Beauty /

Memorial Day Beauty Must-Haves

Any patriotic holiday is a free pass for wearing red lipstick by the pool. Take full advantage of the occasion with Arbonne Smoothed Over Lipstick in Gladiola ($29, Arbonne.com). This lipstick is infused with watermelon fruit extract which helps provide immediate, long-term moisture while imparting a plumping effect to give the appearance of full, lush lips.

  • It’s inevitable, you’ll be sweating this MemorialDay. A product worth stashing in your purse is Mehron Skin Prep Pro ($13, Amazon.com). Used under the most extreme weather conditions, skin feels and continues to look fresh.
  • When the forecast calls for major humidity, you need a power product such as The Mane Choice Pink Lemonade & Coconut Super Anti-Oxidant & Texture Beautifier Curl Boosting Sherbet($14.99, TheManeChoice.com and Walmart). Formulated to boost curls and fight frizz, the cream defines and shapes your tresses leaving long-lasting shine.
  • Don’t forget to protect your lips! Try opting for an SPF chapstick that’ll give your lips a hydrated glow without the risk of attracting harmful UV rays. The Arbonne Liquid Sunshine Lip Balm Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15 ($12, Arbonne.com) is infused with coconut oil and moisturizing botanicals to help condition and smooth the lips.

 

Lifestyle Tips /

How Much Caffeine Can I Drink A Day

Too much caffeine caused the death of a 16-year-old high school student from South Carolina who collapsed during class last month, according to the county coroner. Davis Allen Cripe died from a caffeine-induced cardiac event causing a probable arrhythmia. During an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body, and lack of blood flow affects the brain, heart and other organs. The teen consumed three caffeine-laced drinks — a cafe latte, large Diet Mountain Dew and an energy drink — in a two-hour period before collapsing in his classroom at Spring Hill High School on April 26, Watts said. (Source: CNN) So where does this tragic news leave adult java lovers?

How much caffeine can I drink a day?

“Most people can safely take in about 400 milligrams of caffeine daily or about 4 cups of coffee,” says Dr. Christopher Calapai D.O., a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine. He adds that, “the limit varies from person to person.” It’s difficult to assign an exact amount for everyone because people can have different sensitivities or reactions to caffeine based on age, medical history, and tolerance. However, there is enough research available to make a recommendation based on an individual’s weight.

To keep it safe, health experts recommend a maximum daily dose of 400 mg. To see what this means for you, check out the caffeine in some of these common drinks:

Starbucks Coffee (16 fl oz): 320 mg caffeine

5-hour energy (1.93 fl oz): 207 mg caffeine

Dunkin Donuts regular (16 fl oz): 203 mg caffeine

Starbucks Latte (16 fl oz): 150 mg caffeine

Coffee, brewed (8 fl oz): 133 mg caffeine

Red Bull Energy Shot (2 fl oz): 80 mg caffeine

Red Bull (8 fl oz): 80 mg caffeine

Tea (8 fl oz): 53 mg caffeine

But how, exactly, can the world’s most popular drug kill?

Like other stimulants, caffeine raises blood pressure, boosts heart rate and temporarily shrinks blood vessels. Dr. Calapai explains that, “In excess, the effects can be deadly by causing a heart attack, stroke or other cardio-vascular-related problem. Researchers think daily caffeine intake can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, but the results so far have been inconclusive.”

It’s also important to realize that medical conditions can affect sensitivity to caffeine. “If you have anxiety, panic disorder, heart arrhythmia, high blood pressure, diabetes, take medication or have any sort of medical condition, then you may tolerate less caffeine and should speak to a doctor,” says Dr. Calapai.

