Sunday evening at UDC Theater of Arts Building Miss Black USA 2015 was crowned in front of a sold-out audience. The winner is Miss North Carolina Madison Gibbs. Madison is a native of North Carolina and an alumnus of North Carolina A&T. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta and will begin her first year of law school at Howard University this week.
During her reign, the two platforms that she will be focusing on are as follows:
Heart Truth Campaign– Bringing awareness of heart disease to Women
Are You Ok?– Platform to bring awareness about mental illness with Contemporary Family Services, Inc. (This platform is new and was launched this year)
The newly crowned Madison Gibbs made an appearance on News Chanel 8 “Let’s Talk Live” yesterday, and will be seen on WTTG Fox 5 Good Day DC today, August 11th at 10:30 AM. For more information on Miss Black USA, please visit www.missblackusa.org, and to schedule an interview with Miss Black USA 2015 send an inquiry to Candice@CandiceNicolePR.com.
Miss Black USA 2015 Madison Gibbs being Crowned by Miss Black USA 1996 Dawn Moss
Miss Black USA 1996 Dawn Moss, Miss Black USA 2015 Madison Gibbs & Miss Black USA 2007 Dr. Kalilah Harris
Miss Black USA 2015 Madison Gibbs Taking in the Moment
It’s almost time for Back-to-School which means parents everywhere are preparing healthy lunch options for the kids. Long gone are the days of offering a bag of potato chips with a soda on the side. We’ve learned through research that fruits, vegetables, and proteins enable kids to be more productive and happier. With all of the processed food, allergies and hunger pains kids have, a boring, uninspiring or less-than-nutritious lunch won’t cut it.
A healthy and affordable homemade lunch will keep kids energized all day!
Create meal solutions with BJs Wholesale Club food and merchandise. From cereal to apple juice, BJs has what you’re looking for at a great price. The store’s organized to help families shop in a timely fashion. It’s also easy to comparison shop with price tags centered directly in front of the merchandise.
BJs offer’s in store coupons that can be sent in the mail or picked up at the store. Lastly, after you’ve filled your basket with goodies, there’s the option to self-checkout or enter a line with a cashier. From my experience both moved quickly helping families to spend their time wisely.
From basic supplies and clothes to tech and food items, BJs has everything you need for back-to-school.
BJs is the only warehouse club to accept manufacturers’ coupons for even greater savings and provide their own coupons as well.
BJs Wholesale Club is your one-stop shopping destination for brand name high-quality food and general merchandise at everyday low prices including fresh produce and USDA choice meats, all-natural and organic foods, consumer electronics and appliances.
BJs Wholesale Club carries over 150 organic items and numerous gluten free options.
BJs Wholesale Clubs will feature General Mills items that include more Box Tops on specific items than other grocery stores. For example, BJs two pack Honey Nut Cheerios has a total of 13 Box Tops points. Each box has one Box Top located on the top of the box, plus 3 extra Box Top points, and the ability to get 5 more e-Box Tops by entering the code listed on the box on BJs microsite (the 5 points covers both boxes).
Now through September 17 all BJs clubs will include the following General Mills items:.
Nature Valley Oats N Honey Bars, 49 ct.
Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars, 48 ct.
Cascadian Farms Granola Bars, 20 ct.
Fruit Roll Ups, 56 ct.
Gushers, 36 ct.
Cascadian Farms Granola Cereal, 48 oz.
Big Tub Deluxe, 74 oz.
Honey Nut Cheerios, 55 oz.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch, 49 oz.
Minions Yogurt, 24 ct.
GoGurt, 32 ct.
Mini Pancakes, 18 ct.
Totino’s Cheese, 150 ct.
Totino’s Pepperoni, 150 ct.
PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA SANDWICH
Ingredients
ripe bananas
4 slices white bread
3/4 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
Prep
Mix together peanut butter and cinnamon in a bowl. Slice bananas into thick slices. Spread the peanut butter mixture on slices of bread and put the banana slices on top. Don’t forget to add the other slice of bread; cut diagonally and put in kids lunch.
Sandwich and Trail Mix
Sliced Carrots & Hummus
Carrots and Sabra Hummus
Homemade Trail Mix
Ingredients
2 cups of Cheerios
1 cup of pretzels
1 cup of peanuts
Prep
Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl and store.
As a Caress Fabulista, I wanted to share some fun facts and tips on body language, fragrance, and touch!
Whether it be in your professional life or landing that second date with Mr. Right- the Caress Forever Collection’s mission statement is to help women leave a lasting impression. For the most detailed explanation, visit www.Dating9.com and learn how to read women if they care about you, and how to make them.
Fragrance, touch, and body language have been proven to be the most valuable when making a first impression. To understand how to be unforgettable, Caress teamed up with body language expert, Tonya Reiman. Tonya, along with interesting survey results, has helped shed the light on the subject.
Here’s the truth about dating in today’s world:
Online dating isn’t just accepted – it’s widely embraced. Two in five Americans use dating sites and apps. (Most using two or more sites.)
