Get Grounded with Athletic Wear for Comfort and Sustainable Living

If you’re the type that lives in yoga pants, look no further than DHVANI. The innovative brand has taken its commitment to design premium athletic apparel and blended it with their Earth-conscious mission, creating an all-around collection that consumers feel good wearing and owning.

The staple of most athletic apparel – sports bras, yoga pants – is now elevated to focus on quality and sustainability. The brand uses custom sustainable fabrics like Aranya (bamboo) and ReNu (recycled plastic bottles) to make a difference in its clothing line. They’re passionate about active lifestyles that care for the planet and give back to the community.  Together, everyone can make a measurable impact on the health of our planet—for ourselves, our families, and our future. Join them on their mission.

 

Activ(ist)Wear by DHVANI – Transforming Trash Into Treasure

 

The Naked Collection

  • A buttery-soft, second-skin feel that you’ll want to live in 
  • Find the perfect pair of matching bra and bottoms in an assortment of colors
  • Supportive sports bras in two styles
    • Athleisure bras and full support sports bras
  • Flattering, high-waisted bottoms in three lengths
    • Leggings, shorts, and capris

 

The Terra Collection

  • The best athletic wear on Earth
  • Constructed from ReNu, the brand’s proprietary fabric made from recycled plastic bottles
  • Leggings and bras in black, blue, and coral offerings

 

The DHVANI mask

  • 2 Layers of 100% Cotton
  • Adjustable Ear Loops to Fit All Faces
  • All Proceeds Go to Providing A Mask for Every American

 

Yemojá Microplastics Filtering Wash Bag

  • Prevent pilling, fading, and loss of stretch while preserving the life of your synthetic garments
  • Help to keep microplastics out of our waterways to protect oceans, rivers, and aquatic life
  • 30 inches x 20 inches
  • Made from 100% FDA approved food-grade polyamide

 

Buy One, Plant One:

DHVANI plants a tree with every purchase. The brand has partnered with One Tree Planted to help with the reforestation of Australia’s 8.8 million acres of bushfire destruction. The area is home to koala, wombat, and kangaroo habitats which desperately need to be restored and rehabilitated for years to come.

For more information, visit https://www.dhvani.com or contact thresa@teamchicexecs.com.

 

About DHVANI:

DHVANI’s mission is to create beautifully crafted and ethically manufactured Activ(ist)Wear while pioneering the most innovative and sustainable fabrics on earth. Follow them on Instagram @dhvaniwear.

 

5 Must-Have Sleeves for Your Wardrobe

Having a sleeve style for different types of dresses and tops is vital as it is a defining factor of how it will look on you. Therefore, as you buy different garbs, consider the sleeve since it can change how your clothes look on the body in a big way. Plus, if you want to improve how great your Instagram pictures look, then ensure you make complimentary and cool sleeve choices. Today, there are many sleeve styles in the cycles of fashion that are reintroduced, revisited, and reinvented. In this article, are five types of sleeves that you should have in your wardrobe.

  • The puff sleeve 

The puff sleeve is stylish and striking. It is also known as the peasant sleeve, and it is a favorite choice of high-class fashion designers. This sleeve is not just for the designer as it is popular in everyday styles as well. Many women try this puff sleeve style as it looks impressive, and it is the most enduring for women’s full sleeve tops and dresses. When you choose to wear a garment with this sleeve, it should stand out as the centerpiece. It is classic, pretty, striking and in most cases, exaggerated. Balance the other outfits by wearing classic bottoms in chic but unassuming colors. One way to style it is with a classic V-neck and accentuate your style by adding layered neck chains.

  • The bell sleeve 

The bell or flare sleeve is a dramatic and delicate style. It is a modern fashion trend, and it fits well on the shoulder areas and flares out towards the sleeve. It is common on runways and is available on high street markets too. A bell sleeve can be in your work shirt, sleek dresses, and also your ethnic wear. When your outfit has bell sleeves, it adds a unique dose of fashion, even for simple outfits. As you shop for your sleeve, choose the one that has flare and matches the level of style you feel comfortable in and with a touch of embellishments. To style with a bell sleeve, keep the rest of your look minimal.

  • The ruffle sleeve

If you want a girly, pretty, and unapologetically feminine sleeve, the ruffle sleeve is a perfect choice. Also known as the flounce sleeve, it gives a minimal statement without losing its flair. For such an elegant sleeve, you can choose a simple design with light flares to dramatic styles that have long flounces and make a statement in a quiet but confident way. Ruffle sleeves are for simple and casual styles. Thus, wear it tucked in a denim skirt or a pair of jeans for a girl next door look. Add a youthful spin with fun accessories, headbands, and wear a backpack as an accessory.

  • The raglan sleeve 

The sporty and chic raglan sleeve style is a variation of the drop sleeve but still maintains a tight silhouette. You can buy half or full sleeves in t-shirts. They are a sleeve style for activewear since their design helps with flexibility and easy movements. Style this sleeve style garbs with high waist trousers or a pair of chinos for a smart-casual look, if you want a raglan sleeve that goes beyond the usual fare of athleisure. Choose one that is made of interesting materials to get a super feminine look and one with embellishments to make it stand out. 

  • The off-shoulder sleeve 

Others know it as the cold shoulder sleeve. It is popular and eye-catching. It is among the most sophisticated sleeve styles available in the women’s wear category, and they are all the rage today. This trendy sleeve can be constructed in many silhouettes and can have a mix of other sleeve styles like the flouncy, bell, and ruffle. It is a summer favorite as it allows your shoulder and collar bone areas to be out naturally, and it gives a youthful charm to your overall ensemble. To style this sleeve, it is not for the faint-hearted. Although it is a favorite among the Gen-Z and millennials, it is not limited to them. One way to wear it is as a skirt combo in a single color for a bold look. 

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5 Lifestyle Tips That Help with Sleep Loss

Enough sleep is essential for everyone. On average, an adult requires around 8 hours of sleep every night. It is vital for the normal biological functions of the body. It is also a time when the body repairs itself from the wears and tears. However, several factors may lead to loss of sleep. It may be a result of unchecked sleeping habits, lifestyle, or health-related issues. Lack of sleep for as little as 24 hours will always lead to problems such as lack of concentration, puffy eyes, low level of alertness, irritability, and fatigue. Beyond this, you can suffer from anxiety, hallucination, severe inflammation, and many other disorders. Since you desire to enjoy sufficient sleep when you lie down in the comfort of your mattress firm. Below are lifestyle tips to help with sleep loss.

Featured Photo from Essence.com

  1. Create time for a workout 

 Physical exercise will not only make you physically fit to face your daily duties but will also make you feel slightly worn out at night. It is helpful for sleep. A half an hour exercise is often ideal. Do not overwork yourself. At the same time, do not work out too late at night. It may interfere with your sleep, for it can cause your brain to be alert. So, hit the gym, or you can try to do home workouts. Home workout programs are usually available online. Regular exercise will always help in treating loss of sleep.

  1. Develop a relaxing bedtime program 

The human mind and body adapt to routine over a given time. A consistent schedule will help the mind and body get ready for sleep. It is advisable to employ the use of activities that help unwind. Bedtime reading relaxes the mind and soothes you to sleep. Reflecting on the day as you lie down may also be of great help. You can do simple stretches to relax the muscles after a busy day. Also, a warm shower works wonders in relaxing the body and mind for a good night’s sleep.

  1. Keep away from foods that take longer to process 

The different types of food you consume do not take a similar amount of time. Some take a longer time to digest. For you to avoid being kept awake by the digestive process, it is wise to shun certain foods before going to bed. Spicy meals, fatty meat, fried food, or food with a high level of acidity take time to digest. It is therefore wise you eat a snack or something light when hit by pangs of hunger just before bedtime. It will help you to avoid loss of sleep.

  1. Avoid drinks with caffeine before going to sleep

 Caffeine is a natural substance found and extracted from plants. It usually stimulates the body’s nervous system. It increases your alertness within a few minutes can last for up to 6 hours. It will disrupt your sleep schedule and total sleep time. As a result, you suffer from loss of sleep. Since the effect of caffeine can take up to 6 hours, you should be careful not to interfere with your sleep clock.

  1. Create a pleasing sleep surrounding

It is a common saying that the bedroom is said to be the most treasured room in a home. It is, therefore, necessary to make your bedroom comfortable and relaxing. It helps in making the environment conducive for sleep. First of all, use a comfortable mattress and a soft pillow. Secondly, keep the room temperature optimum. Lastly, take care of sounds in the bedroom and make it quiet by switching off the electronic appliances and any other source of noise.

To conclude, it is easy to recover from the loss of sleep. The loss of sleep is a result of various things. However, it is the change of lifestyle that is most significant. The lifestyle changes discussed above goes a long way in enhancing your sleep. It entails creating time for a workout, developing a bedtime relaxing program, keeping away from foods that interfere with sleep, avoiding drinks with caffeine before sleep, and creating a pleasing sleep surrounding. When your lifestyle changes positively, the quality of your sleep improves.

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This At-Home Peel Delivers New Year Worthy Skin

Mid-winter skin looking dull/drab? We all want our skin to be in tip top shape right now because, let’s be honest, who wants to wear full foundation during lockdown?

Here’s a 2 minute fix that delivers instant results:

 

Apply Theraderm® NuPeel® Natural Enzyme Peel to dry skin, wait 60 seconds and gently rub skin with dry fingers or a cleansing brush. You’ll immediately feel dead skin cells beading up and sloughing off as you massage the area. The gratification is instant and so is the glow.

Formulated with papaya enzymes to naturally exfoliate the skin, and botanical extracts like aloe, pineapple, grape seed, green tea leaf and cucumber to soothe it, NuPeel will help smooth out your complexion and have your skin shining bright in minutes.

NuPeel is non-abrasive, non-irritating and will help you achieve that coveted post-peel glow – with none of the pain or peeling/drying side effects.

It even works wonders on elbows, feet, knees and other notoriously dry areas to soften skin!

ESSENCE.COM’S DIGITAL COVER FEATURES “SYLVIE’S LOVE” STARS TESSA THOMPSON + NNAMDI ASOMUGHA!

ESSENCE‘s newest digital cover features Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha, the stars of the movie, Sylvie’s Love. The two portray Sylvie and Robert–an aspiring producer and successful saxophonist in the 1960’s whose deep love never seems to be perfectly timed. The beautiful and sensual homage to Hollywood’s golden era by writer-director Eugene Ashe–set against the backdrop of both the civil rights and women’s rights movements–will begin streaming on Amazon Prime Video on December 23. In the ESSENCE digital cover story, Falling In (Sylvie’s) Love, Asomugha (who’s married to Kerry Washington) and Thompson talk to writer Joi-Marie McKenzie about:
  • NNAMDI ON SYLVIE AND ROBERT’S LOVE CHALLENGES: “None of it is simple. None of it is one-sided. Love and life are complex, no matter which lens you’re looking at it through…” 
  • TESSA ON WHY THE TIMING OF “SYLVIE’S LOVE” COULDN’T BE SWEETER: “At a time when we’re talking about the value and dignity of Black life…it’s really great to have a [love] story that offers some escapism for audiences, and that feels sweeping and beautiful and hopeful about love. We really need those kinds of narratives…” 
  • NNAMDI ON SHOWCASING BLACK MALE VULNERABILITY: “That was important for us to show, especially during that time when there was a hypermasculinity that said, ‘I’m immovable…'”
  • TESSA ON HOW SHE’S SIMILAR TO SYLVIE: Certainly women like Sylvie existed during the time, but those stories aren’t told…I’m in a period in my career, personally, where I’m launching my own production company. I’m working as a producer, and I… stand on the shoulders of women like Sylvie who came before me—career women who were [pioneers] in a time when it was hard enough to be that as a woman, never mind as a Black woman…” 
  • WRITER-DIRECTOR EUGENE ASHE ON SYLVIE+ROBERT’S LIFE-CHANGING LOVE: “Even Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. still had a bunch of babies and fell in love…It’s really important to show that we existed in the past [beyond] the ‘struggle culture’—that Black folks were still falling in love. I think not showing that is a way of erasing us…”  
In addition, ESSENCE will kick off its “Behind the Scenes Look on Sylvie’s Love” this Monday, 12/14, on ESSENCE STUDIOS. Join us for a series of conversations with the cast and crew of this incredible film throughout the week. For more on this digital cover story, visit ESSENCE.com. (Cover attached, photo credit, J.D. Barnes.)

5 Types of Makeup Brushes That Will Change the Game

In the world of beauty, if you want to master the art of makeup you must possess the right tools. The basic and most important makeup tools are makeup brushes. But as there are so many makeup brushes out there, so it is hard for the users to decide which set of brushes is right for them. Consider the five make up brushes that we have listed below. They will change the makeup game for you!

1.   Blender or Foundation Brush

This blender brush is highly compatible with both liquid-based foundations and sticks. You can also use this brush for other liquid-based products like highlighters and tints. It can give you an airbrushed look. Most importantly, you can use this brush into your bag of tricks, and enjoy its capabilities to the fullest. From smoky eyes to chiselled cheeks; this brush will take your blending and building game to another level.

