Category: Summer 2017

Lifestyle Tips /

Thirst-Quenching Beverages for Memorial Day BBQs

It’s time to start planning delicious drink ideas for all your upcoming barbecues and Memorial Day festivities. Skip the calories and keep the flavor with refreshing drink recipes which can be whipped up in a minute’s notice – how convenient!

Melon Mixer

Time to buy that delicious watermelon you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Start with 3oz of Cascade Ice Blueberry Watermelon. Then pour 1oz of club soda. Add several slices of watermelon and blueberries and stir to release the fresh flavor. Voila!

Pomegranate Icer

Pomegranates pack a punch of vitamins and anti-oxidants and now that they are in season, it’s a great time for this refreshing drink. First pour 4oz of Cascade Ice Pomegranate Berry and 1oz of Cascade Ice Strawberry Lemonade into a glass with crushed ice. Top if off with fresh pomegranate seeds for the perfect touch and serve!

Grapefruit-Lemonade Refresher

A BBQ isn’t complete without some ice-cold lemonade! Try the Grapefruit-Lemonade Refresher for a new twist. Start with a chilled glass full of ice and add 3oz of Cascade Ice Grapefruit and 4oz of Cascade Ice Lemonade. Garnish with sliced lemons and a sugar rim.

 

 

Beauty /

Memorial Day Beauty Must-Haves

Any patriotic holiday is a free pass for wearing red lipstick by the pool. Take full advantage of the occasion with Arbonne Smoothed Over Lipstick in Gladiola ($29, Arbonne.com). This lipstick is infused with watermelon fruit extract which helps provide immediate, long-term moisture while imparting a plumping effect to give the appearance of full, lush lips.

  • It’s inevitable, you’ll be sweating this MemorialDay. A product worth stashing in your purse is Mehron Skin Prep Pro ($13, Amazon.com). Used under the most extreme weather conditions, skin feels and continues to look fresh.
  • When the forecast calls for major humidity, you need a power product such as The Mane Choice Pink Lemonade & Coconut Super Anti-Oxidant & Texture Beautifier Curl Boosting Sherbet($14.99, TheManeChoice.com and Walmart). Formulated to boost curls and fight frizz, the cream defines and shapes your tresses leaving long-lasting shine.
  • Don’t forget to protect your lips! Try opting for an SPF chapstick that’ll give your lips a hydrated glow without the risk of attracting harmful UV rays. The Arbonne Liquid Sunshine Lip Balm Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15 ($12, Arbonne.com) is infused with coconut oil and moisturizing botanicals to help condition and smooth the lips.

 

Lifestyle Tips /

How Much Caffeine Can I Drink A Day

Too much caffeine caused the death of a 16-year-old high school student from South Carolina who collapsed during class last month, according to the county coroner. Davis Allen Cripe died from a caffeine-induced cardiac event causing a probable arrhythmia. During an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body, and lack of blood flow affects the brain, heart and other organs. The teen consumed three caffeine-laced drinks — a cafe latte, large Diet Mountain Dew and an energy drink — in a two-hour period before collapsing in his classroom at Spring Hill High School on April 26, Watts said. (Source: CNN) So where does this tragic news leave adult java lovers?

How much caffeine can I drink a day?

“Most people can safely take in about 400 milligrams of caffeine daily or about 4 cups of coffee,” says Dr. Christopher Calapai D.O., a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine. He adds that, “the limit varies from person to person.” It’s difficult to assign an exact amount for everyone because people can have different sensitivities or reactions to caffeine based on age, medical history, and tolerance. However, there is enough research available to make a recommendation based on an individual’s weight.

To keep it safe, health experts recommend a maximum daily dose of 400 mg. To see what this means for you, check out the caffeine in some of these common drinks:

Starbucks Coffee (16 fl oz): 320 mg caffeine

5-hour energy (1.93 fl oz): 207 mg caffeine

Dunkin Donuts regular (16 fl oz): 203 mg caffeine

Starbucks Latte (16 fl oz): 150 mg caffeine

Coffee, brewed (8 fl oz): 133 mg caffeine

Red Bull Energy Shot (2 fl oz): 80 mg caffeine

Red Bull (8 fl oz): 80 mg caffeine

Tea (8 fl oz): 53 mg caffeine

But how, exactly, can the world’s most popular drug kill?

Like other stimulants, caffeine raises blood pressure, boosts heart rate and temporarily shrinks blood vessels. Dr. Calapai explains that, “In excess, the effects can be deadly by causing a heart attack, stroke or other cardio-vascular-related problem. Researchers think daily caffeine intake can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, but the results so far have been inconclusive.”