Online interactions aren’t enough to seal the deal – more than half of men say in person non-verbal cues are what make a woman unforgettable.
Chemical romance is real – Nearly 6 in 10 men find their significant other desirable because of their soft touch or irresistible scent.
Nearly half of men are more likely to remember a woman’s scent or touch than her name.
Second-date deal breakers include a lack of physical chemistry (59 percent), non-verbal signals that show a lack of interest (42 percent), or an undesirable scent or fragrance (35 percent).
Taking the facts above and Tonya’s tips below, women are now able to use the power of non-verbal communication (including using the touch technology in the new Caress Forever Collection) to their benefit in dating and in their everyday life.
Tips to Leave a Lasting Impression:
Touch + scent = unforgettable. Leaving a lasting impression goes way beyond physical appearance; what matters is physical interaction and fragrance. According to a recent survey, nearly half of men are more likely to remember a woman’s scent or touch than her name. Why? A touch forms bonds, commitment and intimacy, while scent triggers feelings and memories. Find a way to incorporate a natural touch; that instant connection is electric and makes an indelible memory.
o Bonus, if you’re wearing Caress® Love Forever™ Body Wash, it will release a burst of perfume upon touch to truly captivate the person you’re meeting.
Beam with confidence. Show you’re comfortable in your own skin – stand tall, make sure hands are turned down (hands turned up are a submissive sign), make eye contact and dress in something that makes you feel good. You will radiate and be irresistible.
Play it coy. When you really want to reel your date in, don’t give it all away. Maintain an air of mystery by slightly embellishing the busyness of your life and leaving some questions unanswered. It will leave your date wanting more.
Talk without words. The average person takes in more signs than they realize, so if you’re looking to show someone you’re interested, lean in while you’re talking, point your feet toward the other person and nod while they speak to let them know you’re listening. Even the way tilt of your head speaks volumes – a tilt to the right signals you’re trustworthy (perfect for a job interview), while the left makes you more attractive (try it on a date). Want to take it one step further? A soft touch to your heart and exposure of your neck are sure to send a message of sensuality.
About the New Caress Forever Collection:
The Caress ForeverCollection is the world’s first body wash with Fragrance Touch Technology. The breakthrough technology of Caress Fragrance Release Pearls™ releases bursts of perfume with every touch of your skin. The collection combines sensual floral notes to create a fine fragrance for up to 12 hours.
Let’s talk about your beauty regimen and dental health. This is an area that’s often overlooked due to loving makeup, hair, and clothing. Having a beautiful, healthy smile is just as important because it can enhance your total look!
We have to love our teeth regardless of what we wear or our favorite lipstick. I am an active beverage drinker due to the fact that I’m always on the go. One tip that I learned (from various dental articles) is that coffee, tea, and other beverages can stain your teeth. The only beverage that doesn’t have staining properties is water and over the course of a lifetime we (all) need a professional teeth whitening treatment.
I was fortunate to receive a package from Smile Brilliant to help restore my smile. The process was very easy with AMAZING results! You will not find an easier teeth whitening system (with results) for an affordable price.
Teeth Whitening – The Perfect AccessoryCompliments Red Lipstick“a smile is the best makeup any girl can wear”
Here’s the teeth whitening steps:
1. Create the mold of your teeth with impression material.
2. Ship back to Smile Brilliant (don’t forget the return shipping label.)
3. Open the mold package and wait for use after a few hours of drinking a beverage.
4. Use the desensitizing gel to assist with potential teeth enamel burning; this will not occur if you wait a few hours after drinking a beverage.
5. Fill your teeth molds with the whitening system and that’s it! You can leave it on for 15 minutes or as long as you like. I used my teeth molds in a variety of time frames but the best results happened overnight. I loved waking up to a whitened smile; then flossing, brushing, and using a mouth wash.
I STRONGLY encourage everyone to try this system! Let’s not forget that teeth whitening is actually cosmetic and can be very expensive. The use of “other” teeth whitening systems can also remove teeth enamel but Smile Brilliant molds are fitted to your teeth which makes a difference.
Smile Brilliant Kit: * Teeth Whitening Trays * Carrying Case * Impression Material * 3-Way, pre-paid postage * Custom dental models * Professional teeth whitening gel * Desensitizing gel
To jumpstart your whitening regimen, Style + Life + Fashion’s hosting a Giveaway! We are giving ONE lucky reader a whitening system for the retail value of $139.99.
1 set of Teeth Whitening Trays | 3 Whitening Gel Syringes | 3 Desensitizing Gel Syringes
2. Share our giveaway on your social networking sites (either Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram) and mention @smilebrilliant in Tweets, and FOLLOW smilebrilliant Instagram on Twitter as entry methods.
Giveaway will end at midnight on July 24, 2015 EST. The winner will be notified (via email) and announced on July 26, 2015.
Teal Pumps & AccessoriesFluffing my Natural HairSmiling & Posing
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of The Braxtons and especially Tamar. Their sister dynamic reminds me of my own family with the laughs and craziness! I’m also the youngest child and can relate to Tamar in the perspective of being outspoken, fashionable, and loving everyone unconditionally.
