Tag: Lifestyle Expert

Birmingham /

WAFF48 Lifestyle Segment: National Hot Breakfast Month Blueberry Brie Melt

February was National Hot Breakfast Month.  Nationwide, food retailers were encouraging everyone to start their day with a warm meal.  I couldn’t agree more because there are so many benefits to eating a hot breakfast.  Number one, breakfast foods help fuel the body and provide a sharper focus while boosting the metabolism.

In support of this initiative, I hosted a lifestyle segment live from my kitchen!  It was a lot of fun because I was able to inspire the local Huntsville audience with a delicious meal.

Julian’s Recipe Blueberry & Brie Melt

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups blueberries
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 8 Julian’s Recipe Wafels
  • 4 ounces of brie cheese, thinly sliced

 

Directions:

Combine the blueberries, lemon zest and sugar in a medium saucepan.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture has thickened.

Place the butter in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Then place your wafels into the pan.

Add 4-5 slices of brie cheese on top followed by a generous scoop of the blueberry compote.

Add the second wafel on top and then flip! Allow 2-3 minutes per side or until golden.

Serve while hot and enjoy!

Click on the link to watch the segment:  WAFF48

DIY /

WCPO, Cincy Lifestyle Segment: National Cranberry Day and Puff Pastry Swirls

I had the pleasure of hosting a television segment on Friday, November 20th with WCPO 9 News, Cincinnati.  The segment focused on celebrating National Cranberry Day which was right on time for the Thanksgiving holiday!
For many of us, cranberries are a staple side dish with our holiday feast but in the segment, I shared a new recipe, Cranberry Puff Pastry Swirls.
RECIPE:  Karen’s Naturals Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Swirls
Ingredients:
● 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
● 3 Tbsp salted butter, melted
● 6 oz. Brie cheese
● ¾ cup Karen’s Naturals Just Cranberries
● 3 Tbsp. cinnamon sugar
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Dice Brie cheese and remove the rind
Instructions:
1. Unroll the puff pastry and brush with 1 Tbsp of melted butter
2. Sprinkle pastry with 1-2 Tbsp of cinnamon sugar
3. Sprinkle diced brie and cranberries evenly on top of the pastry
4. Beginning at the long end, tightly roll the pastry
5. Brush the pastry with the remaining melted butter
6. Coat the roll with cinnamon sugar
7. Cut the roll into 16 swirls
8. Place swirls onto a baking sheet
9. Bake for 15-25 minutes or until
This simple dish can be served for brunch or an additional pastry appetizer with a warm cup of holiday tea.  To watch the lifestyle segment, click on the link https://www.facebook.com/CincyLifestyle/videos/218152979726399
Beauty /

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment: Last-Minute Holiday Gifts from JCPenney, Burlington, Neutrogena, and More

During the holiday season, I hosted a Lifestyle segment on Talk of Alabama, ABC 33/40.  The theme for the show was Last-Minute Holiday Gifts.  Retailers that were featured included JCPenney, Burlington, Popsocket, Neutrogena, Zelle, and Hopper.  

Several of the products showcased were a hit amongst families in the local community.  As stated during the segment, JCPenney has a wide range of merchandise and affordable options for loved ones.  Burlington is another one-stop shop for families; carrying toys, pieces of furniture, and even cologne!

Products that captured a tech-savvy audience were Popsockets which is an innovative phone accessory that allows gripping while watching movies and taking selfies.  Additional tech features included were innovative apps such as Zelle and Hopper.

For those that are skincare obsessed, Neutrogena has a new cleanser that transforms from a cream to foam when massaged with water on the face or hands.

To learn more about the products see the listing below and enjoy the segment!

Family Retailers:

JCPenney

Burlington

Skincare:

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Activated Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

Tech Toys:

Popsockets

Cellphone Apps:

Zelle

Hopper

CLICK HERE:  Talk of Alabama 12/20/18 – Kimberly West

Birmingham /

Surprise Guests and Joyous Performances during ZooLight Safari

ZooLight Safari present by Wells Fargo will feature special nights with surprise guests to help spread the incredible holiday magic! Be amazed by enchanting illuminations and sparkling lights. Enjoy the sounds of seasonal songs and holiday classics as you sing along with our Singing Santa during performances at the Safari Peak. Delight in delicious treats and decadent desserts at the S’mores & More station!

