Category: Uncategorized

Uncategorized /

INKATERRA CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A GRAND ADVENTURE
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Inkaterra, Peru’s leader in luxury sustainable tourism, is celebrating the company’s 40th anniversary with a brand-new ‘Ruby Package,’ a nine-day adventure-packed trip that takes guests to four of Inkaterra’s properties across Peru.
The adventure includes 40 activities – such as guided excursions, gourmet meals and indigenous spa treatments – and takes travelers to the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the cloud forest of Machu Picchu, the heart of Cusco, and the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas:
Inkaterra La Casona
  • The journey begins at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, an eco-lodge comprised of 35 wooden cabanas located deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest of southern Peru. Travelers will explore one of the world’s most remote and bio-diverse rainforests, with activities such as a treetop adventure on the property’s Canopy Walkway – located 95 feet above the jungle floor – and a boat ride to Lake Sandoval to spot giant river otters, howler monkeys and side-neck turtles.
  • The adventure continues at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, where highlights include discovering the world’s largest collection of native orchids – some 372 species – in their natural habitat (a world record according to the AOS), star gazing at the RocotalObservatory, a purification session in the property’s Andean Sauna, and, of course, visiting
  • Machu Picchu, one of the new 7 Wonders of the World.
    Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
  • Travelers then head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas for a two-night stay at the recently opened and already award-winning Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba.On-site, guests can pick their own produce from the property’s ecological farm, relax in their luxury rooms with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and sample the property’s activities such as bird watching and a twilight walk.  Guests will also visit various historical sites off-site such as Chinchero (Inca-Colonial village), Maras (Inca pink salt mine) and Moray (Inca circular terraces).
  • The last stop is Inkaterra La Casona, an 11-suite 16th-century colonial manor located in the heart of Cusco, where the city’s markets and attractions are steps away.  Travelers can explore the historic city by foot and unwind back at the hotel with a gourmet dinner and an Andean Hot Stone Massage.
Inkaterra’s 40th-anniversary ‘Ruby Package’ starts from $5,200 per person, based on double occupancy. The price is based on full board (excluding arrival and departure date) and excluding flights. Package price includes all forty excursions and spa treatments.

For more information about Inkaterra, visit: www.inkaterra.com.

ABOUT INKATERRA
Inkaterra is a Peruvian organization that celebrates 40 years of experience in sustainable tourism initiatives. It focuses on preserving and rescuing Peru’s geography, nature, customs and cultures and sharing them with the world. Since 2011 Inkaterra holds the Rainforest Alliance Verification in Sustainable Tourism, the Relais & Châteaux 2013 Environment Trophy, the 2012 Tourism for Tomorrow Award for Conservation, the and the 2012 Green Choice Sustainable Tourism Award. The company currently operates Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica & Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion in the Amazon of Southern Peru, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in the cloud forest of Machu Picchu, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Inkaterra La Casona in Cusco, and El MaPi in Machu Picchu Pueblo under the more affordable brand ‘byInkaterra.’ Inkaterra has an alliance with the NGO Inkaterra Asociación (ITA), through which the company’s profits are invested in research, conservation, educational and social development programs. For more information, visit www.inkaterra.com.
Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Urban Stems Floral Design Workshop with Baltimore

UrbanStems is an on-demand flower delivery service sending happiness in DC, NY, and now Baltimore! We deliver beautiful, custom designed bouquets starting at $35 via bike couriers within two hours. We’re expanding quickly and will be delivering in Philly soon, too.
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At UrbanStems, we firmly believe that you can’t buy happiness, but you can send flowers, and that’s pretty much the same thing! We created UrbanStems to make it easy, affordable and fun to make someone’s day (or your own) with stunning bouquets and gifts. We’re in the business of inspiring delight in our team, our customers, and our community, and every decision we make stems from our ultimate goal: to make the world a happier place.
 SOCIAL HANDLES/HASHTAGS/Local partner list
UrbanStems: @sendurbanstems (Twitter and Instagram), #SendHappyBmore
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Photographer, Isaiah Winters: @isaiahrw (Twitter and Instagram)
Location, Ceremony Coffee, 520 Park Ave: @ceremonycoffee (Twitter and Instagram)
Hashtags: #SendHappyBmore

