Category:

Beauty /

3 Body Luminizing Highlighter Alternatives for Fenty Beauty’s Body Lava

While we eagerly wait to purchase Fenty products I wanted to share three perfect body highlighter alternatives from the mineral makeup brand, jane iredale;  the leader in high-quality, professional makeup products, Mehron Makeup; and the world’s first zero-waste beauty brand, Ethique that will give you the same gorge color you’re craving — with clean ingredients!

  • jane iredale Golden Shimmer Face and Body Lotion ($32, janeiredale.com) A lightweight moisturizer that imparts an irresistible golden glow, designed to warm and smooth the complexion. Infused with Diamond dust, a unique mineral pigment from Mica delivers significant shimmer while Grapefruit and orange peel extracts brighten and illuminate the skin leaving a refreshing citrus scent.

How to use: Apply all over the face and body with fingers or a brush. To highlight the face, dab a small amount over foundation. To highlight the body, apply to décolleté, shoulders and legs.

  • Mehron Aura Bronzing Gel™ ($25.99, Amazon.com)  A unique, lightweight bronzing gel for all over body coverage. Aura Bronzing Gel™ gives any skin tone a beautiful, even, natural-looking glow that mimics the look of a day in the sun without the damaging effects.  A skin soothing gel blend of hydrating extracts of lemongrass, ginseng, chamomile, comfrey, cucumber, aloe vera and Japanese green tea with a generous helping of golden bronze shimmer will leave skin beautifully radiant. Complements all skin tones. Plus it’s free of oils and parabens.

How to use: Apply to clean dry skin and wait for 1-2 minutes before dressing.  Aura Bronzing Gel™ can be applied with a sponge or fingers.  Wash hands carefully after application.  Use alone or mix into a cream foundation for a natural, radiant glow.

  • Ethique Bombshell – The World’s First Natural Self-Tanning Bar ($32, Amazon.com) The world’s first solid self-tanning bar! Bombshell will leave you with kissably smooth, golden skin with no streaks. Bombshell contains a bronzer for those who want instant gratification in addition to its self-tanning properties. Each bar is equivalent to over two bottles of liquid tanner and comes in a box for easy storage in your bathroom. Color develops from 4 hours and is complete at 24 hours, and will last for up to 10 days if the skin is kept hydrated.

How to use: Ensure skin is freshly exfoliated (within 24 hours). Best results if the skin is moisturized 30 mins prior, or when just out of the shower so skin is still warm but dry. Slide bar several times down each leg (or area to be tanned.) Use less than you need. Massage in well and wash hands after application. Leave on. Color will develop from 2-4 hours and the final result will be present within 24 hours.

Birmingham /

Zucchini Lasagna Spirals Recipe: Cooking Demo on WBRC Fox6 News

Last Tuesday I had the opportunity to visit WBRC Fox6 news and host a cooking demo.  The recipe that I prepared was Zucchini Lasagna Spirals.  This was a fun opportunity because I like to prepare meals at home for my family with time-saving kitchen appliances.

Feature Photo from Destination Delish

I wanted to share the ingredients for those that enjoy trying new meals.  See the list below.

Zucchini Lasagna Spirals

 Ingredients:

  • 2-3 cups Cucina Antica Tomato Basil cooking sauce
  • 12 oz. ricotta
  • 2 tbsp. basil, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated
  • 8 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 medium zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise
  • Salt

Preparation:

  1. Lay the zucchini strips out on a cooling rack (cooling rack allows excess water to drain). Sprinkle salt across the tops of the zucchini and let sit for about 10-15 minutes to let the water sweat out of the zucchini. Pat the water off the zucchini and then flip them over and repeat with the next side. Wipe off excess salt with a towel.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F
  3. In a medium bowl mix ricotta cheese, basil, mozzarella, and egg. Stir well.
  4. Spread 1/2 cup Cucina Antica Tomato Basil on the bottom of casserole dish.
  5. Lay out the sliced zucchini noodles and spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture over each individual zucchini noodle. Add a spoonful of Cucina Antica Tomato Basil over the top of the ricotta.
  6. Carefully roll up the zucchini and place in the casserole dish.
  7. Spread extra Cucina Antica Tomato Basil cooking sauce over the top of the rolls. Sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano on top.
  8. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the cheese on top is a nice golden brown.

