the local culture and take part in some exciting events and celebrations.

 “This spring will see some long-anticipated developments in our city and we’re looking forward to welcoming many visitors to the city for the very first time,” shares Vice President of Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Dawn Hathcock. “Although many people will be here to experience the brand new EJI Memorial and Legacy Museum, we’re excited to welcome all visitors to our many annual events which give our destination such a unique feel.”

Below is an overview of notable spring events and celebrations in Montgomery:

  • Maxwell AFB Centennial Celebration, April 6 – 8, 2018 – A full weekend of celebratory events will be held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Maxwell Air Force Base. A Montgomery Biscuits baseball game on the 6th will include military flyovers and a military first pitch. For more information, go to http://www.maxwell.af.mil/Centennial/
  • Alabama Book Festival, April 21, 2018 – Since 2006 this event has welcomed book lovers to Alabama’s premier literary event. Thousands of people gather for author readings, book signings, writing workshops and more. For more information, go to http://alabamabookfestival.org/
  • Alabama Shakespeare Festival Spring Repertory Season, April 25 –  May 6, 2018 – Each spring this surprising theatrical find nestled in the exquisite 300-acre Blount Cultural Park achieves a rarely attempted feat – professional repertory theatre featuring Shakespeare and the classics. This year’s season includes Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night alongside the classic based on Alabama’s own Helen Keller, The Miracle Worker. For more information, go to www.asf.net
  • Grand Opening of the Equal Justice Initiative’s Memorial to Peace and Justice and The Legacy Museum, April 26, 2018 – These two institutions will open to the public for the very first time this April. The memorial, on a six-acre park, is a sacred space for reflection on racial terrorism in America, and the museum, located a short walk away, will use interactive media, sculpture, film, and exhibits to immerse and educate visitors. For more information, go to https://eji.org/news/museum-and-memorial-opening-april-26-2018
  • 24th Annual Fitzgerald Gala, May 11, 2018 – This annual fundraiser for the Fitzgerald Museum is the social event of the year. Guests arrive decked out in 1920s and 1930s attire to celebrate Montgomery’s favorite literary couple. The event includes live period music, antique cars, and a jaw-dropping Silent Auction. For more information, go to http://www.thefitzgeraldmuseum.org/events.html
  • Taco Libre Festival, May 12, 2018 –  Alabama’s Taco Festival features a wide assortment of tacos from the state’s favorite local taco joints, restaurants and food trucks, along with plenty of refreshing beer and margaritas and musical entertainment. The event is held at “The Yards at Western Rail” a 40-acre venue in a reclaimed train shed and yard. For more information, go to http://www.lightninglinemgm.com/tacolibre/

For more information on Montgomery, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/

About Montgomery

Situated on the banks of the Alabama River, Montgomery is the capital and the second largest city in the state of Alabama. Established in 1819, Montgomery has been the site of major historical events which have shaped the history of the United States. Emerging from its agricultural roots in the 19th century, Montgomery transformed from the Cradle of the Confederacy to the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement in less than a century. Today, this vibrant river town is experiencing a resurgence which has seen its downtown revitalized and has reestablished itself as a landmark Deep South destination.  Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) offers non-stop flights on Delta Airlines and American Airlines. For more information, call 334-261-1100 or visit the official website of the Montgomery Convention and Visitor Bureau at http://www.visitingmontgomery.com.  Stay connected with Montgomery on Twitter (@MGMCapitalCool) and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MontgomeryCapitalCool).