Month: December 2018

Beauty /

BADGLEY MISCHKA INTRODUCES SIGNATURE FRAGRANCE

The debut of Badgley Mischka’s namesake fragrance has arrived just in time for the holiday season and Valentine’s Day.

Mark Badgley and James Mischka refer to the scent as a “floral champagne” – perfect for celebrating. The lush and dewy floral opens with a soft blend of magnolias complimented by notes of amber and musk with a sparkling top embodying the effortlessly feminine glamour the brand is best known for.

“Everything we do has a thread of glamour to it. A fragrance can create a mood, inspire confidence and, in an instant, transform the way a woman looks and feels. We want her to feel like she’s the only woman in the room.” – Mark Badgley and James Mischka.

Badgley Mischka Eau de Parfum is available at BadgleyMischka.com and Dillard’s.

Beauty /

ESSENCE BEAUTY CARNIVAL HITS THE ROAD IN 2019 #EssenceCarnival

The ESSENCE® Beauty Carnival ™, recognized as the world’s largest beauty experience for Black women, is hitting the road in 2019—newly reimagined as an expanded, multi-city tour.  Tickets are on-sale now for this epic celebration of Black beauty—convening a community of enthusiasts, experts, and influencers at New York City’s Pier 36 on April 27-28, 2019.

“As the leading global destination for Black women, ESSENCE® celebrates diverse beauty and inspires inclusivity in a way that only we can,” said ESSENCEFashion and Beauty Director Julee Wilson. “With the expansion of our Beauty Carnival, we are embracing our unique journey and curating our programming to share a very special experience with beauty aficionados from city to city.”

Inspired by the brand’s original Beauty Carnival which takes place during the annual ESSENCE Festival and attracts more than 10,000 fans per day from around the world, the tour will return to New Orleans this summer, making the 25th anniversary ESSENCE Festival its second stop.  The Beauty Carnival’s final destination will be in Texas October 2019.  Details to be announced at a later date.

Photo Image from Essence.com

The ESSENCE Beauty Carnival tour will deliver a globally inclusive and immersive experience featuring up-close access to exciting moments, such as expert tutorials, engaging conversations, exclusive interviews with today’s beauty icons, live podcasts and special guest performances.  Highlights include:

  • ESSENCE’s new museum of Black beauty, documenting key historical and cultural moments, classic products and archived video to bring to life ESSENCE storytelling around Black beauty
  • Curated “Shop ESSENCE” beauty marketplace
  • Extensive product sampling and special brand activations
  • Premier pampering services, gift bag, light bites and sips, and celebrity/influencer meet and greets for VIP level ticket-holders in our Beauty Bungalow

For more on the ESSENCE Beauty Carnival tour and to purchase tickets, visit Essence.com/BeautyCarnival. Share your experience on your social platforms using the official hashtag #EssenceCarnival.

Beauty /

Birchbox Beauty Launch at Walgreens Hosted by Lauren Brindley and Co-Founder Katia Bauchamp

Walgreens celebrated the launch of their exclusive Birchbox beauty section and offerings with a kick-off invite-only event INSIDE of the Soho store location in New York City. The event was hosted by Lauren Brindley the Group Vice President of Beauty for Walgreens and Katia Bauchamp the co-founder of Birchbox.

The highlights of the evening included the build your own box station where attendees were able to assemble a custom Birchbox and have personalized by cool girl calligrapher,Steffi Lynn as well as a ribbon-cutting ceremony to christen the occasion.

In attendance were friends of Walgreens and Birchbox, influencers, media and premier beauty brand reps who sipped on prosecco, dined on passed hors-d’oeuvre, took photos in a photo booth and jammed to live music.

Starting today, Birchbox is available in Walgreens locations all over the country including New York, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Chicago with even more locations opening in 2019. With a new and effortless way to discover new beauty brands or to shop indie products, Walgreens has evolved into a beauty destination for all, perfect for those who are still looking for Christmas gift ideas!

 

 

 

Entertainment /

DAVID ALAN GRIER TALKS TO ESSENCE’S YES, GIRL! PODCAST CREW

In this week’s edition of ESSENCE’s Yes, Girl! podcast, Cool Kids star David Alan Grier chatted with the gang and talked about everything from his mission as an actor, fatherhood, how the entertainment industry has changed since the days of his hit movie, Boomerang.

