Tag: Birmingham

Beauty /

The Esthetic Loft: Natural Mink Lash Extensions

The Esthetic Loft is a skin-care studio located in the heart of Homewood, Alabama.  Dana Benson is the owner of this hidden jewel with 15 years experience as a licensed esthetician.

I was invited to visit the studio and learn more about the services.  While interviewing Dana, I received a set of Mink Lash Extensions.  This was an amazing, care-free experience and shared via Facebook Live.

Dana provided information on the process of individual lash extension application and how to care for them.  She also discussed the cost of this application and upcoming sale on services.

To watch the video, visit Style + Life + Fashion Facebook Page.

Dana Benson owner of The Esthetic Loft

 

Mink Lash Extensions via Instagram @kwest1908

 

Accessories /

Talbots Fall Shopping Party: Local Event

Talbots is hosting a Fall Shopping Party on August 26, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.  The event will happen locally at The Summit Birmingham.

I am excited to share because I received my first merchandising internship at the store!

To get easy styling tips and light refreshments, visit Talbots located at 243 Summit Blvd.

Birmingham /

Birmingham Restaurant Week 2017 – Local Culinary Cuisine

Birmingham Restaurant Week started on August 11 – 20, 2017 for residents and tourists in the Alabama area.  This is a great opportunity for customers to eat and try new dishes for a reasonable price.

Click on the [link] to view a list of lunch, dinner, and brunch options with participating locations. Prices range between $5 – 30 and the menu varies from down-home Southern cuisine to Mexican inspired dishes.

 

Birmingham /

Montgomery Announces Exciting Event Calendar for 2017 – 2018

With more fun and exciting events planned for 2017-2018 than ever before, Montgomery is adding to its reputation as one of the newest must-see travel destinations in the South. Offering a diverse roster of festivals and events, there is always something to see and do in this dynamic, riverfront city, whether it is listening to national recording artists perform live at the River Jam Music Festival or exploring the booming craft beer scene at the annual River Bend Brew Festival.

Known for its Southern hospitality and its revitalized downtown, Montgomery was the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and has established itself as a landmark Deep South destination. Montgomery is adding to its events lineup this year, which features concerts, festivals and a wide array of cultural activities.

“We are proud to offer a jam packed schedule of events for visitors to make unforgettable memories,” shares Vice President of Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Dawn Hathcock. “From music festivals to national athletic competitions, there is something for every visitor coming to Montgomery.”

Below is an overview of annual events held in Montgomery:

Montgomery Restaurant Week, August 11-20, 2017

Coinciding with Alabama Restaurant week, this culinary celebration gives visitors the opportunity to discover new restaurants, dishes and drinks. Featuring amazing deals at some of Montgomery’s best restaurants.  For more information, go to www.eatmgm.com

Buckmasters Expo, August 18-20, 2017

The Montgomery Convention Center hosts a 3-day expo for the deer hunting industry with over 300 exhibitors from around the country. Kids activities, live concerts, demonstrations and lots of special guests will be featured. For more information, go to http://www.buckmasters.com/Resources/Expo

Montgomery Dragon Boat Festival, August 26, 2017

Over 60 teams from Central Alabama and beyond converge on Riverfront Park in downtown Montgomery to compete in this fundraiser which culminates in a dragon boat race. Off the water, browse various goods from local exhibitors and artists. Live music and food from local vendors will also be featured. Don’t miss the inaugural Gun Island Chute SUP CUP standup paddleboard competition on the Alabama River! For more information, go to https://montgomerydragonboat.org/

Broadway Under the Stars, September 7, 2017

The 31st annual Broadway Under the Stars concert will be held lakeside at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. The Montgomery Symphony will perform Broadway classics as attendees relax on blankets and lawn chairs at this free yearly concert celebration. For more information, go to http://www.montgomerysymphony.org/pops-concerts/

Riverwalk Wine Festival, October 14, 2017

Over 100 wineries offer tastings, making the most of Montgomery’s beautiful riverfront park on an early fall afternoon. The event is made complete with live music, food vendors, and discounts on on-site wine purchases. For more information, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/calendar/event/riverwalk-wine-festival

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl, December 16, 2017

Named for Alabama’s state flower, this college football bowl game annually features a matchup between top teams from the Sun Belt Conference and the Mid-American Conference at the historic Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. The game is televised live on the ESPN family of networks. For more information, go to http://www.camelliabowl.com/