A suggestion I provided on-air would be to include onions, mushrooms or ground turkey meat.  This is the perfect dish to serve for dinner or during Sunday brunch.

Lifestyle Tips /

Montgomery Looks Ahead to Exciting Spring Events Calendar

Springtime offers ideal weather and a jam-packed calendar of events in Montgomery this year. Known for its Southern hospitality and its revitalized downtown, this riverfront capital city was the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and has established itself as a landmark Deep South destination. With a world-class monument and museum opening in April, more visitors than ever will make a stop in Alabama’s capital city to experience the civil rights landmarks, take in the local culture and take part in some exciting events and celebrations.

 “This spring will see some long-anticipated developments in our city and we’re looking forward to welcoming many visitors to the city for the very first time,” shares Vice President of Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Dawn Hathcock. “Although many people will be here to experience the brand new EJI Memorial and Legacy Museum, we’re excited to welcome all visitors to our many annual events which give our destination such a unique feel.”

Below is an overview of notable spring events and celebrations in Montgomery:

  • Maxwell AFB Centennial Celebration, April 6 – 8, 2018 – A full weekend of celebratory events will be held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Maxwell Air Force Base. A Montgomery Biscuits baseball game on the 6th will include military flyovers and a military first pitch. For more information, go to http://www.maxwell.af.mil/Centennial/
  • Alabama Book Festival, April 21, 2018 – Since 2006 this event has welcomed book lovers to Alabama’s premier literary event. Thousands of people gather for author readings, book signings, writing workshops and more. For more information, go to http://alabamabookfestival.org/
  • Alabama Shakespeare Festival Spring Repertory Season, April 25 –  May 6, 2018 – Each spring this surprising theatrical find nestled in the exquisite 300-acre Blount Cultural Park achieves a rarely attempted feat – professional repertory theatre featuring Shakespeare and the classics. This year’s season includes Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night alongside the classic based on Alabama’s own Helen Keller, The Miracle Worker. For more information, go to www.asf.net
  • Grand Opening of the Equal Justice Initiative’s Memorial to Peace and Justice and The Legacy Museum, April 26, 2018 – These two institutions will open to the public for the very first time this April. The memorial, on a six-acre park, is a sacred space for reflection on racial terrorism in America, and the museum, located a short walk away, will use interactive media, sculpture, film, and exhibits to immerse and educate visitors. For more information, go to https://eji.org/news/museum-and-memorial-opening-april-26-2018
  • 24th Annual Fitzgerald Gala, May 11, 2018 – This annual fundraiser for the Fitzgerald Museum is the social event of the year. Guests arrive decked out in 1920s and 1930s attire to celebrate Montgomery’s favorite literary couple. The event includes live period music, antique cars, and a jaw-dropping Silent Auction. For more information, go to http://www.thefitzgeraldmuseum.org/events.html
  • Taco Libre Festival, May 12, 2018 –  Alabama’s Taco Festival features a wide assortment of tacos from the state’s favorite local taco joints, restaurants and food trucks, along with plenty of refreshing beer and margaritas and musical entertainment. The event is held at “The Yards at Western Rail” a 40-acre venue in a reclaimed train shed and yard. For more information, go to http://www.lightninglinemgm.com/tacolibre/

For more information on Montgomery, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/

About Montgomery

Situated on the banks of the Alabama River, Montgomery is the capital and the second largest city in the state of Alabama. Established in 1819, Montgomery has been the site of major historical events which have shaped the history of the United States. Emerging from its agricultural roots in the 19th century, Montgomery transformed from the Cradle of the Confederacy to the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement in less than a century. Today, this vibrant river town is experiencing a resurgence which has seen its downtown revitalized and has reestablished itself as a landmark Deep South destination.  Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) offers non-stop flights on Delta Airlines and American Airlines. For more information, call 334-261-1100 or visit the official website of the Montgomery Convention and Visitor Bureau at http://www.visitingmontgomery.com.  Stay connected with Montgomery on Twitter (@MGMCapitalCool) and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MontgomeryCapitalCool).

