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Birmingham /

IBERIABANK ZooGala 2018: The Birmingham Zoo’s Largest Fundraising Event

On Friday, September 14, the Birmingham Zoo will host its largest annual fundraising event, ZooGala 2018 – Indaba in Africa, sponsored by IBERIABANK, partner of the Birmingham Zoo for the past nine years.

Featured Photo from Event Rentals Unlimited

The affair will be held at the Zoo. Stunning décor inspired by African safaris, markets, savannahs, rainforests, and coastlines will transform the event into an evening to remember. Guests are invited to mingle and enjoy culinary offerings, inspired by regional African cuisine by Kathy G. & Company. Live entertainment will be performed by The Main Attraction for your dancing pleasure. Throughout the evening, guests will experience special animal walkabouts and greetings.

The Birmingham Zoo hosts an online silent auction that includes an array of exciting travel opportunities, artwork, jewelry, fine wine, and dining. Anyone may partake in the online auction. Guests do not have to be present at the event to participate; registration is encouraged.

Chairs for this year are Amanda Davis, Leigh Davis, and Sumner Rives. ZooGala Advisor for 2018 is Britt Redden. Candice McKinney is Chair of the VIP Pre-Party, which begins at 6 pm and will introduce an innovative conservation program. Honorary chairs are Janice and Roddy McKinney. IBERIABANK ZooGala 2018 tickets may be purchased for $250/person. VIP Pre-Party tickets are $350/person and include entrance to ZooGala.

IBERIABANK ZooGala 2018 proceeds benefit the Birmingham Zoo’s animal care and educational programs. Guests must be 21 years or older. Attire is cocktail. For ticketing information and more details about the party, to participate in the online auction, and in the case of inclement weather, visit www.birminghamzoo.com.

Beauty /

Fashion Week Beauty Essentials

In between fashion shows, touch up your look with the essential products below. Easy to carry around in your bag, you’ll look flawless all day long!

 Featured Photo from Elle

Cargo Cosmetics

For all-day long lasting lips, the SWIMMABLES™ Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick is completely budge-proof, delivering intense long-wear color that won’t smudge or transfer! Just one small touch up and you’ll be good to go!

 

SHADES: Newport, Montauk, Brighton, Portofino, Cape Town, Sorrento

PRICE: $18

AVAILABILITY: www.Cargocosmetics.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Oscar Blandi

For a quick hair touch-up, the Polish Glossing Crème controls frizz and tames any flyaways. Delivering weightless shine, this is the ultimate multi-tasking product for all hair types for a glossy, brilliant finish!

 

PRICE: $12 | 1.7 oz.

AVAILABILITY:  www.Blandiproducts.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ybf beauty

To keep your make up intact all day long, the translucent Yellow Neutralizing Pressed Powder defuses redness, diminishes the appearance of pores and blemishes, absorbs oil and sets foundation and concealer-creating a velvety-sheer, radiant finish for skin that looks naturally flawless!

 

PRICE: $25

AVAILABILITY:  ybfbeauty.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accessories /

Transition Your Wardrobe from Summer to Fall with Ann Taylor

Now that the change of season from summer to fall is here, it’s time to seriously start preparing for the colder weather, if you haven’t already begun. When transitioning from sun to snow, the weather can be very unpredictable. This is why it’s important to keep up with the most practical and stylish fall trend: layers.

From light jackets to scarves, Ann Taylor has the most functional and fashionable layering pieces for the upcoming season. When dressed in Ann Taylor, you’ll be both prepared and photo-worthy from head to toe.

Accessories /

Meet Kamiah Adams: EntrepreneuHER, Lifestyle Enthusiast and Fashion/Beauty Influencer

Style + Life + Fashion had the opportunity to interview Kamiah Adams.  Learn more about her platform here!

Meet Kamiah Adams:

The EntrepreneuHER, Mom-Boss, Lifestyle enthusiast and Fashion/Beauty Influencer Kamiah Adams is the girl everyone is dying to know more about. From her striking beauty to fabulous taste in fashion, Kamiah is without a doubt, an emerging face in the fashion and beauty industry. Kamiah effortlessly flaunts her diverse taste in fashion, from sneakers to heels, she always puts the “S” in slay!

Kamiah is not only a fashion & beauty influencer, she is also a seasoned entrepreneuHER she is the founder and creator of XO byKamiah Adams Hair Extensions, with other things beauty related on the way!

You may even recognize this beauty from being the long-time girlfriend of the professional basketball player, Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards. This power couple just recently welcomed their first bundle of joy “Baby Beal”, you can keep up with their family on her youtube channel “Kamiah Adams”   representing all things Kamiah.

With no question, Kamiah is the girl to know. Keep up with her on Instagram and youtube and stay tuned for more fashion and beauty looks, and new business ventures from this MOM BOSS.

1. How did the idea for your beauty business develop?

Since a little girl (even in my tomboy phase) I have always loved all things beauty. From hair & makeup to fashion. As a little girl, I was always the one doing my friend and family’s hair & makeup coordinating “fashion shows” at family gatherings, and trying to switch my hair up at any given moment! So stemming from a genuine love for it from a child, made it that much easier to really get my business going, because it was more than just another way of generating income, it was a passion. And I stand firm on “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life”. It started with my hair extensions, and is currently expanding into cosmetics, and clothing! “Xo by Kamiah Adams” is a brand within itself, and in that brand, you’ll find “xo hair, “xo cosmetics” “xo fashion” …. & so on.

2. What motivated you to become an entrepreneur?

I’ve never been a fan of being told what to do! So just the thought of being able to do what I want, how I want, when I want, on my terms, without having someone to “answer to” was all the motivation I needed!! And just having the freedom to be able to be my creative self and have no limitations on it was such a gratifying thought I couldn’t picture it any other way.

3. What are your goals for XO by Kamiah Adams Hair Extensions Collection?

My plans for “xo by Kamiah Adams” I stated before go far and beyond just hair extensions, so I’ll answer for the brand in itself. My goals are to continue to build an empire, never limiting myself, and stopping at nothing. I want to provide the best, for the best! And I plan to continue doing so while providing the best product, at a price that can’t be beaten! Again, my main objective at the end of the day is to satisfy all of my supporters, genuinely, without breaking the bank, and leaving them feeling amazing about themselves!

4. From the perspective of being a mother and entrepreneur, who is your role model and why?

My mother! Hands down, my mom is the hardest worker I know! She and my Granny (who is no longer with us) have molded me into the woman I am today! My grandmother was a woman who never accepted “No!” And always worked for everything she wanted while providing for her family. And my mom, I don’t even know where to start, she is the true definition of a go-getter! Working full time, traveling for work all the time, raising a family, and still managing to be an amazing mom and wife and making us always feel supported and loved. I feel if I’m able to be even HALF the woman/mom she was, ill be just fine! My superwomen!

5. Where can we go to learn more?

Keep up with me and all my business endeavors, and all things XO by Kamiah Adams by following my social media platforms Instagram/Twitter/YouTube/Facebook: @Kamiahadams

And make sure to check out www.xobykamiahadams.com

Lifestyle Tips /

6 Gift Ideas for Home Cooks: The Ultimate Foodie

What makes a good gift is something that is both practical and personal to the person you are giving it to. And if you are looking for gift ideas for a friend or family member who loves to cook in the kitchen, then you have come to the right place for suggestions that will inspire them to invite you over for dinner the next time they are preparing a delicious meal. Here are six great gift ideas for your favorite home cook.

1. Mixing Bowls

A mixing bowl is an essential piece of cookware for any cook, especially if they love to bake. The primary use if a mixing bowl is to mix ingredients together. If you want to make this gift even better, consider getting mixing bowls of different sizes, at least three of them, because sometimes it is necessary to mix ingredients separately.

