#ManicureMonday Upgrade: Cow Nails Animal Print Hottest Nail Trend

Apparently, there’s a new nail trend on the horizon.  It’s call cow nails and the hottest new print on Instagram better known as #ManicureMonday.

Salons are taking this animal print and adding their own twist to the look.  Some are going full-blown with the cow effect while others are incorporating solid colors to the mix.

Cow nails are a fun look that can upgrade your same ole’ boring manicure.  Let me know here (Style + Life + Fashion) if you try the new manicure trend.

I will share photos on our Facebook wall and Instagram Stories account!

 

 

Chase and ESSENCE Expand Economic Opportunities for Black Women with Launch of Currency Conversations Campaign

Chase and ESSENCE today announced the launch of Currency Conversations, a new campaign created to help black women across America achieve financial success. This campaign, which is an early example of Chase’s recently-announced Advancing Black Pathways commitment, will foster local communities of black women to inspire each other and provide digital access to a national network of experts and coaches helping with education, inspiration and vital solutions that support their financial goals.

“Black women are often the CFOs of their households, and as a result, play a crucial role in the financial well-being of both their families and the black community at large,” said Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking and Executive Sponsor of Advancing Black Pathways. “Through Currency Conversations, we’re engaging black women in a discussion about what it takes to achieve financial security while providing encouragement and actionable steps they can take to ensure they’re on a path to long-term financial freedom.”

Women who join the movement can access digital resources and a national network of experts that will help them stay on track with their financial goals. The initiative will also include live engagement at the ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans and original content on Essence.com and across ESSENCE social platforms —all of which encourage women to join the national challenge toward smart saving, spending and investment strategies.

The Currency Conversations campaign will encourage women to have a day out with ESSENCE and Chase to connect with each other and engage in dialogue with experts about what it takes to achieve their personal financial goals. Women will have the opportunity to relax with each other and be challenged to pledge their personal commitment to savings, debt reduction and investment goals.

Although women everywhere will have the opportunity to digitally engage with Currency Conversations, Chase will host in-person events in five U.S. cities starting next month: Atlanta, April 13; Oakland, April 27; Washington, D.C., May 4; Detroit, May 18; and New York City, June 8.

“We are proud to join forces with Chase in its commitment to serving black women and championing economic inclusion and wealth creation,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of ESSENCE Communications Inc. “We know that 80% of black American households rely solely on a black woman’s income[1], so our Currency Conversations campaign will not only inform women as leaders but will position more than 20,000 families in communities nationwide for prosperity and success.”

Overall, the program is designed to bring together a community of women who are committed to lifting each other up and collectively saving toward personal goals such as homeownership, college funds, rainy day funds, retirement or even dream vacations.

For more information about Currency Conversations, visit ESSENCE.com/CurrencyConversations.

About Chase

Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.6 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves nearly half of America’s households with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans, and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: Nearly 5,000 branches, 16,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information, go to Chase.com.

 

 

About ESSENCE Communications Inc. 

ESSENCE Communications is the number one media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 17 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival. Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures, an independent Black-owned, technology-driven company focused on merging content, community, and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color.

The Kim Kardashian West Collection for Caroline Lemke Berlin Eyewear Brand

Kim Kardashian West is truly mood wearing Tempest Sunglasses.  She has a new collaboration with Caroline Lemke Berlin, a high fashion eyewear brand.

The Kim Kardashian West Collection for Carolina is scheduled to release on April 2, 2019.

According to the site, “Kardashian West’s designs—a range of options inspired by colorful and high-impact aesthetics to semi-nostalgic and simplified shapes recalling the 1990’s—are dynamic and daring. Combined, they represent a bold blend of perspectives through the superstar’s studied and ahead-of-the-curve eye.”

Click here to read more and view updates about the hot collection.

Photo Image from CarolineLemke.com

 

Be Ever Wonderful: Personal Growth and Mindset

Personal growth is the beginning of having an altered mindset.  It’s the ability to say no to unhealthy environments and yes to pure, authentic joy.  Growth appears different for each individual and can’t necessarily be categorized.

I think every woman has that moment when life changes internally.  Personally, this mental elevation started when there was a desire to read a thought-provoking book or recognize the early morning sunset.  For transparency, it would truly surprise most people to know that I’m both fun-loving and very practical.  My husband finds humor in my ability to keep our family moving like a machine.

Growing up my dad would play Earth Wind and Fire, Be Ever Wonderful.  This song resonates because the last lyrics says, “don’t let the world change your mind. don’t let the world change your mind.”  And how often does the world try to change our mind?  We drift away from our natural upbringings to marginalize into an unknown path of adulthood.

A few steps towards achieving personal growth is through goal-setting, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and most importantly knowing yourself.

My personal philosophy is to be the author of your own story and “Be Ever Wonderful” in your own sweet way!

Wrap Blouse:  New York and Company | Pull-on Pants:  New York and Company | Tangerine Heels:  Similar Macy’s

Spring Break Fun and Excitement at the Birmingham Zoo

Spring Break is the best time to have fun and enjoy exciting places like the Birmingham Zoo! Join us from March 23-31, for the opening of seasonal favorites and special activities. Guest will enjoy the Children’s Zoo Splash Pads, happenings at the Predator Zone, interact with animals in the Contact Yard and do so much more. Starting Saturday, March 23 will be the return of Giraffe Feedings* and Camel Rides*.

Guests are invited to feed the lorikeets in the Schaeffer Eye Center Lorikeet Aviary*, take a ride on the Red Diamond Express Train*, spin on the Protective Life Carousel* and zip down the Full Moon Bar-B-Que Wild Slide*. Enjoy watching a Wildlife Show or meet an Ambassador Animal at the UAB at the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Wildlife Stage. Participate in up-close fun with our sea lions at a Red Diamond Sea Lion Show.

Our All Adventure Wristband* will be available to purchase for access to unlimited rides on the train, carousel, and slide, in addition to one camel ride, one ticket for giraffe feeding and one ticket for lorikeet feeding. Just in time for the warmer weather, guests can soak up the sun while creating lasting memories with a visit to your favorite Zoo!

*All rides and various activities are an additional cost – plus tax and are weather dependent.

SPRING BREAK DAILY ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE: March 23–31

All Adventure Wristbands

Cost: $17 plus tax

Access to unlimited rides on the train, carousel, and slide, in addition to one camel ride, one ticket for giraffe feeding and one ticket for lorikeet feeding.

Camel Rides

Daily

9am – 4:45pm

Cost: $5 plus tax – per rider

Children under the age of 3 MUST be accompanied by an adult and reach over the safety bar.

Weather dependent

Children’s Zoo Splash Pads

Daily

9am – 4:45pm

Weather Dependent

 Full Moon BBQ Wild Slide

Daily

9am – 4:45pm

Cost: $3.50 plus tax

Riders must be 4 years of age and 40 inches tall to ride

Protective Life Carousel Rides

Daily

9am – 4:45pm

Cost: $3.50 plus tax

Children under two, receive a free ride on the carousel with a paid accompanying adult.

Children two and older must have a ride ticket.

 Red Diamond Express Train Ride

Daily

9am – 4:45pm

Cost: $3.50 plus tax

Children’s Zoo Contact Yard

Daily

10am – 12pm

 Goat Walk

Daily

9:30am

Schaeffer Eye Center Lorikeet Aviary

Daily

10am – 4pm

$2 plus tax

Weather dependent

Red Diamond Sea Lion Show

Daily

10am

2pm

Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter

Daily

10am – 3pm

Cost, $3.50 plus tax

Weather dependent

UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Wildlife Show

Daily

11am

Predator Zone Lion Training

Daily

11:30am

3pm

Animal Greetings at the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Wildlife Stage

Daily

2:30pm

LINKS

Admission Tickets

https://tickets.birminghamzoo.com/Sales/Admission/TicketSales.aspx?_ga=2.84040912.817116577.1553013169-277242370.1553013169

 

All Adventure Wristbands *Click March 23 on Ticketing Calendar.

https://tickets.birminghamzoo.com/Sales/Admission/TicketSales.aspx?_ga=2.84040912.817116577.1553013169-277242370.1553013169

Revamp For Spring 2019 : Makeup and Wardrobe Looks

The temperatures are changing so should our look. Check out items from Makeup Geek for budget-friendly high-quality cosmetics (available at Target), Marsté for some size inclusive fashion (size 0-22), and IBKÜL for fun workout gear that is not only cute but will also keep you cool. 

Project Runway All Stars Winning Looks To Be Auctioned On Ebay

Premiere Props announced they will be auctioning off over 300 looks from Project Runway All Stars, including over 150 looks from the current season, “Champions,” on Saturday, April 6 at the Premiere Props headquarters in El Segundo, CA.  This season of All Stars features 14 winning designers from Project Runway, seven from the U.S. and seven from international versions.   Hosted by Alyssa Milano, with judges Georgina Chapman and Isaac Mizrahi and editor-in-chief of Marie Claire, Anne Fulenwider, serving as the designers’ mentor, the current season’s winner will be crowned on the finale on Lifetime on Wednesday, March 27.

Immediately following the finale on Wednesday, March 27, 20 winning looks from the finalists will be available for auction on eBay.  The eBay auction will culminate with the live auction on Saturday, April 6.

Proceeds from both the auction and the eBay sale will go to Magic Bus, an organization that raises funds to move children out of poverty by nurturing them on a journey from childhood to livelihood.  Using mentors and sports-based curriculum to engage children, Magic Bus ensures that children make the right choices from childhood all the way through to better livelihoods as adults.  Magic Bus was one of the show’s partners this season.

“I couldn’t be more thankful to my Project Runway family for allowing me the platform to introduce an incredible charity that I feel passionate about. I am thrilled for the upcoming auction and to be able to give fans across the world the chance to own these amazing one-of-a-kind designs all benefiting a great cause, Magic Bus,” said Georgina Chapman.

“We are excited to partner with Georgina Chapman and the Project Runway team to support Magic Bus,’ said Dan Levin, Executive Vice President of Premiere Props.  “Fashion fans around the world will have the chance to own these incredible winning looks from the series’ greatest designers.

Fans can start bidding now by placing bids online at http://www.icollector.com/http://www.liveauctioneers.com, and http://www.invaluable.com or by calling to set up phone bidding with a Premiere Props representative. Collectors can place proxy bids until the All Stars Auction goes LIVE at 11 a.m. PT on Saturday, April 6, 2019.

Disney Minnie Mouse and Dose of Colors Launch New Collection

Dose of Colors is thrilled to present a fun, bold and fearless collaboration with a timeless icon, Disney Minnie Mouse. Devised with the brand’s penchant for color, this collection is an all-tonality encompassing celebration perfect for the beauty fanatic looking to amp up their daily makeup routine or for day to night versatility.

The Minnie Mouse Eyeshadow Blush Palette is the leader of the pack with six pigmented neutral to bold shades and one faultless matte blush. In harmony with the hues of the palette are the three new Liquid Matte Lipsticks in long-wearing, Minnie-approved shades. Feeling a little flashy? Try the accompanying Glitter Eyeliners, in three varied colors sure to set off the existing sparkle in your eyes. To complete any look, for the first time in any Dose of Colors collab, the ultimate eye-batting lashes inspired by Minnie herself! These lightweight lashes provide all the length and volume you could want.

Tag @doseofcolors and follow all the fun using #DisneyandDoseofColors

Available today on www.doseofcolors.com.
WHAT: Disney Minnie Mouse and Dose of Colors Collection

LAUNCH DATE: March 18, 2019 on www.doseofcolors.com and Naimie’s Beauty

April 21, 2019 at ULTA online
May 5, 2019 at ULTA in-store

DETAILS: Special Edition SKUs include —

Multi-use palette $39 USD; six neutral to bold eyeshadow shades in matte and shimmer finishes, one matte blush
Minnie Mouse Liquid Matte Lipsticks $18 USD; three high payoff shades
Minnie Mouse Glitter Eyeliners $19; three shimmery ways to make a statement Minnie Mouse Lashes $15 USD; get flare-y with it…and length and volume with these special-to-the-collection lashes.

CELEB SPOTTING: Cara Santana Carrying Ella McHugh Handbag

Actress and entrepreneur, Cara Santana, was spotted this week in New York City carrying the adorable Ella McHugh Monika Quicksilver handbag!

Take a look at the photos below.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 12: Cara Santana is seen wearing Veronica Beard in Chelsea on March 12, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 12: Cara Santana is seen wearing Veronica Beard in Chelsea on March 12, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 12: Cara Santana is seen wearing Veronica Beard in Chelsea on March 12, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)