Anniversary of Hank Williams’ Death, January 1, 2018

The native of Montgomery was the first country music superstar and one of the most important songwriters of the 20thcentury. Each year, his grave hosts a ceremony to commemorate his fascinating life on the anniversary of his death. This year will mark the 65th anniversary of the musician’s passing. For more information, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/calendar/event/64th-memorial-anniversary-of-hank-williams-death

Montgomery Half Marathon & 5K, March 10, 2018

This annual race takes runners through some of Montgomery’s most beautiful neighborhoods and past many of the city’s most famous landmarks. Featuring live entertainment for both racers and supporters, the Montgomery Half Marathon is one of the top road races in the South. For more information, go to http://themontgomeryhalf.com/

Taco Libre sponsored by Modelo, April 2018 

Alabama’s Taco Festival features a wide assortment of tacos of the state’s favorite local taco joints, restaurants and food trucks, along with plenty of refreshing beer and margaritas and live regional bands. The event is held at “The Yards at Western Rail” a 40-acre venue in a reclaimed train shed and yard. For more information, go to http://www.lightninglinemgm.com/tacolibre/

Alabama Book Festival, April 2018

Since 2006 this event has welcomed book lovers to Alabama’s premier literary event. Thousands of people gather for author readings, book signings, writing workshops and more. For more information, go to http://alabamabookfestival.org/

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Spring Repertory Season, April 25 –  May 6, 2018
Each spring this surprising theatrical find nestled in the exquisite 300-acre Blount Cultural Park achieves a rarely attempted feat – professional repertory theatre featuring Shakespeare and the classics. This year’s season includes Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night alongside the classic based on Alabama’s own Helen Keller, The MiracleWorker. For more information, go to www.asf.net

Flimp Festival, May 2017

The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts hosts this family-friendly festival which invites folks to Blount Cultural Park for a wide range of art-related activities. For more information, go to http://mmfa.org/visit/flimp-festival/

River Jam, May 2018

Every May, music lovers converge on downtown Montgomery to attend this free two-day event which showcases over 10 live bands. Concerts take place at Riverfront Amphitheatre and Union Station Train Shed. For more information, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/calendar/event/riverjam-and-riverbend-brewfest

Riverbend Brew Fest, May 2018

Montgomery‘s Annual Riverbend Brewfest features live music, local food vendors and a large selection of local, regional and nationally renowned craft, seasonal, specialty and micro-brewed beers. For more information, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/calendar/event/riverbend-brewfest

About Montgomery

Situated on the banks of the Alabama River, Montgomery is the capital and the second largest city in the state of Alabama. Established in 1819, Montgomery has been the site of major historic events which have shaped the history of the United States. Emerging from its agricultural roots in the 19th century, Montgomery transformed from the Cradle of the Confederacy to the birth place of the Civil Rights Movement in less than a century. Today, this vibrant river town is experiencing a resurgence which has seen its downtown revitalized and has reestablished itself as a landmark Deep South destination.  Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) offers non-stop flights on Delta Airlines and American Airlines. For more information, call 334-261-1100 or visit the official website of the Montgomery Convention and Visitor Bureau at http://www.visitingmontgomery.com.  Stay connected with Montgomery on Twitter (@MGMCapitalCool) and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MontgomeryCapitalCool).

Accessories /

Soft Surroundings Artist Topper | Easy Well-Made Style

Bohemian style is the concept of wearing clothing that’s free with flowing fabrics. It’s the perfect summer option because this style allows one to layer clothing and accessories.

Soft Surroundings is one of my favorite retailers.  The company specializes in soft, luxurious designs.

How does this relate to style bloggers? They have well-made affordable pieces for all age groups.  On-trend shoppers can find a Tie-Dye Jumpsuit while seasoned shoppers can purchase a Terry Pull-Over.

The company collaborated with this post; shipping an Artist Topper.  This versatile piece is lightweight with red tassels and kimono style sleeves.

The topper (in the photo below) was paired with a Felt Hat, Denim Shorts, and Ankle Booties.

Additional style ideas include wearing with High-Waisted Leggings or Jersey Dress. Visit your local Soft Surroundings for more easy, well-made style!

 

Accessories /

What I Wore: African Print Midi Flare Skirt and Accessories

I have not moved beyond the excitement centered around Essence Fest 2017.  The iconic “party with a purpose” is a must-attend experience!

When packing for such an event there are a few rules to consider.  Always plan for the weather in that region and review the itinerary in terms of walking.

I couldn’t cover the festival without packing my favorite African-Print (Ankara) midi skirt. Several people stopped and inquired about this particular piece. Here’s the secret:  it was purchased at a flea market in Alabama.