2. Mixer

If the home cook already has mixing bowls, consider getting them a mixer instead so that they can find it easier to combine ingredients together. With a mixer, one can easily make cookie dough, mixing all the various ingredients, such as flour and milk, without getting their hands dirty. It doesn’t even matter how thick the dough is, a mixer will make the dough smooth and delicious should you want to lick it off the bowl.

3. Professional Knife Set

Professional knife sets are made with versatility in mind, allowing the user to use them in a number of cooking applications. Most professional knife sets come with a number of knives for a variety of uses, whether it is chopping vegetables or cutting meat. Since they are made for professionals, they are usually more efficient, durable and stylish than your conventional knives.

4. Bamboo Chopping Board

Bamboo chopping boards have replaced wooden ones due to their low maintenance, beauty, and durability. A common problem with wooden boards is that they can be a breeding ground for bacteria because they can easily be chipped by professional chef knives, creating moisture pockets that breed these dangerous microorganisms. This is not sanitary and it is bad for health. Bamboo cutting boards, however, are stronger and resistant to moisture buildup since they are also resistant to water penetration.

5. Apron

When getting gifts for cooks, people usually overlook the apron because it seems like a decorative garment more than anything else, which is not the case. Aprons are quite protective since they prevent the wearer’s clothes from getting stained, considering that the kitchen can be a messy place. Most importantly, professional quality chef aprons are made from high-quality fabric that is flame and heat resistant, which protects the wearer from open flames and the spills and splatter of hot liquids. Don’t know where to get these kinds of aprons?

6. Cookbook

People who love to cook also love to experiment. They do this to try new delicious recipes and improve their cooking skills, and nothing helps them with these goals than a cookbook. This makes it a great gift idea for home cooks (or any cook for that matter) because it challenges them to step out of their comfort zones and spend more time in the kitchen.

With these great ideas in mind, you can finally get your favorite home cook a great present to show them how much you recognize and respect their love for cooking. Getting any one of these items is guaranteed to enhance their cooking experience, and you might even get a tasty meal out of it when they show you their gratitude.

Accessories /

Shopping for Sunglasses: Tips on Choosing The Right Pair

Sunglasses make for great birthday and holiday gifts because they are stylish and ideal for use during winter holidays where we experience extreme temperatures that can dry the eyes. Compared with designer shoes and handbags, sunglasses are an affordable luxury that can be worn all year-round.

Featured Photo from Instagram

But how do you know which pair of sunglasses you should get for your loved one? Shopping for designer sunglasses is certainly not a walk in the park, and there are some style rules you must follow to ensure you are getting the perfect pair that your loved one will love wearing.

To provide some assistance in your sunglasses shopping, we outline some tips on choosing sunglasses to give as a present for friends or family:

Consider their face shape

This is not an easy step because you don’t want your friend or family to get a clue that you are giving them sunglasses as a gift. But this is also one of the vital steps you need to take to ensure that the person will love the sunglasses you will get for them.

Face shapes can help determine which frame style will best fit a person. Does he or she have around, heart-shaped, oval, or square face?

To guide you in choosing sunglasses based on face shape, check out our pointers below:

Oval shape– frames that have a strong bridge and bold patterns. Cat-eye glasses are ideal.

Square shape – rounded and thinner frames to soften the angularity of the face shape

Diamond shape – curved frames, frames that are wider than the cheekbones

Round shape – square or rectangular frames

Tip: If you find that it’s difficult to tell their face shape through sight alone, take a look at your friend’s existing sunglasses frames.

Get familiar with different brands and designers

If you want to get the perfect pair of sunglasses for a friend, consider his or her take on fashion. Do they follow catwalks religiously? Do they have a penchant for a particular brand or maybe an aversion to a certain designer? Take note of their existing wardrobe, and ask them what they can recommend if you were to get a pair for yourself. From there, you will get an idea of which designers they support, and what brand they are likely to have a liking towards.

