Category: Spring 2018

Accessories /

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.

Beauty /

Kanvas Skin Care Hosted Exclusive Pop-Up Day Spa for Celebrities and Influencers: Jamie Foxx, Amber Rose, Vanessa Simmons, and Kristinia DeBarge During 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

Kanvas Skin Care hosted an exclusive pop-up spa at The Pond Estate in Palm Springs on April 13-15, during the annual “Shift to Coachella Weekend.” In partnership with Rafael Luciano of My Time Entertainment, and a consortium of beauty, fashion, and tech companies including Shoe Dazzle, FanLogic, All Public Art, Bubblo and Roadstarr Motorsports, Kanvas Skin Care provided celebrity facials, premium massages and spa gift baskets for celebrity house guests and influencers including Jamie Foxx, Vanessa Simmons, Angela Simmons, Amber Rose and Kristinia DeBarge.

The gift baskets included limited-edition Kanvas Skin Care products created exclusively for Coachella. In addition to the pop-up spa, celebrity esthetician, Thai Morrison and her pro-team also provided celebrity in-suite services and poolside massages. One of the highlights of the weekend was the giant, flower-adorned Kanvas K, and customized Kanvas snap-chat filters, which many celebrities and VIP guests used as a photo backdrop.

“It was a pleasure to serve celebrities and other guests alike during Coachella,” said Thai Morrision, celebrity esthetician and founder of Kanvas Skin Care. “Being in the extreme desert climate, exposure to sun and the long nights of concert-fun can stress the skin, causing dehydration, eye puffiness, and hyperpigmentation. Our goal was to help attendees look and feel their best with our high-quality skin care products and premium spa services.”

Developed by Thai Morrison, a licensed esthetician and founder of Koffee Day Spa, Kanvas Skin Care provides high-quality products for all skin types at affordable prices. They also offer medical grade options through Kanvas md to treat specific skin conditions. From oily to dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles, to age spots and hyperpigmentation, Kanvas and Kanvas md have products to treat all skin conditions, particularly those common in African-Americans and other people of color.

Visit www.kanvasskin.com to learn more.

Lifestyle Tips /

Montgomery Looks Ahead to Exciting Spring Events Calendar

Springtime offers ideal weather and a jam-packed calendar of events in Montgomery this year. Known for its Southern hospitality and its revitalized downtown, this riverfront capital city was the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and has established itself as a landmark Deep South destination. With a world-class monument and museum opening in April, more visitors than ever will make a stop in Alabama’s capital city to experience the civil rights landmarks, take in the local culture and take part in some exciting events and celebrations.

 “This spring will see some long-anticipated developments in our city and we’re looking forward to welcoming many visitors to the city for the very first time,” shares Vice President of Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Dawn Hathcock. “Although many people will be here to experience the brand new EJI Memorial and Legacy Museum, we’re excited to welcome all visitors to our many annual events which give our destination such a unique feel.”

Below is an overview of notable spring events and celebrations in Montgomery:

  • Maxwell AFB Centennial Celebration, April 6 – 8, 2018 – A full weekend of celebratory events will be held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Maxwell Air Force Base. A Montgomery Biscuits baseball game on the 6th will include military flyovers and a military first pitch. For more information, go to http://www.maxwell.af.mil/Centennial/
  • Alabama Book Festival, April 21, 2018 – Since 2006 this event has welcomed book lovers to Alabama’s premier literary event. Thousands of people gather for author readings, book signings, writing workshops and more. For more information, go to http://alabamabookfestival.org/
  • Alabama Shakespeare Festival Spring Repertory Season, April 25 –  May 6, 2018 – Each spring this surprising theatrical find nestled in the exquisite 300-acre Blount Cultural Park achieves a rarely attempted feat – professional repertory theatre featuring Shakespeare and the classics. This year’s season includes Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night alongside the classic based on Alabama’s own Helen Keller, The Miracle Worker. For more information, go to www.asf.net
  • Grand Opening of the Equal Justice Initiative’s Memorial to Peace and Justice and The Legacy Museum, April 26, 2018 – These two institutions will open to the public for the very first time this April. The memorial, on a six-acre park, is a sacred space for reflection on racial terrorism in America, and the museum, located a short walk away, will use interactive media, sculpture, film, and exhibits to immerse and educate visitors. For more information, go to https://eji.org/news/museum-and-memorial-opening-april-26-2018
  • 24th Annual Fitzgerald Gala, May 11, 2018 – This annual fundraiser for the Fitzgerald Museum is the social event of the year. Guests arrive decked out in 1920s and 1930s attire to celebrate Montgomery’s favorite literary couple. The event includes live period music, antique cars, and a jaw-dropping Silent Auction. For more information, go to http://www.thefitzgeraldmuseum.org/events.html
  • Taco Libre Festival, May 12, 2018 –  Alabama’s Taco Festival features a wide assortment of tacos from the state’s favorite local taco joints, restaurants and food trucks, along with plenty of refreshing beer and margaritas and musical entertainment. The event is held at “The Yards at Western Rail” a 40-acre venue in a reclaimed train shed and yard. For more information, go to http://www.lightninglinemgm.com/tacolibre/

For more information on Montgomery, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/

About Montgomery

Situated on the banks of the Alabama River, Montgomery is the capital and the second largest city in the state of Alabama. Established in 1819, Montgomery has been the site of major historical events which have shaped the history of the United States. Emerging from its agricultural roots in the 19th century, Montgomery transformed from the Cradle of the Confederacy to the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement in less than a century. Today, this vibrant river town is experiencing a resurgence which has seen its downtown revitalized and has reestablished itself as a landmark Deep South destination.  Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) offers non-stop flights on Delta Airlines and American Airlines. For more information, call 334-261-1100 or visit the official website of the Montgomery Convention and Visitor Bureau at http://www.visitingmontgomery.com.  Stay connected with Montgomery on Twitter (@MGMCapitalCool) and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MontgomeryCapitalCool).

Beauty /

RIMMEL LONDON MAGNIF’EYES PALETTE COLOUR EDITION

The newest palette in the Rimmel London collection that’s redefining the way you wear eyeshadow.

 

Featured Photo from Harpers Baazar

 

The intense pigments demand attention. Select from 12 shadows, which all work beautifully together to create a daring look. Mix up the combos with each application to keep it fresh. The texture is smooth, the wear is long—there’s no turning back once your eyes meet the MAGNIF’EYES PALETTE COLOUR EDITION.
Ann Taylor /

Trend Report: Versatile White Tee from Ann Taylor

Look your best this spring without even trying. Invest in a simple white top that you can dress up or down and create new stylish outfits that will look anything but ordinary!

Ann Taylor has got it all to mix and match this everyday item and turn your wardrobe from drab to fab! Swap out fun bottoms or colorful statement accessories to spice up your closet, all while saving space and money. Ann Taylor’s new collection features bold patterns, bright colors, and flattering silhouettes guaranteed to put the spring back into your step – all you need is a white tee.

Chic Touches: Tie an Ann Taylor Skinny Scarf around the wrist.
Chic Touches: Wear gold accessories with basic pieces.
Beauty /

Spring 2018 Beauty Products: Daily Routine and Travel Companions

Every year I like to share my list of spring beauty products.  With Easter being next weekend, this truly marks the beginning of the season!

Temperatures are becoming more humid and beauty products have to reflect the new season.  For example, moisturizers tend to be lightweight to counter-act sweating and environmental debris.

Featured Photo from Allure.com

My beauty products must also be good travel companions.  The warmer season generally includes family vacations, weekend trips, and packing a handbag for social events.

SPRING 2018 BEAUTY PRODUCTS LIST:

  1.  NIVEA Soft Moisturizer – I can. not. live. without this product.  The texture is smooth and perfect for my sensitive skin.  It’s also affordable and small enough to fit in my tote bag while shopping.
  2. Rimmel London – I purchased this amazing reddish-orange lipstick on a trip to the drugstore.  The color did not disappoint and complimented my skin-complexion.
  3. Arbonne Skin Firming Body Cream – This particular product was shipped to me.  I became a huge fan of Arbonne products after using the company’s face lotion for a few months.  Can’t wait to see results especially with the upcoming season’s skin-bearing shorts, skirts, and dresses.
  4. L. Jones Silky Regrowth Oil – This is another must-have product.  My hairstylist and good friend has an amazing hair care collection.  I suffer from dry skin and that includes my hair follicles.  She recommended this oil and I can not believe the health and shine of my hair.
  5. Jane Iredale Snap Happy Makeup Kit –  The company shared this goodie with me!  In terms of travel and packing fast, this three-tiered makeup kit is mineral based.  It includes powder, blush, and eyeshadow.
  6. Essie Nail Polish – When life gets too busy for a gel manicure, I always run to my signature nail polish.  Essie has two shades that work with my ever-changing wardrobe.  I’m generally wearing the color Watermelon or Truth or Bare.

Sidenote:  Don’t forget to purchase a new Spanx for those lightweight spring dresses!