It’s also important to realize that medical conditions can affect sensitivity to caffeine. “If you have anxiety, panic disorder, heart arrhythmia, high blood pressure, diabetes, take medication or have any sort of medical condition, then you may tolerate less caffeine and should speak to a doctor,” says Dr. Calapai.

There are “caffeine overdose symptoms” that are important to watch for. These include:

Jitters, Restlessness, and Nervousness

Increased heartbeat

Nausea

Anxiety

Heart palpitations (cardiac arrhythmia)

Insomnia

Sweating

Dizziness

Vomiting

Cardiac arrest

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed as the “The Stem Cell Guru” by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson’s. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Fox series Gotham’s, Donal Logue; he was a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net

Accessories /

When Chic Brides Brunch | The Ultimate Pre-Wedding Desitination

A few weeks ago, local Washington DC Event Company A4dable Events (Pronounced “affordable”) hosted the inaugural When Chic Brides Brunch. Hosted by recently engaged WUSA9 Reporter Mikea Turner, the brunch was the ultimate pre-wedding destination for soon-to-be brides!
Upon arriving When Chic Brides Brunch, guests were greeted and then were ushered into the ballroom where they mingled with onsite vendors and enjoyed tunes by wedding DJ Floyd (all of the guests fell in love with his playlist!) The decor of the brunch was breathtaking, with the tables decorated in silver/pink and at first glance, the table looked as if it was adorned in jewelry. There were also real flowers placed in the openings of the candlestick centerpieces, jewel-plated bases, and mini jeweled candlestick holders to accompany.
There was a complimentary mimosa bar, a lavish brunch that included chicken and waffles and on the place setting was delectable milk chocolate that was decorated in bridal decor. After brunch, there was a cake tasting and a bridal fashion show featuring gowns from St. Anthony’s Bridal and one lucky lady was able to win a FREE bridal gown, if that wasn’t enough for the grand finale, there was a pyrotechnics display which gave many an idea of how to end their special day with a “bang!”
A4dable Events would like to thank the partners and sponsors:
Decorator The Hampton Conference Center, Wedding Dresses St. Anthony’s Bridal, Venue Salsa With Silvia, Mimosa Bar Creme de la Creme, Catering  (Cater Laine), Lighting Real Fairytale Weddings,Wedding Cake O’real Bakery, Videographer Ajena Media, Photographer YPose Images, Florist Conset’s Floral, Makeup Artists Modernly Beautiful Makeup, LLC, Coordinator Rescue Event Planning, LLC, Chocolate Favors Le Papiyon, Photographer Enhance Moments Photography, Stationary Put It On Paper Stationery, DJ FLOYDS DJ SERVICES, Bridal Hair 630 Studio, LLC, Photobooth Smile Social Photo Booth, Fashion Stylist Malik, Accessories Anaelise Martinez, Fashion Show Director IHI Modeling Agency, Beauty Samples Imani Mary Kay.
For more information on A4dable Events, please visit www.a4dableevents.com.
Accessories /

Double Circle Channel Bracelet: Elegant Jewelry Piece

There’s a process in mind before I select a piece of jewelry.  I like to access my wardrobe and take into consideration the items I already own.  A few simple questions I always ask myself include, “will this make a complete set and how will I style this item for an upcoming event?”  

One piece of jewelry that my collection did not have was an elegant tennis bracelet.  I typically like to wear classic pieces that will accent a pair of studs or hoops.  I wanted a tennis bracelet that had clarity with a well made clasp.  

Bracelets are one of my favorite accessories because it’s small in size and can be layered with more than one piece.  Anjolee shipped a beautiful Double Circle Channel Bracelet.  The band arrived in a secured wooden box, which is great for storage.  I was pleased with the bracelet because it was the right length for my wrist and the diamond cut was round.  

One important fact about Anjolee is that the company specializes in hand crafted diamond bracelet designs with precious metals and gemstones.  This makes their jewelry affordable with the use of state of the art technology.  

Lace Blouse:  Express | Lipstick:  Anastasia Beverly Hills | Watch:  Michael Kors | Diamond Bracelet: Anjolee

I wore the Double Circle Channel Bracelet to my son’s preschool graduation.  It was elegant and layered nicely with my watch and charm bracelet.  

To purchase and learn more click here: Anjolee Diamond Bracelets

Accessories /

KENDALL JENNER in LA PERLA PF17 AD CAMPAIGN

A surreal garden of gigantic begonias, a colossal hibiscus, and reimagined tulips comes to life in a world of fantasy and art designed by La Perla Creative Director, Julia Haart.  Inspired by the works of Georgia O’Keeffe and Peter Max, Haart calls upon her favorite pieces from the pop-art and modernist movements to fuse the Pre-Fall 2017 Campaign with her own cast of psychedelic creativity.

Just as Dorothy journeyed to the Land of Oz, so too does the campaign’s protagonist, Kendall Jenner – entering into a world of her own imagination. Clad in Ready-to-wear, Lingerie, and Beachwear from the La Perla Pre-Fall 2017 Collection, Jenner exudes the certainty and self-assurance of a true heroine – owning her world through confidence and empowered femininity.

Captured through the inventive lens of Mert & Marcus, the vibrant colors and molded shapes of the La Perla collection take center-stage. The explosive visual message is intended to shock and transport the viewer to a world of fantasy, color, and art.

The campaign features the new La Perla Slip Dress which boasts a built-in padded bra and sculpted bodice sewn from the world’s finest stretch silk with Leavers lace detailing. Other featured pieces include a limited-edition haute couture crystal embroidered dress, a one-piece swimsuit with translucent palettes embroidery, and a lingerie set adorned with floral embroidered Leavers lace and velvet detailing.

Beauty /

The Under $6 Lipstick Rita Ora Wore To The Billboard Music Awards

Who: Rita Ora at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards

The Inspiration: Rita wore a black and white, crystal and lace dress by Francesco Scognamiglio. Kathy was inspired to pick up on the accents of the dress by going with smoky eyes with silver & gunmetal accents and shimmery highlights on the skin.

How to Get the Look:

Lips
Kathy lined Rita’s lips using Rimmel London’s Exaggerate Lip Liner in Innocent to give added shape and staying power. She finished off the lips by applying Rimmel London’s brand new Stay Matte Liquid Lip Colour in Latte To Go.

Skin
Kathy applied Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer all over Rita’s cleansed face to create a smooth mattifying canvas for makeup. She then applied Rimmel London Match Perfection 2 ‘n 1 Concealer in shade Light with her ring finger in a tapping motion underneath Rita’s eyes, erasing dark circles. Kathy applied Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation in Sand with a flat foundation brush in broad strokes over Rita’s face, and blended with a damp sponge, giving Rita a sheer, natural looking matte finish. Kathy set the foundation with Rimmel London’s Stay Matte Long Lasting Press Powder, helping to keep Rita’s forehead, sides of the nose and cheeks shine-free.

Cheeks
Kathy used Rimmel London Kate Moss Sculpting & Highlighting Kit in Coral Glow to highlight the tops of Rita’s cheekbones, above her jawline and down length of her nose. She contoured the hollows under her cheekbones, just under her jawbone and under her chin using a narrow wedge brush and applied the blush using a rounded brush on the apples of her cheeks and extended towards temples.

Using a large fluffy brush, Kathy dusted Rimmel London’s Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze along Rita’s hairline, temples, cheeks and under her chin. She also blended into the face to soften the contour.

Eyes
Kathy applied the beige shade of the Rimmel London Magnif’Eyes Shadow Contouring Palette in Grunge Glamour all over the eyelid to browbone as a base color and browbone highlighter. She highlighted the crease and lower lash line using the grey shadow. Using a thin brush, Kathy added the silver color shadow along and above smudged black line. She lined Rita’s eyes using Rimmel ScandalEyes Bold Liquid Liner with its unique soft pointed applicator, to draw a medium line along Rita’s lashes, then subtlety blending and smudging with black shadow from the Rimmel London Magnif’Eyes Shadow Contouring Palette in Keep Calm & Wear Gold. Kathy then used Rimmel London Magnif’Eyes Eye Crayon Due in Witness White to smudge the area around the inner corners of the eyes. To finish the eyes, she applied Rimmel London’s brand new volumizing, clump-free Shake It Fresh Mascara to lengthen and thicken Rita’s lashes.

Brows
Kathy gave Rita a strong brow, using Rimmel London Brow Shake Filling Powder in Brown. She then used Brow This Way Brow Styling Gel in Clear to keep stray hairs in place.

Where to Find Them: Rimmel London products are available at chain drug stores and mass retailers nationwide. Visit www.RimmelLondon.com for store locations and to try the newest products with Rimmel London’s exclusive Get The Look App available on iTunes and Google Play. Rimmel London’s new Shake It Fresh is available now at Target.com and Rimmel London’s Stay Matte Liquid Lip Color is available exclusively at Ulta.com.

#EdgeYourLook #RimmelRebel @RimmelLondonUS

Accessories /

Boutique Mexico: Shake Up Your Style This Summer

Keep your essentials with you this summer in the stylish and stunning eco-friendly bags of Boutique Mexico. With beautiful, practical designs that fit everything you need, the handmade purses and totes of Boutique Mexico are perfect for the heading to the beach, going to work, or running around town.