Beauty /

4 Things All Beauty Pros Should Know About Lash Extensions

Beauty trends from across the years have included the 1970s, where sleek, long hair was so popular many women turned to their ironing boards and hot irons to achieve the silky-smooth look. The 1980s saw a skincare revolution. Questionable beauty and fashion choices were made during the 1990s; think matte brown lips and heavy black liner. In the 2010s Botox was all the rage. And now, lash extensions are experiencing their own moment in the beauty trend spotlight. Here’s what all beauty professionals should know about the popular trend.

Lash Materials

Lash extensions are made in a variety of materials that are suited for any budget. Celeb beauty gurus often use mink lash extensions for their clients. The fibers to create the lash extensions are gathered during the brushing of a mink and give eyes a flirty, natural look. These types of lash extensions are generally the most expensive, costing up to $500 per set. Alternative luxury lash extension styles include silks and synthetics. These fibers have a darker pigmentation, which makes them best for bold looks and special occasions. Polybutylene terephthalate material (PBT) fibers, which are lightweight and flexible, are another lash extension option. They are heat-treated, which gives them the feel and appearance of mink or silk, faux mink or Siberian mink.

Classic Versus Volume

Classic lash extensions are a one-to-one; this means that one lash extension is applied to a single mature natural lash. Volume lash extensions consist of specially handmade fans of two or more lightweight extensions. This style of lash extension offers clients a more fluffy, full appearance. Lash extensions will last from about three to five weeks, depending on a client’s natural lash sheds. It is normal and healthy to lose between one and five natural lashes each day.

Blending Lashes

Each client’s lash needs will be unique. Mixing length, thickness, and curl are essential to giving your client a look that is soft, feathery and most importantly, natural looking. Understanding the different curl types will also give you an edge when applying for lash extensions. For natural looking lash sets be sure to match the extension types to the client’s own lash curl. And remember, at any point in time your client’s lashes will be at different stages of growth. This ranges from new growth, or what is called the anagen phase, to fully formed lashes, which is known as the telogen phase. Texturizing lash sets will prevent harsh, unnatural looking lines.

Bold Lash Looks

Mink-style lash extensions will give your clients the most natural look, kicking up the drama just a touch for a subtle glam look. For clients who want to go bold, consider silk or synthetic lash extensions. These varieties offer a darker finish and a velvet sheen that give eyes a more dramatic look, without sacrificing natural softness. For clients searching for the boldest look be sure to recommend volume style lash extensions. Additional ways to create a show-stopping look is to incorporate colored lash extensions. Great for alternative styles and unique occasions, lash extensions in royal purple, deep navy blue or electric green can give a boost the wow factor of your client’s lash look.

Your clients will have a lot of questions about lash extensions. Make sure you know the facts when it comes to this popular beauty trend.

 

Accessories /

Sasee Chic Online Boutique: Ava and Precious Earrings Product Review

Everyone has a go-to accessory!  It’s the one fashion item that completes your outfit.

My go-to accessory on any given day would be earrings.  If I moved to an island and could only take five items I would pack a t-shirt, mascara, lipstick, sneakers, and earrings.

For me, earrings complete my total look.  They’re small and dainty with a huge impact!

Ava Seed Bead Earrings

 

Earrings are also an affordable way to refresh my wardrobe.   Every season I try to create a capsule closet collection and one way to switch up any look is with a pair of earrings.  They come in a variety of colors and shapes.

I have collaborated with Sasee Chic to help everyone create a stylish look.  Sasee Chic is the newest affordable online boutique that believes in confident women.

The saying goes, when you look good; you feel good.

Wearing Precious Earrings with Denim Jacket

Felicia Todd, owner of the boutique shipped the Precious and Ava Earrings.  Both were well-made and appeared exactly as photographed on the website.

To shop the latest on-trend accessories from Sasee Chic use the 20% off coupon code: SPRING 

Don’t forget to share your looks with hashtags #ShopSaseeChic and #SaseeChic

Accessories /

Designer Spotlight | Smock Me to Showcase Collection During Style Fashion Week, Palm Springs

This week, Style Fashion Week visited the West Hollywood studio of emerging designer, Michael Howard—the creative mind behind Smock Me. See below for sneak-peaks of the collection and a full interview with Michael about his beginnings as a designer and insights on his career as he continues to build his vision. Entering the studio, we were immediately greeted by Michael’s mischievous pig, Mr. Meat, who has become the inspiration behind of some of Smock Me’s upcoming designs. Mr. Meat, the SmockMe pig, has a wardrobe of his own and changes his hair color frequently—check out his Instagram @mr.meat_ He definitely takes after his father. As we talked, I sifted through the many unique designs draped amongst the racks, when one particular jacket caught my eye.