Key quotes from this week’s episode are below. For the full Yes, Girl! Podcast interview, click here.

On his mission as an Actor:

“Having range – that’s the way I’ve tried to live my life. I would much rather audition for something than leave it up to someone else to say, ‘I didn’t picture you as that.’ And also, sometimes you need those outside eyes that see something in you that you don’t see in yourself …. something that is greater than your own vision.”

On how comedy has changed since the ‘90s and early 2000’s:

“I remember working with Daman Wayans and we used to make certain jokes … there were so many things that we could do then that we can’t do now… if we did [do it now] it would have to be attacked from a different point of view…”

Beauty /

Have a MATTE-y Christmas with Rimmel London

With the holidays in full swing and holiday parties, New Year’s parties, and TONS of Christmas Day pictures on the horizon, I wanted to share some goodies from Rimmel London’s Stay Matte collection that will leave you with an effortless long-lasting picture-perfect face!

Stay Matte Primer

Controlling shine for up to 8 hours, this ultra lightweight formula minimizes the appearance of pores and creates a soft, perfectly matte complexion without feeling greasy.

Price: $6.79

Where to buy: Amazon, CVS, Target, Walgreens, Walmart

Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

Available in 24 shades, this feather light, full coverage foundation blends flawlessly for a natural-looking, long-lasting matte finish. With its silky smooth formula, you’ll be left with a shine-free, baby-soft finish.

Price: $5.49

Where to buy: Amazon, CVS, Target, Walgreens, Walmart

Stay Matte Fix & Go Setting Spray

Prolonging and enhancing the wear of your makeup with just one application, this 2-in-1 primer and setting spray locks your look into place leaving skin shine-free all day long.

Price: $7.99

Where to buy: Amazon, CVS, Target, Walgreens, Walmart

Stay Matte Fix & Go Setting Spray

Prolonging and enhancing the wear of your makeup with just one application, this 2-in-1 primer and setting spray locks your look into place leaving skin shine-free all day long.

Price: $7.99

Where to buy: Amazon, CVS, Target, Walgreens, Walmart

Stay Matte Loose Powder

Leaving you with a flawlessly matte finish to top off your look, this powder blends effortlessly into any skin tone for a picture perfect, oil-free face.

Price: $4.99

Where to buy: Amazon, CVS, Target, Walgreens, Walmart

Stay Matte Pressed Powder

Dermatologically tested and approved, this pressed powder helps minimize the appearance of pores and controls shine with natural minerals for up to 5 hours.

Price: $3.97

Where to buy: Amazon, CVS, Target, Walgreens, Walmart

Lifestyle Tips /

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island Expands Sales Force Adding Two New Sales Managers

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island welcomes Julianne Dirks and Courtenay LaMountain to its sales team at the award-winning property.

In her new role as a sales manager at the resort Dirks will be responsible for booking small meetings, wedding room blocks, golf groups and all government/military groups. Her vast experience in hospitality began seven years ago at The St. Louis Union Station Hotel as a front office agent, rooms controller, and assistant front office manager. Dirks continued her career with Omni Hilton Head Ocean Front Resort as a sales administrator and The Homewood Suites by Hilton North Charleston as an opening sales manager.

LaMountain joins the resort as a senior sales manager where she will handle group sales in the South Carolina market and ConferenceDirect accounts. Her extensive hospitality experience encompasses over 20 years including roles as conference services manager, sales manager and destination sales executive for Westin Hilton Head and a senior sales manager for Sea Pines Resort.

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island seeks team members who will eagerly work to enhance the overall Sonesta experience for guests and associates as well as adopting our core values, “We look forward to Julianne and Courtenay providing our guests with unprecedented customer service,” said Jay Wiendl, general manager of Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. “They both bring tremendous experience in the hospitality industry to our sales force which will enhance our wonderful staff.”

Award-winning Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is a premier destination for getaways, gatherings or business. Recognized among area resorts–Hilton Head and beyond–Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island knows how to cater to individuals, businesses and most notably weddings and events. With 11 beautifully landscaped acres leading up to its seaside courtyard and space for up to 1,100 guests, it is the perfect choice among Hilton Head hotels on the beach to host your event.