2.   Powder Makeup Brush

The powder makeup brush is available in both small and large sizes. You should add this in your makeup brush kit as it helps in dusting off the loose compact powder. If you have applied the foundation, dust of the compact powder and give your face that smooth satin touch. It is big enough and you can use it on your body too. The smaller version of this brush is ideal for applying blush to cheeks and nose.

3.   Synthetic Kabuki Brush

This synthetic Kabuki brush is ideal for application of pigmented or mineral powders. You can look for synthetic Kabuki brush at Synergie Skin. They apply mineral powders perfectly without making them settle down into the skin. Moreover, you can easily use a kabuki brush for application of blush, highlighters and bronzers, and enjoy the natural effect they give.

4.   Eyeliner Brush

Here we are, presenting you a brush that can work numerous jobs for the price of one. You must know that applying liquid liner is very tricky. You have to grip the right tool as if it is a pencil; hold it closer to the base rather than the bristles. Moreover, this technique will take practice, but it will give you a cleaner line.

5.   Double-Ended Shadow Brush

As an endless abundance of varieties double-ended Shadow Brush is available in the market, so finding the perfect brush can be a tough task! If you love to invest in makeup tools and keep hauling new product now and then, you may get your hands on the perfect double-ended shadow brush quickly. For the everyday eye shadow application, one multi-purpose brush is more than enough. Most importantly, this multi-purpose tool is small for blending the shadows. It is a double-duty brush with flat ends to pick up the shadow powder. To use the brush in the right way, sweep the shadow over the lid, start from the inner corner working outwards, blend and buff the powder lightly. You are ready to go!

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WCPO, Cincy Lifestyle Segment: National Cranberry Day and Puff Pastry Swirls

I had the pleasure of hosting a television segment on Friday, November 20th with WCPO 9 News, Cincinnati.  The segment focused on celebrating National Cranberry Day which was right on time for the Thanksgiving holiday!
For many of us, cranberries are a staple side dish with our holiday feast but in the segment, I shared a new recipe, Cranberry Puff Pastry Swirls.
RECIPE:  Karen’s Naturals Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Swirls
Ingredients:
● 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
● 3 Tbsp salted butter, melted
● 6 oz. Brie cheese
● ¾ cup Karen’s Naturals Just Cranberries
● 3 Tbsp. cinnamon sugar
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Dice Brie cheese and remove the rind
Instructions:
1. Unroll the puff pastry and brush with 1 Tbsp of melted butter
2. Sprinkle pastry with 1-2 Tbsp of cinnamon sugar
3. Sprinkle diced brie and cranberries evenly on top of the pastry
4. Beginning at the long end, tightly roll the pastry
5. Brush the pastry with the remaining melted butter
6. Coat the roll with cinnamon sugar
7. Cut the roll into 16 swirls
8. Place swirls onto a baking sheet
9. Bake for 15-25 minutes or until
This simple dish can be served for brunch or an additional pastry appetizer with a warm cup of holiday tea.  To watch the lifestyle segment, click on the link https://www.facebook.com/CincyLifestyle/videos/218152979726399

ESSENCE PRESENTS THE LEVEL UP & THRIVE VIRTUAL EVENT SERIES

ESSENCE closes out 2020 with two free virtual events to help entrepreneurs and business professionals put those 2021 career goals in motion with the launch of the ESSENCE Level Up & Thrive Virtual Event Series!

The first part of the series kicks off today, Thursday, December 3, with ESSENCE E-Suite: The Art of the Pivot, presented in part by Chase, Walmart and Shea Moisture. Streaming on ESSENCE.com beginning at 7PM EST, this latest virtual edition of the ESSENCE E-Suite will host some of the most brilliant minds in the corporate space who will talk us through what’s ahead for business professionals planning for career changes in 2021. Whether you’ll be venturing into a new industry, getting back into the workforce after spending several months on unemployment or just looking to level up on your current job, this event is sure to have something for every business professional.

The second part of the series will feature the return of the virtual ESSENCE Entrepreneur Summit on Wednesday, December 9, where you’ll have the opportunity to access unforgettable conversations, interactive sessions and more. Together with Chase, Aveeno and Microsoft, ESSENCE will unite business owners of all ages to weigh in on what their plans are for carrying their brands to higher success in 2021 despite coming off of a difficult year. It will stream on ESSENCEStudios.com.

