Category: Uncategorized

Uncategorized /

NAOMI CAMPBELL RETURNS WITH AN EXCLUSIVE EPISODE WITH CYNTHIA ERIVO

International supermodel, activist, and philanthropist Naomi Campbell welcomes Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-Winning Actor, Singer, and Songwriter Cynthia Erivo to “No Filter with Naomi” – a limited-time series under her highly popular “Being Naomi” YouTube channel. The intimate, live-streamed series has invited fans to #stayhome and save lives during this critical time and has focused on in-depth, career-spanning conversations between Naomi and a close group of her friends including designers, musicians, actors, beauty gurus, and media personalities.

The series debuted on April 6th and has since featured guests Cindy Crawford, Marc Jacobs, Nicole Richie, Ashley Graham, Pierpaolo Piccoli, Lee Daniels, Christy Turlington, Adut Akech, Sharon Stone, Paris Hilton, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams, Karlie Kloss, Anna Wintour, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Jackie Aina. 

The “No Filter with Naomi” series returned after hiatus on June 23rd and featured a select group of episodes focused on impactful conversations dedicated to #BlackLivesMatter, social justice issues, racial and human inequalities. These critical conversations, reflective of our times, included featured guests: Opal Tometi, Rev. Al Sharpton, Alphonso Reed, Cleo Wade, Bethann Hardison, Tyler Mitchell, Indya Moore, Chase Strangio and Tori Cooper.

WHO: International Supermodel, Activist, and Philanthropist, Naomi Campbell

WHAT: YouTube exclusive series- “No Filter With Naomi” featuring guest, Cynthia Erivo.

WHEN: August 18th, LIVE at 3 pm EST

WHERE: Streaming live on Naomi Campbell’s YouTube Channel. View all “No Filter with Naomi” episodes here. 

Beauty /

LALA ANTHONY STUNS ON ESSENCE SEPT/OCT COVER

In the September-October issue of ESSENCE, La La Anthony — best-selling author, actress, designer, producer, and multihyphenate maven — graces the cover and provides perspective on the often-discussed issue of Black women and identity. In the cover story, Finding Success on Her Own Terms, Anthony talks candidly with ESSENCE Deputy Editor Allison McGevna about everything from co-parenting, raising and protecting her Black son in America, celebrating her Afro-Latina identity and the importance of telling Cyntoia Brown’s story.

 

She shares with ESSENCE:

  • ON PROUDLY BEING AFRO-LATINA: “I’m Afro-Latina: I’m Black, I’m Puerto Rican, I’m all of it. I’m proud of it.’ But no one really understood that. They were like, ‘You’re one or the other, and that’s it…”
  • RAISING A BLACK SON IN AMERICA: “I always talk to him about how he needs to deal with police. It’s sad that these are the conversations we have to have with our children, but this is the world we live in. I make sure he knows that and understands the seriousness of it. I’m not trying to scare him in any way, but I want him to live in reality.”
  • HER APPROACH TO CO-PARENTING WITH CARMELO ANTHONY: “My son is at the center of everything… he is watching us, so if we’re out here being reckless or not leading with love, then what kind of example are we setting for him about how he should treat women or how people treat and love each other? … A lot of times, people forget that, and I understand, because you get emotional when you’re going through different things in relationships. But I always want my son to be able to say, ‘No matter what, my parents loved each other. My parents loved me.”
  • ON BRINGING CYNTOIA BROWN’S STORY TO THE SCREEN: “For her to trust me with this story, after everything she’s been through, it’s not something I take lightly.”

Timed with its cover launch, also ESSENCE announces the newly launched online hub titled “Protect Black Women and Girls.” As the leading media, technology and commerce company serving Black women and their communities for 50 years, the hub was created to help provide more persistent visibility of systemic racism, racial inequities, and police misconduct today with particular attention to justice yet seen for the Black women of the movement like Breonna Taylor and Toyin Salau. The hub includes a series of essays and op-eds from Black women activists, academics, and thought-leaders including Tarana Burke, Kimberlé Crenshaw, LaTosha Brown, and more. As Kimberle Crenshaw says in her original essay for the hub, “If we are ever to truly protect young Black women like Toyin Salau or Breonna Taylor, we must first tell their stories.”  For more on ESSENCE’s Protect Black Women and Girls Hub, visit ESSENCE.com.

The September-October issue of ESSENCE hits newsstands on Tuesday, August 25. For more on this month’s issue, visit ESSENCE.com.

Accessories /

Choosing A Stylish Pair Of Glasses: Online Shopping

If you take a look on the internet you will see that there is a wealth of different eyeglasses online for you to purchase. Nevertheless, you should never merely go for the first nice pair you find. You want to make sure your cash is spent well! In order to buy the best glasses frames online, you need to consider several different factors. This blog post aims to give a helping hand with that by revealing a checklist of important eyeglass qualities you should be looking out for. By the time you have finished reading you should have no trouble finding the best glasses online for you.

Popular trends 

Of course, the main reason for purchasing glasses online from the likes of eyeglasses.com is because they are needed to improve your vision. However, they are also considered a stylish fashion accessory too. In fact, there are a lot of people who wear glasses without lenses nowadays merely for style purposes! Therefore, when buying glasses frames online you should consider the trendy styles on offer.

Featured Photo from Style Caster

Remember; when buying eyeglasses it is important to go for something that is stylish now and is still likely to be stylish several years down the line. You don’t want to have to buy a new pair of glasses every time a new season comes along!

Aviators are extremely stylish at the moment, especially when it comes to men’s eyeglasses. They have a classic feel to them, meaning they are unlikely to ever be viewed as outdated. In addition to this, small rectangular and oval frames are always going to be popular and well-liked. They are smart and sophisticated and suit most people. Nonetheless, the most popular style of eyeglasses at present is undoubtedly wayfarers. These are cool and quirky, and look as equally good on men as they do women.

Deciding on the right colour for your frames 

A lot of people opt for black when purchasing glasses. However, there is an array of different options available. The colour you go for can, of course, be picked via personal preference. Nevertheless, it is recommended that you take your skin tone, eye colour and hair colour into account. In other words, do you have a warm or cool complexion?

Warm complexions – If you have a warm complexion then purchasing eyeglasses online in any of the following colours are recommended: copper, gold, khaki, letterbox red, off-white, and coral.

Cool complexions – If you have a cool complexion then any of the following colours are advised: plum, dark tortoise, black, silver, jade and blue.

To conclude, glasses are undoubtedly purchased to help people improve their vision, but this does not mean that the style of them should not be considered. After all, doesn’t everyone want to look good?

You can ensure that your glasses are an accessory that makes a style statement by taking advantage of the tips provided in this article for purchasing glasses online. Consider the latest trends and your complexion to benefit from the best pair of eyeglasses for you specifically!

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Birmingham /

The Pixel Room Birmingham: #SelfieMuseum and Fun Experience

Something innovative has come to Birmingham!  Last week, I went to The Pixel Room, Selfie Museum.  Only two words can describe this place, very cool!

I didn’t know what to expect upon visiting the new local attraction.  A mutual contact sent me the invite and honestly, anything with the word selfie attached to it is must-see for any blogger!

Most fashion and lifestyle influencers are constantly snapping photos and having a special location to stage pictures heightens the experience.

Upon entering the museum, I was greeted by a variety of displays.  Almost every room was the replica of a movie set.

There’s a selfie room for everyone depending on your individual taste.  Guests can take photos at either the Dynamic Disco Room, Lemonade Stand, House of Colors, etc.

Experience it for yourself, there’s so much fun happening at The Pixel Room, Selfie Museum!  Visit the Grande River Outlets for leisure shopping and take some memorable selfies.

And of course, they are taking COVID-19 Precautions.