Guests will be captivated by the festive décor as they join Santa and characters, for the lighting ceremony of our nearly 30 ft. tall tree of lights. Take a merry ride on the Shipt Candy Cane Train, go for a spin on the Jingle Bell Carousel, dash down the Yuletide Slide, hop on the Santa Rollers, and enjoy fun holiday-themed games on Henley Park!

Love Santa? Capture the joy of your loved ones in a photo with Santa at the Holiday Card Photo Op. Get creative making crafts, decorating ornaments, and writing letters to Santa. Dance and sing the night away under the stars with spectacular live entertainment. Start a new holiday tradition with the Birmingham Zoo during the 2018 ZooLight Safari presented by Wells Fargo!

 

ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

TREE LIGHTING

December 7 – 7:00 pm @ Safari Peak in Trails of Africa

 

ENTERTAINMENT

Singing Santa Show

6:00 pm every night @ Safari Peak in Trails of Africa

Magic City Literacy Council

December 7- 9 –  Storytimes each night at 5:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm, 8:30pm @ Henley Park

*Bring a baby or children’s book to donate to our cause, Books for Babes, and you will get ONE FREE Zoo Ride ticket per guest at the entrance! Baby books will be donated to families at UAB hospital to promote family literacy.

Santa & Showstoppers Promotions Singers

December 9

Beverly’s Dance Studio Night

December 15 –  6:00pm – 8:00pm @ Safari Peak in Trails of Africa

Bella Prima Dance Studio Night

December 18 @ Safari Peak in Trails of Africa

Blue Grass Christmas Featuring The Allen Tolbert Project

December 20

Americana Christmas Featuring Durand Robinson

December 20

Santa & Showstoppers Promotions Singers

December 23

 

SPECIAL GUESTS

Birmingham Children’s Theater

December 7 –  5:30pm – 7:30pm

*Characters from the current BCT productions, Peter Pan and The Snowy Day

Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen Night

December 8

Your Favorite Holiday Mouse

December 14

International Crane Foundation: Whooping Crane Mascot

December 15

Miss Alabama Night featuring 2013 Chandler Champion

December 16

Cinderella Queens

December 16

National American Miss of Alabama

December 19

Santa and Mrs. Clause Night

December 22

Miss Appalachian Valley-Greeter

December 22

International Crane Foundation: Whooping Crane Mascot

December 29

 

SANTA

Pictures with Santa

5:00 – 5:45pm and 7:00 – 8:45pm every night @ Safari Peak in Trails of Africa

Singing Santa Show

6:00 pm every night @ Safari Peak in Trails of Africa

Santa & Showstoppers Promotions Singers

December 9

December 23

 

RIDES

Shipt Candy Cane Train, Jingle Bell Carousel, Yuletide Slide, & Santa Rollers

5:00 – 8:45pm every night

*all rides are an additional cost

 

GAMES

Mistletoe Maze, Reindeer Ring Toss, & more!

5:00 – 8:45pm every night @ Henley Park

CRAFTS

Letters to Santa

5:00 – 8:45pm Dec 7 – 23 @ Children’s Zoo

Ornaments

5:00 – 8:45pm every night @ Children’s Zoo

Holiday Sensory Bins

5:00 – 8:45pm every night @ Children’s Zoo

ZOO GIFT SHOP

Open every night from 5:00 – 9:00pm

FOOD & BEVERAGES

S’mores & More

5:00 – 8:30pm every night @ Safari Peak

*Alcoholic Beverages Available — ages 21 up

Nourish 205 Restaurant

5:00 – 8:30 pm every night with a holiday menu available @ Children’s Zoo

Wild Burger Restaurant

5:00 – 8:30 pm Sunday – Thursday for snacks & drinks ONLY @ Safari Peak

5:00 – 8:30 pm Friday & Saturday with a limited food menu @ Safari Peak

Side Track Snack Station

5:00 – 8:30pm every night @ train depot

 

HOURS & PRICING

WHEN

December 7 – 9

December 14 – 23

December 26 – 31

*The Zoo will CLOSE EARLY at 4 pm every night of ZooLight Safari.