For more information and to register for both events, visit our official ESSENCE Level Up & Thrive virtual series event page HERE 

Ebony: Covering Black America by Lavaille Lavette (Rizzoli; Feb 2021)

Long before Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, Ebony magazine was Black America’s social media. In 1945, legendary founder and visionary John H. Johnson set out to create a magazine for Black America much like that of the trailblazing Life Magazine, and that he did. For the African American community, Ebony has been a breath of fresh air, speaking on issues and events from the Black perspective, celebrating Black standards of beauty and elevating heroes of Black America—athletes, entertainers, activists, elected officials, or some combination thereof.

EBONY: COVERING BLACK AMERICA (Rizzoli; February 2021), by Lavaille Lavette, is a celebration of the treasure trove of the magazine’s rich history, glamorous covers, groundbreaking cultural impact, and authentic coverage of Black American life from the magazine’s inception to the present.

In 1945, Ebony’s legendary founder John H. Johnson set out to create a magazine for Black America much like that of the trailblazing Life Magazine,and that he did. For the African American community, Ebonyhas been a breath of fresh air, speaking on issues and events from the Black perspective, celebrating Black standards of beauty and elevating heroes of Black America—athletes, entertainers, activists, elected officials,or some combination thereof. EBONY: COVERING BLACK AMERICA, by Lavaille Lavette, is a celebration of the treasure trove ofthemagazine’s rich history, glamorous covers, groundbreaking cultural impact, and authentic coverage of Black American life from the magazine’s inceptionto the present. “Ebony was Black America’s social media long before the birth of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram”, says Lavette. Rizzoli International Publications, Inc.300 Park Avenue SouthNew York, NY 10010Tel. (212) 387-3400Telefax (212) 387-3535

Curated by Lavette, this all-out feast of a book is packed with exclusive contributions by a host of celebrities, influencers, and cultural icons, including Common, Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade, Sean Combs, Kimora Lee Simmons, Ciara, and Venus Williams.

The book also includes more than 600 covers and photographs featuring political forces such as Martin Luther King Jr., Michelle and President Barack Obama, and Congresswoman Barbara Jordan; entertainers such as Diana Ross, Sidney Poitier, Dorothy Dandridge, Oprah Winfrey, and Prince; as well as sports heroes like Serena Williams, Muhammad Ali, Russell Westbrook, and Simone Biles. Lavette has chosen select articles, features, and reportage of note, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s advice column, and Ebony Fashion Fair photo shoots, divided into categories found within the magazine, including Civil Rights & Social Justice, Love & Family, Ebony Men,Ebony Women, and Ebony Music.

Unique in the quality of its photographs and contributors and chronicling everything from fashion and food to politics and social change, to sports and entertainment, EBONY: COVERING BLACK AMERICAis a monumental milestone in African-American history and culture, and will be a treasured volume for the magazine’s legion of loyal readers.

ABOUT   THE   AUTHOR: Lavaille   Lavetteis abest-selling   author,educator,   producer, social entrepreneur and the president and publisher of OneStreet Books and Ebony Magazine’s imprintEbony Publishing. With a master’s in education, Lavaille is a formerschool   district   administrator, speechwriter, marketing executive, and she served asspecial advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Education, Dr. RodPage(2001 -2005).

Beyond her work in community engagement, nonprofit and the education spheres with her bestselling series, The Adventures of Roopster Roux,Lavette is co-founder of Every Child an Author, (ECAA) Class-by-Class, School by School. ECAA is on a mission to make every child in America a published author, one grade level at a time.

Credit for the book must read: Ebony: Covering Black Americaby Lavaille Lavette,©Rizzoli New York, 2020. Photography to be credited on a case-by-case basis.Select press images will be made available, but no image may be used, in print or electronically, without written consent from the publisher. Serial rights are available; please contact Ron Longeat (917) 312-5571or rlonge@rizzoliusa.comEBONY: COVERING BLACK AMERICABy Lavaille LavetteWith contributions by Common, Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade, Sean Combs(Diddy), Kimora Lee Simmons, Ciara, and Venus WilliamsHardcover/ 9 1/3”x 12 1/3” /352pages / 800colorand black & whitephotographs$57.50U.S. / $75.00Canadian/ £44.00U.K.ISBN:978-0-8478-6901-5/ Rizzoli New York / Release date: February 202