The Pixel Room Birmingham

Birmingham /

BLOOM: FAITH, FASHION, AND BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT SERIES SPOTLIGHT: Arlene Henderson

BLOOM readers, I would like to introduce Arlene Henderson.  Motivational Speaker, Author, Empowerment Coach, and Blogger, Arlene has blazed the Birmingham, Alabama community.

With her warm personality, she imparts wisdom to those around her; striving to be a light in a world filled with darkness!

BLOOM SPOTLIGHT:  Arlene Henderson

  • When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person who comes to mind and why?

When it comes to a “successful” relationship I think first about Barak & Michelle Obama. Together they managed to lead with strength, grace, and dignity during their eight years in the White House as the first African American First Family. This is something that I will treasure forever. The Obamas were real friends. They enjoyed life. They expressed love while encouraging all of us to take the high road when faced with adversity. The couple was often criticized for being President and First Lady which is what I believe they were always destined to be.

  • What is the number one way we can make a difference in our community?

We can make a difference in our community by communicating with each other. The bible tells us to seek wisdom and get an understanding of all that we do. We cannot do that unless we have an open and honest conversation. We will never conquer hard topics until we address them head-on. It is time to talk about the big elephant in the room. We all love our country but we must do the hard work for the love to shine through. This also requires us to listen to each other even when it is a topic we don’t really want to discuss. Its time to do some deep cleaning/communicating of our hearts and minds to make a difference.

  • What has helped you get to where you are and what advice would you give to others on the same path?

My path has been very rocky, so my first piece of advice would be to get a clear understanding of who you are through God’s word. Establishing a personal relationship with God and staying connected to him will help when life comes at you from all directions. If you do not know who you are, you will end up trying to be something that was not purposed for your life.

My advice to others on the same path would be to get connected with like-minded people who are willing to help and encourage you along the way. You will need someone to journey with you in life if you are going to ever accomplish something great. I do not mean great in the monetary sense, but great in the sense of what did you to do help or inspire others. Think about what legacy are you leaving?

  • Do you have a specific experience where you wish you had done things differently?

Absolutely. I wish I would have taken time to be focused on what I wanted out of life for me. Instead of trying to be what the person I was with at the time wanted me to be. I feel like I lost my identity at such a young age in a relationship and it has taken over two decades for me to find my true self. Sharing all my challenging experiences helped me find my strength and my voice.

  • What advice would you give to your 20-, 25-, or 30-year-old self? And please place where you were at the time, and what you were doing.

I would not go back to my twenties even if I had the chance. I was so naive and gullible to life and people. I trusted everyone and was hurt by so many. I thought that if I were the best friend and girlfriend then that would make people love me. I was so wrong. I was looking for something in other people instead of finding it in myself first. It was a case of the blind leading the blind. But I was so blind and immature I thought everyone had it together but me. I would tell my 20-, 25-, or 30-year-old self, to learn to love yourself. Unconditional love will only be found in you through Jesus Christ. I would advise that it cannot be purchased or manipulated into being something it is not. Slow down and plan for your future. Be prepared for your future – mentally, physically, and financially.

  • How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Or, do you have a favorite failure of yours?

Failure has humbled me. Failure has made me grow up. Failure has taught me that I cannot leave anything to happen by chance. It has taught me that I am responsible for my own happiness and wellbeing. I must be connected to good and healthy people but I cannot require more from them than I require from myself.

All of this has taught me that I can do things that I once dreamed of. My failures taught me to believe in me and stop counting myself out. Why not me is the question I as now!

Do you have a quote you live your life by or think of often? I have scripture and quote.

One of my favorite scriptures is: Psalms 46:5 “God is within her, she will not fall, God will help her at the break of day.”

Break of day means everything is new each morning. So, if I can make it through the midnight, I know morning restores me to full capacity to start all over again.

And my quote is “Hear My Cry, We Are Better Together”. Every great movement begins with a sound. I want to be a sound that is everlasting, long after I am gone.

Follow Arlene Henderson and learn more about her platform on social media:  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

“EMPOWERED WOMEN, EMPOWER WOMEN!”
Accessories /

10 Important Life Lessons Learned from COVID-19 #WIW or #OOTD A-line Midi Dress

There’s a lot of life lessons to be learned from COVID-19.  This was an unexpected lifestyle change and we had to adjust immediately!