 

Accessories /

Alex Malay Boutique – Chic Southern Style

The Mission Of Alex Malay
Alex Malay is chic southern style with a modern twist incorporating trendy flare with classic pieces that pop. It’s a game changer from what some may have limited southern fashion to be. Our boutique offers something trendy and classic for every lady who loves fashion. Alex Malay differs in that it can be challenging to shop for exclusive and limited edition items in a high end department store. At our boutique, we offer one-of-a-kind styles that fashionistas would love to rock at any time or occasion and still make a striking fashion statement. You’ll find Alex Malay in the streets, at a party, in the boardroom, on the beach, on a plane, and even at a soccer game.
Combined with my years of creative knowledge, fashion designing, fashion styling, fashion consulting, and beauty consulting, I have an eye for detail and beauty and the ability to communicate to my clients on a level where they understand. I teach them what works best for their body type and overall image objectives. My expertise has been sought out and featured in national publications, People Style Watch Magazine and Ebony Magazine. As an industry problem solver, I pride myself in always seeking new ideas and approaches to problems and constantly implementing new approaches and new ways to take Alex Malay to the next level.
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 The Heart To Inspire Humanity
Today, my dream is to reach and inspire ladies all over the world to be their own kind of beautiful, and express who they really are through fashion and beauty. I absolutely love when women feel good about themselves. Alex Malay also serves the young woman who is inspired by beauty, and who loves to look good and feel good, while being creative with her style. I wholeheartedly believe that when you look good, you feel good.
Giving back and making a difference because that’s what it’s all about. Alex Malay will be an inspiration to women globally to share their stories with one another by feeling and looking good. Fashion/style is a feeling and when women feel her best, she can conquer the world!
In the near future, I see myself and team traveling all over the world expanding Alex Malay as a movement, extending our reach and inspiring women to be their own kind of beautiful. In addition, open up several brick and mortar locations, offer style and beauty classes, and host seminars and events.
Alex Malay | www.AlexMalay.com | Instagram: @AlexMalay | Twitter: @ShopAlexMalay
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BEAUTY. TIMELESS STYLE. LOVE. CONFIDENCE. AN EXPERIENCE. These are the core essentials that make up Alex Malay!
The Foundation Of A Fashionista!
Ever since I can remember, I was a lover of all things beautiful and always had a sense of style. I was the one who stood out in front of the crowd, whether at church or a birthday party or any event. Although very young, I always loved various vintage styles, sequins, and feathers. I loved black and white Hollywood classics of flashy fashions and striking styles.
Born and reared in New Iberia, Louisiana, my love for fashion wasn’t accepted by everyone. I recall while in high school, my mom and I crafted some pink glitter Barbie heels that we worked on all night long. The next day I wore them with great pride, and was ridiculed by a lady. It hurt me deeply. I chose to get over it quickly and let it motivate me to go after my dreams. The biggest lesson that I learned from that experience is to always be your own kind of beautiful regardless of other people’s opinions.
The Birthing Of A Beauty Boss!
My entrepreneurial spirit was sparked from a long line of hustlers. My great grandpa was a serial entrepreneur who owned a pressing shop and a hotel and night club called “The Shady Rest.” My dad worked in the club as a teenager, and I remember him telling me that Ike and Tina Turner actually performed there live!
My dad was an entrepreneur also who owned a commercial floor cleaning company. I, along with my brothers all worked in my dad’s business, we had no other choice. I’m most grateful now because my lineage instilled a great work ethic and strong discipline at an early age. Nothing was handed to us, we were taught to work very hard for everything we had.
The Alex Malay name has great significance, as my mother’s family last name is Alexis. Alex was taken from Alexis and my husband’s last name is Malay. I combined the two names and made it a family name Alex Malay, that’s why the name is so important to me. Family is everything.
The Making Of Alex Malay
I knew that I was born and made to be an entrepreneur! Alex Malay came about as the result of the dissatisfaction of a regular 9-to-5 job. Daily I felt frustrated, restricted, shut down, almost imprisoned—and couldn’t be free to express who I was authentically, creatively not to mention fashionably. My desire was to show case my gifts to the world.
Therefore, I worked, saved and saved some more until I was ready to branch out on my own. Never taking out a loan, I decided to bootstrap from the bottom up to realize my dream. Sure, it took longer and was stressful at times, but I knew it was for a greater cause. The first year in business, I didn’t make any money. Yes, I became discouraged but didn’t let it stop me.
Through numerous sacrifices including giving up things that I really wanted and managed to stick it out even when everything else around me was whispering, give up. My faith played a huge role those many times when I had no earthly idea of how or when it was going to happen; it always ended up working out just fine.
ALEX MALAY BOUTIQUE – 1ST BRICK AND MORTAR LOCATION IN LOUISIANA AND MORE LOCATIONS TO COME!
Beauty /

