Category: Fall 2016

Fall 2016 /

Celebrate the 12 Days of Cava this Holiday Season with Freixenet

It’s always a grand idea to pop some bubbly during the most festive time of the year. Grab a case of Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut (SRP $12) and celebrate Freixenet’s 12 Days of Cava this holiday season! At just $12 a bottle, Freixenet Cava allows you to invite all your friends and keep the celebration going longer. Freixenet Cava is delightful when served on its own, mixed in cocktails, and added into holiday recipes. Follow Freixenet’s 12 Days of Cava plan to ensure a jolly celebration with your friends all season long:

DAY 1: Personalize Your Present

 Need a last minute Holiday party hostess gift? Don’t panic – a bottle of Freixenet Cava is all you need. The matte black bottle is the perfect canvas for a personalized message. Grab a gold pen and turn the bottle into a unique gift that everyone can enjoy.

DAY 2: The Sparkling Maple Leaf
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 1 oz whisky, 1 oz maple syrup, and 1/2 oz lime juice. Shake and strain the mixture into a glass. Top off with 3 oz Brut Cava.

DAY 3: Brie + Cava Fondue
Rub 1 whole clove garlic in a saucepan. Add 1 c Extra Dry Cava and 1 tbsp cornstarch over low heat. Do not boil. Add 2 c Brie cheese in portions while slowly increasing the heat, (do not let boil). When cheese has melted, add 2 tbsp kirsch (fruit brandy), 1 tsp lemon juice, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, cinnamon and brown sugar. Serve in a fondue pot with your favorite choice of fruit and bread for dipping.

DAY 4: Grab a bottle of Freixenet Cava and decorate the bottle with holiday stickers! Give to a coworker or friend to enjoy with you after work.

DAY 5: Candy Cane Cava-tail
Fill 1/3 of a flute with White Crème de Cocoa and the rest with chilled Sweet Cuvée Cava. Garnish with a whole candy cane.

DAY 6: Add Cava in cake balls!

DAY 7: Pomegranate Cava Punch
In a large bowl, stir together 1 juiced lemon, 1 c Old Orchard pomegranate juice, 1/3 c pomegranate seeds, 1 c orange liqueur and 2 c Brut Cava. Add twists from lemon peel and rosemary sprigs for garnish.

DAY 8: Cava Ginger Hot Toddy
In a small mug, combine 2 oz brewed gingerbread tea, 1/2 tsp molasses, 1 tsp raw sugar, and top off with Extra Dry Cava. Garnish with a lemon slice and cinnamon stick

DAY 9: Marshmallows fluffed with Cava.

DAY 10: The Ginger Swing
Purée 1 ripe pear in a food processor, set aside. Combine 1/2 c water, 1/2 c sugar and 4 inch piece of fresh ginger, quartered in a small pan. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. Cover, turn the heat off and let sit for 30 minutes. Remove ginger pieces, pour the syrup into the pear purée, stir, cover and refrigerate until cold. Once cold, spoon 2 tbsp of mixture into a flute, top off with Brut Cava.

DAY 11: The Evergreen Twist
Bring 1/2 c sugar, 1 1/2 c water, and 1/4 c juniper berries to a simmer in a pot, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; let cool completely. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve; discard solids. Refrigerate 1 hour. Combine 3 tbsp juniper syrup with 1/2 cup Freixenet Cava to a glass. Garnish with a pine sprig; serve immediately.

DAY 12: Cava Wonderland
Prepare rims by combining 1/4 c coconut flakes, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and one scraped vanilla bean. Coat the rim of a glass with lemon juice to make the sugar mixture stick. Pour 2 oz coconut juice blend or coconut puréed nectar into bottom of glass. Fill with Extra Dry Cava and stir to mix.

DAY 13: Grab a bottle of Freixenet Cava and a few friends and toast to 2017! Add some black and gold decorations, a fun playlist and sip Cava all night long while re-living the most hilarious moments of 2016.

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About Freixenet:

Freixenet (pronounced “fresh-eh-net”), best known for their iconic Black Bottle, was first introduced to the world in 1914. It is a family-owned winery based just outside of Barcelona. Under the leadership of the Ferrer family, the Freixenet Group is the global leader of sparkling wines made in the traditional method, and the pursuit of quality has been the family’s priority for more than a century.

