First Lady Michelle Obama Says Farewell To The White House – Must See Interview

First Lady Michelle Obama looked stunning during her interview with Oprah Winfrey.  FLOTUS was seen on the CBS network wearing a Brandon Maxwell Shift Dress.  Personally, I adored the high fashion and use of bold accessories (purple pumps) during this television special but the hairstyles were gorgeous as well.

The new special FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA SAYS FAREWELL TO THE WHITE HOUSE — AN OPRAH WINFREY SPECIAL will be broadcast Monday, Dec. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. OWN will air the second showing of the special on Wednesday, Dec. 21 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT). In the special, which taped on Dec. 14, Oprah Winfrey speaks to First Lady Michelle Obama for her final one-on-one interview inside the White House. During this exclusive interview in the First Family’s private residence, Mrs. Obama talks about life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, her eight years as First Lady of the United States, the legacy she’ll leave behind and her plans for the future. Photo: Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon

Michelle’s natural (chemical-free) hair was cut in a Blunt Bob and Oprah wore the perfect Ponytail.  Aside from the fashion and beauty displayed by both women, the CBS special addressed topics that can be related to women across the world.

The First Lady Michelle Obama discussed her experiences entering in The White House, national program initiatives such as Let’s Move, and raising her daughters in the public eye.

There was also a brief visit from President Barack Obama.  In closing, Michelle couldn’t forget to address that life changing quote “When They Go Low, We Go High” as we prepare for the upcoming inauguration.

To watch, click here:  An Oprah Winfrey Special:  First Lady Michelle Obama Says Farewell To The White House

iRestore Hair Growth System – Thickening Formula

Serums are the latest beauty product to increase optimal hair growth.  As women, we undergo several health factors such as hormone changes, poor diet, and stress that can have an impact our hair.  In addition, hair is part of the largest organ (on the body) which is our skin or epidermis.  Skin care goes hand in hand with Hair care for several reasons:

  1. Every season has an impact on hair follicles – from the environment.
  2. Consuming the right amount of vitamins and minerals extends hair growth.

I had the opportunity to use the iRestore Hair Growth System. Due to body changes and child-birth my hair root has changed.  This is also the reason I became natural (chemical-free) while seeking to have a healthy scalp.

The iRestore Hair Growth System was easy to use (a few drops daily) and I have reduced seasonal shedding. With the use of this product, I’m looking forward to hair growth over the next few months!

Learn more about the company below:

For those looking to grow thicker and healthier hair due to thinning hair, Freedom Laser Therapy, maker of the FDA-cleared laser hair loss medical device, The Hair Growth Serum was developed using an advanced thickening formula, Redensyl®, that is clinically proven to stimulate hair growth for both men and women who suffer from alopecia.

“The loss or thinning of your hair can be traumatic and frustrating. Having experienced it myself, I sought to discover a way to help those in similar situations,” said Craig Nabat, CEO of Freedom Laser Therapy. “First we launched the iRestore device, and now, we have introduced the Hair Growth Serum. We’re excited to offer customers a non-invasive solution––made of natural ingredients––that proliferates hair growth and allows users to have more beautiful hair without negative side effects.”

The Hair Growth Serum is formulated with patented molecules, Redensyl® and Vitamin E & B, designed to reactivate hair stem cell activity and nourish hair follicles to promote optimal hair growth. By applying 1ml two times a day directly onto the scalp in areas of hairloss, users can expect to see significant visible results in as little as three months.

The iRestore Hair Growth Serum is developed and made in the United States. It is sold for $39.99 for a 2oz. / 60ml bottle and is available for purchase now on iRestore’s website.

About Freedom Laser Therapy
Freedom Laser Therapy is a Los Angeles-based company that develops and markets cutting-edge light and hair therapy products that improve consumer health and beauty. The company hopes to inspire customers to care for their appearance and well-being in a reliable, health-conscious way. Freedom Laser Therapy was founded in 2003 by CEO Craig Nabat who, having struggled with hair loss and quitting smoking, was determined to find solutions to both challenges—and so he did with the iRestore Hair Growth System and Freedom Quit Smoking System. Nabat is a serial entrepreneur and was featured as the October 2015 cover story of Inventors Digest. Freedom Laser Therapy has been featured by The Doctors TV, Access Hollywood, Huffington Post, VH1, TLC, Fox News, and CBS. To learn more, visit http://www.freedomlasertherapy.com/.

