Category: Lifestyle Tips

DIY /

National Dessert Day – Check Out These Delicious Dessert Hacks from TheSoul Publishing

Today is the most delicious holiday of them all—National Dessert Day!

To celebrate, TheSoul Publishing—the company behind some of the biggest viral videos on the Internet—has shared 28 Delicious Dessert Hacks in this video on their popular 5 Minute Crafts page. These yummy tips include:

  • Gummy Bear Popsicles: These sweet treats are simple to make: just fill popsicle molds with Sprite and colorful gummy bears, and pop them in the freezer!
  • Perfect Nutella Pancakes: By freezing discs of Nutella before adding to pancake batter on a griddle, you’ll get perfectly proportioned Nutella-filled pancakes every time.
  • Fancy Edible Flowers: Make gorgeous edible flowers worthy of The Great British Bake Off with only three pantry ingredients: marshmallows, powdered sugar, and food coloring!
  • Gooey Caramel Popcorn: This hack combines caramel candies, butter, and popcorn kernels to create a favorite sweet and salty treat.
  • And more!
Lifestyle /

Spiced + Spiked Mini Donuts You’ll “Fall” in Love With From BlissBomb

BlissBomb, a New York City company specializing in baked mini donuts, has recreated the “feels” and flavors of fall in baked mini donuts shipping nationwide and for sale locally in NYC.

BlissBomb launched three limited-time fall flavors today:  Spiked Pumpkin, Blueberry Pecan Pancake, and Chocolate Gingerbread. The flavors were conceived and hand created by BlissBomb executive pastry chef, Tarran Hatton, formerly with Milk Bar. Availability will last through December.

“While summer is a place – the beach, the lake, Disneyworld – fall is a feeling,” said Hatton. “Blueberry Pecan Pancakes feel like breakfast on a cozy Sunday morning. Each of our new flavors brings to mind a moment of autumn bliss with a few surprise twists we’ve baked in.”

 

Fall Flavor Descriptions

 

SPIKED PUMPKIN:   A spiced pumpkin and Mexican hot chocolate donut spiked with Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum.

BLUEBERRY PECAN PANCAKE:  This mini donut is stacked with house-made blueberry compote, toasted pecans, and maple brown butter.

CHOCOLATE GINGERBREAD:  Valrhona chocolate and Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur make this the most festive gingerbread house on the block.

BlissBomb will host a fall flavor tasting party at Barrow’s Intense Tasting Room in Brooklyn’s Industry City on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 7-9 p.m. Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur, used in the Chocolate Gingerbread donut, is made at this facility.

BlissBomb’s Beginnings

 

In May BlissBomb launched its nationwide ecommerce offering, shipping mini donuts in luxe gift boxes ($48) and DIY donut decorating kits ($40) anywhere in the U.S. NYC wholesale, delivery (GrubHub, DoorDash, Postmates, ezCater) and catering are also available.

BlissBomb believes donuts have not reached their full potential. Most are soft and sweet with undistinguishable flavors. Or they’re piled high with common household cereals, cookies, and candy bars with no thought to flavor balance or creativity.

BlissBomb chops, squeeze, zests, toasts, and crushes real fruits, nuts, spices, flowers, and other ingredients to infuse its donuts, glazes, and toppings with full-bodied flavor. Beyond their indulgence-encouraging mini size – 3-to-4 bites each – BlissBomb donuts are baked, which allows the flavors to blossom instead of being masked by frying oil. Nearly 25% of a fried donut’s weight comes from oil.

Evolving Ecommerce Treats

 

BlissBomb is bringing complete customization to the ecommerce treats category. Unlike most online treats that come in pre-set assortments, BlissBomb gift boxes can be customized with any flavors on the menu to create a more memorable gift or occasion. Customers can further personalize the gift with one of nine greeting cards exclusively designed and illustrated for BlissBomb.

 

About BlissBomb

BlissBomb is a baked mini donut business located in NYC’s Garment District. The company set out to make a better donut and to help people create moments of joy connecting with those who enrich their lives. The ecommerce site is located at www.bliss-bomb.com offering gift boxes and donut decorating kits with nationwide shipping. Locally BlissBomb mini donuts are available through delivery apps, online order pick-ups, catering, and wholesale. The brand can be found on Instagram and Facebook at @BlissBombJoy. Contact BlissBomb at customerservice@bliss-bomb.com or at 917-936-6251

Holiday Gift Guide /

Lifestyle Alert: Insider Tips On Taking Holiday Hosting To The Next Level

Whether you’re planning to host a casual night in or get creative with some holiday cheer, the nation’s most elite event planners, founder of Bluebird Productions, serial mompreneur Virginia Frischkorn and her expert team have the answers to make your hosting a whole lot easier.

Taking everything they know about successful hosting and delivering it straight to consumers through all you need to know digital boxes at bluebirdinabox.com.

Here’s a look inside this fall and winter’s most sought after online secrets:
  • Trick or Treat (Kids Halloween): Inspired by sweet tooths and pumpkin patches, this curated box reminds party-goers that Halloween is about more than dressing up and eating candy – it’s about creating an atmosphere of whimsy and true connection among both children and parents. Bluebird In A Box provides entertainment go-to’s that guarantee a day of loud laughter, creativity, and memories, with original activities like Mummy Racing, Pumpkin Patch Stomp, and Spaghetti Search. Serve up ghostly delights like Mummy Meatballs, Grapefruit “Pumpkins,” or Monster Pizzas. Whip up delectably ghastly drinks like Boo-Nilla Ice Cream Floats, Goosebumps Punch, or Vampire Juice. Plus, get costume ideas and tips for easy post-party cleanup.
  • Spooky Supper (Adult Halloween): This Bluebird box gives adults the excuse they need to revisit childhood costumes and experience that scary-movie-adrenaline-rush in the eerie glow of dramatic candlelight. Roll out the red carpet with horror flick recommendations, along with suggestions for spooktastic touches like bat sculptures. Enjoy killer cuisine like Black Magic Cake, Cider-Glazed Chicken Breast, or Taste of Fall Salad. Create creepy cocktails like The Cauldron, The Spooky Negroni, or Hocus Pocus Punch. Discover how to craft a scream-worthy centerpiece with tapered candles, pumpkins, pomegranates, figs, and cobwebs. Plus, get 2020’s best costume ideas (remember Tiger King and murder hornets?)
  • Friendsgiving: Create a new tradition, gathering with your besties and brothers-from-another-mother to give thanks without the obligatory side hugs and awkward conversations. Get the party started with movie recommendations and links to activities like Thanksgiving Bingo or Family Gathering Table Topics. Bring people together around delectable dishes inspired by Martha Stewart, Chrissy Tiegen, Ina Garten, and David Lebovitz. Browse wine pairings and soul-warming cocktail recipes like the classic Apple Toddy, Maple Manhattan, Hot Mulled Cider. Plus, get inventive decor ideas that set the scene for gratitude and sharing.
  • Pumpkin Spice: Settle in for a spirited event inspired by warm cider, crackling fireplaces, crisp autumn air, flannels, and cozy candlelit meals. Kick things off with our classic fall film recommendations and soulful guest gift ideas. Encourage collaboration and laughter with fun-filled activities like a murder mystery dinner or pumpkin carving kit, plus creative conversation starters. Enjoy mouthwatering delights inspired by culinary greats like Julia Child and Massimo Battura, including sweet and savory Fig Prosciutto Bites, Harvest Salad, Beef Bourguignon, and Pumpkin Coffee Cake. Set the mood with signature sips such as Fall Sangria, a Ginger Pear Snap, or Caramel Apple Pie Mocktail. Plus, get styling accents, wardrobe ideas, and more!

Lifestyle /

Boss Vibes: Self-Esteem, Success, and The Art of Etiquette Book Review

Are you ready to awaken the BOSS inside of you?  With the emerging entrepreneurial spirits and new business endeavors, there’s a vital need for personal branding.

Author, Nita Patel shipped me a copy of the book Boss Vibes.  The title alone was intriguing; it immediately sparked my interest.

Boss Vibes Background Details:

Boss Vibes takes a witty look at every aspect of etiquette (or what author Nita Patel defines as the meaning behind the manners), and why it’s better to do things this way than that, how behaving appropriately makes you a better person and improves the world around you, and why perfecting your brand will help you get ahead without sacrificing your authenticity—or benefiting at someone else’s loss.

In an authoritative and humorous style, Patel will make you think, as she covers some of the following topics—
• How what you wear brands your image for better or worse
• Building a public profile that will boost your personal confidence
• Workplace wisdom to boost your career
• The dual arts of conversation: talking, listening, and body language

What did I learn from reading Boss Vibes?

The chapter titled, Sassy or Classy describes what your clothes say about you and how to dress appropriately for every occasion. A few tips included, “the little black dress is a legend for a reason:  It can always be dressed up or down.”  Also, the author discussed tips for men and added a piece about grooming.

Personally, I enjoyed the Boss Vibes Never-Evers because Nita addressed concerns that are often overlooked.  For example, when attending a conference, always admit if you can’t remember someone’s name or be sure to use the individual’s name twice in a conversation to make a connection.

Nita Patel wrote a chapter for Teens titled, Simple Steps Lead to Greatness.  One starter tip included, make eye contact when you talk to someone.  I couldn’t agree more with that statement!

Visit Amazon to order a copy of Boss Vibes for yourself, business bestie, or upcoming graduate.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nita Patel is a speaker, author, and artist who believes in modern etiquette as a path to becoming our best selves.

Schooled in London and a veteran of corporate America, she has 20+ years in technology leadership and nurturing teams toward confidence and impact.

Birmingham /

Birmingham Zoo to Open for Labor Day First Responders and Healthcare Workers Receive Discounted Admission

In celebration of the Labor Day holiday, the Birmingham Zoo will be open on Monday, September 7 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Zoo will be offering a discounted admission of $8 to First Responders and Healthcare Workers (with valid ID/badge) and up to four (4) guests at $8 each from Saturday, September 5 until Monday, September 7. Discounted admission tickets will only be sold onsite at the Zoo’s front entrance ticket booths.

The Birmingham Zoo is incredibly grateful for all our first responders and healthcare workers who have been working tirelessly through the Covid-19 pandemic. The Zoo is a fun and relaxing place where frontline workers can enjoy time with their friends and family while connecting to wildlife and the natural world. “We want First Responders and Healthcare workers to know their Birmingham Zoo supports them. We are thankful for the sacrifices they make, every day, and especially during this pandemic,” said Birmingham Zoo President & CEO, Chris Pfefferkorn. “They are true heroes whose dedication, commitment, and courage deserve our deepest gratitude and admiration.“

Labor Day at the Zoo offers something for everyone to enjoy! Visitors can take a ride on the Red Diamond Express Train* and spin on the Protective Life Carousel* at Children’s Zoo (*Additional cost). Daily activities, rides, and animal encounters at the Zoo are weather dependent.

The Red Diamond Express train and Protective Life carousel are operating from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and tickets are available for purchase onsite and online at birminghamzoo.com. The Zoo’s main Gift Shop is open for guests to purchase their favorite specialty items. The Predator and South America/Primate buildings are open for visitors to see indoor animal habitats in these areas as they travel the one-way path through the Zoo.

All guests and members of the Zoo are required to follow our health and safety guidelines, including face coverings for individuals over the age of six (6), in accordance with the State of Alabama ordinance mandating the wearing of face coverings in public places. For the health and safety of our staff, guests, and animals, the Birmingham Zoo will continue to monitor and evaluate our operations and modify our procedures as needed.