Made from locally sourced and eco-friendly material, Boutique Mexico takes pride in providing one-of-a-kind pieces designed by talented Mexican artisans. Each piece is a modern twist of an ancient crafting technique to create eye-catching, colorful bags that complement any outfit.

Boutique Mexico totes and pouches are a breeze to carry and come in many different styles:

  • Slip your essentials inside the clever little Coco pouch which sports classic stripes in contemporary hues. Made with 100% soft cotton woven by hand on pedal looms, Coco is both pliable and strong. 

  • Bag your essentials in the stylish Camila, a chic application of Otomi Indian needlework that reflects the culture’s love of fluid design and brilliant color. Feminine and ideally-sized, the pouch is 100% artisan made. 

  • Tote the toughest, little Mia Beach Tote you’ll own that is made from recycled plastic by artisans in Guadalajara. Almost indestructible, waterproof and good looking, the color combinations are rich and unexpected. 

  • Carry a distinctly personal statement of style with the Mini Stella Tote. Utterly feminine, it’s an intimate little accessory that adds flair and high color to any outfit.

 

Boutique Mexico is on a mission to give back to the community by partnering with native artisans in Guerrero, Hidalgo, Puebla, Chiapas, and Oaxaca to help them earn a living and preserve the ancient crafts of weaving and embroidery that have been the creative expression of their communities for generations.

Boutique Mexico is now officially sold in selected Anthropology stores.  Purchases can be made directly online at Boutique Mexico.

Lifestyle Tips /

Spring into summer with Caposaldo Cocktails

What better way to cool off during the warm summer months than with a cool and refreshing summer cocktail?

Whether you are grilling in the back yard, throwing a summer party or just chilling out, Caposaldo cocktails are sure to refresh as well as impress.

Feeling inspired? Share your own #CaposaldoWine cocktails with us on Instagram and Facebook @caposaldowine!

To find a retailer near you that sells these wines, please use the Kobrand Wine & Spirits retail locator: Kobrand Retail Locator

 

 

FROZEN PEACH BELLINI

5 oz Caposaldo Sparkling Peach

2 oz Peach Fruit Purée

Ice

GLASS: Coupe Glass

GARNISH: Peach or Strawberry Slice

PREPARATION:

Combine ingredients except ice in blender. Fill serving glass with ice and pour into blender.

Blend until smooth. Pour blended beverage into serving glass. Garnish.

 

BUBBLY RAZZ

4 oz Caposaldo Moscato IGT

1 oz Caposaldo D.O.C Prosecco

Splash of Crème de Cassis

GLASS: Champagne Flute

GARNISH: Fresh Raspberries

PREPARATION:

Pour Moscato and Prosecco into flute, splash Crème de Cassis on top. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

 

WILDBERRY SPARKLING SANGRIA

4 oz Caposaldo Sparkling Peach

1 oz Wildberry Fruit Purée

1.5 oz Cranberry Juice

.5 oz Brandy

GLASS: Red Wine Glass

GARNISH: Whole Berries, Citrus Slices

PREPARATION:

Combine ingredients in shaker in the order listed, minus Caposaldo. Cap and shake vigorously.

Pour into serving glass and add any needed ice. Top with Caposaldo, gently stir to mix and garnish.

Accessories /

Eye Health with Glasses and Shades | Sarah Bernard

Our eyes are windows to the world, and we’re not doing enough to protect them. Constant exposure to the sun ‘and’ screens is taking a toll on our eyes.

We don’t think twice about grabbing sunscreen to protect our skin from harmful U-V rays that cause sunburn and skin cancer. But, most people don’t realize our eyes can also suffer sunburn; causing both short and long-term damage.

But the great outdoors isn’t our only concern. On any given day for approximately 8.5 hours, our eyes are fixated on TVs, computer screens, iPads, e-books and smart phones. The Vision Council reports that blue light penetrates deep into the eye, which may result in:

  • Long-term vision problems, such as macular degeneration, cataracts and damage to the retina
  • Sleep disruption, due to the suppression of melatonin

It’s time to keep your eyes on the prize! The world’s leading provider of eyewear solutions is focused on helping you see your future with lines specifically designed to protect your eyes from sun and screen exposure!

Lifestyle and Fashion television contributor, Sarah Bernard discussed:

  • Limiting blue light exposure with the 20-20-20 rule
  • Foster Grant’s protective eyewear  — 4 collections specifically designed to protect eyes, including readers!  With consumers age 35 and up now using them, it’s no longer an “age thing”. Think fun, fashion option!
  • The in-style specs for the summer