To learn more about the hiring of Dirks and LaMountain, or other career opportunities with Sonesta Resorts, please visit www.Sonesta.com/careers or more information on Sonesta visit Sonesta.com/HiltonHeadIsland.

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About Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island 

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is a AAA approved Four Diamond resort offering 340 guestrooms and suites overlooking lushly landscaped semitropical gardens, with spectacular beach and lagoon-style swimming pool. Its first-class amenities include several dining options, health spa, fitness center and lap pool. The resort also features 22,500 square feet of meeting and event space, including a beachfront Pavilion and a 24-hour business center. Complimentary transportation is provided to and from the world-class golf and tennis offerings available within Hilton Head’s Shipyard complex. The resort is situated 45 miles from Savannah, GA, and seven miles from Hilton Head Island airport, in an area surrounded by outdoor recreation, shopping and fine dining.

About Sonesta
Sonesta is a growing, global hospitality brand with more than 80 properties in 7 countries, centered on a corporate dedication to delivering a guest experience that provides more than just a place to stay. With a portfolio of diverse and distinctive properties as individual as its guests, there is no typical Sonesta. With a full range of exceptional experiences found in many of the most memorable destinations in the world, Sonesta proudly exceeds guest’s expectations time and time again.

Discover Royal Sonesta and Sonesta Hotels & Resorts in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Hilton Head Island, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, San Jose, St. Louis, St. Maarten (2), Chile (2), Colombia (7), Ecuador, Peru (5), and Egypt (3 + 2 cruise ships). Sonesta ES Suites is an extended stay hotel brand managed by Sonesta and can be found in 42 locations near Boston, Atlanta, Baltimore, Burlington, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Colorado Springs, Columbus, Detroit, Flagstaff, Houston, Memphis, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Orlando, Parsippany, Princeton,Philadelphia, Portland, St. Louis and Tucson. For more about Sonesta, visit Sonesta.com or call +1.617.315.9200 or 800.Sonesta (800.766.3782) in the U.S. and Canada.

Accessories /

A Men’s Guide To Stepping Out In Style This Winter

Winter is well and truly coming, and soon enough hats, gloves, scarves, and extra layers will be rearing their heads in your life yet again — if they haven’t already done so already! Wearing all of these additional items of clothing that are designed to keep you warm, however, will see you become susceptible to suffering a fair few fashion faux pas. When the temperatures drop, it becomes a lot harder to remain stylish.

There are ways to get the warmth that you need without having to let your style be compromised, though. To see what you need to be wearing to be able to step out in style this winter, check out the guide below.

Choose a classic winter hat

If you want to remain both warm and stylish throughout the winter months of 2019, then you need to get yourself a classic winter hat. It means avoiding grandma’s knitting, anything with pom-poms on them, and ear muffs for starters, and giving some simple solutions a go instead. Options include:

  • Ski caps
  • Bowler hats
  • Fedoras
  • Newsboy hats

Layer up in leather

Leather is very much in this winter. From London to Paris to Milan to New York, it has been exhibited on the Autumn/Winter catwalks more than anything else. Fear not, however, because you don’t have to wear fashion-show-esque items to keep yourself in style this winter. You can instead dig out your old leather clothing (it might be best to save the hot pants for the summertime, though!). Whatever you do, don’t wear cheap leather, as that will cause you more trouble than its worth later on down the line.

Wear a scarf… in the right way

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wearing a scarf to keep your neck warm, as this is one of the primary places on your body for the releasing of heat. This is only okay in a style sense, however, if you wear your scarf in the right way. Try to refrain from just tossing one end over your shoulder, and try out these different styles instead:

  • The Parisian
  • The Once-Around Knot
  • The City Slicker

A reefer pea coat

If you want to look business ready at all points this winter, even when you’re braving the cold weather outside, then you need to get yourself a reefer pea coat from www.gloverall.com. Double-breasted, stylish, buttoned, what more could you really want from a jacket? Whether you get one in black, grey, or navy blue, you’ll always carry an air of sophistication around with you when you don this kind of outerwear, no matter where you go. If you wear your scarf right, too, the whole ensemble will look even better.

