Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen – Birmingham

We decided to dine at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen due to our love of Cajun cuisine.  I grew up in the Deep South; born in Mobile, Alabama.  There are several memories of my family fishing and hosting crawfish boils. My aunts would also meet-up (weekly) at my grand mother’s home with a huge pot of Gumbo.  The menu would included fried okra, boiled corn, seafood gumbo, and snow crab legs.

Needless to say, I was excited to fill my stomach with this delicious meal.  I ordered the Jumbo Shrimp Brochette, Dirty Rice with Spinach on the side.  This was no ordinary shrimp because it’s actually wrapped in bacon, infused with jalapeño and Monterey Jack Cheese.  We ended the meal with a shared slice of Chocolate Cake.

“It’s not what we have in our life but who we have in our life that matters” author J. M. Laurence

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PAPPADEUX SEAFOOD KITCHEN
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GUMBO
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JUMBO SHRIMP BROCHETTE
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SHRIMP CREOLE & GRITS
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CHOCOLATE CAKE

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BossNotes: Leading with Style Series at Westfield Annapolis

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What: Global retail leader Westfield and leading online style and shopping platform Who What Wear have partnered together to introduce the first-ever BossNotes: Leading with Style series, a collection of events, activations and online guides designed to inspire fashionable, career-driven women to achieve their own professional success. Leading fashion influencers tackle topics like “Building Your Brand with Confidence” and “Expedited Success: Getting Where You Want to Be,” sharing their tips for how to be a boss—and look the part.

The series kicked off at Westfield Topanga (Southern CA) last month with a hosted panel of prominent, influential women who spoke about their career journeys, continued at Westfield Valley Fair (Northern CA) earlier this month, and will conclude at Westfield Garden State Plaza (NJ) this weekend. The partnership has also brought BossNotes to 14 Westfield centers across the U.S. this Spring. Continuing throughout the end of May, shoppers can experience a variety of components at local Westfield centers, including fun photo backdrops, a BossNotes Inspiration Wall that asks guests “What’s Your Secret To Success?,” visual merchandising showcases and a limited time Gift With Purchase.

Additionally, Westfield is hosting a “Dress Like a Boss” sweepstakes, where shoppers can enter to win a new work wardrobe tailored by a personal stylist. For more information, visit Westfield.com/BossNotes.

Why:          In anticipation of the upcoming launch of The Career Code, the third book written by fashion and digital entrepreneurs Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power, Westfield, in conjunction with Who What Wear, is bringing to life a guide to creating your own professional success for ambitious girls and women.  

When:        Ongoing until May 31, 2016

Where:    Westfield Annapolis               2002 Annapolis Mall Road    Annapolis, MD 21401

Contact:     Lydia You, ID, 323-822-4849, lyou@id-pr.com                   Heather Greenfield, ID, 323-8224811, hgreenfield@id-pr.com  

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ABOUT WESTFIELD

Westfield Corporation (ASX: WFD) is a global leader in the design, development, and operation of premier retail destinations with interests in 34 shopping centers in the United States and United Kingdom, along with a major development site in Milan, Italy.  In the U.S., Westfield’s portfolio of 32 shopping centers includes more than 5,700 retail shops across approximately 40 million square feet of space in California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Washington.

 

ABOUT CLIQUE MEDIA GROUP

Clique Media Group is a profoundly modern lifestyle company that lives at the intersection of media and commerce. Through its brands – Who What Wear, Byrdie, MyDomaine and Obsessee – CMG combines the power of data science with its expert editorial team to create content and products that millennial women crave. With that goal, Who What Wear exclusively partnered with Target to create an on-going apparel and accessories collection, which can be shopped online and in-stores, featuring new items every month. CMG’s two key consumer marketing offerings, CMG Studios (an in-house creative agency) and INF Network (exclusively representing 50+ of the top social media influencers), deliver integrated and native advertising programs across all three owned and operated properties to drive growth all while inspiring readers to discover and shop.

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Costa Baja Resort and Spa – Snorkeling with Sea Lions

Costa Baja, Mexico – This summer, give your kids the best vacation stories ever. Take them on an awe-inspiring adventure in the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez, swimming and snorkeling with sea lions. This outing is a memory maker and the perfect bonding experience for inter-generational family trips and large groups. Professional guides host the excursion to the barrier island of Espiritu Santa Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Bio Reserve and it’s a highlight of a tour offered by the Costa Baja Resort and Spa. This all-inclusive resort is located just 10 minutes south of downtown La Paz, the capital of Mexico’s Baja California.