The back read, “Fear is Fuel for the Soul.” He walked me outside of his studio to reveal the mantra painted on the wall as well. “I came here with nothing but my backpack.” He explained. It was eight years ago, after losing both of his parents, that he decided that it was time to immerse himself in a new environment. He packed his backpack and left for Los Angeles without a plan. He explained how the fear of the unknown propelled him forward on his journey. Without a place to stay, he ran into a friend on his first day in town, who gave him a temporary home as he established himself in his new surroundings. He experimented with acting, but when it failed to inspire him, he began working and designing for a shop on Melrose. He additionally began teaching himself to sew. Growing up in the Brooklyn 90’s, Michael has always found inspiration in brands like Iceberg and Coogi. He also finds inspiration in vintage cartoons like Rocco’s Modern Life, CatDog and others that bring his audience feelings childhood nostalgia. Fashion and the expression of the dress was always something he admired—specifically, unique pieces that couldn’t be replicated.

He was never interested in fashion that felt like something “everyone else was wearing.” It was three years ago when he designed his first piece. The garment was a second-hand jean jacket, which he distressed and customized by attaching some 1930’s Pop-Eye characters from his collection. He placed the jacket in the Melrose storefront where he was working. When almost immediately, a customer recognized the value and uniqueness of the garment, Michael knew he was onto something. He began designing more distinct pieces for himself and his friends, and when they continued to receive a tremendous amount of attention when wearing the garments, Smock Me was born. Michael takes pride in the originality of each garment. Each piece is a reflection of the emotion and inspiration that was flowing within him at the moment of creation. While these core pieces can never be replicated, he has begun to incorporate graphic design into his collections. He intends for the Smock Me graphic collection to be similar in exclusivity to his core designs—once released, there will be only a limited amount of each graphic collection available.

His first graphic collection will debut during Style Fashion Week Palm Springs. On April 6th at the Palm Springs Air Museum, guests can look forward to a collection launch which will include Smock Me core, graphic, swim and accessories.

Smock Me presented his first collective during New York Fashion Week this past February. This will be his first time showing with Style Fashion Week. Michael continues to let the unknown guide him in all of his endeavors, creating each moment with the stroke of his brush and letting his intuition lead the way. We look forward to his collection debut at Style Fashion Week, Palm Springs.

By: Carley Schumann Photography by Eva Maria Guggenberger | EMG Photography

Beauty /

Extensions and Accessories from Hairdo: At-Home Installation

With Easter approaching this weekend everyone wants to look their best.  Why not try hair extensions that can be installed at home.

Feature Photo from Yahoo.com

Long hair continues to be a trend, and with Hairdo hair extensions you can instantly test the lookout. There’s no wait time, you won’t need to book a salon appointment, and you can choose between clip-in or halo-style extensions – available in a variety shades.

New Hairdo 18” 3PC Wavy Extension Kit ($79, Extensions.com)

Make a statement in this 3 piece extension set that is pre-styled with that beach-worthy wave. The pressure sensitive clips make it easy to pop in and out for added length and fullness, plus the heat-friendly synthetic hair can be heat-styled to match your mood and vibe.

Hairdo Invisible Extension ($79, Ulta.com)

Get mega-watt length and volume in seconds with this 20” halo-style extension. Just slip it on like a headband and pull your own hair over it- the ingenious and inconspicuous design blends in seamlessly.

Hairdo 10PC Straight Human Hair Extension Kit ($299, Extensions.com)

Length without limits! This 10 piece kit clips in to offer you endless possibilities. The 100% human hair measures 20” long so you can add volume to long hair or length to short hair.

 

How To:

Fashion /

Dressing for Your Body Shape– Tall Men: Key Guidelines

When dressing to fit your body shape, there is a need first to recognize the fact that this concept is individual to each person. Even though you may share similar attributes, e.g., tall with muscular shoulders, you should note that the human body varies enormously. Therefore, it is rather pointless for you to compare your body to that of another person.