Think about the person’s favorite celebrity

Often, celebrities get the first dibs on the latest trends in fashion and accessories, so when thinking about the right pair for a friend, it may help to look at their favorite celebrities, what their style is, and what accessories they are donning these days. Chances are, your friend will take inspiration from that and will love to wear a pair of sunglasses similar to the one that their favorite celebrity is rocking.

Consider the purpose of the sunglasses

Sunglasses can be used all year round because they provide protection to the eye. But if you want to make your gift more personalized, consider how the receiver will use it. If he or she loves the outdoors, then you want to get a pair of sunglasses that is durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. On the other hand, if the receiver is a trendsetter, you may want to get a pair of aviator shades from Ray-Ban and Police. For friends who love high fashion, you can go for designer labels such as Chloe, Miu Miu, and Prada.

Conclusion

There is no single pair of sunglasses that is perfect for gift-giving. It all boils down to the person’s sense of style, face shape, and personality. So make sure to consider these before making a purchase to ensure that the receiver of the gift will be delighted to receive an item that has been carefully chosen based on his or her unique style. Remember that it helps to shop around when buying sunglasses as prices can vary significantly and often buying sunglasses online is the best place for the lowest prices on official designer made sunglasses.

 

 

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Accessories /

#FashionRule Last Chance to Break Out the White Clothing with Ann Taylor

In just a few days, the freedom to wear white on any given day is coming to an end and therefore you should go out with a bang wearing your favorite white styles for Labor Day Weekend.

Ann Taylor has all the looks needed for Labor Day Weekend wear.  From white pants to white pieces paired with bold colors, you’ll be able to stand out in style all weekend long.

Pair your favorite white pants, with a bright top from Ann Taylor and accessorize it with the perfect brown slides. Pull the look together with Ann Taylor’s fun accessories collection to keep you feeling trendy.

Accessories /

5 Ways Clothes Affect Our Personality: What’s Your Dress Code?

There is a certain feeling that comes with trying on a new outfit, especially when we know it looks great and really suits us well. It’s a feeling that tells us we can go out and do great things, be successful, and be impressive. No matter whether those clothes are a business suit or new jeans and a t-shirt, it is how they make us feel and affect how we think about ourselves that is important – they don’t have to be special, but they need to make us feel special. New clothes have been proven to have a psychological effect on us; here are some examples of how it works.

Featured Photo from Refinery 29

Being Casual

If you’ve ever gone from work to a social event and kept the same clothes on, it is likely that you didn’t feel completely comfortable and perhaps you weren’t able to join in with conversations as confidently as you might normally have been expected to do. However, if you change from your work clothes into something more casual (which can of course still be smart), then you will feel more like contributing to the discussions taking place around you. You will be more open and communicative if you are feeling comfortable in general, and that’s where clothes can make all the difference.

Because we don’t always know when we might be asked out for a drink or a meet up with friends after work, it’s always a good idea to have a change of clothes with you. These clothes can stay in a drawer by your desk, or in a locker, or perhaps in your car if you drive to work. That way, if you do have an unexpected invitation, you can ensure you will always be comfortable.

You might even have a casual dress code at work, which can solve the problem entirely – casual clothes won’t need to be changed out of like formal clothes will. In some cases, wearing casual clothes to work can actually help your productivity, particularly in the more creative fields, so a suit wouldn’t be appropriate anyway.

Power Dressing

Although in some careers more casual attire is expected, and although this has become a popular trend across many different sectors, ‘power dressing’ in a formal, smart suit – for both men and women – may be something you prefer, and if that is your choice (or if the sector you work in demands it) then you should certainly do it.

There is something about a smart suit that gives some people an entirely different work ethic to when they are wearing more casual clothing, and they find they are a lot more productive when they are dressed more formally. This kind of clothing can completely change our attitude and perspective on work, and make us more successful as we are keen to work harder and impress more. The initial expense of making your closet ready for your power dressing job will be easily paid off when you become more and more successful. Plus, if you take care of your suit by washing it properly, it can last for years.