There are “caffeine overdose symptoms” that are important to watch for. These include:

Jitters, Restlessness, and Nervousness

Increased heartbeat

Nausea

Anxiety

Heart palpitations (cardiac arrhythmia)

Insomnia

Sweating

Dizziness

Vomiting

Cardiac arrest

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed as the “The Stem Cell Guru” by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson’s. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Fox series Gotham’s, Donal Logue; he was a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net

Accessories /

When Chic Brides Brunch | The Ultimate Pre-Wedding Desitination

A few weeks ago, local Washington DC Event Company A4dable Events (Pronounced “affordable”) hosted the inaugural When Chic Brides Brunch. Hosted by recently engaged WUSA9 Reporter Mikea Turner, the brunch was the ultimate pre-wedding destination for soon-to-be brides!
Upon arriving When Chic Brides Brunch, guests were greeted and then were ushered into the ballroom where they mingled with onsite vendors and enjoyed tunes by wedding DJ Floyd (all of the guests fell in love with his playlist!) The decor of the brunch was breathtaking, with the tables decorated in silver/pink and at first glance, the table looked as if it was adorned in jewelry. There were also real flowers placed in the openings of the candlestick centerpieces, jewel-plated bases, and mini jeweled candlestick holders to accompany.
There was a complimentary mimosa bar, a lavish brunch that included chicken and waffles and on the place setting was delectable milk chocolate that was decorated in bridal decor. After brunch, there was a cake tasting and a bridal fashion show featuring gowns from St. Anthony’s Bridal and one lucky lady was able to win a FREE bridal gown, if that wasn’t enough for the grand finale, there was a pyrotechnics display which gave many an idea of how to end their special day with a “bang!”
A4dable Events would like to thank the partners and sponsors:
Decorator The Hampton Conference Center, Wedding Dresses St. Anthony’s Bridal, Venue Salsa With Silvia, Mimosa Bar Creme de la Creme, Catering  (Cater Laine), Lighting Real Fairytale Weddings,Wedding Cake O’real Bakery, Videographer Ajena Media, Photographer YPose Images, Florist Conset’s Floral, Makeup Artists Modernly Beautiful Makeup, LLC, Coordinator Rescue Event Planning, LLC, Chocolate Favors Le Papiyon, Photographer Enhance Moments Photography, Stationary Put It On Paper Stationery, DJ FLOYDS DJ SERVICES, Bridal Hair 630 Studio, LLC, Photobooth Smile Social Photo Booth, Fashion Stylist Malik, Accessories Anaelise Martinez, Fashion Show Director IHI Modeling Agency, Beauty Samples Imani Mary Kay.
For more information on A4dable Events, please visit www.a4dableevents.com.
Accessories /

Double Circle Channel Bracelet: Elegant Jewelry Piece

There’s a process in mind before I select a piece of jewelry.  I like to access my wardrobe and take into consideration the items I already own.  A few simple questions I always ask myself include, “will this make a complete set and how will I style this item for an upcoming event?”  

One piece of jewelry that my collection did not have was an elegant tennis bracelet.  I typically like to wear classic pieces that will accent a pair of studs or hoops.  I wanted a tennis bracelet that had clarity with a well made clasp.  

Bracelets are one of my favorite accessories because it’s small in size and can be layered with more than one piece.  Anjolee shipped a beautiful Double Circle Channel Bracelet.  The band arrived in a secured wooden box, which is great for storage.  I was pleased with the bracelet because it was the right length for my wrist and the diamond cut was round.  

One important fact about Anjolee is that the company specializes in hand crafted diamond bracelet designs with precious metals and gemstones.  This makes their jewelry affordable with the use of state of the art technology.  

Lace Blouse:  Express | Lipstick:  Anastasia Beverly Hills | Watch:  Michael Kors | Diamond Bracelet: Anjolee

I wore the Double Circle Channel Bracelet to my son’s preschool graduation.  It was elegant and layered nicely with my watch and charm bracelet.  

To purchase and learn more click here: Anjolee Diamond Bracelets

Accessories /

KENDALL JENNER in LA PERLA PF17 AD CAMPAIGN

A surreal garden of gigantic begonias, a colossal hibiscus, and reimagined tulips comes to life in a world of fantasy and art designed by La Perla Creative Director, Julia Haart.  Inspired by the works of Georgia O’Keeffe and Peter Max, Haart calls upon her favorite pieces from the pop-art and modernist movements to fuse the Pre-Fall 2017 Campaign with her own cast of psychedelic creativity.

Just as Dorothy journeyed to the Land of Oz, so too does the campaign’s protagonist, Kendall Jenner – entering into a world of her own imagination. Clad in Ready-to-wear, Lingerie, and Beachwear from the La Perla Pre-Fall 2017 Collection, Jenner exudes the certainty and self-assurance of a true heroine – owning her world through confidence and empowered femininity.

Captured through the inventive lens of Mert & Marcus, the vibrant colors and molded shapes of the La Perla collection take center-stage. The explosive visual message is intended to shock and transport the viewer to a world of fantasy, color, and art.

The campaign features the new La Perla Slip Dress which boasts a built-in padded bra and sculpted bodice sewn from the world’s finest stretch silk with Leavers lace detailing. Other featured pieces include a limited-edition haute couture crystal embroidered dress, a one-piece swimsuit with translucent palettes embroidery, and a lingerie set adorned with floral embroidered Leavers lace and velvet detailing.

Beauty /

The Under $6 Lipstick Rita Ora Wore To The Billboard Music Awards

Who: Rita Ora at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards

The Inspiration: Rita wore a black and white, crystal and lace dress by Francesco Scognamiglio. Kathy was inspired to pick up on the accents of the dress by going with smoky eyes with silver & gunmetal accents and shimmery highlights on the skin.

How to Get the Look:

Lips
Kathy lined Rita’s lips using Rimmel London’s Exaggerate Lip Liner in Innocent to give added shape and staying power. She finished off the lips by applying Rimmel London’s brand new Stay Matte Liquid Lip Colour in Latte To Go.

Skin
Kathy applied Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer all over Rita’s cleansed face to create a smooth mattifying canvas for makeup. She then applied Rimmel London Match Perfection 2 ‘n 1 Concealer in shade Light with her ring finger in a tapping motion underneath Rita’s eyes, erasing dark circles. Kathy applied Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation in Sand with a flat foundation brush in broad strokes over Rita’s face, and blended with a damp sponge, giving Rita a sheer, natural looking matte finish. Kathy set the foundation with Rimmel London’s Stay Matte Long Lasting Press Powder, helping to keep Rita’s forehead, sides of the nose and cheeks shine-free.

Cheeks
Kathy used Rimmel London Kate Moss Sculpting & Highlighting Kit in Coral Glow to highlight the tops of Rita’s cheekbones, above her jawline and down length of her nose. She contoured the hollows under her cheekbones, just under her jawbone and under her chin using a narrow wedge brush and applied the blush using a rounded brush on the apples of her cheeks and extended towards temples.

Using a large fluffy brush, Kathy dusted Rimmel London’s Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze along Rita’s hairline, temples, cheeks and under her chin. She also blended into the face to soften the contour.

Eyes
Kathy applied the beige shade of the Rimmel London Magnif’Eyes Shadow Contouring Palette in Grunge Glamour all over the eyelid to browbone as a base color and browbone highlighter. She highlighted the crease and lower lash line using the grey shadow. Using a thin brush, Kathy added the silver color shadow along and above smudged black line. She lined Rita’s eyes using Rimmel ScandalEyes Bold Liquid Liner with its unique soft pointed applicator, to draw a medium line along Rita’s lashes, then subtlety blending and smudging with black shadow from the Rimmel London Magnif’Eyes Shadow Contouring Palette in Keep Calm & Wear Gold. Kathy then used Rimmel London Magnif’Eyes Eye Crayon Due in Witness White to smudge the area around the inner corners of the eyes. To finish the eyes, she applied Rimmel London’s brand new volumizing, clump-free Shake It Fresh Mascara to lengthen and thicken Rita’s lashes.

Brows
Kathy gave Rita a strong brow, using Rimmel London Brow Shake Filling Powder in Brown. She then used Brow This Way Brow Styling Gel in Clear to keep stray hairs in place.

Where to Find Them: Rimmel London products are available at chain drug stores and mass retailers nationwide. Visit www.RimmelLondon.com for store locations and to try the newest products with Rimmel London’s exclusive Get The Look App available on iTunes and Google Play. Rimmel London’s new Shake It Fresh is available now at Target.com and Rimmel London’s Stay Matte Liquid Lip Color is available exclusively at Ulta.com.

#EdgeYourLook #RimmelRebel @RimmelLondonUS

Accessories /

Longines Celebrates and Awards Elegant Timepieces at Preakness Stakes

The Swiss watchmaker Longines was the Official Partner, Timekeeper and Watch of the 142nd Preakness Stakes, at which Cloud Computing ridden by Xavier Castellano stole the limelight. The owner, jockey and trainer were granted an elegant Longines watch to celebrate Cloud Computing’s victory. The Longines Dixie Stakes, the race presented by the watchmaker, was captured by World Approval and Julien Leparoux.

Longines, the Official Partner, Timekeeper and Watch of the 142nd Preakness Stakes, ceremoniously awarded the winning owner, trainer and jockey of Cloud Computing with elegant watches at Pimlico racetrack on Saturday, May 20. Cloud Computing won the second leg of the esteemed Triple Crown series. The Swiss watch brand is also proudly associated with the 1st and 3rd leg of the series as the Official Partner, Timekeeper and Watch: The Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes.

Longines had a prominent presence throughout Pimlico on Preakness day. The watch brand granted watches to the winning horse World Approval’s owner, trainer and jockey of the Longines Dixie Stakes. The brand also hosted the Longines Prize for Elegance at Preakness Fashion Contest to celebrate the refined style of the female racegoers. With the help of a panel of judges, Longines chose the most elegant woman and presented her a watch.

The race day was attended by three of the four laureates of the 2017 Longines Ladies Awards: American jumping rider Reed Kessler, Australian jockey Michelle Payne and Canadian business woman in the horseracing industry Belinda Stronach. The previous day, these personalities and the fourth recipient, American jumping rider Georgina Bloomberg, were honored at a ceremony organized in Washington DC by Longines for their careers dedicated to positive influence and exceptional commitment in the equine cause.

The spectators at Pimlico racetrack had the opportunity to discover the Official Watch of the event: a lady model of the Longines DolceVita collection. The steel and gold lady piece is set with diamonds and features a solid rose gold crown. It displays a silver-coloured “flinqué” dial adorned with painted Roman numerals and a rose gold hourglass. It is mounted on a steel and rose gold cap bracelet. The watch belongs to a collection, which has been an homage to the sweetness and femininity of life since its inception.

Longines has drawn strength from this commitment throughout its centuries-long history. An engraving featuring jockey and mount appeared on a chronograph as early as 1878. It wasn’t long before the model earned the success it deserved: in 1881, most sports judges in New York began using it as their preferred time measuring tool. Since then, Longines’ commitment toward those who organize the most famous equestrian events has never faltered. Today, Longines’ presence can be found on race tracks over the world. If the equestrian sports consolidate Elegance, Tradition and Performance, Longines carries those very same values in its heart.

For more information and photography from the 142nd Preakness Stakes visit:

http://inr.synapticdigital.com/Longines/preakness_2017

Jockey Javier Castellano celebrates after riding Cloud Computing to win the 142nd Preakness Stakes and the second leg of the Triple Crown, Saturday, May 20, 2017, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Longines, the Swiss watch manufacturer known for its elegant timepieces, is the Official Watch and Timekeeper of the Triple Crown. (Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Longines)
Cloud Computing, ridden by jockey Javier Castellano, edges past Classic Empire to win the 142nd Preakness Stakes and the second leg of the Triple Crown, Saturday, May 20, 2017, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Longines, the Swiss watch manufacturer known for its elegant timepieces, is the Official Watch and Timekeeper of the Triple Crown. (Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Longines)
Australian jockey Michelle Payne, American show jumper Reed Kessler and Hall of Fame Award Winning Jockey Ramon Dominguez, left to right, present Jennifer Winslow, left, with a Longines DolceVita timepiece after she won the Longines Prize for Elegance at the Preakness Stakes, Saturday, May 20, 2017, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Longines, the Swiss watch manufacturer known for its elegant timepieces, is the Official Watch and Timekeeper of the 142nd annual Preakness Stakes and the Triple Crown. (Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Longines)
Kevin Spacey waits for the start of the 142nd Preakness Stakes and the second leg of the Triple Crown, Saturday, May 20, 2017, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Longines, the Swiss watch manufacturer known for its elegant timepieces, is the Official Watch and Timekeeper of the Triple Crown. (Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Longines)
Accessories /

Keep your Wedding Weekend Style on Point

Everyone loves a good logo tee and baseball hat…Support your local girl gang with a bold new brand that promotes girl power and is constantly encouraging women to support each other and celebrate each other’s victories…Especially for the Bride’s big weekend! Whether you’re feeling’ trendy in a cute tee, or looking to break in that must-have hat, Friday + Saturday has all the empowering vibes you need for your weeding weekend.  Plus these items make the BEST gifts for your bridesmaids!

Designed and created in house by an all girl team all under the age of 30, Friday + Saturday is built on the brains of badass babes. After years of running two successful retail companies founder Kirsten Blowers partnered with Kelsey Sugg to craft Friday + Saturday, a clever creation centered around a passion for pop culture.

Check out these adorable items you can rock this wedding season:

 

Best Weekend Ever T-shirt $34

 

Celebrate your Weekend with this shirt!  You can all match.  We promise you’ll get lots of smiles when people see you wearing this one!

 

Weekend Hat $28

 

So simple and so perfect…  You need this weekend baseball hat!

 

Let’s hear it for the babes! Gather your girls and celebrate the bride and your weekend! #CelebrateTheBabes with Friday + Saturday!

Longing for these looks? Friday + Saturday is sold in over 150 stores across the country and all of their products are available on https://shopriffraff.com.

 

Accessories /

What I Wore: Color Block Sleeveless Dress

A personal fact about myself is that I have one shopping rule.  Generally, I purchase items from boutiques or stores that have a petite collection.  I am short in stature and require a certain length and fit.  On this site I like to share styles and trends that are appealing to not only myself but to my readers as well.

This month, I was invited to attend a Women of Distinction Spring Tea.  It’s an annual event and everyone should place such an occasion on her calendar for spiritual inspiration.

What I Wore:

I opted to wear this particular dress because color blocking is the easiest way to wear varying colors.  It’s literally an art exhibit displayed in the form of ready – to -wear apparel.  For a non-traditional flair I selected a pair of black strappy heels along with a quilted handbag.

The Spring Tea was amazing and my look provided a seasonal, chic statement!

 

Lipstick:  Anastacia Beverly Hills | Quilted Handbag Comparison:  Rebecca Minkoff | Dress:  Express | 3 Stone Gem Ring:  Anjolee

Spring 2017 /

WATERFRONT PLACE HOTEL REOPENS AS MORGANTOWN MARRIOTT

Waterfront Place Hotel officially transitioned to Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place at Two Waterfront Place in Morgantown, W. Va on Wednesday, May 17th, 2017.

The newly renovated Morgantown Marriott is conveniently located one mile from West Virginia University and offers an airport shuttle, full-service spa, fitness center, pool, and a full-service Starbucks®, open from 6 am to 6 pm daily. The hotel has 207 guest rooms, consisting of double-queen, king and suites, with both river and city views available.

To ensure a comfortable stay for travelers, all rooms are equipped with complimentary high speed Internet, a desk, a mini refrigerator, a 55” television, and a coffee maker for early risers. Located within the hotel, Morgantown Marriott is home to the Morgantown Event Center, with 18 meeting rooms with more than 50,000 square feet of meeting and event space, perfect for business, weddings, parties and more.

Guests and locals are invited to dine at Bourbon Prime, a new bourbon-inspired, full-service restaurant located at the hotel.  Executive Chef Jeremy Bosley has created a “wild and wonderful” West Virginia experience by consistently offering a menu of locally sourced items, including prime cuts of beef, inventive artisanal cocktails, and fine craft beers. Bourbon Prime is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Founded in 1991 by Navin C. Dimond, Stonebridge Companies is a privately owned, innovative hotel owner, operator and developer headquartered near Denver, Colorado. Its diverse portfolio of properties includes select-service, extended-stay, mid-scale and full-service hotels in markets throughout the U.S. For detailed information, visit http://www.sbcos.com.