Category: How To

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Fox 45 Morning News Segment: Homegating Tips and Products

It’s football season and we’re celebrating this timeless tradition with our family and friends.  I was asked to host a fun lifestyle segment on Fox45 Baltimore News discussing Homegating Tips which is a fancy word for tailgating at your home.

Homegating Products and Appliances on Fox 45 News
Homegating Products and Appliances on Fox 45 News
Photo from Previous Segment
Photo from Previous Segment

I love to host media segments because it’s a great way to share information with a local audience and inspire someone to try new products or ideas.  Let me provide a few quick tips for Homegating:

1.  Select a Delicious Menu – guests should be excited to taste new (or favorite) recipes but most importantly your dish selection should match the theme of your party.

2.  Purchase Game Themed Decorations – for me, decorations set the tone of any event.  You wouldn’t want a pink table cloth for a Baltimore Ravens themed football party.  Also, get creative and visit your local craft store and make decorations prior to the event.  Don’t forget the dollar store when searching for inexpensive party fillers.

3.  Prep Meals with Easy To Use Appliances – using appliances such as the T – Fall Opti Grill or Krups Beer Tender enables you (as the host) time to prepare for other aspects of the event while enjoying your guest.  And here’s the secret, they’re time savers so I suggest trying out a new appliance when considering hosting a Homegating party.

4.  Ask Guest to Wear Game Attire – what’s a party without dressing the part!  Ask your guest to wear team colors or jerseys to match the party.

For the Lifestyle Segement, I shared with viewers Cluck n Moo Burgers, Coleman’s Mustard, IMUSA Corn Skewers, and Cookina Grilling Sheets. Cluck n Moo Burgers are delicious because they’re half chicken and half beef (very healthy) but they cook really fast and very tender.  My husband and I enjoyed a few Cluck n Moo burgers a few weeks ago and they lived up to their reputation.  The additional products (shared) are also helpful when considering condiments, easy prep, and fast clean up.

Overall, I am looking forward to hosting my annual Homegating party and hope the photos and tips inspire you to treat your family and friends as well!  You’re welcome to share Homegating photos with us – email me at kim@stylelifefashion.com

Beauty /

Look Good Feel Better Program Celebrates 25th Anniversary: Beauty Techniques Helping Women in Cancer Treatment

If you or someone close to you has been impacted by cancer, you know that the appearance changes women undergo while coping with cancer treatment – like beauty itself – are far more than skin deep. These changes can impact a woman’s self-esteem and sense of self at a time when she needs it the most. Twenty-five years ago, one doctor decided to make a difference. When a patient wouldn’t leave her hospital bed because of her appearance following cancer treatment, he made a phone call to a friend in the beauty industry. Look Good Feel Better was born.

lookgoodfeelbetter

The Look Good Feel Better program offers free workshops that teach beauty techniques to help women cope with the appearance side effects of cancer treatment; thereby giving them self-confidence and helping them regain some normalcy in a life that is by no means normal.

  • Look Good Feel Better has helped nearly 900,000 people with cancer the U.S. and nearly 1,500,000 people around the world.
  • In the United States alone, the program now offers 15,800 group workshops nationwide in 2,400 locations.
  • It is supported by 262 companies, most of whom are affiliated with the cosmetics industry, who provide financial, product and in-kind donations.  Author and breast cancer survivor Geralyn Lucas and beauty expert and 25-year Look Good Feel Better volunteer Linda Whitehurst talked to us about the program and 25th-year celebration.

Look Good Feel Better is a collaboration of the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the Professional Beauty Association.

 

Accessories /

Packing Tips for Fashion Girls: Look Fabulous on Vacation

Going on vacation is an exciting time for any fashion girl.  But there’s always the dilemma of packing for an extended amount of time.  Honestly, it can become overwhelming and the thought of going through airport security’s mentally exhausting.

Ready for anything with my Vera Bradley Duffle Bag
Ready for anything with my Vera Bradley Duffle Bag

We shouldn’t let that distract us from looking fabulous and having a good time.  To help us get motivated I want to share a few quick packing tips:

1.  Always pack a variety of summer dresses – whether it’s a maxi or shift dress.  Packing a dress makes room in your duffle bag and you don’t have to iron!

2.  Use accessories to dress up your vacation style or tone it down.  Pack a fedora hat (so we don’t have to worry about our hair) add a belt to cinch the waist for a sexy look and a few statement necklaces to dress up a basic t shirt.

Simple Travel Accessories
Simple Travel Accessories

3.  Your shoe collection should also be effortless style.  Include flip flops (easy to put on) flats for a cool night and two pairs of pumps.  In terms of pumps, I like to go with a basic color that coordinates with any garment such as nude or black.

4.  Undergarments need to reflect your coordinated pieces.  For example, a new mom should include a slimming camisole to keep the abdominal muscles (firm) underneath a blouse.  We can also add a bodysuit for that gorgeous dress that shows your curves.

5.  In terms of pants, consider a pair of shorts, jeans, or even leggings.  All three are great options when packing your vacation attire because they’re transitional pieces that can mix and match.

Kimmie Ready for Travel
Kimmie Ready for Travel

6.  Don’t forget your swimsuit – I like to keep two options in mind; one swimsuit for a sexy date and another suit for having a good time (you’re not concerned with your appearance in this suit because it’s comfortable.)

Packing for any trip can be demanding but with the right tips and perspective, we can have an amazing time and still look great!

Beauty /

Fox 45 Morning News Segment – Summer Grilling Tips

Kimberly West

Summer’s finally in full swing and that means we’re attending several outdoor parties.  With that being said, we are also enjoying barbecue chicken, pasta salad, and other food items that can give us summer calories.

Luckily, I was able to share a few healthy eating tips on Fox 45 News, compliments of bistroMD.com

Kimberly West
Hosting Lifestyle Segment on Fox 45 News

Black Pantsuit: New York & Company | Pink Pumps: Ninewest | Lipstick: Buxom

Smart tips for summer grilling, courtesy of bistroMD

“Use spices and herbs for seasonings instead of pre-made marinades/sauces which enables the cook to control sugar and sodium.

Season freshly chopped veggies with seasonings of your choice and toss in a bit of olive oil. Then wrap the veggies into a foil pouch. Place pouch on top grill rack while meat is grilling and flip occasionally. This times your meat and your veggies to complete at the same time.

Grill sliced pineapple and serve warm over Greek yogurt for dessert.

Use leftover grilled veggies the next day on a salad or as a homemade pizza topper, or use them with your leftover grilled chicken or steak for fajitas.”

At home, I had the opportunity to grill a few sliced pineapple and served over greek yogurt and it tastes delicious.  I am actually planning to incorporate grilled fruits and veggies in my personal summer menu because it’s a time saver and super healthy (win-win situation.)

The recipe used was from  Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa: 

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl combine all ingredients except pineapple, yogurt, and Flax/Chia blend
  2. Marinate pineapple slices in mixture for 15 minutes
  3. Grill pineapple on each side for 2 minutes
  4. Remove from heat
  5. Serve warm over Greek yogurt, sprinkled with Flax/Chia seeds

 

Overall, I had a wonderful time hosting the morning news segment and even learned a new recipe that I can use at home.  As a prior nutrition teacher, this was right on target and also fun to discuss.

Don’t forget to try these tips and eat healthy this summer!

 

Accessories /

Layering Necklaces from Art of Henri

Layering Necklace

Is there such a thing as much too much? Not when it comes to layering necklaces. However, this may need to come with a little more thought as it could easily turn into a disaster.

But, accessorizing is all about enhancing your personal style. Specifically, the jewelry you choose and how you wear it helps define your look. These necklace from Art of Henri are great layering pieces. If it’s just enhancing a basic tee, these necklaces, which are all different lengths, add character and true personalized style to your outfit.

Layering Necklace

Layering Necklaces 2