The style photo was taken in the New Orleans, Central Business District. Against my better judgement, I stood in the middle of street traffic to capture a decent shot.

Was this a little scary?  The answer is yes.  Was this mind-blowing?  The answer is definitely a strong yes!

 

Birmingham /

Liberated Specialty Foods: Healthiest Secret in the South

The self-proclaimed “Healthiest Secret in the South”, Liberated Specialty Foods is the first-to-market Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) commercial bakery, selling dozens of food items online and nine distinct items for wholesale, including coconut and cashew bread, Paleo pizza crusts, pizza sauce, ketchup and more. Based in Madison, Alabama, the unique health-crazed company is taking the nation by storm and becoming more and more popular in areas all over. Having grown immensely in the last year, they can be found in major retailers (Whole Foods, Earth Fare, Nugget Markets, Raley’s, the Health Nuts, and more) and are baking up more and more new, delicious foods daily.

Liberated Specialty Food’s motto is they go “Beyond Paleo” by taking the paleo diet and removing the starches (like tapioca, cassava, arrowroot) and other additives (like guar gum). This makes their offerings even more simple and able to be consumed by those on a wide variety of diets outside of Paleo, such as the SCD, Keto, GAPS, Bulletproof, Feingold and more. They are an ideal brand, and the only brand, for many people who need to rethink their eating habits but don’t want to deal with the brutal elimination of favorite foods and the feeling of being left out when surrounded by people eating their most desired guilty pleasure foods. Imagine enjoying a delicious pizza crust with only 3 net carbs? Count us in!

Not only does Liberated Specialty Foods fill you up with delicious, clean foods but the story behind the company fills you up with inspiration and motivation for a better you. Founder Stacey Schlaman was inspired to start the business through her own struggles providing grain-free meals, with simple ingredients, to her own daughter who suffered from a number of autoimmune diseases. After breaking down in tears over the lack of ingredients and the immense time it took to prepare these types of food herself, she vowed to dedicate herself to making these foods available for others so that she could, in some way, help alleviate the heavy burden many of her customers were already carrying.

Liberated Specialty Foods™ goes Beyond Paleo and gluten-free eating to provide foods that can be consumed by those on special diets. In doing so, they use the healthiest ingredients for the highest quality foods. Five unique things to know about their products:

  • Products do not contain most starches and are gluten and grain free.
  • The Paleo branded products contain no dairy products.
  • The SCD™ and GAPS™ products may include the following dairy products: approved cheeses, farmer’s cheese, ghee, and specially made yogurt.
  • Products are sweetened with only honey, fruit and/or vanilla extract.
  • Consists of no unlabeled ingredients, such as “spices” or “natural flavors”

For more information about Liberated Specialty Foods or to view all product offerings, please visit http://liberatedspecialtyfoods.com/

Accessories /

Macy’s Backstage Outlet Store Grand Opening

Macy’s Backstage is a new outlet store located in select cities.  The department store is one of my favorite retailers because Macy’s has something for everyone.

Last weekend, the store hosted their Macy’s Backstage Grand Opening at The Riverchase Galleria.  The event included music, gift totes, and a selfie booth. Local shoppers came out to the event; eager to partake in the sales and discounts.

For shopping clarity, Macy’s will continue to function in it’s normal capacity.  What does that mean? Macy’s Backstage is actually located within the original department store. The outlet is it’s own individual area with reduced merchandise and checkout.

Ultimately, Macy’s Backstage is an opportunity for customers to get their favorite products at a reasonable price.

 

Amazon /

GLO GIRL Cosmetics | Summer Looks and Product Review

My favorite beauty product is a tube of lipstick.  It can refresh the face and update your overall look. Can’t afford a surgical procedure, then purchase a new lipstick! Feeling tired or under the weather? Apply a bright-colored lipstick as a mood enhancer.

GLO GIRL Cosmetics – Lipstick Shade: Happiness

Kimono from Amazon.com

GLO GIRL cosmetics shipped a gorgeous palette of lipsticks.  The company believes in, “Lipstick with a fierce attitude.”  Personally, that’s enough for me to wear their products!  After testing and reviewing various shades, GLO GIRL lipsticks held its color and hydrated my lips.

There was no need to use lip-gloss after application.  The gold colored tube added a touch of glamour to the product.

Photo via IG stories @kwest1908

Visit GLO GIRL cosmetics to purchase your own set of edgy lipsticks!