In order to get ahead of the cold curve, make sure to take the advice laid out in the guide above. Make sure to choose a classic winter hat, make sure to dig out that old biker jacket, make sure to tie your scarf in the right way, and make sure to give your wardrobe an update by getting yourself a reefer coat.

Collaborative Post

Accessories /

Bonheur Jewelry and Glamour South Africa

BONHEUR JEWELRY was featured in GLAMOUR SOUTH AFRICA’S DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE Styled by Corey Kelly.

Cara Earrings $150.00 DESCRIPTION: Sterling Silver PRESS: -As seen in Glamour South Africa’s December 2018 issue -As seen in L’officiel Brasil -As seen on Viola Davis on How to Get Away With Murder -As seen in Elle Norway’s September 2018 issue -As seen in Cosmopolitan China’s August 2018 issue -As seen in L’officiel Thailand’s June 2018 issue.

Beauty /

WAG McKenzie Caldwell-Pope Shares: PERSONAL TESTIMONIES ABOUT BEING PREGNANT

McKenzie Caldwell-Pope is the wife to Kentavious Cadwell-Pope of the Los Angels Lakers. Outside of being a phenomenal wife McKenzie is a Mom-boss of almost three boys and a well-known social media Beauty Enthusiast and Fashion Influencer.

Featured Photo:  VoyageLA

On Dec. 8, 2018, McKenzie claimed the title of an official youtube as she launched her youtube channel “McKenzie in the Mirror“. With 312 subscribers and almost 2k views in under 24 hours, it is safe to say many are already enjoying this channel.

McKenzie in the Mirror, will allow subscribers and viewers to look through the mirror and into the daily life of McKenzie Cladwell-pope. Each Monday on McKenzie Monday’s you can expect anything from Vlogs, Q&A’s, unboxing’s from some of your favorite brands, to even DIY activities for your home or with the kids. You’ll never know what to expect until you look into the Mirror; McKenzie’s Mirror that is!

For all interviews and Features – Please Contact, Publicist, Milan Mobley at info@umanagementpr.com

About McKenzie Cadwell-Pope

McKenzie Caldwell-Pope was born in Dallas, Texas but currently, resides in the sunshine state of Los Angeles California. With a Bachelor’s Degree from Louisiana Tech University in Business Marketing; McKenzie used her college education to creatively infiltrate the fashion and beauty industry. While managing her own brand, being a wife and mother her plate is always full, but McKenzie embodies her roles fabulously and effortlessly and dares to take on more.

With an incredible social media influence, she uses her platform to be an inspiration to many women experiencing motherhood. The lessons she teaches express that motherhood can be fabulous and stylish just as any other walks in life.

Recently, McKenzie has been taking over the industry with partnerships with a few notable brands such as MAC at the M.A.C. Supreme Beam Launch Event, Fashion Nova, FabFitFun Summerhouse, and Nordstrom’s Beauty Trends Week 2018. Alongside those brands she previously had the pleasure of hosting the Forever 21’s Back to School Denim event in Los Angeles. McKenzie has also has had an exclusive interview with Style + Life + Fashion blog and was named “Bride of the Day” for Galia Lahav Haute Couture Collection.

Birmingham /

Surprise Guests and Joyous Performances during ZooLight Safari

ZooLight Safari present by Wells Fargo will feature special nights with surprise guests to help spread the incredible holiday magic! Be amazed by enchanting illuminations and sparkling lights. Enjoy the sounds of seasonal songs and holiday classics as you sing along with our Singing Santa during performances at the Safari Peak. Delight in delicious treats and decadent desserts at the S’mores & More station!

Guests will be captivated by the festive décor as they join Santa and characters, for the lighting ceremony of our nearly 30 ft. tall tree of lights. Take a merry ride on the Shipt Candy Cane Train, go for a spin on the Jingle Bell Carousel, dash down the Yuletide Slide, hop on the Santa Rollers, and enjoy fun holiday-themed games on Henley Park!