My thought pattern always goes back to, “What did I learn from every situation?”  It’s critical to always do self-evaluation and allow the opportunity for personal growth.

Throughout it all, I have tried to be thankful for the small blessings and keep a positive mindset.

10 Important Life Lessons Learned from COVID-19:

  1. Manage your time wisely and create system blocks.
  2. Meal planning is critical towards your budget and home organization.
  3. Cleanliness can be as easy as washing your hands, mopping your floors, and wiping down the countertops.
  4. Mom Tip-kids require (balanced) structure daily.  Allow them to have free space but yet implement structure/disciplined activities.
  5. First, shop your wardrobe and then seek outside pieces.  Do not overspend during this time.
  6. Your home is your haven.  Make it a place of peace and joy!  That might include gardening or rearranging decor.
  7. We can manage our own hair and nails.  At least until it is safe to venture outside of our comfort zones.
  8. Take care of yourself:  get exercise, take a multi-vitamin, and pick-up a new hobby.
  9. Journaling can create a still voice for relaxation and provide mental clarity.
  10. Avoid clutter at all costs.  Get rid of unnecessary items!

What I Wore or Outfit of The Day-

A-line Mid Dress & Clear Slip-On Heel:  Amazon
Fashion /

Make The First Impression Count: How To Dress For An Interview

First impressions really do count. Recent research carried out by 4 of America’s leading personality psychologists clearly demonstrated this. Their study showed that most people automatically decide what type of person you are within seconds of meeting you. This judgment is largely based on how you look. So, dressing well for an interview really is important.

Most of us know that we need to turn up for the interview looking smart. But, that is not enough. You need to pay attention to the little details and get them right. Below, we share some of the things most candidates still get wrong when deciding what to wear for a job interview.

Featured Photo Lulus.com

Consider buying new glasses

For those of us who need eyewear to be able to see clearly, choosing suitable glasses is important (see classic browline glasses by clicking the link). Some people own more than one set of frames. Something fun for the weekends and a more reserved pair that they can wear for interviews or while in the workplace.

Wearing scratched lenses, or eyewear that does not sit straight on your face is bound to make a bad impression. So, take a critical look at your glasses and replace them if necessary. Also, make sure that they are spotlessly clean.

The fact that there are plenty of online eyewear retailers means that this is no longer expensive to do so. Most people can easily afford to own more than one pair. You just need to choose your frames, send in your prescription, and wait a week or so for your new glasses to arrive.

Wear good footwear

Shoes and boots are expensive, so, understandably, few people are willing to buy a new pair for an interview. Provided your footwear is in good condition and fits in properly with the rest of your outfit this is not a problem. But, again, you need to take an honest and critical look at the shoes or boots you are planning to wear. If they look old-fashioned or worn, replace them.

Just be sure to wear them before the interview. You do not want to hobble into the room. Or, have to complete appraisal tasks while suffering from aching feet.

Check how your outfit looks from behind

Well before you are due to attend your interview, try on your entire outfit. Make sure everything fits and be sure to look at the back as well as the front. The easiest way to do this is to use your camera and a full-length mirror, like this.

Make sure you are not a victim of the weather

When putting together your interview outfit make sure you think about protecting yourself from the elements. You do not want to arrive dripping wet or feeling overheated.

If you would like to learn more about how the way you look impacts your ability to land a job, just click here. When you do, you will be taken to the result

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Travel /

#JetOff 6 Fun (And Unusual) Things to Do in Singapore: Travel Attractions

Millions of people make their way to Singapore each year to see the sights and have some fun.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Singapore, but you need some ideas, we are here to help! After all, there are plenty of activities, events, and other fun happenings that you don’t want to miss.

Continue reading this article to learn the best things to do in Singapore.

1. Universal Studios

Singapore’s version of Universal Studios is a great place to visit. They have a mix of attractions that make it a good spot for families with kids young and old.

The Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey in Far Far Away is a good ride to check out for younger kids and for those of you that want to do something more excited you should head to the Battlestar Galactica.

2. Butterfly Park

If you love butterflies and you’re looking for an educational experience, the butterfly park is the perfect place for you.

You can book a guided tour for the educational experience, or you can walk around the park yourself and look at the different types of exotic insects and butterflies.

3. Singapore Flyer

The massive Ferris wheel overlooking the water at Marina Bay is one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels. Looking at the Ferris wheel from the ground is an especially beautiful sight at night with all of the lights.

The ride on the Singapore Flyer takes 30 minutes and lets you take in the amazing sights of the city slowly from up above.

4. Visit Chinatown

Chinatown is filled with plenty of souvenir shops if you’re looking for something to take home. There are also lots of places to get a massage or to grab a bite to eat. Don’t forget the temples you’ll see as you continue walking through Chinatown.

5. National Museum of Singapore

If you want to learn more about the history of Singapore, head over to the National Museum of Singapore. You’ll be able to get a true feel of the history and feel like you were there to experience it with the unique and interesting exhibits.

Living Galleries are especially interesting and will allow you to learn more about Singapore fashion, food, photography, and more.

6. Marina Bay Sands

While this might not be an unknown thing to see while in Singapore, it is one you must see. You’ll be able to shop at the trendiest stores, stay at the hotel and swim in the fantastic pool at the top of the hotel.

Enjoying the Fun Things to Do In Singapore

Now you know more about Singapore and you can start planning some fun things to do in Singapore. Planning your trip well before you go can help you keep from missing some of the coolest things you might have otherwise overlooked.

Do you want to know more about what to do in Singapore and other areas? Our site is full of articles to help you as you’re planning your travels.

Browse through our travel articles, pick some that look good to you, and drop a bookmark to come back a

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Accessories /

Mother’s Day 2020 Roundup For The Fitness Lover, Shopping Addict or Green Thumb

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, take a look at a few considerations for the special woman in your life!

 

Featured Photo from Men’s Health

 

For the fitness lover:
  • Everlast – The preeminent brand in boxing since 1910 and the world’s leading manufacturer and licensor of boxing, MMA, and fitness equipment, Everlast can provide the fitness buff the equipment they need. Everlast has boxing gear from training gloves to the HydroStrike heavy bag and fitness equipment from the Evergrip Weighted Jump Rope to the Flex Slam Ball that can help mom stick to her new year’s resolutions of staying in the gym and continuing her fitness journey.
  • FitTrack – Help mom stay on track of her fitness journey with FitTrack, creators of the most accurate Wi-Fi smart scale (Dara), and the fitness smartwatch (Atria). FitTrack products are a simple and effective solution to stay motivated on her wellness journey, at a remarkably low price. With 17 detailed metrics that measure, track, and trend her health data over time, FitTrack can help mom better understand her progress with the informative insights needed to be the best version of herself.
For the organization lovers:
  • MakeSpace – MakeSpace offers storage without the struggle — picking up, hauling, and storing your stuff, then delivering it back to you when you need it. Their goal is to make storage convenient and easy so that you never have to visit a storage facility again. To help stressed-out moms manage cluttered homes and stressful lifestyles, give them the gift of space this Mother’s Day.
For the shopping addict:
  • Jane – Jane is a boutique e-commerce marketplace with daily deals on hundreds of products from women’s fashion and accessories to home decor and tech gear – there truly is something for everyone! Give the special woman in your life the perfect Mother’s Day gift to brighten up her day with something personalized or something comfy to help her relax while staying at home.
For the green thumb: 
  • Rachio – The world’s first smart sprinkler company delivering easy-to-use technologies to control your outdoor sprinkler system from the palm of your hand. Their latest product expansion includes the Rachio 3e Smart Sprinkler Controller, a budget-friendly version of Rachio’s renowned and first-ever smart sprinkler, the Rachio 3 Smart Watering System. With it’s lower pricing, the R3e makes saving the planet a bit more affordable for everyone, while still boasting a myriad of features such as weather intelligence based on historical weather data from 30,000 weather stations, dual-band wi-fi with Alexa compatibility, full control, and monitoring with the Rachio app, and more.
For the mom who brightens your life: 
  • Nanoleaf – A smart lighting pioneer, Nanoleaf’s range of light panels allow users to create beautiful, customizable designs with the flexibility to change-up the scene and layouts for any season or occasion. Whether mom is looking to decorate her home office, spruce up the house for family photos, or create the perfect welcome home entrance, Nanoleaf is a fun, low-maintenance way to personalize your space.
Accessories /