Fashion /

NAOMI CAMPBELL RETURNS WITH THE SECOND SEASON OF “NO FILTER” WITH NAOMI – SERIES RETURN DEDICATED TO #BLACKLIVESMATTER MOVEMENT

International supermodel, activist, and philanthropist Naomi Campbell kicks off the relaunch of the second season of her highly popular and well-received series, “No Filter with Naomi” – a limited-time production as a part of her “Being Naomi” YouTube channel. The first episode is completely focused around the #BlackLivesMatter movement; Naomi has curated a special guest conversation that will feature Rev. Al Sharpton, Opal Tometi (Author and Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter) and Alphonso David (President of the Human Rights Campaign) and will touch on current cultural and political talking points that speak toward what humanity is experiencing globally – the fight for social justice, race, gender, and sex equality and its effect on world citizens.
The intimate, live-streamed daily series which first debuted on April 6th, has invited fans to #stayhome and save lives during this critical time and has focused on in-depth, career-spanning conversations between Naomi and a close group of her friends. “No Filter with Naomi,” which has already amassed over 2,844,000 views, has featured some of the most globally recognized figures in fashion, entertainment and beauty including Cindy Crawford, Marc Jacobs, Nicole Richie, Ashley Graham, Pierpaolo Piccoli, Lee Daniels, Christy Turlington, Adut Akech, Sharon Stone, Paris Hilton, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams, Karlie Kloss, Anna Wintour, Sean “Diddy” Comb and Jackie Aina.

WHO: International Supermodel, Activist, and Philanthropist, Naomi Campbell
WHAT: Relaunch of Naomi’s YouTube exclusive series – “No Filter With Naomi,” dedicated to #BlackLivesMatter – featuring guests Rev. Al Sharpton, Opal Tometi (Author and Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter) and Alphonso David (President of the Human Rights Campaign)
WHEN: Weekdays at 3 pm EST, starting Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020
WHERE: Streaming live on Naomi Campbell’s YouTube Channel

ABOUT NAOMI CAMPBELL

Naomi Campbell was born in London, England, and discovered as a fashion model at age 15. Throughout her career, she’s fronted the covers of over 1000 magazines, been featured in campaigns for celebrated houses including Burberry, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and Louis Vuitton, and walked iconic shows for Chanel, Azzedine Alaia, Christian Dior, and Versace. Beyond her work in the fashion & entertainment industries, Campbell has used her celebrity for an array of fundraising and non-profit initiatives across the globe. Environmentalism, as well as Human Rights and Global Health, as it specifically pertains to women and children, have been critical sectors of Campbell’s work. She has also formed her own non-profit, Fashion For Relief, a charitable organization founded in 2005 that has raised funds for various environmental and humanitarian causes. It holds events in association with the London-based non-profit organization CARE. Today, Campbell is undoubtedly solidifying her place as a cultural innovator- using her incredible platform and success for positive change across industries around the world.

Birmingham /

BLOOM: FAITH, FASHION, AND BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT SERIES SPOTLIGHT: Arlene Henderson

BLOOM readers, I would like to introduce Arlene Henderson.  Motivational Speaker, Author, Empowerment Coach, and Blogger, Arlene has blazed the Birmingham, Alabama community.

With her warm personality, she imparts wisdom to those around her; striving to be a light in a world filled with darkness!

BLOOM SPOTLIGHT:  Arlene Henderson

  • When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person who comes to mind and why?

When it comes to a “successful” relationship I think first about Barak & Michelle Obama. Together they managed to lead with strength, grace, and dignity during their eight years in the White House as the first African American First Family. This is something that I will treasure forever. The Obamas were real friends. They enjoyed life. They expressed love while encouraging all of us to take the high road when faced with adversity. The couple was often criticized for being President and First Lady which is what I believe they were always destined to be.

  • What is the number one way we can make a difference in our community?

We can make a difference in our community by communicating with each other. The bible tells us to seek wisdom and get an understanding of all that we do. We cannot do that unless we have an open and honest conversation. We will never conquer hard topics until we address them head-on. It is time to talk about the big elephant in the room. We all love our country but we must do the hard work for the love to shine through. This also requires us to listen to each other even when it is a topic we don’t really want to discuss. Its time to do some deep cleaning/communicating of our hearts and minds to make a difference.

  • What has helped you get to where you are and what advice would you give to others on the same path?

My path has been very rocky, so my first piece of advice would be to get a clear understanding of who you are through God’s word. Establishing a personal relationship with God and staying connected to him will help when life comes at you from all directions. If you do not know who you are, you will end up trying to be something that was not purposed for your life.