Beauty /

Sally Hansen Holiday Candy Cane inspired Nails

When it comes to playful holiday prints nothing feels more fun than a classic candy cane stripe. This simple recreation of the look manages to feel modern but not overly saccharine; festive without feeling kitsch.

The snow-white base makes a modern and minimal foundation for a sweet holiday look. The combination of bold and fine burgundy stripes is a subtle and elegant way to celebrate the season.

This look features Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Get Mod and Dig Fig.

Nail Prep: Paint a coat of the NEW! Sally Hansen Nail Rehab–The care you give your nails before applying nail polish is the real key to a healthy long lasting manicure. Using Nail Rehab a day before creating the look will ensure that ridges and imperfections are concealed while strengthening weak nails. It creates a defensive shield to protect against bending, breaking, and tearing making the nail look last throughout the busy holiday season. clean bare nails a day before creating the nail look.

Step 1: Remove Sally Hansen Nail Rehab before beginning the nail look. Paint two coats of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Get Mod

Step 2: Using a striping brush, apply diagonal lines using Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Dig Fig leaving an ample amount of space between stripes. You can place stripes in opposite direction on different fingers to add some variety to the design.

Step 3. Then paint skinny stripes in between these wider diagonal stripes and have them follow along the same angle.

Step 4: Apply a coat of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel top coat

  Finished Nail Look:   

ANTM /

America’s Next Top Model Season 23 – Episode 1 Recap

America’s Next Top Model returned for a new season in New York City.  Rita Ora served as the host for this season’s challenge along with co-hosts Ashley Graham, Drew Elliott, and Law Roach.

After years of being a fan of the series, I was excited to see a new panel. Each panelist provided guidance and mentorship to the contestants.  ANTM Hosts also shared expectations of each model along with insight into the fashion industry.

ANTM Recap:

Last night’s episode was an introduction of each contestant; sharing their background and taking photos for the first challenge.

I enjoyed the selection process and uniqueness of each contestant. There was also a range of (beauty) diversity from natural hair, full eyebrows, and a set twins.

The selection process was not based on being a pretty face but the ability to become a fashion brand.  What does that mean? Contestants should exemplify the concept of having beauty and brains!

To watch full episodes, click here:  Business, Brand, and Boss 

 

 

Beauty /

Joe Zee – Tips for Looking Great During Holiday Season

Looking great during the holidays can go a long way to making the season bright.  About 90 percent* of Americans report feeling some holiday season stress contributing from pressure to look good for the many work and family social gatherings taking place this season.

With fashion and style tips for looking and feeling your best throughout the holiday season, Fashion Editor and Stylist, Joe Zee, shared how to be Insta-ready for the season’s mistletoe moments.

About Joe Zee:  Joe Zee is currently the Editor in Chief of Yahoo Style, where he is tasked with launching and running a digital fashion magazine for the tech giant.  Joe recently released his lifestyle & fashion memoire THAT’S WHAT FASHION IS: Lessons and Stories from My Non-Stop, Mostly Glamorous Life in Style and was also recently seen co-hosting the nationally syndicated ABC daytime talk show FABLife. Prior to this, Joe was the Creative Director of ELLE magazine where he not only oversaw all photoshoots and styled the covers, but he also penned a monthly column “Style A to Zee”. In addition to over a decade of editorial experience and an A-list styling roster, Joe is also a frequent fashion and pop culture expert appearing on ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s The Today Show, and recently wrapped a month long special fashion correspondent assignment for CBS’s Entertainment Tonight.

Joe Zee’s Tips for Looking Great during Mistletoe Moments

 

MAKE A STATEMENT: Have some fun this holiday season and step out of your comfort zone. Seek out a statement piece (maybe one you typically wouldn’t wear, ie, a funky jacket or big piece of jewelry) and add it to that holiday outfit. This is the fastest way to add pizazz to any outfit. It’s also an easy way to take a look from day to night (especially adding that great piece of jewelry) which is important during the busy holiday season.