 

TIME

5:00 – 9:00pm

 

WHERE

Birmingham Zoo

 

PRICING

*Members  Free Admission

Non-Members  $10 Admission

Ride Tickets  $3.50 — not included with admission

Unlimited Attraction Wristband  $10 — not included with admission

 

PARKING

Parking at the Zoo is FREE

**Purchase a Premium Parking Space for $10 — Parking spaces must be purchased in advance. Guests must have printed parking pass in the dashboard of car.

WEATHER

**Weather Permitting –  ZooLight Safari and all related activities are dependent on weather conditions and are subject to change.

Birmingham /

The Matte Collection: New Cafe Brand-Customizable Kitchen

Last week I was invited to attend a media brunch and view The Matte Collection, fully customizable kitchen.

The brand has incorporated innovative technology and style into the design of kitchen staples. After speaking with the company representative, she stated that the new wall ovens can cook a whole chicken in 15 minutes!

 

The Cafe Distinct By Design kitchen offers an array of metal knobs and handles in brushed bronze, brushed stainless, brushed copper and brushed black.  Cafe is the first appliance brand that allows you to switch out the hardware on your kitchen appliances, bringing an unprecedented level of luxury and personalization to an affordable price.

The ability to change out hardware is fascinating!  What fashion-conscious women wouldn’t like the option to personalize her kitchen?  Another aspect about the collection is that the stainless steel finish is smudge-proof.  That particular feature makes an aesthetic difference, especially if you have little hands in your home.

To learn more about The Matte Collection, click here.

Birmingham /

Zucchini Lasagna Spirals Recipe: Cooking Demo on WBRC Fox6 News

Last Tuesday I had the opportunity to visit WBRC Fox6 news and host a cooking demo.  The recipe that I prepared was Zucchini Lasagna Spirals.  This was a fun opportunity because I like to prepare meals at home for my family with time-saving kitchen appliances.

Feature Photo from Destination Delish

I wanted to share the ingredients for those that enjoy trying new meals.  See the list below.

Zucchini Lasagna Spirals

 Ingredients:

  • 2-3 cups Cucina Antica Tomato Basil cooking sauce
  • 12 oz. ricotta
  • 2 tbsp. basil, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated
  • 8 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 medium zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise
  • Salt

Preparation:

  1. Lay the zucchini strips out on a cooling rack (cooling rack allows excess water to drain). Sprinkle salt across the tops of the zucchini and let sit for about 10-15 minutes to let the water sweat out of the zucchini. Pat the water off the zucchini and then flip them over and repeat with the next side. Wipe off excess salt with a towel.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F
  3. In a medium bowl mix ricotta cheese, basil, mozzarella, and egg. Stir well.
  4. Spread 1/2 cup Cucina Antica Tomato Basil on the bottom of casserole dish.
  5. Lay out the sliced zucchini noodles and spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture over each individual zucchini noodle. Add a spoonful of Cucina Antica Tomato Basil over the top of the ricotta.
  6. Carefully roll up the zucchini and place in the casserole dish.
  7. Spread extra Cucina Antica Tomato Basil cooking sauce over the top of the rolls. Sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano on top.
  8. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the cheese on top is a nice golden brown.

A suggestion I provided on-air would be to include onions, mushrooms or ground turkey meat.  This is the perfect dish to serve for dinner or during Sunday brunch.

Biz Stain and Odor Eliminator /

Major Lifestyle Tip: Biz Stain and Odor Eliminator for Laundry Needs

Recently, my husband and I closed on building our new home.  With all of the excitement that surrounded moving and packing, there was a big concern with doing laundry.

Featured Photo from COCOROSA.com

Our family had piles of jeans, socks, and sweaters that needed to be cleaned!  Laundry is not the most exciting task and dreaded on most days.

My home is filled with boys (gasp) and that means dirt from the playground and leftover crumbs from snack time.  Having a product like Biz Stain and Odor Eliminator made my task a lot easier!

