Month: April 2019

Uncategorized /

Birmingham’s Biggest Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Birmingham Zoo

April is here and the time has come to celebrate Easter with an Eggstravaganza plus Breakfast with the Easter Bunny! Hop on over to Birmingham’s biggest Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 20 from 10am-12: 30 pm at the Birmingham Zoo. Come a little earlier for a scrumptious breakfast with your favorite bunny at either 8 am or 9:30 am!

Just in time for spring, our rain or shine event is sure to be endless fun for the whole family with egg hunts for children and adults! More than 10,000 eggs will be hidden throughout Henley Park for a colossal scavenger hunt. Guests, young and old, will love adventuring through the park and playground in search of colorful eggs for a chance to win a variety of prizes.

Our Eggstravaganza event hosts two egg hunts for children, as well as a special egg hunt for adults only. Children who collect 10 eggs will receive a cute bunny plush! All children’s hunts are free for Zoo members and included in admission for non-members.

Adult Egg Hunt winners will pick from a variety of exclusive prizes provided by area businesses, special Zoo tours, and memberships all valued at $50 or more. Our Adult Egg Hunt is $25 to participate.

Can’t wait until 10 am to celebrate with us? Book your seat now at our early morning Breakfast with the Easter Bunny! Sure to be a highlight of the day, the event will host two times at 8 am and 9:30 am and will be held in the Zoo’s Nourish205 restaurant. Enjoy a scrumptious scrambled egg, pancakes and sausage breakfast with orange juice and coffee followed by a visit from the Easter Bunny! All children receive a special holiday gift upon arrival.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny member pricing is $25 for adults, $20 for kids, and non-members are $30 for adults and $25 for kids (tax not included). The pricing includes Zoo admission, Unlimited Ride Wristband, breakfast, holiday craft, animal greeting, and a visit and photo op with the Easter Bunny.

Celebrate Easter at the Zoo! Guests can purchase tickets to our Adult Egg Hunt and Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at www.birminghamzoo.com/events

Egg Hunt Schedule

10am-11 am – Ages 0-12 on Henley Park
11:15 am – Adult egg hunt at Trails of Africa playground
11:30 am-12:30pm – Ages 0-12 on Henley Park

Prize List area businesses providing prizes for the Adult Egg Hunt. *More to come*

Alabama Theatre

Aviate

Big Bad Breakfast

Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

DoubleTree by Hilton

Full Moon Bar-B-Que

Kendra Scott

McWane Center

Mountain Brook Creamery

Red Diamond

Shipt

Top Golf

Accessories /

Spring 2019 Style Report: 15 Trends For The Everyday Wardrobe

The sun is out and birds are chirping!  That means it’s time to transition our wardrobe for Spring.  Put the cable sweaters away and take out your favorite sandals.  Some would argue that trends are not authentic but they help to refresh your closet.

Below are some of the standout trends for Spring 2019.  I wanted to share items that are easy to incorporate in anyone’s wardrobe.

One suggestion is to purchase items at a reasonable price.  You do not want to buy pricey pieces that may not be worn the following year.  Also, you don’t have to check-off on every style trend but select your top five favorites and enjoy dressing up every day!

Some of the stores highlighted range in sizes which are very important.  When shopping for your favorite piece, you don’t want to get frustrated due to sizes and lengths.

A few reasonably priced stores with sizes 0-22 are Loft, H&M, New York and Company, Nordstrom Rack, and Macy’s.  Additional stores for discount shopping include Marshalls and Burlington.

Happy Shopping!

Spring 2019 Style Report:

 

  • Shirt Dresses
  • Vests
  • Bows:  Tops, Dresses, Footwear
    H&M

     

 

Need assistance with your clothing or personal shopper?  Contact Kimberly West Styling consulting agency.

Beauty /

ESSENCE 25th Anniversary Festival Night-by-Night Performance Line Up Unveiled

The ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola, the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience and largest celebration of global Black culture, is set to bring the 90’s heat with special performances that celebrate the 25th anniversary of some of the top albums of the decade.  The Festival also just announced the official night-by-night performance line up for its concert series taking place July 5th, 6thand 7th at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

With hits that remain timeless, the 90’s era of R&B and hip-hop music significantly impacted our global culture – setting musical trends and a standard of excellence that made space for artists to thrive as creators, visionaries, and entrepreneurs.  By spotlighting some of the era’s most forward-looking, game-changing albums that are also celebrating their 25th anniversaries, the celebration will reach beyond nostalgia to the new school—with special performances to elevate the groundbreaking sounds that continue to influence the most popular, chart-topping artists of today.

“We are celebrating our 25th anniversary with an extraordinary, multigenerational, cultural celebration featuring nearly 100 Black artists who know that the ESSENCE Festival is ‘home,’” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of ESSENCE Communications.  “Through an imaginative slate of 25th anniversary curations and a fresh take on our night-by-night line-up, this year’s milestone Festival will creatively represent some of our culture’s most important and influential bodies of work – past, present and future. We are excited to place the spotlight on the music that captivated and inspired our global communities—all re-imagined exclusively for the ‘only-at-ESSENCE’ Festival stages.”

Each “25th” set will be curated and performed by the original artists, including Mary J. Blige’s My Life, Nas’ Illmatic, Brandy’s Brandy, Scarface’s Diary, Big Daddy Kane’s Daddy’s Home,

Da Brat’s Funkdafied, Slick Rick’s Behind Bars and Brownstone’s From the Bottom Up.

  • Kicking off Friday night are marquee performances from some of music’s biggest acts including Missy Elliott, RBRM (Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Mike) and more; opening night will also include a 25th anniversary set presented by Doug E. Fresh that will feature Brandy, Ledisi, and Sheila E., MC Lyte, Morris Day, Former Members of New Power Generation, among others.
  • Saturday night is anchored by Mary J. Blige, Nas, H.E.R. and more, with 25th anniversary celebrations by some of the most influential names in hip-hop, including Big Daddy Kane, Scarface, Slick Rick and more.
  • Closing night on Sunday will feature a performance by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly with a special tribute to Frankie Beverly delivered by Anthony Hamilton; Jermaine Dupri’s Atlanta-focused curation with performances by Musiq Soulchild, Da Brat, Lil Jon and Dem Franchize Boyz; Teddy Riley’s Legends of Music curation that includes Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Teyana Taylor, MAJOR., Ro James and more; as well as a NOLA-style bounce performance with Mannie Fresh and Big Freedia.
  • Each night will be hosted by Loni Love and will feature music by DJ D-Nice.

The ESSENCE Festival takes place July 4-7, 2019 in New Orleans, LA. You can view the official night-by-night line up here.   Single night ticket is on sale now.

For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE Festival® visit Essence.com/festival.  Join the festival community: Follow us on Twitter @essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of Festival on Facebook.

The ESSENCE Festival is sponsored by Coca-Cola, AT&T, Ford, State Farm and Walmart.

The ESSENCE Festival is produced by ESSENCE Communications, Inc. FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES: Please e-mail festivalpress@essence.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.

Beauty /

2019 Spring Beauty Pick: L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara

Using the right mascara is paramount to applying your everyday make-up.  This beauty technique can make the eyes appear larger and place emphasis on eyeliner or shadow.

There are so many mascara products; selecting one in the beauty aisle can be confusing!  For someone with smaller eyes, L’Oreal Paris is one of my favorite brands.

The bristles on the wand are small enough to grasp every tiny lash.  This particular mascara does not irritate my eyes and here’s a hint, I wear contact lenses.

L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara has a deep pigment that truly makes my lids look voluptuous without the use of faux lashes.  My favorite color is Blackest Black.

What’s even better is that this particular product can be purchased at your local Walgreens, Target or ULTA for about $6.99-8.99.  Wow, this great price makes you want to buy an extra tube for a friend.

Apply two coats for a super voluminous look!  Don’t forget to toss after six months.  Check my Instagram Stories page @kwest1908 to see a before and after picture.  This is not an ad.

 

 

Birmingham /

ZUMBA BLOCK PARTY FOR AUTISM AWARENESS at The Summit Birmingham #TheSummitBham

Grab your cute leggings and get ready to hit the dance floor!  The Summit Birmingham will host a Zumba Block Party for Autism Awareness.

If you follow my Instagram Stories account, you know that I am a huge fan of Zumba fitness.  It’s a fun way to break a sweat, stay healthy, and dance to Latin music.  I normally take Zumba classes at the local YMCA but looking to join the dance party on April 26th from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Featured Photo from The Summit Birmingham

The event is requesting that everyone wear blue and offer $10 donations in support of the Autism Society of Alabama.

According to the site, “After the fitness experience, be sure to check out Athleta’s After-Party in-store! Bring your friends, bring your spouse, bring your Zumba bestie and help raise money for Autism Awareness!”

Click here to learn more:  ZUMBA BLOCK PARTY FOR AUTISM AWARENESS

Beauty /

Cruelty Free, Chip Resistant Nail Polish by Nanacoco – No Harmful Chemicals

True to the brand, Nanacoco polish delivers intense, fade-proof pigmentation that will last up to 14 days. Guaranteed to level up your color range, the collection offers 23 stunning shades to choose from at just $4.99 a piece!

Most importantly, the innovative “10-free formula” which excludes 10 harmful chemicals that are found in other nail lacquers, like formaldehyde and paraben, while maintaining ultra-fast drying and long-wear capabilities, plus – they’re all cruelty-free and made in the USA!

Beauty /

Get the Look | Rimmel London and Zhavia Ward

Makeup artist Karl Sanchez, worked with singer and songwriter Zhavia Ward on Rimmel London’s new Stay Matte campaign. The campaign idea came to life when it was learned that Zhavia was a huge fan of Rimmel London; the campaign will include a video showcasing how Stay Matte fits into Zhavia’s daily routine and feature her second single “Deep Down.” Below please find a full breakdown of Zhavia’s makeup look!
Who: Zhavia on the set of Rimmel London’s latest campaign for Stay Matte

 

How To Get The Look:
Face
Karl applied the Rimmel London Stay Matte Foundation and Rimmel London Stay Matte Concealer in Zhavia’s shade, Vanilla and then applied the Rimmel London Maxi Blush in Sweet Cheeks to give her some color to her cheeks.
Eyes
Using the Rimmel London Magnif’Eyes Eyeshadow Palette Nude Edition, Karl darkened the crease with the 10th shade. He used the 8th shade in the palette to smoke out the outer corner and under the eye to intensify and applied the 3rd shade on the eyelid. Karl then used the 1st shade and applied to the inner corner of the eye to act as a highlight. He finished off the eye look by applying Rimmel LondonExaggerate Eye Definer to create a winged look and to slightly smoke the eye and topped off the eyes by applying Rimmel London Scandal’eyes WOW Wings Mascara.
Lips
He finished off the look by applying a touch of color to the lips with Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Lip in “Be My Baby” followed by a clear lip gloss.

 

Where to Find Them: Rimmel London products are available at chain drug stores and mass retailers nationwide. Visit www.RimmelLondon.com for store locations and to try the newest products with Rimmel London’s exclusive Get The Look App available on iTunes and Google Play.