I was excited to receive items from the Tamar collection and eager to share with my audience. The two pieces shipped included the Vegan Leather PantsandStriped Shadow Skirt. Both items are simply gorgeous and very well-made for all body types.
Striped Shadow Skirt
For styling purposes, the striped shadow skirt can be worn with a blouse or jacket to dinner, church, or brunch. The vegan leather pants are perfect for a girl’s night out and perfect in terms of size and length.
I decided to pair the skirt with teal accessories for a fresh summer look; and wear a white jacket with the pants for a sophisticated color combination.
Vegan Leather Pants & Hair Change
I hope that everyone will check out the Tamar Collection. The site updates frequently and trust me, you will not be disappointed!
We all know that Summer is the season to have fun in the sun and to look cool by the pool. But ladies, it’s time to be savvy with hydrating hair products in the season where you’re bound to do the most damage to your strands!
MacadamiaProfessional, RUSK, Cantu and Smooth‘NShine offer stellar treatments and masks that infuse moisture and ultra hydration to your hair, defend against the heat and chlorine and provide long lasting shine!
Smooth ‘N Shine Olive & Tea Tree RevivOil Deep Recovery Conditioner($1.99, Wal-Mart)
This little miracle packet is a must-have for damaged, over-processed hair. This lightweight formula, which includes a perfect balance of olive and tea tree oils, can be applied daily to rebuild strength, moisturize, and shine. The end result is healthy, recovered tresses.
This miracle mask is formulated for dry or coarse hair and is infused with 100% pure Argan Oil. Cantu Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream stops and mends hair breakage while leaving hair soft, shiny, and manageable.
RUSK Deepshine Color Repair Restorative Masque ($15.00; ULTA)
This masque deeply penetrates the cuticle to help strengthen and repair damaged, stressed hair. Contains bio-marine ingredients and a patented UV-absorbing technology with antioxidant-rich vitamin E acetate to help shield hair color against damaging sun-generated free radicals, a leading cause of accelerated hair color fadage.
NEW! Macadamia Professional Ultra Rich Moisture Masque ($36.00; MacadamiaHair.com)
Macadamia Professional Ultra Rich Moisture masque provides nourishment to dry, damaged hair and strengthens the individual hair strands to help repair and defend against future damage. Hydration is locked in and hair is left healthy, shiny and restored. With Macadamia Oil, Argan Oil and Shea Butter this masque is great for coarse to coiled hair!
I have always been a fan of Covergirl cosmetics. Their brand embodies the stylish, care-free beauty guru. She’s the girl next door wearing a bold nail color and likes to purchase an eyeshadow quad for a reasonable price!
The latest product to join the Covergirl Collection is the Super Sizer by LashBlast® Mascara and Intensify Me! Liquid Eyeliner by LashBlast. I received both products from the company and could not wait to start using them.
If you’re a consistent reader of this site and follow my Instagram account, you’re aware of my battle to intensify the eye area. I am constantly seeking quality products to enhance my eyelashes and top lid.
Style + Life + Fashion Review –
Number one, the Super Sizer by LashBlast Mascara has an amazing small wand that enables the mascara to grasp every lash. This gives volume and it’s a waterproof product. We’re traveling to the beach or hanging out by the pool and that doesn’t mean we can’t look fabulous!
Number two, the Liquid Eyeliner by LashBlast has a really cool tip…it’s actually flat. That’s important because beauty girls can draw an accurate line on their top lid. The liner is also sensitive to the eyes which is very important this time of the year.
If you don’t believe me, purchase and try for yourself. I guarantee that you will be pleased with both products. Share your experience with me in the comments section or email kim@stylelifefashion.com
Savers Thrift Store opened in Owings Mills on Thursday, June 11, 2015. The store invited me to a sneak peek event on Tuesday, June 9 , 2015 and provided a gift certificate to jump-start my shopping spree.
The challenge was to see how far I could stretch the gift certificate at a thrift store. I love thrifting and finding quality items for a good price, so course I was up for the challenge! The store was decorated in true event style with balloons and associates helping shoppers.
Glitter Blouse Purchased from Savers
Savers was also well-organized and provided a great shopping experience. I found several items to enhance my summer wardrobe.
I like to mix low – end and high-end merchandise to create a unique style. For example, I would pair my louboutines with a lace skirt found at a local consignment shop. Fashion’s about self-expression and not the amount of money your spending.
Tangerine and Sea horse Shorts Purchased from Savers
To view more items at Savers visit my Instagram Account: kwest1908
As background if you’re not familiar, Savers is an international thrift retailer with more than 330 stores across the U.S. and Canada, and each store has more than 100,000 items on the sales floor at any given time and gets 5,000 new items every day.
It’s a perfect place to find quality items at low prices, especially if you’re shopping for clothing or home décor that can’t be found anywhere else. The new store is located at 9800 Reisterstown Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117.
Glitter Blouse and Denim Shorts Purchased from SaversBohemian Inspired Blouse Purchased from Savers