My advice to others on the same path would be to get connected with like-minded people who are willing to help and encourage you along the way. You will need someone to journey with you in life if you are going to ever accomplish something great. I do not mean great in the monetary sense, but great in the sense of what did you to do help or inspire others. Think about what legacy are you leaving?

  • Do you have a specific experience where you wish you had done things differently?

Absolutely. I wish I would have taken time to be focused on what I wanted out of life for me. Instead of trying to be what the person I was with at the time wanted me to be. I feel like I lost my identity at such a young age in a relationship and it has taken over two decades for me to find my true self. Sharing all my challenging experiences helped me find my strength and my voice.

  • What advice would you give to your 20-, 25-, or 30-year-old self? And please place where you were at the time, and what you were doing.

I would not go back to my twenties even if I had the chance. I was so naive and gullible to life and people. I trusted everyone and was hurt by so many. I thought that if I were the best friend and girlfriend then that would make people love me. I was so wrong. I was looking for something in other people instead of finding it in myself first. It was a case of the blind leading the blind. But I was so blind and immature I thought everyone had it together but me. I would tell my 20-, 25-, or 30-year-old self, to learn to love yourself. Unconditional love will only be found in you through Jesus Christ. I would advise that it cannot be purchased or manipulated into being something it is not. Slow down and plan for your future. Be prepared for your future – mentally, physically, and financially.

  • How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Or, do you have a favorite failure of yours?

Failure has humbled me. Failure has made me grow up. Failure has taught me that I cannot leave anything to happen by chance. It has taught me that I am responsible for my own happiness and wellbeing. I must be connected to good and healthy people but I cannot require more from them than I require from myself.

All of this has taught me that I can do things that I once dreamed of. My failures taught me to believe in me and stop counting myself out. Why not me is the question I as now!

Do you have a quote you live your life by or think of often? I have scripture and quote.

One of my favorite scriptures is: Psalms 46:5 “God is within her, she will not fall, God will help her at the break of day.”

Break of day means everything is new each morning. So, if I can make it through the midnight, I know morning restores me to full capacity to start all over again.

And my quote is “Hear My Cry, We Are Better Together”. Every great movement begins with a sound. I want to be a sound that is everlasting, long after I am gone.

Follow Arlene Henderson and learn more about her platform on social media:  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

“EMPOWERED WOMEN, EMPOWER WOMEN!”
Lifestyle Tips /

Visit Pensacola Launches Experience Pensacola Destination App

Visit Pensacola announced the launch of its Experience Pensacola app. The app is designed to assist both locals and visitors in navigating Escambia County.

“This app makes exploring the destination easier than ever, “Visit Pensacola President Darien Schaefer said. “For our residents, I think they’ll find themselves discovering activities and restaurants they never knew existed and for visitors, they’ll find an easy tool to organize and share their vacation with family and friends.”

With a built-in location finder, app users can find experiences closest to them. Some of the core features include:

  • Travel deals for an affordable vacation (locals can indulge, too!)
  • Local restaurant listings
  • Trails and Interactive Tours
  • Custom itinerary builder
  • Happy Hours
  • Current events
  • Local transportation options
  • Museums and attractions

“One of the features I like most is the interactive trails,” Visit Pensacola Partner Relations Manager Kaya Man said. “When we’re stumped for something free and fun to do, it’s a great resource.”

The Experience Pensacola app is available for download on the Apple Store or on Google Play. To learn more about the Experience Pensacola app, or to download it, visit www.visitpensacola.com/app/.

Beauty /

Stress Relief for Challenging Times and How Essential Oils Can Help You Find Inner Calm

We are all searching for ways to deal with the stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether that’s it’s meditating, eating immune-boosting foods or Zoom chatting with friends, just doing something for stress relief is essential for your mental and physical well-being.

Now there’s one more way to help de-stress in this trying time – with the power of essential oils.

Vitality Extracts have diffusers, car diffusers, roll-on bottles, essential oil jewelry and a line for kids.