Love Santa? Capture the joy of your loved ones in a photo with Santa at the Holiday Card Photo Op. Get creative making crafts, decorating ornaments, and writing letters to Santa. Dance and sing the night away under the stars with spectacular live entertainment. Start a new holiday tradition with the Birmingham Zoo during the 2018 ZooLight Safari presented by Wells Fargo!

 

ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

TREE LIGHTING

December 7 – 7:00 pm @ Safari Peak in Trails of Africa

 

ENTERTAINMENT

Singing Santa Show

6:00 pm every night @ Safari Peak in Trails of Africa

Magic City Literacy Council

December 7- 9 –  Storytimes each night at 5:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm, 8:30pm @ Henley Park

*Bring a baby or children’s book to donate to our cause, Books for Babes, and you will get ONE FREE Zoo Ride ticket per guest at the entrance! Baby books will be donated to families at UAB hospital to promote family literacy.

Santa & Showstoppers Promotions Singers

December 9

Beverly’s Dance Studio Night

December 15 –  6:00pm – 8:00pm @ Safari Peak in Trails of Africa

Bella Prima Dance Studio Night

December 18 @ Safari Peak in Trails of Africa

Blue Grass Christmas Featuring The Allen Tolbert Project

December 20

Americana Christmas Featuring Durand Robinson

December 20

Santa & Showstoppers Promotions Singers

December 23

 

SPECIAL GUESTS

Birmingham Children’s Theater

December 7 –  5:30pm – 7:30pm

*Characters from the current BCT productions, Peter Pan and The Snowy Day

Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen Night

December 8

Your Favorite Holiday Mouse

December 14

International Crane Foundation: Whooping Crane Mascot

December 15

Miss Alabama Night featuring 2013 Chandler Champion

December 16

Cinderella Queens

December 16

National American Miss of Alabama

December 19

Santa and Mrs. Clause Night

December 22

Miss Appalachian Valley-Greeter

December 22

International Crane Foundation: Whooping Crane Mascot

December 29

 

SANTA

Pictures with Santa

5:00 – 5:45pm and 7:00 – 8:45pm every night @ Safari Peak in Trails of Africa

Singing Santa Show

6:00 pm every night @ Safari Peak in Trails of Africa

Santa & Showstoppers Promotions Singers

December 9

December 23

 

RIDES

Shipt Candy Cane Train, Jingle Bell Carousel, Yuletide Slide, & Santa Rollers

5:00 – 8:45pm every night

*all rides are an additional cost

 

GAMES

Mistletoe Maze, Reindeer Ring Toss, & more!

5:00 – 8:45pm every night @ Henley Park

CRAFTS

Letters to Santa

5:00 – 8:45pm Dec 7 – 23 @ Children’s Zoo

Ornaments

5:00 – 8:45pm every night @ Children’s Zoo

Holiday Sensory Bins

5:00 – 8:45pm every night @ Children’s Zoo

ZOO GIFT SHOP

Open every night from 5:00 – 9:00pm

FOOD & BEVERAGES

S’mores & More

5:00 – 8:30pm every night @ Safari Peak

*Alcoholic Beverages Available — ages 21 up

Nourish 205 Restaurant

5:00 – 8:30 pm every night with a holiday menu available @ Children’s Zoo

Wild Burger Restaurant

5:00 – 8:30 pm Sunday – Thursday for snacks & drinks ONLY @ Safari Peak

5:00 – 8:30 pm Friday & Saturday with a limited food menu @ Safari Peak

Side Track Snack Station

5:00 – 8:30pm every night @ train depot

 

HOURS & PRICING

WHEN

December 7 – 9

December 14 – 23

December 26 – 31

*The Zoo will CLOSE EARLY at 4 pm every night of ZooLight Safari.

 

TIME

5:00 – 9:00pm

 

WHERE

Birmingham Zoo

 

PRICING

*Members  Free Admission

Non-Members  $10 Admission

Ride Tickets  $3.50 — not included with admission

Unlimited Attraction Wristband  $10 — not included with admission

 

PARKING

Parking at the Zoo is FREE

**Purchase a Premium Parking Space for $10 — Parking spaces must be purchased in advance. Guests must have printed parking pass in the dashboard of car.

WEATHER

**Weather Permitting –  ZooLight Safari and all related activities are dependent on weather conditions and are subject to change.