Women’s Summer Fashion Guide: Stay Up-To-Date on The Latest Trends

As a woman, you are probably wondering what you are going to wear this summer to stay up-to-date with all of the latest trends. It can be overwhelming trying to keep up with the rapidly changing world of fashion. This is especially true if you are like most women nowadays and have to work full-time. That’s why we put together this great list of summer fashion trends for 2020.

Featured Photo from The Fashion Spot

Summer Fashion Basics

When you are trying to predict what the next big trends are going to be, there are a few places you are going to need to look. You can look at what the latest runway shows have displayed, you can look at what has been popular in current fashion magazines, and you can look at online boutiques and stores to get ideas. For example, if you are looking for dresses for women, you can search hypeach.com to get some fashionable ideas. You will be able to find clothing to keep you in style all through the hot summer months.

This year, there has been a strong trend towards some new styles that haven’t been seen for a long time. Let’s get to it and go over what the top trends will be this summer.

Women’s Summer Fashion Trends For This Year

This year’s trends are a little different from last year, but many of them will carry over. We have seen a few reintroductions from nearly one hundred years ago with some styles making a come back that were popular in the 30s and 40s. There are also a few trends that appear to be fairly unique and maybe appearing on the scene for the first time ever. Here are five of the biggest trends that will be seen this year in women’s fashion over the summer.

Puffy Sleeves 

This is an exciting sight to see. A fashion trend that was originally popular in the 1930s has been making headways among the women of the nation this year. Although it is not new on the scene and has been popular for a little while, it is still trendy and should continue to be so throughout the majority of the summer. It would be a safe move to purchase a few new tops that have the puffy sleeves look.

Professional Summer Wear

Professional summer wear is going to be one of the biggest trends this summer. This is the type of clothing that is going to help you look your best, but people will still take you seriously. One of the biggest trendsetters in this area has been the introduction of some new and absolutely fabulous sports-type jackets. These jackets will have you looking absolutely sharp but also intelligent and respectable.

Stylish Sunglasses 

A throwback to the 80s, stylish sunglasses, such as Arabians, have been making a huge comeback in recent months. This bodes well for the fashion trend this summer as people are starting to gear up for some time outside under the sun and will definitely need to protect their eyes while looking stylish. Why not go ahead and get yourself a pair of sunglasses and make a fashion statement out of it by getting a pair that matches the rest of your outfit?

Genuine Snakeskin 

According to Marie Claire, one of the most shocking introductions on the scene in terms of women’s summer fashion trends is the recent fascination of snakeskin apparel. This is not faux snakeskin, but the real genuine snakeskin. Women are starting to wear boots and other footwear that is made of snakeskin and even carry handbags that have been made with this unique type of leather. This is something fairly new and it is actually pretty exciting. You can match it with some of your other leather clothing or mix it up and do something totally random. The choice is yours.

Trendy Trenchcoats 

Finally, the last big fashion trend for the summer has been all of the stylish and trendy trenchcoats that you have been seeing while you are out and about. You are going to need to be careful while selecting a trenchcoat for the summertime. Make sure you buy one that is breathable and easy to wear. Make sure that it is going to be comfortable to wear during the heat of the day before you make a final purchase decision.

These are just a few ideas for the summer of 2020. Watch people who know how to put different styles together and follow their example.

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