Category: Spring 2016

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Arundel Mills Expands with New Retailers

Shoppers seeking the latest in fashionable footwear for men and women and treasured women’s apparel will soon have two new options to choose from at Arundel Mills with the scheduled spring openings of shoe retailer G.H Bass & Co (Spring 2016) and women’s fashion outlet Francesca’s Collection (Spring 2016).

“G.H Bass & Co and Francesca’s Collection are two wonderful additions to our mall,” said Gene Condon, general manager at Arundel Mills. “Both brands emphasize what shoppers want; the latest trends for less. In line with our own mission to offer the best selection at a discounted price, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome these two great companies to our mall.”

For those seeking the highest quality footwear at the lowest discounted prices, G.H Bass & Co will be the place to shop when it opens at Arundel Mills in the spring of 2016. Founded in 1876 in Wilton, Maine, G.H. Bass Co. has continued to live up to the mission of its founder of “mak[ing] the best possible shoe for the purpose in which it will be used.” The store will offer quality and affordable shoes for the whole family and will be located in Neighborhood 3 near H&M.

arundel-mills-04

Those who seek luxurious style will enjoy the addition of Francesca’s, one of the fastest-growing women’s fashion retailers in the country. Since its founding in 1999, Francesca’s boutique stores have offered women a bevy of unique handpicked apparel, jewelry, bags, shoes, accessories and home goods. The store will be located in Neighborhood 4 near Teavana.

G.H Bass & Co and Francesca’s joins Steve Madden, Cole Haan, and Yankee Candle, as the newest additions to Arundel Mills– Maryland’s largest outlet and value retail shopping destination.

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Allen Edmonds Opening at Harbor East

image001-13

Harbor East and Allen Edmonds today announced that the U.S. premium men’s shoe, clothing and accessories manufacturer will set up shop in Baltimore’s upscale retail district. Allen Edmonds will occupy approximately 1,300 square feet at 635 S. President Street in the former Starbucks space between the Hilton Garden Inn/Homewood Suites and Landmark Theatres. While several high-end department and premier men’s shoe stores in Maryland carry Allen Edmonds product, the Harbor East location will be the brand’s first brick-and-mortar store in the state, exclusively featuring their signature line of premium, handcrafted men shoes as well as apparel and accessories.

Allen Edmonds began handcrafting shoes on the Wisconsin shores of Lake Michigan in 1922. Today, their 212-step manufacturing tradition continues with the brand offering the finest men’s dress and casual shoes available featuring classic American styling and fine craftsmanship. The company prides itself on using superior leathers combined with expert service from Master Fitters who have earned their title by fitting thousands of customers with custom-made-like product. Partnering with like-minded manufacturers, Allen Edmonds also offers men’s clothing and accessories including sportswear, ties and pocket squares, watches and leather goods.

“It is with great anticipation that we bring our premium line of men’s shoes and apparel to the Harbor East shopper,” stated Paul Grangaard, President and CEO. “With its robust office and business traveler population, the neighborhood is terrific fit for us. We look forward to serving both our loyal Allen Edmonds customers, as well as gentlemen new to the brand, in such a vibrant urban setting.”

“Harbor East is poised to welcome such an esteemed and timeless brand as Allen Edmonds,” stated Tim O’Donald, President of Harbor East. “It is a truly exciting time for the neighborhood as we see high-end retail open up in such rapid succession. We look forward to Allen Edmonds opening and to a long relationship with the company.”

Harbor East welcomed Brooks Brothers earlier this month. Warby Parker is projected to open in April.

There are 60 company-owned Allen Edmonds stores nation-wide. The Harbor East location is projected to open early summer of 2016.

About Harbor East

Harbor East is home to Baltimore’s best shopping, dining, entertainment, hotels and residences, boasting 5.5 million square feet of development. Replacing a landscape once characterized by warehouses and factories, Harbor East is now defined by gleaming architecture and modern amenities, creating a neighorhood that is vibrant, sophisticated and a true destination. Among its many distinct attractions are critically-acclaimed restaurants, national retailers, a world-class fitness center, seven-screen art house theatre, 200-slip marina and the luxury Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. An inspiring place for business, Harbor East provides a contemporary setting for best-in-class offices and international corporations. Owned, developed and managed by a company with deep roots in Baltimore, Harbor East is proud to call the city home, generating over $38 million in taxes and fees annually and providing space for over 6,000 local workers. Harbor East is committed to ensuring the long-term success of its properties with a focused vision of advancing Baltimore City as a whole.Welcome to Harbor East – 12 square blocks of restaurants, boutiques, hotels, and harbor-side amazing. www.harboreast.com

HElogo_multi

About Allen Edmonds

Founded in 1922, Allen Edmonds Shoe Corporation is a privately-held, U.S. based manufacturer of premium men’s footwear, apparel, leather goods and accessories with a focus on American manufacturing. Allen Edmonds’ famous Goodyear welted shoes are handcrafted in Port Washington, Wis. using a 212-step production process. Consistent with the company’s heritage, Allen Edmonds remains committed to providing excellent products at exceptional value for style and quality conscience men worldwide. By partnering with like-minded manufacturers, the company’s offering includes men’s clothing and accessory needs from head to toe. Allen Edmonds products are available at premier stores worldwide, including 60 company-owned Allen Edmonds stores across the United States, and online at AllenEdmonds.com.

Beauty /

Loreal Root Cover Up – Beauty Tip

Let’s have a realistic conversation about our hair and color system.  Personally, I am not 18 years old and have perfectly colored roots.  Over the last few years I have noticed a few strands that are not pleasing to the eye (smile.)  We can’t turn back the hands of time but we can definitely select a product that will benefit our beauty routine.

Loreal Root Cover Up

After reading Instyle Magazine I discovered that Loreal had a new product to help with this unsightly problem. The Loreal Root Coverup is said to cover up your roots in exactly 3 minutes.  It’s a temporary gray concealer and perfect for in-between salon visits.

Root Cover Up

The product comes in six different shades and it’s for all hair types.  It’s also stated to be lightweight, smudge proof, and peroxide free.  I’m looking forward to testing the product on my hair to hide a few discolored strands!

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Crystal L. Bass Returns to Baltimore – Ain’t No Love Like A Mother’s Love

Find out what happens when a mother chooses romance over family in Crystal L. Bass’ Inspirational stage play “Ain’t No Love Like A Mother’s Love.” Bass is the first female alumni to bring her hilarious and inspirational stage production to the Murphy Fine Arts Center!

Playwright and Executive Producer Crystal L. Bass gears up to share her highly anticipated stage play “Ain’t No Love Like A Mother’s Love” for a three show performance in Baltimore at The Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center on Friday, April 8th – 8pm, and Saturday, April 9th -3pm and 8pm featuring an all-new, star studded cast.

MothersLove_Webflyer_Jan19_2016_New10-3

Bass shared “I am so excited to perform at my alma mater! Especially since it’s an HBCU during the one-year anniversary of the passing of Freddie Gray and the Baltimore riots. This event will be a great time for everyone to come together- laugh and have a good time. It’s really important to me that we change the narrative behind what the world saw last April.”

Bass assures that this show about a Baltimore family’s struggles will deliver on the laughs, the drama and powerhouse singing. The new cast includes International R&B Superstar Shirley Murdock, Actor Cross Thompson, Grammy nominated artist, Brittney Wright, American Idol Finalist, Wayne Wilson and from HBO’s The Wire, Comedian Howard G. Joining the production for the second time, from the CW’s “The Next” Finalist, Shannon Ramsey and National Gospel Recording Artist, April Hall and rising star, Kirk Thomas, Jr.

A past attendee stated “I can’t wait to see this amazing production again! Crystal L. Bass is remarkably talented. A great playwright! I’m officially a fan!”

The hilarious urban stage play chronicles the story of a family torn by the decision made by its matriarch to pursue romantic love over her children. Filled with interesting twists and unpredictable turns Bass promises an entertaining experience the entire family can appreciate. The play is an adaptation of Bass’ top selling novel “Dark Clouds: A Charm City Family’s Struggle” and loosely based on her experiences growing up in Baltimore.

Ticket prices range from $30-$58 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at

ticketmaster.com.

EVENT DETAILS:
STAGEPLAY: Ain’t No Love Like A Mother’s Love DATE: April 8-9, 2016
SHOWTIMES: April 8th – 8pm | April 9th – 3pm & 8pm

LOCATION:

Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center

2201 Argonne Dr, Baltimore, MD 21218
TICKET PRICE: Range $30-$58
Purchase tickets from ticketmaster.com OR at the Murphy Fine Arts Box Office

ABOUT AIN’T NO LOVE LIKE A MOTHER’S LOVE:

What’s a mother of three to do when she has two fully-grown children and the youngest clamoring to become a woman? Doesn’t she deserve happiness? Shouldn’t she be able to get her groove back? In “Ain’t No Love Like A Mother’s Love” mom feels it’s time to move on with her life but when she finds herself at the feet of a man with a dark side it spells disaster for the entire family. During this emotional rollercoaster ride we watch this Baltimore family fight to pull through some of life’s harshest realities as family secrets are uncovered and rescue attempts fail. But all hope is not lost. We find that nothing can fill the void of a mother’s love. In the midst of the drama this engaging stage production will have you laughing, crying and gasping at the twist and turns. One thing’s for sure, this inspirational story of redemption and forgiveness will leave theatergoers with an entirely new appreciation for family and the depths of a mother’s love. Based on the original novel by Crystal L. Bass, “Dark Clouds: A Charm City Family’s Struggle.”

ABOUT PLAYWRIGHT AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER CRYSTAL L. BASS:

Playwright and Executive Producer, Crystal L. Bass is an American author, writer, and motivational speaker with a track record of success. Throughout her career, this Baltimore native has used her platform to uncover and illuminate issues that are important to young women, to ultimately empower and strengthen them.

A two-time author, Bass’ life’s work is rooted in the desire to raise awareness and inspire people to fulfill their true purpose. Her goal is to expand her publishing company and publish other talented writers who share her desire to inspire through their stories. Bass was honored and recognized by the Rainbow Push Coalition a Top Inspirational and Engaged Leaders of 2013.

How To /

Spa Week Spring 2016 Event – Wellness and Fitness

Technology gives us a wealth of opportunities to have a more comfortable life. We have become accustomed to tech indulgences such as shopping online, working on our tablets, posting to social media and binge watching Netflix anywhere. Everything we need to do or share is a call, text or post away. While all of these modern lifestyle techniques are extremely convenient, they are doing actual physical harm to our minds and bodies. From April 11th-17th, Spa Week is back to remind us about the importance of taking care of ourselves by treating technology-related injuries and stress. Spa Week has successfully spread this message for over a decade and their biannual events enable millions to lead a healthier lifestyle. Hundreds of spa, wellness, and fitness facilities will be offering premium full-service treatments at a major discount of $50 each. During Spa Week, set your favorite technology device aside and allow yourself the time to truly rebalance and heal your mind and body.

Using tablets, computers, and cell phones on a daily basis leads to issues such as back and neck pain, poor posture, muscle fatigue, carpal tunnel syndrome, facial sagging (phone face), vision damage, sore thumbs, anxiety, stress and more. Technology dependence has become a part of everyday life. To help alleviate these symptoms and reverse the damage caused by technology overload, spas have created treatments that specifically focus on and alleviate these technology-related conditions. During Spa Week, from April 11th-17th, signature treatments will be offered at a special rate of $50/treatment (normally $100-$500) at participating locations.

This spring, Spa Week has teamed up with spas across the country to deliver healing and therapeutic treatments to combat the effects of technology. Long hours hunched over a computer can create a myriad of problems. Haven Spa in New York City offers a unique Geek Massage (Reg. $100, Spa Week $50) that was created to address and relieve the ailments that are created from hours of computer usage. Having your phone connected to your face all day and texting leads to clogged pores and wrinkles from squinting your eyes. Holistic Touch in Virginia offers Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (Reg. $130, Spa Week $50). With this natural face-lift you will notice a great improvement in skin tightness, clarity and evenness of tone. Lines will show improvement and meditation exercises are taught during the session to help break the habits of expression that contribute to these. Anxiety brought on by our fast paced lifestyle can be healed through the power of water. The Elizabeth Adams Salon in Illinois touts their Spa Oceana Stress Relief Treatment (Reg. $100, Spa Week $50)– a water-based stress-relief body treatment. Long day at the office? KUR Skin Lab in New York City has created an Office Relief Massage (Reg. $125, Spa Week $50). This massage treatment with guided meditation will help heal you mentally by alleviating subconscious tension along with physical and mental strain. As we sit for hours a day, tight muscles and tense necks often occur. Red Door Spas nationwide are offering a De-Stress Body Treatment (Reg. $255, Spa Week $50) including exfoliation, an aromatherapeutic body wrap and a relaxing scalp massage to melt stress away and rebalance your spirit.

In order to receive exclusive information on participating spa and wellness locations and their $50 services, spa-goers should register on SpaWeek.com as early as possible. The complete list of treatments, available on March 21st, will allow consumers to begin booking their desired services. It is recommended that spa-goers sign up and book in advance on www.SpaWeek.com to ensure they reserve their top treatment choices. Visitors to SpaWeek.com also have the opportunity to spread the gift of wellness by conveniently purchasing the Spa & Wellness Gift Card by Spa Week®. Accepted at over 8,000 spas and wellness locations across North America, Spa & Wellness Gift Cards may be used during Spa Week or any time of the year without expiration. Recipients will have the freedom to choose from thousands of locations and services, all while knowing that you have their long-term health, balance and happiness in mind.