 

Product Review:

This magical formula lifted those afterschool stains in a snap!  I sorted my laundry and proceeded with the normal wash schedule.  After turning on the machine and adding detergent, I used a small cap of Biz Stain and Odor Eliminator.

Biz was great in terms of boosting our laundry and left our clothes smelling amazing!

Another small fact is that Biz Stain and Odor Eliminator is multipurpose.  What does that mean?  It can be used to clean the bath tube, kitchen, or patio. This is a double win for my family due to maintaining the various high traffic areas of our home.

Click here to learn more about Biz Stain and Odor Eliminator.

 

Sponsored Post

 

Beauty /

Good Day Alabama Lifestyle Segment: 2018 Product of the Year Winners

On Friday, February 9, 2018 I had the opportunity to host a Lifestyle Segment with Good Day Alabama, WBRC Fox 6 News highlighting the 2018 Product of the Year Winners.

For those that don’t know, Product of the Year is the world’s largest consumer-voted award for product innovation. The 31 winners of the 2018 Product of the Year Award were announced at the annual awards show on February 8th at the Edison Ballroom in New York City.

A national study of 40,000 consumers conducted by Kantar TNS, a global leader in consumer research, helps determine the Product of the Year winners each year with the aim to help consumers best identify the top new products across multiple categories.

Beauty /

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment: Pantone’s Color Of the Year Beauty Products

On Tuesday, January 9, 2018 I had the opportunity to host a Lifestyle Segment with Talk of Alabama, ABC 33/40 highlighting Pantone’s Color Of the Year Beauty Products.

The hot new shade Ultra Violet will be showcased in the retail and fashion industry.  It’s said to communicate originality and visionary thinking!

This color can be incorporated into our everyday lives with the use of a few products.

  • Brighten up your bathroom with ultra violet accents – toothbrushes and soaps make a fun statement without overdoing it on purple décor.
  • Swipe on a statement violet eyeliner or shadow – Products: L’Oreal Eyeshadow or Hard Candy Eye Liner
  • Reach for purple-toned hair products to brighten your locks. Purple-based shampoos tone colored hair, but even if you have dark hair, purple packaged bottles make a statement – Products: It’s a 10 Silk Express Miracle Silk Leave-In

Hair: 

It’s a 10 Silk Miracle Leave-In

Goody Gel Handle Round Brush

Face:

Hard Candy Lipstick Shade Thunder

Hard Candy Take Me Out Liner

L’Oreal MATTE-Gic Lipstick

Nails:

Sally Hansen Rock Bottom

Take a look at the segment clip here:  Talk of Alabama 01/09/2018

ABC /

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment: New Year, New You Beauty Must-Haves

Monday marks the official beginning of the new year!  Everyone’s setting goals and changing their beauty regimen.

I hosted a Lifestyle Segment on Talk of Alabama – ABC 3340; themed “New Year, New You” sharing beauty advice through the use of hair care products.

A few of the tips shared on-air included applying Root Touch-Up, Clip-In Hair Extensions, and It’s a 10 Haircare Products.  This was a fun segment and to showcase the hair extensions I wore a human hair color strip.  Details about the segment included:

Use a Root Touch-Up Marker to cover gray roots without a permanent chemical process.

Insert colored extensions from Hairdo USA for a glamorous hair style without committing to an entirely new hue.  Don’t forget to use a wrap around pony for quick star-worthy style!

It’s a 10 Haircare products are holiday and salon-worth products that can be used at-home.  This product line is a celebrity favorite amongst Gabrielle Union and Gwen Stephani.  The products can be used on all hair types while protecting, smooths, and conditions. This product can even be used on kids and pets! There’s also something for the men in our life!  He’s a 10 Miracle Pliable Paste and 3-in-1 Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Treatment: He’ll love these versatile stylers that glide easily through hair and body with zero sticky residue and a clean feel. These grooming essentials will save men money and time.

Hair:

Root Touch-Up Marker

Human Hair Color Strip

Long Wave Pony

French Braid Band

It’s a 10 Haircare

Hairdo How to Tips and Videos: