Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment: Last-Minute Holiday Gifts from JCPenney, Burlington, Neutrogena, and More

During the holiday season, I hosted a Lifestyle segment on Talk of Alabama, ABC 33/40.  The theme for the show was Last-Minute Holiday Gifts.  Retailers that were featured included JCPenney, Burlington, Popsocket, Neutrogena, Zelle, and Hopper.  

Several of the products showcased were a hit amongst families in the local community.  As stated during the segment, JCPenney has a wide range of merchandise and affordable options for loved ones.  Burlington is another one-stop shop for families; carrying toys, pieces of furniture, and even cologne!

Products that captured a tech-savvy audience were Popsockets which is an innovative phone accessory that allows gripping while watching movies and taking selfies.  Additional tech features included were innovative apps such as Zelle and Hopper.

For those that are skincare obsessed, Neutrogena has a new cleanser that transforms from a cream to foam when massaged with water on the face or hands.

To learn more about the products see the listing below and enjoy the segment!

Family Retailers:

JCPenney

Burlington

Skincare:

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Activated Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

Tech Toys:

Popsockets

Cellphone Apps:

Zelle

Hopper

CLICK HERE:  Talk of Alabama 12/20/18 – Kimberly West

Style + Life + Fashion Women’s Gift Guide 2018: Ponchos, Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds, Quilted Card Holders, and More

Take a look at the Women’s Gift Guide 2018.  This guide is a great resource in terms of holiday shopping for your mom, sister, or favorite bestie.

All of the items featured can be purchased from Amazon.  How awesome is that to order gifts that will come to your front doorstep!  Also, there’s a variety of products (and price points) that’s sure to make anyone smile.

Don’t worry, the next gift guide will feature holiday gift options for the special men in your life!

Amazon Expands Free Shipping to Everyone for the Holiday Season

This holiday season Amazon is giving customers even more convenient and faster delivery options. Starting today, November 5, and for a limited time, all Amazon customers can enjoy free shipping with no minimum purchase amount on orders that will arrive in time for the Christmas holiday. This offer applies to hundreds of millions of items – the largest free shipping selection in the country. Plus, tens of millions of Prime members can shop with FREE Same-Day Delivery, now available on more than three million items – the largest same-day selection in the U.S. including the best gifts like toys and electronics, as well as home, fashion and everything you need to enjoy the holidays. Additionally, Prime members in more than 60 cities can receive delivery in as little as an hour from Whole Foods Market through Prime Now, making holiday feast planning even easier. This is, of course, on top of the unlimited FREE Two-Day Shipping that Prime members enjoy every day on more than 100 million items. Learn more or start a Prime free trial to get the best of shopping and entertainment from Amazon at amazon.com/prime.

“This holiday, customers can enjoy free shipping with no minimum purchase amount on orders that will arrive in time for Christmas, including items from Amazon’s expertly curated Gift Guides across electronics, fashion, home, and toys,” said Doug Herrington, Senior Vice President of North American Retail at Amazon. “With hundreds of millions of items available for free shipping to all Amazon customers and more than three million items available with Prime FREE Same-Day Delivery, customers can enjoy the largest selection of items that are fast and free.”

Doorstep delivery and convenient pick up:

  • Free Shipping This Holiday: All Amazon customers can shop hundreds of millions of items including every product category with free shipping, and now for a limited time, there is no minimum purchase amount on orders delivered through the holiday season.
  • Delivery as Fast as Today: Tens of millions of Prime members can shop with FREE Same-Day Delivery on more than three million items. Place an order in the morning and receive eligible same-day orders before bedtime that very same day, seven days a week – even Sunday.
  • Two-Day Shipping on 100 Million Items: Free Two-Day Shipping is available to all Prime members in the U.S. on more than 100 million items with no minimum purchase amount all year.
  • One Hour Grocery Delivery + Pickup: Prime members can shop groceries from Whole Foods Market through Prime Now in as little as an hour in 60 cities, and grocery pickup in as little as thirty minutes in select cities – making holiday feast planning or last-minute baking even easier. And even beyond groceries, Prime members can use Prime Now to get one- and two-hour delivery on tens of thousands of items across dozens of categories in 30 major cities, perfect for last-minute parties, gifts or travel.

Every Day Made Better with Prime

Prime was designed to make your life better every single day. Over 100 million paid members around the world enjoy the many benefits of Prime, including the best of shopping and entertainment from Amazon. In the U.S. that includes unlimited access to award-winning movies and TV episodes with Prime Video; unlimited access to Prime Music, Prime Reading, Amazon Photos, Twitch Prime; early access to select Lightning Deals, one free pre-released book a month with Amazon First Reads, and more. Prime members can also get deep discounts on select popular products at Whole Foods Market plus an additional 10 percent off hundreds of sale items. Prime was built on the foundation of unlimited fast, free shipping, and members receive Prime FREE One-Day Shipping and Prime FREE Same-Day Delivery in more than 8,000 cities and towns, two-hour delivery with Prime Now in more than 30 major cities and unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on more than 100 million items. Start a free trial of Amazon Prime at amazon.com/prime.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

Give The Gift of Ann Taylor and Infinite Style This Winter

With Halloween right around the corner, it’s hard to not think about all of the upcoming holidays this winter, and with holidays, come gifts. Ann Taylor is here to help anyone and everyone shop for the woman in their life.

Buying a gift for someone can be tricky sometimes, you don’t always know their taste and what they do, or don’t already have. Ann Taylor has a variety of pieces that are bound to fit into everyone’s winter wardrobe. Consider these looks for a gift guide, or even a gift to yourself this holiday season!

And for those friends who have a new style every day, you may want to consider giving the gift of Infinite Style! For a flat monthly rate, subscribers can receive as many items as they would like to rent, 3 at a time, with an option to purchase the items they love and up loving at a special price.

 

Father’s Day Gifts For Your Dapper Dad

Just a friendly reminder—Father’s Day is coming up on June 17th. Celebrate your dapper dad with a thoughtful and useful kit from IOPE by AMOREPACIFIC and great products from KORRES.
Give your dad exactly what he needs, but not might go out and buy for himself.
IOPE MEN products are formulated to target men’s specific skincare needs. The IOPE Bio Essence Special Set features three of IOPE’s best-selling skincare products— in full and travel size. ($59; Available for in-store purchase at Aritaum.)
  • Bio-Essence Intensive Conditioning: This essence brightens, revitalizes and smooths skin. With daily use, it hydrates and strengthens fatigued dull skin. Additionally, this can be used as aftershave, toner or a serum.
  • Perfect Clean All-in-One Cleanser: The cleanser is an exfoliating formula that is gentle enough for daily use and contains natural exfoliants that thoroughly remove impurities such as dirt and excess oils. Formulated with moisturizing capsules it also replenishes skins moisture barrier.
  • Triple Lift Serum: An anti-aging formula with hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate skin and provide a more luminous complexion.
The KORRES assortment of Greek grooming essentials is formulated with clinically-proven ingredients that reflect the brand’s deep knowledge of authentic herbal remedies. KORRES identifies powerful natural ingredients and maximizes the effectiveness to address the skincare needs of men, from dads to grads. The ABSINTHE Men’s Shave Cream and MARIGOLD & GINSENG Aftershave Balm are must-have grooming items that are perfect for Father’s Day (and even the soon-to-be graduate).
  • ABSINTHE Men’s Shave Cream: This richly textured shave cream helps your razor glide smoothly over skin to ensure a deep and comfortable shave. Absinthe Shave Cream is a brushless, non-foaming preparation and, as it is formulated at a milder pH than lathering creams—preventing skin roughness. ($32.50; korresusa.com.)
  • MARIGOLD & GINSENG Aftershave Balm: The light textured and the nutrient-rich balm is made for after-shave care. Enriched with energizing ginseng and anti-inflammatory marigold, it reduces irritation commonly caused by shaving. Ginseng extract enables the delivery of nutrients—ensuring the healthy appearance of skin. ($16.50; korresusa.com.)

Style + Life + Fashion Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2018 and Activities: Woven Handbag, Mirror Sunglasses, Scented Soy Candle, Plush Robe, and Tassel Earrings

Mother’s Day is approaching soon!  We are only a few weeks away from showing our loved ones how special they are to us.  For me, Mother’s Day is about celebrating moms everywhere.

A few special touches include sending cards or flowers to my family and friends because we are truly a small cult.  Ultimately, we understand each other’s trials from teething to high school navigation.

And there’s a variety of mom types.  We have traditional moms, stepmoms, foster moms, and so forth.

Lastly, don’t forget to acknowledge those that have lost their mother.  Try to find a small token to celebrate them as an individual on this day.  A thoughtful option is to schedule a coffee date or spa treatment.

Mother’s Day is truly about celebrating the sisterhood of all women!

The Best Mother’s Day Activities:

  1.  Visit the local spa for a massage.
  2.  Get a manicure and pedicure.
  3.  Attend brunch with family.
  4.  Participate in Paint Nite.
  5.  Plant a garden.
  6.  Go to the movies.
  7. Take a mini-vacation.
  8. Attend afternoon tea.
  9. Do crafts together.
  10. Have a picnic.

Valentine’s Day Beauty + Fashion Essentials – No Matter You Have Planned

On February 14th one might find themselves at a romantic dinner with their partner, working a double shift with their co-workers or stocking up on Trader Joe’s wine for a fun Galentine’s Day! See below for a V-day inspired roundup of products – starting from your skincare regime, your make-up routine, your outfit and through your meal – guaranteed to help you look and feel your best this Valentine’s Day, no matter what you have planned!

–          Pre-game Pampering – Nerium International Prolistic Skin-Balancing Probiotic Lotion ($60, Nerium.com) – With Nerium’s exclusive ProRenew Plus, a proprietary prebiotic and probiotic blend, this lotion helps the skin maintain a healthy microbiome via a probiotic lysate, a form of probiotic that triggers the probiotic response in skin. This formula works to enhance the skin’s natural renewal process resulting in healthy-looking and feeling skin.

–          Finishing Touch – Clove + Hallow Lip Crème ($20, www.cloveandhallow.com) – Formulated with a combination of natural and organic jojoba, castor and sunflower oils, our PETA-certified cruelty-free and vegan soothing Lip Crème delivers bold color with nourishing hydration in 9 satiny shades.

–          Find the Perfect Outfit – Romance is in the air this February 14th and Ann Taylor can help you find the perfect outfit for your perfect date night. This Valentine’s Day, stick with the classics and opt for simple and refined styles with flirty detailing, streamlined silhouettes, and Cupid-friendly hues from Ann Taylor’s new Spring 2018 collection.

–          Avoid Overindulging – Introducing you to the perfect little Valentine’s Day essential to help you enjoy Valentine’s Day without overindulging – Sweet Defeat, a mint-flavored lozenge, with all-natural ingredients that reduces sugar cravings in seconds. Lasting up to one hour, Sweet Defeat is that extra boost of willpower when confronted with a serious sugar craving. As we’re bombarded with heart-shaped chocolates and candies on V-Day, Sweet Defeat’s individually wrapped packets are easily kept in your purse, gym bag or work drawer. ($26.95 for a 20ct. box)

10 Healthy and Romantic Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Toss that box of chocolates! Forget the flowers! This year, why not show that special someone you REALLY love them with these very alluring, romantic, and healthy alternatives!

The editors and experts at Getfitnow.com offer these fun non-traditional ways to heat up your Valentine’s Day!

1. START THE DAY WITH STRAWBERRIES
Colorful and oh-so-romantic, strawberries are packed with Vitamin C, which bolsters the immune system. Serve them with low-fat fruit yogurt, and a cup of green tea instead of coffee. Green tea contains powerful blood-thinning agents called flavonoids, which can reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots by 60 percent.