LET IT SHINE: What better time than the holiday season to embrace the sparkle in you. Metallics and shine are a huge trend right now, both for day and night, so why not add some sparkle to your everyday look. Try a sequin trimmed t-shirt with that pencil skirt or a metallic belt and shoes to that natural look. And if you’re daring enough, I love a sequin sweater for day as well.

GO BIG OR GO SMALL: There’s a saying that “women shop and men just buy.” But there’s no reason that the guys can’t also love the part this holiday season. Guys, don’t be afraid to have some fun with your wardrobe this season as well. You can embrace trends by going all out or just have a small nod to it (I like to call this tip-toeing into the trend). So if color isn’t your thing, why not just have a pop of it with your tie or your pocket handkerchief but if you’re feeling bold, then the holidays are the perfect time to branch out and try a colored jacket mixed with a solid pant, or a patterned shirt under a darker jacket mixed with a different pant. It’s all about the mix and match.

LOOKING THE PART FROM HEAD TO TOE: Being well-groomed is just as important as what you wear. Be sure to have a fresh shave before you head out for a night of holiday parties! A close shave ensures you’re mistletoe moment ready!

Here’s a link to more info:  walmart.com/mistletoeready

Interview courtesy of Gillette, Crest, Braun and Oral B available at

Style Life Fashion from The Media Choice on Vimeo.
 

Beauty /

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Shades

The Complete Salon Manicure you love is now even better with amazing new shades. Style starts with a stunning spectrum of high-shine, perfectly pigmented nail polishes in on-trend, elegant hues. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure™ introduces fashion-forward colors ranging from wearable, sparkle-spiked neutrals to daringly deep tones. Our all-in-one formula with keratin boasts 7 benefits in one bottle – base coat, strength, growth treatment, salon color, top coat, chip resistance, and gel shine finish. The new formula delivers up to 64% stronger nails and up to 10 days of chip-resistant wear.  It’s everything you need to achieve a professional nail look at home.  Here, six dazzling new shades in the Complete Salon Manicure™ lineup, available in a range of finishes.

Like the perfect wardrobe collection, the shades range from chic neutrals to deeper tones that express your mood:

World Is My Oyster Make moves in this ethereal take on a pearlescent copper nude.

Society Ruler Channel the upper echelons in this rich burgundy.

Hooked On Onyx Vamp it up in this gem of a glossy black polish.

Devil Wears Nada is a nakedly daring neutral pink-beige blend.

Freedom Of Peach Punch up your tips in this fruity, sun-ripened peach tint.

Mauvin’ On Up Decorate those digits with a penthouse-worthy creamy pink-mauve hue.

Birmingham /

Painting and Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress

Tis’ the season to be jolly!  Last weekend, I decided to take a break from the holiday busyness and visit Painting With a Twist art studio.

The purpose behind the class was to celebrate my mom’s birthday.  We had a great time and made plans to register for more events.

Aside from the celebration, one aspect to remember is that painting has therapeutic properties.  Some of the benefits include memory strength, stress relief, and emotional growth.

Painting a one-of-a-kind picture was the perfect bonding activity and awesome way to meet new friends!

I am not the best painter but with guidance I can create a masterpiece!

I also want to share a few additional tips to reduce stress during the holiday season:

  • Make holiday decor during the off-season to eliminate a hectic schedule.
  • Create a food menu and prep/freeze holiday dishes.
  • Visit your local grocery store or warehouse club for prepared dishes (example, Assorted Pinwheel Wraps, Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas, or Ciabatta Sandwich Party Tray.)
  • Play upbeat holiday music to get everyone in the spirit.
  • Allow enough time to wrap gifts not excluding co-workers and care providers.
  • Include low-impact exercise into your weekly routine.
Accessories /

Holiday Style with AMI Clubwear

With all the holiday parties coming up, you know you can’t wear the same outfit twice! With AMI Clubwear’s numerous options at affordable prices, you can have a new dress for every occasion! AMI offers styles ranging from the classic little black dress, to sparkly sequins, to the current velvet trend. Whether you prefer long or short, light or dark, you’re sure to find the right look for you.

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Once the holidays are over, keep the party going all year long with even more fabulous outfits and accessories from AMI Clubwear. Strut into 2017 in style!

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See more at amiclubwear.com.