Celebrate the 12 Days of Cava this Holiday Season with Freixenet

It’s always a grand idea to pop some bubbly during the most festive time of the year. Grab a case of Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut (SRP $12) and celebrate Freixenet’s 12 Days of Cava this holiday season! At just $12 a bottle, Freixenet Cava allows you to invite all your friends and keep the celebration going longer. Freixenet Cava is delightful when served on its own, mixed in cocktails, and added into holiday recipes. Follow Freixenet’s 12 Days of Cava plan to ensure a jolly celebration with your friends all season long:

DAY 1: Personalize Your Present

 Need a last minute Holiday party hostess gift? Don’t panic – a bottle of Freixenet Cava is all you need. The matte black bottle is the perfect canvas for a personalized message. Grab a gold pen and turn the bottle into a unique gift that everyone can enjoy.

DAY 2: The Sparkling Maple Leaf
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 1 oz whisky, 1 oz maple syrup, and 1/2 oz lime juice. Shake and strain the mixture into a glass. Top off with 3 oz Brut Cava.

DAY 3: Brie + Cava Fondue
Rub 1 whole clove garlic in a saucepan. Add 1 c Extra Dry Cava and 1 tbsp cornstarch over low heat. Do not boil. Add 2 c Brie cheese in portions while slowly increasing the heat, (do not let boil). When cheese has melted, add 2 tbsp kirsch (fruit brandy), 1 tsp lemon juice, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, cinnamon and brown sugar. Serve in a fondue pot with your favorite choice of fruit and bread for dipping.

DAY 4: Grab a bottle of Freixenet Cava and decorate the bottle with holiday stickers! Give to a coworker or friend to enjoy with you after work.

DAY 5: Candy Cane Cava-tail
Fill 1/3 of a flute with White Crème de Cocoa and the rest with chilled Sweet Cuvée Cava. Garnish with a whole candy cane.

DAY 6: Add Cava in cake balls!

DAY 7: Pomegranate Cava Punch
In a large bowl, stir together 1 juiced lemon, 1 c Old Orchard pomegranate juice, 1/3 c pomegranate seeds, 1 c orange liqueur and 2 c Brut Cava. Add twists from lemon peel and rosemary sprigs for garnish.

DAY 8: Cava Ginger Hot Toddy
In a small mug, combine 2 oz brewed gingerbread tea, 1/2 tsp molasses, 1 tsp raw sugar, and top off with Extra Dry Cava. Garnish with a lemon slice and cinnamon stick

DAY 9: Marshmallows fluffed with Cava.

DAY 10: The Ginger Swing
Purée 1 ripe pear in a food processor, set aside. Combine 1/2 c water, 1/2 c sugar and 4 inch piece of fresh ginger, quartered in a small pan. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. Cover, turn the heat off and let sit for 30 minutes. Remove ginger pieces, pour the syrup into the pear purée, stir, cover and refrigerate until cold. Once cold, spoon 2 tbsp of mixture into a flute, top off with Brut Cava.

DAY 11: The Evergreen Twist
Bring 1/2 c sugar, 1 1/2 c water, and 1/4 c juniper berries to a simmer in a pot, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; let cool completely. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve; discard solids. Refrigerate 1 hour. Combine 3 tbsp juniper syrup with 1/2 cup Freixenet Cava to a glass. Garnish with a pine sprig; serve immediately.

DAY 12: Cava Wonderland
Prepare rims by combining 1/4 c coconut flakes, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and one scraped vanilla bean. Coat the rim of a glass with lemon juice to make the sugar mixture stick. Pour 2 oz coconut juice blend or coconut puréed nectar into bottom of glass. Fill with Extra Dry Cava and stir to mix.

DAY 13: Grab a bottle of Freixenet Cava and a few friends and toast to 2017! Add some black and gold decorations, a fun playlist and sip Cava all night long while re-living the most hilarious moments of 2016.

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About Freixenet:

Freixenet (pronounced “fresh-eh-net”), best known for their iconic Black Bottle, was first introduced to the world in 1914. It is a family-owned winery based just outside of Barcelona. Under the leadership of the Ferrer family, the Freixenet Group is the global leader of sparkling wines made in the traditional method, and the pursuit of quality has been the family’s priority for more than a century.

America’s Next Top Model Season 23 – Episode 1 Recap

America’s Next Top Model returned for a new season in New York City.  Rita Ora served as the host for this season’s challenge along with co-hosts Ashley Graham, Drew Elliott, and Law Roach.

After years of being a fan of the series, I was excited to see a new panel. Each panelist provided guidance and mentorship to the contestants.  ANTM Hosts also shared expectations of each model along with insight into the fashion industry.

ANTM Recap:

Last night’s episode was an introduction of each contestant; sharing their background and taking photos for the first challenge.

I enjoyed the selection process and uniqueness of each contestant. There was also a range of (beauty) diversity from natural hair, full eyebrows, and a set twins.

The selection process was not based on being a pretty face but the ability to become a fashion brand.  What does that mean? Contestants should exemplify the concept of having beauty and brains!

To watch full episodes, click here:  Business, Brand, and Boss 

 

 

NEW LAUNCH Shadow Sticks – Merle Norman Cosmetics

A hot launch for fall/winter ’16, Merle Norman Shadow Sticks were JUST released in 10 gorgeous shades and make applying long-wearing shadow as easy as signing your name. The fun, easy-to-use stick is crease-resistant and designed for versatility. They’re perfect to use as your main shadow, a base or even a liner with a buildable formula designed to go from sheer to full-on color. They even have a special key ingredient, microspheres, which impart a silky texture while absorbing oil to keep lids sebum free.

No matter what color is trending this season from matte to shimmer, you’ll find what you need in Merle Norman Shadow Sticks.

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https://youtu.be/o9JUAmHtcPY

Vanity Planet Tame Titanium Tourmaline Flat Iron

My hair is chemical-free and I prefer to use a flat-iron that won’t damage the texture.

Vanity Planet shipped an amazing product, the Tame | Pro-Style Titanium Tourmaline Flat Iron. This flat-iron meets all of my professional needs with heat control, auto shut-off, and a flexible cord.  I enjoyed using the flat-iron to straighten my 4B hair and tame my natural edges.

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From IG @kwest1908

About Vanity Planet:

Vanity Planet is a boutique marketplace, focused on beauty, grooming, and wellness. We’re more than your typical online store. We source, curate, and design products that benefit your life on the daily. Our approach is simple: amazing taste with minimal investment. Each item we carry is selected with intention and quality is never, ever sacrificed.


How does this product work?

1. Plug in Tame and hold down the start/stop button for 2 seconds to begin heating.

2. Use the “plus” (+) and “minus” (-) symbols to adjust until you reach desired temperature for use. Once reached, double click the start/stop button to lock the temperature setting. This will ensure that the temperature does not change accidentally during use. A red dot will appear on the digital screen to show that the temperature lock feature is in use.

3. Allow Tame to heat up, and then gently glide Tame through either damp or dry hair, spending only a few seconds on each section of hair.

4. Once finished, double click the start/stop button to release the temperature hold setting, then hold the start/stop button for 2 seconds to shut off the device.

5. Unplug it, and wait for it to cool, before storing Tame in a safe place.

DO NOT use Tame on synthetic hair. Do not use abrasive cleansers and chemicals to clean Tame. Make sure to clean the Tame plates after each use. Clean the plates when the device is turned off, unplugged, and cool, and use a slightly damp cloth to wipe it clean. Clean the handle at least once a week using a damp cloth (again, only when the device is turned off, unplugged, and cool). To unplug the device, pull on the plug, not the Tame cord.

FOR BEST RESULTS, we recommend washing hair before use. Towel dry and comb through thoroughly before styling.

 

Birthday Staycation – Ross Bridge Golf and Spa Resort

I celebrated my birthday at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf and Spa Resort. This beautiful hillside hotel is located (here) in Birmingham, Alabama.

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Inside of Ross Bridge Golf and Spa Resort is intricate artwork along with Mediterranean inspired decor. 

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The Spa at Ross Bridge

I booked an appointment at the spa and received a manicure and pedicure.  When I have free time, I prefer spa nail services because they use all natural products. In addition, it’s an intimate environment and provide delicious refreshments.

Sitting in a bathrobe and inhaling essentials oils was very relaxing.  The Spa at Ross Bridge has several additional services including a quiet and steam room, boutique, and chlorine-free pools.

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Additional Resort Photos:

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My visit to Ross Bridge Golf and Spa Resort was the perfect staycation.  I can’t wait to stop by again for an afternoon of golf or deep tissue massage!