2. TAKE A YOGA CLASS TOGETHER
Yoga expert Gwen Lawrence, author of Body Sculpting with Yoga, says yoga refreshes, relaxes and restores. It increases strength and flexibility. Enthusiasts even claim yoga boosts your desire! So what are you waiting for?

3. GIVE (AND GET) A MASSAGE
Stock up on a bottle of fragrant massage oil infused with jasmine. Jasmine is a relaxing, sensuous, and alluring scent. Rub those achy shoulders and backs. You’ll be steaming up the room in no time!

4. GET AWAY FOR A HEALTHY WEEKEND
Rather than stay at home, venture to a quiet and cozy bed and breakfast or spa where you can spend the weekend hiking, cross-country skiing, or mountain biking. Perhaps even do some “forest bathing” as recommended by Nina Smiley, author of Mindfulness in Nature.

5. SPICE IT UP IN THE KITCHEN
Cook a delicious low-fat, low-calorie meal together. Experiment with healthy cuisine from around the world. Add some real spice, too! Onions, garlic, and ginger are rich in compounds that destroy viruses and bacteria.

6. INDULGE IN A GLASS OF RED WINE
Rather than beer or other alcoholic beverages, opt for a glass of red wine. Red wine is rich with anti-oxidants called phenolics, and red wine drinkers have a 50% lower risk of diabetes. Find out more about including red wine in your diet in the new book The Mamma Mia! Diet.

7. SINGLE? TAKE A GROUP EXERCISE CLASS
Exercise classes are not only very motivating, they are a great way to meet new friends who share a common interest in exercise and health. Treat yourself to new workout attire, while you are at it.

8. BUY YOUR SOULMATE A NEW PAIR OF RUNNING SHOES
Over time, running shoes wear out. The soles no longer act as shock absorbers and the shock gets passed along to your bones and joints. Terri Schneider, the author of Runner’s Workout Handbook, recommends a brand new pair of running shoes as a great fitness gift which also helps prevent injuries.

9. GO DANCING!
That’s right, dancing is a great way to burn calories together. Try the twist, the foxtrot, or–if you are daring–the tango, the most romantic of all dances. Want more? Dancing can burn over 300 calories per hour.

10. WHATEVER YOU DO… DON’T FORGET A VALENTINE’S CARD
While non-traditional ideas are great fun and can be healthy too, don’t put yourself under needless stress by forgetting to give your special someone a Valentine’s Day card! Love can be a tonic for all of life’s challenges, so don’t take it for granted.

ABOUT GETFITNOW

Getfitnow is the leading internet destination for health and fitness. Experts in nutrition, exercise, and wellness contribute to a community devoted to healthy living.

 

Galentine’s Day Favorites from Victoria’s Secret Pink & Heidi Klum Intimates

I wanted to share Valentine’s Day/Galentine’s Day from Victoria’s Secret PINK and Heidi Klum Intimates!

 

Birmingham Celebrating Small Business Saturday #ShopHomewood

WHAT: In 2010, American Express created Small Business Saturday in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: getting more customers during the busy holiday shopping season.

Celebrated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year, Small Business Saturday helps shine a light on the small, independent businesses that keep our communities thriving.

This year Small Business Saturday is on November 25Even more consumers and communities like Birmingham are coming together to support all types of small businesses (from retail shops and restaurants to fitness studios and record stores) on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.

WHERE: 

Homewood Chamber of Commerce
7 Hollywood Boulevard

Homewood, AL 35209

WHEN:  Saturday, November 25, 2017

More details on the day’s events include:

  • A chance to win gift cards and giveaways with the use of #shopsmall and #shophomewood
  • Drawing and social media contests

WHO:  Meredith Drennen of Homewood Chamber of Commerce is available for on-site interviews.

They can discuss:

  1. Events taking place at Homewood Chamber of Commerce
  2. Background on Small Business Saturday
  3. The importance of local businesses to our economy
  4. The impact of Small Business Saturday on America’s small businesses