More About Swimming and Snorkeling with Sea Lions

Guests will treasure an hour and 20-minute boat ride, revealing deep blue turquoise waters while their professional guide provides an educational discussion of what to expect upon arriving to Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO world heritage bio reserve. This barrier island is rich in both sea and plant life. Soft beaches, secluded bays, and pristine eco-systems dotted with blue-footed boobies, playful sea lions, jumping dolphin, sea turtles and, in season, grey whales will delight and inspire. Guests will cherish the one of a kind experience of swimming and snorkeling with sea lions. Hungry swimmers will savor a freshly prepared lunch on the beach of Ensenada Grande Island that is surrounded by commanding red rocks and towering cacti. After lunch, a professional guide will lead a discussion about interesting facts about the natural history of the area. This outing includes:

Round trip transportation to the barrier island of Espiritu Santa (Departure in the lobby at 8:00am and return to the resort at 4:00pm)
Visiting and swimming at the sea lion colony
Snorkeling Equipment (mask, fins and snorkel)
Beverages
Boat and captain
-more-

Snorkeling with the Sea Lion Eco Retreat at Costa Baja Resort & Spa, page 2 of 2

The resort also recommends guest pack a camera, sun block, sunglasses, a hat, jacket, and comfortable

swimsuit.

About the Costa Baja Resort and Spa

This all-inclusive Costa Baja Resort and Spa is just 10 minutes south of downtown La Paz, the capital of Mexico’s Baja California. The resort, unmatched in the region, is set on the magnificent Sea of Cortez overlooking a 250-slip marina and a white sand beach. It is nestled like a jewel within 550 acres of environmentally protected costal lands. Just north of the hotel lies Isla Espiritu Santo, a designated UNESCO World Heritage bio reserve, and adjacent waters that offer the best sport fishing in Baja Sur. Costa Baja offers exclusive access and preferred rates at Mexico’s only Gary Player-designed golf course; the tranquil Espiritu Spa featuring locally-inspired treatments and full spa services; three pools and multiple dining options.

Don’t miss this opportunity for the ideal family vacation in a serene, tropical setting. Prices for families start out at $3,889 for a family of four, all inclusive of food and accommodations. This includes all tax and resort fees. Extra nights can also be added on.

This retreat is being offered by Retreats Unlimited. To make a reservation, review this itinerary or for additional information visit Retreats Unlimited or call 312-961-3280. Join Retreats Unlimited on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for upcoming retreat announcements, promotions and discount offers.

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Tampa Beach Dining and Shopping – Mini Vacation Recap

A wise woman once said, “Don’t wear your real studs to the beach.”  This wise woman’s my super feisty mother! (smile)

Last weekend, I took a mini “mommy” vacation and flew to Tampa, Florida.  The trip was long overdue because aside from this website my life has been pretty hectic.  Due to this perspective alone, I grabbed a flight and my cute bags for some pre-summer fun.

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I grew up visiting Florida and knew what to expect in terms of the beautiful scenery and coastal breeze.  My mind was swirling because this trip gave me the opportunity to put a lot of things into perspective and relax near the ocean.

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Aside from the meditation, I enjoyed delicious seafood from Oceancatchers Restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.  Leading up to the restaurant was a walk-way of Palm trees (that light up at night) and customers can dine inside or sit near the coast.

The next day we ventured to Clearwater Beach.  I grew up taking family trips to Pensacola, so this brought back several memories.  The sky was crystal clear and the ocean was radiate!   I’m not the one to shy away from the sun because I love a bronzed complexion.

I decided to wear a high-waist bikini which was totally out of my element. I wanted to show moms that you can be attractive and fashionable on the beach.

The reality is that giving birth is a beautiful process.  It’s also an opportunity for self-love and personal growth.  You may not look the exact same but internally you have been renewed in strength.

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Swimsuit from AMICLUBWEAR

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The trip concluded with a visit to International Plaza; walking around to view the local stores.  I’m always fascinated with how people dress in different regions.  Overall, I enjoyed my visit and looking forward to the next summer adventure!

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Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula – Product Review

Palmer’s has a new formula for skin care enthusiast!  They’ve expanded beyond the cocoa butter ingredient and infused a new product line with coconut oil.

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There are so many benefits to using coconut oil such as anti-aging and anti-viral properties.  This natural ingredient smells great and works on all skin-types.  I decided to review the new Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula due to my personal use of the oil substance.  My results are below:

Product Review – 

  1. The Coconut Oil Formula smells amazing!
  2. My face, hands, legs, and feet received an instant natural glow.
  3. The texture blends nicely on the skin’s surface.  This is not a greasy substance!
  4. After application, the formula doesn’t easily stain other objects.
  5. Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula gives an appearance of skin rejuvenation through the it’s natural agents.

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula

The product line also come in various sizes (and quantities) which helps small skin care touch-ups.  For example, I keep the Coconut Oil Hand Cream in my purse to moisturizer the cuticles.  It’s also stated to have No Dyes, Sulfates, Mineral Oil, Parabens, and Gluten.

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On a scale of one to ten, I give the Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula a TEN and suggest everyone try this product for their summer beauty regimen!