If you have recently started a new job are in need of a quick fix to fund your new lifestyle and wardrobe, in order to be entirely ready for wearing such clothes at work, you may consider a loan from Bonsai Finance.

This can help set you up for the road to success on your new journey. Feeling powerful means that we are sure of ourselves, certain that we can do whatever it is we want to, and do it well. Looking powerful is a useful tactic in meetings, for example. If you want someone to know who you are and that you’re an important part of the business, you should dress formally to show them that you are serious about what you are doing. This all adds up to success and confidence, and that is an ideal combination as one will always lead to the other.

Your Uniform

Of course, some roles have a specific uniform that must be worn for them. These include nurses, firefighters, police officers, restaurant workers, and more. A uniform has been shown to help us achieve even more. Wearing a uniform makes us more aware of what we should be doing at work, and in turn that ensures that we are more willing to do it (and do it to the best of our abilities).

Not only that but since other people will have certain expectations of us when we are wearing that uniform, it means we need to be professional at all times and always do our best. Even on days when you might not feel like you want to be at work, once you have your uniform on, that feeling can disappear, and you will become more responsible and responsive.

A Great Work Out

The gym might not be your favorite place to be, but since it is essential to carry out regular exercising, it is an important place to be nonetheless. If the gym is not possible, then something else such as taking part in sports of a fitness class, cycling, swimming, or simply taking a walk (although it must be a brisk one and not a gentle stroll) around the block can work too.

It’s not just what you do that makes a difference though; what you wear can help too. Even if you’re not feeling too much like heading out to the gym or going out to do exercise because you’re tired and you’ve had a busy day (or even because you just don’t enjoy it), once you put on your gym clothes, you will feel a lot better. Those gym clothes need to be kept just for that – working out. If you wear everyday clothes, then it won’t feel so special, and you won’t feel quite so motivated. Plus, when you’re wearing these special clothes, you will have a constant reminder of what you should be doing, and that will push you on even more.

Designer Clothes

Although it is probably not a good idea to wear designer clothes all the time because they are extremely expensive, having one or two designer items in your closet can really make a difference. These kinds of clothes can boost your confidence when you wear them and can change people’s perception of you. Even if those designer clothes happen to be second hand, they will still make us feel a lot more assertive when we wear them.

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Beauty /

Tips for Repairing Summer Skin Damage from Board-Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Mark

Board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Mark is sharing his tips for repairing summer skin damage so you can look and feel your best come the fall:

Featured Photo from Glamour

  1. Identify the Damage: The sun can wreak havoc on your skin leading to sun spots, blotchy pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles as well as clogged pores.  All of these things can lead to a dull, less toned, and less radiant complexion making it imperative to isolate the problem.

  1. Begin with a Fresh Face: Cleansing your face helps to prepare the canvas, making it easier to penetrate beneficiary anti-aging ingredients. Dr. Mark recommends his one step process All-In-One Cleanser, which effectively and safely cleanses and tightens, leaving the skin feeling refreshed.

  1. Use Exfoliants: Exfoliants help unclog pores, smooth the skin, fade blemishes, and send signals to the dermis to produce collagen. Dr. Mark’s Moisture Cure and Exfoliating and Hydrating Mask contain natural and plant-sourced alpha hydroxyl acids that assist with this process.

  1. Incorporate Antioxidants into your Regimen: Antioxidants produce new collagen and sift free radicals.  Dr. Mark’s Antioxidant Boost contains Astaxanthin – “nature’s most potent antioxidant,” which is up to 1000-times stronger than Vitamin C, Green Tea, and Vitamin E, helping to firm sun damage caused by the sun.

  1. Protect Your Eyes: One of the most delicate areas of the skin for damage is the eye area.  The sun, wind, and squinting can cause wrinkles and irritation. Dr. Mark’s Tighten and Lighten Eye Cream has a unique combination of key ingredients that not only treats the contour of the eye, it also safely lifts the fold of the upper eyelid.