Your shopping time would be better spent looking at clothes for big and tall men that will help you confidently display what you have, in a comfortable and stylish manner. Proportion is a critical component when looking to dress for your body type.

Below is an outline of different tall men body types, with similar tricks on how each can dress in a stylish, and proportionate manner.

The Trapezoid (Rhomboid)

It is a body characterized by shoulders that are slightly wider than the man’s waist. Many tall men consider this to be the ideal body type, as it makes it easy to do any kind of clothing item. If you happen to have this kind of body frame, it means that you can try almost anything, and it will be a good fit for you.

Try and experiment with different textures and patterns. But ensure that they remain in proportion. If this is not your body type, worry not, as only less than ten percent of tall men have this particular shape.

The Inverted Triangle

It is a type of body characterized by the presence of very broad shoulders and a correspondingly tiny waist. With this body type, the goal will be to turn attention from the upper part of your body towards the lower area. You will be aiming to create a balance, and you will thus need to settle on clothes for big and tall men that will help you balance out the wide shoulders.

Do’s

  • Wear sweaters and V-neck shirts to turn the eye away from your chest area
  • Wear double-breasted blazers to create an illusion of having a wide torso that is proportionate to the shoulders
  • Wear pants with pattern or texture to draw the eyes downwards

Don’ts

  • Stay away from scrawny jeans as they will make your legs appear skinnier ad the shoulders wider
  • Stay away from structured jackets or blazers. Be sure to avoid shoulder pads as they can make the shoulders seem wider

The Rectangle Body Type

With this body type, both the waist and shoulders are wide. Your goal will be to ensure that your shoulders do not appear broad, and the waist smaller. Proper dressing can help you create an illusion of having a rhomboid body shape.

Do’s

  • Go for slim fitting clothes as you will want the waist to appear as small as possible
  • Don slim fit blazers that have shoulder pads to assist make the waist look skinnier while ensuring that the shoulders remain wide
  • Go for circular necklines that help in drawing attention to your chest region

Don’ts

  • Stay away from the attention-grabbing belts
  • If possible, stay away from the double-breasted jackets as they only contribute to enhancing your rectangular shape

A perfectly paired ensemble can easily get ruined by wearing clothing items that are not a good fit for your body type. Many well-dressed men will confidently tell you that the secret to a flattering and comfortable style always comes down to finding the right fit.

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Fitness /

PBFit All Natural Peanut Butter Powder: Healthy Product Review

Let’s pause for a moment to talk about health and fitness.  This topic’s important not just because it’s almost swimsuit season.  Being healthy has a huge impact on our well-being in terms of living well.  A few of my fellow Instagram buddies made the suggestion of drinking meal replacements in the mornings to shed a few pounds.

If you’re a fitness enthusiast we all know the unappealing taste of meal replacement powders.  Yuck.  PBFit has created a new powder that sheds pounds with the delicious taste of Peanut Butter.  This yummy powder can be added to smoothies, shakes, and waffle batter!

Product Review:

I received the product last month because I am eager to shed a few pounds before summer!  My morning routine includes drinking a smoothie to ensure that I’m getting the right amount of fruits and vegetables.  I also love peanut butter and this was an easy option as a mid-morning snack.

The flavored powder tasted delicious and I can’t wait to create more recipes with the mixture.  We all know that eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich has the same amount of calories as eating a candy bar.  PBFit has 90% less fat and it’s made with real peanuts.

Let’s take this fitness journey together and try PBFit recipes.  It’s a fun and easy way to get fit and eat well too!

Healthy Snack with Apple

Chocolate Strawberry and Banana Smoothie Recipe

2 Bananas

10 Strawberries

1 teaspoon of Coconut Oil

2 TBsp of Chocolate PBFit

8 Ice Cubes

2 cups of water

Blend the ingredients and enjoy!

 

Beauty /

RIMMEL LONDON MAGNIF’EYES PALETTE COLOUR EDITION

The newest palette in the Rimmel London collection that’s redefining the way you wear eyeshadow.

 

Featured Photo from Harpers Baazar

 

The intense pigments demand attention. Select from 12 shadows, which all work beautifully together to create a daring look. Mix up the combos with each application to keep it fresh. The texture is smooth, the wear is long—there’s no turning back once your eyes meet the MAGNIF’EYES PALETTE COLOUR EDITION.