Get The Look: Rimmel London and Georgia May Jagger

Dedicated to raising awareness, Georgia May Jagger, Coty’s Global Ambassador for the fight against blood cancer and the face of Rimmel London, lent her voice to the cause while showcasing her London style at the Big Love 10th Annual Delete Blood Cancer Gala, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of DKMS, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. Always the London girl, Georgia made her own rules on the red carpet in a stunning Edward Sexton suit, continuing to set new trends with her exclusive Rimmel London look.

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Georgia’s skin was smooth and mistake proof with help from Rimmel’s Fix & Perfect Pro Primer and Rimmel’s Match Perfection Foundation in Nude.

 

Thanks to Rimmel, Georgia’s eye look had endless possibilities from the start. The result was a unique yet refined black tie look. First,  Rimmel’s Exaggerate Lip Liner in Under My Spell was used to create a smokey maroon on the lid. Then, two coats of Rimmel’s SuperCurler 24 HR Mascara ensured a long lasting curl while her brows completed her eye look with the precision and easy application of Rimmel’s Brow This Way Sculpting Kit in Blonde.

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Georgia’s lips were the focus using Rimmel’s The Only 1 Lipstick in Naughty Nude was no compromise with long-lasting color, comfort, moisture and wear.

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Nivea Lip Care Challenge – Product Review

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Nivea skin care products.  My connection with the product line started years ago when searching for a good hydrating, daily lotion.  In the winter months, I suffer from dry skin and in the summer I strive to have a beautiful glow.

I was invited to take the Nivea Lip Care Challenge and gladly accepted the offer. The goal behind the lip products is to provide a quick swipe of shimmer for a rooftop happy hour or make sure your lips are protected against the sun at the beach.

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We often forget about caring for the lips; only concerned with the latest cosmetics brand, shade or gloss.  I found myself using the Nivea products at various times of the day.  For example, before bedtime I would use the Mint and Minerals lip balm.  I preferred the Smoothness Hydrating with SPF 15 sunscreen during the day while out in the sun.  My personal favorite was the Milk and Honey Lip Care.

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I also keep my lip balms in a cosmetics bag for easy access. Using the lip care products helped to repair my lips from the harsh winter season.  It’s a must-have product that can actually be used all year long.  Nivea Lip Care balms are found at various drugstores or your local Target.

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Kohl’s x REED Collection – Mother’s Day

The REED x Kohl’s collection is available now at Kohl’s nationwide and is perfect for any mom on the hunt for affordable luxury.

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The collection consists of handbags and American sportswear-inspired apparel that reflect the designer’s distinguished style, craftsmanship and quality all while retailing between $15 and $129. The new line is all about combining luxury and function, allowing fashion to fit into our everyday lives.

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Kentucky Derby Fashion – What To Wear

It’s almost time for Kentucky Derby season and women everywhere will start searching for something to wear.  Often, we’re not quite sure about the attire for such an event. Should one wear Christian Louboutin Pumps or Lilly Pulitzer Wedge Sandals?

I wanted to share a few style options to help us coordinate for Derby season. Attending the Kentucky Derby is definitely not a denim and t-shirt occasion but one can (still) look fashionable without appearing matronly.

Dressing for the races is a time to be chic and comfortable. Also, there’s a functionality behind Kentucky Derby or Preakness Stakes attire.  From my personal experience, one should wear a hat to protect from the sunlight.  Wedge sandals are a “must have” due to walking on the field or socializing over cocktails.

To camouflage from heat absorption, floral dresses should be worn in a lighter hue.

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Which celebrity got it right? Leave comment below

Men can have fun with their races fashion as well.  It’s expected that gentlemen wear a blazer, button-down, and slacks.  For a touch of whimsy, throw on a hat or floral lapel pin for the total sophisticated look.

Don’t forget to bring your cocktail glasses and rosettes for a good time!

Style Inspiration from Pinterest

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Global Beauty Masters Finale Clips | TLC

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Global Beauty Masters” that airs on Monday, April 25th on TLC at 11am EST/PST, and will also be airing on Thursday, April 21st on Discovery Life at 6pm EST/PST and on Tuesday, April 26th on Discovery Life at 11am EST/PST.

In case you’re unfamiliar, “Global Beauty Masters” is the world’s most challenging beauty competition that brings together professionals from the United States and other countries (Bermuda, Canada, Italy, Mexico, Panama, Senegal and South Africa) to demonstrate their jaw-dropping skills and creativity in hair, makeup, nails and styling. 

The finale of the show, titled “Global Masters of Beauty,” features the pro and student teams racing to finish their models based on the theme “Phoenix Rising.” A team of judges, led by co-founder and chairman of the board of John Paul Mitchell Systems, John Paul DeJoria, crowns the surprised winners of this year’s “Global Beauty Masters.”

See the clip below:

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