Spa Week was created and founded by Cheryl Reid, who hails from successful careers within the luxury spa industry and publishing spheres. Joining Spa Week for the Spring 2016 Event, sponsors include Exclusive Destination Sponsor: Sandals; Exclusive Cosmetics Sponsor: Hynt Beauty; Exclusive Apparel Sponsor: Yummie by Heather Thomson; and Exclusive Trade Association Partner: International Spa Association (ISPA). The event is co-sponsored by Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) and a portion of the proceeds from the Spring and Fall Events is donated to CancerAndCareers.org

About Spa Week Media Group, Ltd.
Spa Week Media Group, Ltd. is the leading health, beauty and wellness marketing company across North America. Through its website SpaWeek.com, millions of consumers from coast to coast benefit from an abundance of resources necessary to experience a healthier, well-rounded lifestyle, 365 days a year. Since its inception in 2004, Spa Week has continued to revolutionize the industry with the success of its biannual Spring and Fall Events with signature $50 spa services, life-changing promotions and a robust gift card program. Spa Week continues its dedication of delivering the best in health and wellness year round with its Spa & Wellness Gift Card, the premier spa gift card of choice by consumers. This gift card is accepted at over 8,000 spa and wellness locations across North America and is sold in over 60,000 retail stores nationwide including Target, CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and on SpaWeek.com. It’s never been more convenient to give and enjoy the gift of wellness.

BJs Wholesale Club /

Easter Celebration – Simple Lifestyle Tips

Easter can be an exciting holiday for everyone.  It’s the ultimate symbol of the Spring season and a time of rebirth.  Although celebrating Easter can be a lot of fun, preparation for this joyous holiday can also be overwhelming!

As a new mom (many years ago) I wanted to attack the holiday from all angles.  My eagerness stemmed from the excitement of having my very own children.  Over the years, I’ve learned to focus on what really matters.   The small details will come together once you concentrate on the priority of the day.

FullSizeRender-93
Easter Brunch 2015 – Flemings Prime Steakhouse
FullSizeRender-94
Caesar Salad and Omelett
FullSizeRender-95
National Aquarium with the boys

Easter Celebration Tips:

  1. Create your dinner menu – Decide whether your family will dine in or out.  Either option provides a good opportunity for quality fellowship.  Traditional Easter meals (if you’re cooking) include a honey glazed ham, roasted leg of lamb, baked salmon, green bean casserole, rice pilaf, scalloped potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or home-style dinner rolls.
  2. Coordinate Easter crafts with the kids – This particular tip can vary depending on your interest but the idea is to teach your family the meaning of Easter.  Quick holiday crafts include decorating eggs, planting a Spring garden, or designing Easter bookmarks.
  3. Consider taking Easter photos – Start thinking of the right location, lighting, and even the weather.  Also, we can’t forget to coordinate the perfect attire whether a traditional suit or casual spring outfit.
  4. Decorate, Decorate, Decorate – Nothing brings more excitement than putting out spring decorations.  Add a wreath to the front door, create a tablescape, or flower arrangement in the hallway.
IMG_3338
Easter Tablescape
IMG_3339
Pre-school Easter Celebration

Some of my favorite Easter traditions include Sunday morning worship, egg hunt, brunch, and spring photos.  What are some of your favorite Easter traditions, share them with us here?

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Wildfox Fragrance and Nordstrom Beauty Trend Week

WILDFOX Fragrance

Next Saturday – April 9th – stop by Nordstrom Towson Town Center during their Beauty Trend Week for an exclusive Wildfox Fragrance Event! Take a walk on the wild side by dropping by the Wildfox counter to experience a scent journey that’ll leave you feeling dreamy. For an added bonus, layer Wildfox body crème frosting plus a spritz of Wildfox juice.

_10918034

See complete details below:

Nordstrom Towson Town Center
Saturday, April 9th – 10am-9pm
700 Fairmount Ave, Towson, MD 21286
(410) 296-2111
Link: Nordstrom Beauty Trend Week Spring 2016

Follow Nordstrom Beauty
Twitter: @Nordstrom
Facebook: facebook.com/nordstrom
Instagram: @Nordstrom
Pinterest: pinterest.com/nordstrom
Blog: blogs.nordstrom.com/beauty

Fashion /

H&M TO OPEN IN PUERTO RICO | Fashion – Forward Apparel

image004-3

H&M, one of the world’s largest fashion retailers famous for offering fashion-forward apparel at affordable prices in a sustainable way, is pleased to announce that its first location will open its doors in June 2016 at The Mall of San Juan, in San Juan. This will be followed by a second location at Plaza Del Sol, in Bayamón.

“We are extremely thrilled to open in Puerto Rico. Our new store at The Mall of San Juan will give our customers there access to our fashions for the whole family,” says Daniel Kulle, U.S. President of H&M. “We are excited to continue our North American expansion and add our upcoming stores there to our four hundred and seventeen other locations in the U.S.,” he adds.

hmprod

The new store will be approximately 31,000 square feet with fashion for everyone’s personal style. The Mall of San Juan location will include collections for ladies, men, young ladies, and young men with separate “store within a store” sections for accessories, lingerie and beauty. The Mall of San Juan location will also carry H&M’s children’s collection for newborns up to nine year olds. H&M looks forward to offering the best of summer fashion to its customers in Puerto Rico.

cq5dam.web.1920.1280