Belli Skincare Stretchmark Minimizing Cream – Review

After having kids and experiencing life changes, we all have stretch marks.  This is a sensitive topic (for women) because it’s difficult to find a product that reduces the appearance of uneven skin and imperfections.

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As a blogger, I will admit that I’ve tested a few drugstore products.  The best advice I can share is to create a “stretchmark” regimen and be patient when seeking results.

Review:

I was asked to review the Stretchmark Minimizing Cream from Belli Skincare.  The company’s known for creating products that support pregnancy and early motherhood.  According to the site, ” while expecting their first child, the founders of Belli became very discouraged trying to find safe and effective skincare. This prompted the husband and wife team to marry their expertise, Medical Doctor and Beauty Expert, and develop the trifecta of maternity skincare – ingredient safety, effective solutions with clinically proven ingredients, and luxurious formulations with aromatherapy to provide a spa-like experience.”

After reviewing the product, I am happy to share this is an amazing cream!  The texture is light with visible appearances of hydration.  It’s stated (on the company site) that the minimizing cream has natural ingredients and helps to even out the skin tone.  It also smells nice and can be applied anytime during the day.  I have used the product for a few weeks and confident it will provide wonderful results!

The cream can be purchased online or in store at Nordstrom and Ulta.com  See more information about the product below:

Stretchmark Minimizing Cream from Belli Skincare (www.belliskincare.com), which is specially formulated to decrease the appearance of existing stretchmarks of any age, regardless of the cause? The Cream features darutoside & regisstril, ingredients shown in research studies conducted by Phybiotex Labs, Sederma Group, France, 1997 to visibly reduce the appearance of stretch mark depth by up to 72% and stretch mark length by up to 52%. SRP $49.00

Belli Stretchmark Minimizing Cream

Don’t forget to use the coupon code: “BELLI703879″ for 20% off the entire line on Belli’s website through August 31, 2016.

Ann Taylor /

Summer Getaway Packing List – Ann Taylor

Weekend trips – so short, yet so hard to pack for! With endless possibilities but only a few outfits to wear, packing for a weekend trip can seem even more daunting than packing for a two-week vacation. To ease the stress, Ann Taylor has bold and versatile options, so you can avoid over packing and create effortless and considered looks for all occasions without having to bring the bulk.

Pack away easy one piece outfits like a striped off the shoulder dress or a linen romper. To switch it up, grab printed shorts and skirts, matching sets (perfect for matching or mixing), versatile wide leg pants and fun halter tops for easy-to-coordinate looks.

Throw everything in a spacious woven straw tote with some chandelier earrings – the perfect additions for casual, yet refined weekend looks. A pair of versatile eyelet espadrille wedges will go far on a weekend getaway.

Uncategorized /

Independence Day Holiday Decor

For those looking to cook up some BBQ faire Independence Day weekend, take a look at fun tableware and décor to dress the table at your holiday barbecue. The assortment of plates, bowls and table linens are a patriotic and stylish way to add some flair and fun to the party.

Please see selections below from popular brands such as Fitz and Floyd, Coyuchi, Ten Thousand Villages and Lagostina.

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Fitz and Floyd Color Soft Square Salad Plate, Red & Blue // $7.99
Exuberant, graphically designed plates and bowls celebrate the vitality of boldly colored dishes for your entertaining needs. Enlivened with modern color combinations and vivacious patterns these dishes make every meal a fiesta.

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Coyuchi Farmhouse Runner // $58
Woven from organic cotton and finished with simple self-hemmed edges, this runner brings color to the table every day. Yarn dyed to look great wash after wash. Cotton is 100% organic, made in a factory that recycles 98% of its wastewater, and certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). 18×108 Colorways: Midnight (New), Alpine White, Crimson, Deep Pewter, Mid Dusty Aqua

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Lagostina 11″ Grill Pan // $149.95

The 11 inch Lagostina Grill Pan is designed for perfect searing. Thick Triple wall construction on the whole pan guarantees perfect and even heat distribution from the base to the sides and its ribbed and grooved surface for typical sear marks and to drain fat.

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Ten Thousand Villages Hospitality Capiz Bowl Red & White // $16, Handmade in Philippines
Capiz comes from the shell of the windowpane oyster. This interesting name comes from the days when shells were used in windows, before glass became available in the Philippines. Soaked, dyed and dried, the process of transforming the natural shell into a work of art such as this bowl requires expert skill. From the artisans of SAFFY, Inc. which stands for Social Action for Filipino Youth.

Fitz and Floyd Platter

Fitz and Floyd Paisley Park Oval Serving Platter // $19.99
The liveliness of spring is captured to perfection in this new Paisley Park collection. The popularity of paisley is blended seamlessly with delicate blue and rose colored flowers and lightly painted arrays of green leaves. Whimsical detailed birds add to the appeal of this unique collection. Designed with gift giving in mind, Paisley Park is the perfect collection of functional pieces for all seasons and occasions.

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Coyuchi Farmhouse Stripe Napkin // $38
In fresh white cotton crisscrossed with yarn-dyed color, these napkins will brighten the table on their own, paired with the matching runner, or mixed with our solid Farmhouse linens. The fabric is soft, absorbent and sturdy enough for everyday use. Cotton is 100% organic, made in a factory that recycles 98% of its wastewater, and certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). 20×20 Set of 4 Colorways: Alpine White w/ Midnight (New), Alpine White w/ Crimson, Alpine White w/ Deep Pewter, Alpine White w/ Mid Dusty Aqua

Nevah Hard Square All-Purpose Bowl

Nevaeh Hard Square All-Purpose Bowl // $12.99 ; Nevaeh Sauce/Dip Bowl // $4.99 ; Nevaeh Hard Square Bowl // $7.99 ; Nevaeh Appetizer Bowl // $5.99
Sophisticated style meets everyday durability in Fitz and Floyd’s Nevaeh Dinnerware. Its clean, classic lines in chic white bone china create a versatile, modern tablescape that works beautifully for any dining occasion and it’s even dishwasher safe.

Coyuchi Simple Linen Napkin

Coyuchi Simple Linen Napkin // $48
Smooth, soft and super absorbent, linen is the perfect fabric for napkins. Ours have everyday durability and a classic simplicity that pairs as beautifully with stoneware as it does with porcelain. Linen is 100% natural. 20×20 Set of 4 Colorways: Misty Ocean (New), Pale Fog (New), Alpine White, Natural

Lifestyle Tips /

Glow Bio – Stay Hydrated During the Summer Heat Wave

The summer days are getting longer, but with all the sunshine comes major heat! Be sure to keep cool and hydrated all summer long with Glow Bio! Start your mornings with a healthy, green energy kick thanks to the Glowing Green Smoothie, created by nutritionist, Kimberly Snyder.

Full of beauty nutrient greens that help nourish your entire body and have life-enhancing nutrients, this beauty friendly smoothie is the perfect way to keep you hydrated and feeling full throughout the morning up until lunch!

Glowing Green Smoothie

The Glowing Green Smoothie® Recipe

Author: Kimberly Snyder
Serves: 64 oz

Ingredients
· 1-2 cups very cold, filtered water

· ¾ pound organic romaine lettuce, rough chopped, about 1 head

· ½ head large bunch or small bunch organic spinach

· 3-4 organic celery stalks, halved

· 1 organic apple, cored, seeded, quartered

· 1 organic pear, cored, seeded, quartered

· 1 organic banana, peeled

· ½ fresh organic lemon, peeled, seeded

· bunch organic cilantro with stems (optional)

· bunch organic parsley with stems (optional)

Instructions
1. Place water, romaine, spinach, celery, and optional ingredients, if using, into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.
2. Starting the blender on a low speed, blend until smooth.
3. Gradually moving to higher speeds Add apple, pear, banana and lemon to the blender and blend until smooth.

Birmingham /

Sparkling Ice Water and Recipes

Sparkling Ice has a new water product line.  This is awesome because you can take your health and beverage selection to the next level.  The carbonated water’s infused with natural flavors and zero calories.  My personal favorite is Peach Nectarine.

Customers can also enjoy Sparkling Ice in a variety of ways beyond sipping from a glass.  Did you know the product line’s used in recipes?  Take a look at the selections below:

Ingredients

SPARKLING ICE Cherry Limeade
Mint Leaves
Mashed cherries
Lime
Club soda

Yield – 1 cup

Prep Time – Less than 5 minutes

Ingredients

½ cup Peach Nectarine Sparkling ICE
½ cup seedless raspberry preserves
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Combine Sparkling ICE and preserves in a bowl and beat with a whisk until combined.
Whisk in Dijon mustard and black pepper.

Serving Suggestion:

Pairs well with cooled roasted beets, topped with walnuts, and blue cheese.

Toss dressing with baby spinach, red onion, goat cheese, and strawberries.

Yield 2 cups

Serves 6-8 people

Ingredients

2 Bottles Sparkling Ice Cherry Limeade
1/3 Cup Soy Sauce
5 Garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 Tablespoon Fresh Ginger, minced
1 Tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1 Teaspoon red pepper flake
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 lbs. Pork Tenderloin
Salt and Pepper
1/2 cup Scallion, sliced thinly

Directions

To prepare the marinade, whisk together Sparkling Ice Cherry Limeade, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, whole peppercorns, red pepper flake and olive oil in a large bowl.
Place pork tenderloin in a large zip lock bag or shallow baking dish.
Pour marinade over pork, cover or seal.
Refrigerate for 6 hours.
Remove pork from marinade and pat dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Reserve the liquid.
Place marinade in small saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Preheat your grill (medium high heat).
Place pork on pre-heated grill and close the cover. Turn and brush the pork with the simmered marinade every 5 minutes. Cook until meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork registers 145°F, about 15-20 minutes.
Rest for 10 minutes, slice and serve with scallions and warm marinade liquid.

All recipes are from Sparkling Ice.com

ABC /

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment – Safe Decorating for Kids Rooms

I was invited to host a lifestyle segment on ABC 33/40, Talk of Alabama and share safety tips for kids rooms. The segment was a lot of fun because I truly enjoy discussing new products with a local audience!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH:  TALK OF ALABAMA

The main focus was to bring safety awareness of products for kids rooms.  Parents must ask are home decor items functional and eliminate hazards for little ones?

As a mom, I love to decorate my kids room (especially in character themes) but there’s also consideration for electric plugs, heat consumption, contained storage bins, and comfortable sleep.

The products shown below are beneficial and can be successful in everyone’s home:

 

 1.  Blindsgalore (BG Kids Brand) Shade – recommends completely cordless blinds or shades when children in the home.  The company offers hundred of independently certified child safe blinds and shades.


2.  Kidzooz Pillow – Designed by a chiropractor, parent and grandparent, this is more than just a stuffed animal or pillow but a product that combines the two while encouraging good sleep habits.


3.  BPA Free Storage and Organizers –

  • Available in three colors – grey, pink and blue
  • Includes three pieces – a caddy, bucket and tote
  • The storage items are BPA Free and made of a durable canvas exterior.


4.  Interactive Finding Dory Wall Friend –  The interactive light-up, talking Wall Friend from uncle Milton toys is a perfect addition to a child’s bedroom.

  • Just touch the remote control button and watch as Dory lights up and talks with many fun, familiar phrases from the new Finding Dory movie.