Vitality Extracts crafts the finest essential oils that are pure, safe and free of chemicals making them the perfect aromatherapy oils for optimal natural healing. Each of its oils is tested to ensure it’s 100% contaminant free! While the company is unwavering in its commitment to provide products that are beneficial for its customers, it’s equally committed to protecting its workers and the planet as a whole. The company’s collection of products is sourced from generational farms around the world, helping preserve and protect a vanishing way of life. Farmers and the artisans who lovingly create Vitality Extracts are paid a fair wage and work in an environment guided by ethical practices.

Along with essential oils for migraine relief, stress relief, energy and more, Vitality Extracts makes stunning diffuser bracelets from natural stones, each as beautiful to look at as it is good for your soul! With all the stress in the world now, be good to yourself – and the planet and find some grounding with Vitality Extracts.

Top Picks for Stress Relief:

Immunity – a powerful way to help support the proper function of your immune and respiratory systems. In addition, it can help purify the air and disinfect surfaces to provide a cleaner environment for you and your family, while reducing anxiety and helping with mental focus.

Inner Peace – a lovely combination of oils that gives a spiritual calm even when you’re most stressed. This refreshing combination of citrus oils helps to restore energy, relieve tension and boost the immune and circulatory systems.

Breathe Easy – designed to increase the lung’s capacity to breathe and clear the sinuses. It can also help purify the air in the room and ease congestion and sinus pressure, reduce inflammation and promote a healthy immune and circulatory system.

Diffuser Jewelry – Pyrite, rose quartz and African turquoise are just some of the beautiful and beneficial stones in this collection. Each bracelet or necklace features natural stones paired with lava beads to soak up the oils and provide long-lasting benefits in a beautiful package.

About Vitality Extracts:  Vitality Extracts was created by a group of health and wellness enthusiasts who firmly believe in the natural healing of essential oils. The company crafts products of the utmost quality and offers them at affordable prices to ensure everyone can enjoy the benefits of better health. The company is so confident its products exceed expectations it offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee!

Birmingham /

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Launches When Resilience Speaks: A Community Response to COVID-19

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute has launched an online community participation project for people across all generations to share their views and experiences during the COVID-19 crisis. Called “When Resilience Speaks: A Community Response to COVID-19,” youth and adults can share their stories by virtually any medium including videos, social posts, telephone, email and through the BCRI website.
This participatory project seeks to attract people of all ages, races, and backgrounds to share their perspectives on the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly how it is transforming their everyday lives and how it compares with other historic events during the past 100 years. Stories collected through When Resilience Speaks will be shared with the community in real-time and could form the nucleus of an exhibition to be curated and exhibited in the BCRI at a future date.
The first question to the public is “How is the COVID-19 pandemic changing our community?” People can give their answers by:
BCRI President and CEO Andrea L. Taylor said the Institute has a great tradition of collecting oral histories about the experiences of activists and eyewitnesses to history here, as in exhibits such as “Foot Soldiers” and “Voices of Alabama,” which document history through the voices of the people who lived it.
“We believe this moment of social and economic upheaval is exactly the right time to gauge where we are as a society. We want the perspectives of people who have already lived through other crises, and the voices of young people who have such valuable input and new ideas about next steps,” she said. “The physical doors of our Institute may be closed right now, but we’re throwing open the doors to community dialog that technology affords us. It’s a key part of our mission to engage the public in meaningful dialog, and future generations will have the benefit of our having it documented as well.”
Taylor said “When Resilience Speaks” gets its name from the resilience shown by leaders of the Civil Rights Movement and other human rights struggles, and that similar resilience will be needed by the present generation to cope with crises like COVID-19. She also added that the BCRI consulted with a clinical psychologist on the efficacy of the project and to help frame social questions posed by the effort. Plans are also in development for the BCRI’s Legacy Youth Leadership Program to interview Civil Rights Foot Soldiers about their perspectives on this and other issues as well, she said.
About the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI). An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, and part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, the BCRI is a cultural and educational research center that promotes a comprehensive understanding of the significance of civil rights developments in Birmingham that changed our world. Celebrating its 27th anniversary, BCRI reaches more than 150,000 individuals each year through teacher education (including curriculum development and teacher training), group tours, outreach programs (school and community), award-winning after-school and public programs, exhibitions, and extensive archival collections. For more information, visit www.bcri.org.