Tag: Lifestyle Expert

Accessories /

7 Facts You Didn’t Know About Me: Plaid Blanket Wrap Shawl #OOTD or #WIW

 

My birthday was last Friday, which is the perfect opportunity to share seven facts you didn’t know about me.  I started this blog as a creative outlet but as time passed it has become more than I would’ve ever imagined.

I love my readers and want them (meaning you) to know more about me as an individual. So, here we go…

7 Facts You Didn’t Know About Me:

  1. I learned how to sew when I was seven years old.
  2. Throughout college I maintained a Theater Scholarship.  Never had an idea that I would actually use those skills from my television course.
  3. In middle school I participated in the Poetry Contest reciting pieces from Maya Angelou and Nikki Giovanni.
  4. I prefer a glass of Merlot over Chardonnay; it contains antioxidants.
  5. My favorite personal outlet is reading and obsessing over magazines.
  6. I am a huge 80’s fanatic from the movies, music, and clothing.
  7. My dream vacation would be visiting Egypt.

#OOTD – meaning Outfit of The Day

This particular day was no different from any other beyond the fact that the cold snap has come South.  Although living on the East Coast for several years, my body has become accustomed to seasonal warmth.

Therefore, I needed to layer-up and wear something that would protect me from the cool air.  I opted for a wrap shawl and sweater dress.  Another tidbit is that I’m a texture person and this dress had a soft blend.  Opaque tights and boots gave me extra warmth for a day of running errands.

To purchase a similar wrap shawl click here: Plaid Blanket Wrap Shawl

 

ABC /

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment: Breast Cancer Awareness Fall Must-Haves

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  To celebrate efforts of the National Breast Cancer Foundation I hosted a Lifestyle Segment with ABC 33/40 on Monday, October 30, 2017.  The television appearance featured beauty and wellness tips to help women that are undergoing cancer treatment.

A few of the suggestions discussed on-air included the use of hair turbans, scarfs, mineral makeup, and water-based nail polish.  Companies such as STILA Cosmetics provided makeup from the Living Beauty Collection and Dana’s Bakery shipped Pink Cotton Candy Macaroons that encouraged proceeds to be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation.

This particular segment was dear to my heart because my mother is a Lymphatic Cancer survivor.  Special thank you to Talk of Alabama for allowing me to share cancer related beauty tips with a local audience!

Hair:

Turban

Scarf

Face:

Alima Pure

Deborah Lippmann

STILA Cosmetics

Wellness:

Pill Box Organizer

Take a look at the segment clip here: Talk of Alabama 10/30/2017 Kim West

Accessories /

Magic City Fashion Week 2017 – Streetstyle Thursday and Macy’s Brookwood

For those that may not know, Magic City Classic is one of the largest HBCU football games celebrated in the south.  It’s the tailgating rivalry between students (and alumni) from Alabama A&M and Alabama State University.

In connection with the tradition, Daniel Grier and Derek De Anre launched Magic City Fashion Week 2017 to recognize the Birmingham fashion community.  MCFW showcased the artistic efforts of designers throughout the week of October 24-28, 2017.

Last night featured Streetstyle Thursday at Macy’s Brookwood in the IMPULSE Department. Christine Lee from Sober Culture served as the host along with runway styling from Magic City Fashion Week Team members Emma Ford, Portia Nichole, and Aliscia Marie.

Free People, Kensi, Rachel Roy, and Jay Walker were the highlighted designers worn by models. The fashion show was amazing and proceeds/donations supported the Birmingham Aids Outreach Organization.

 

ABC /

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment: Healthy and Quick Breakfast Recipe Ideas.

Last week I served as a Lifestyle Expert for Talk of Alabama:  ABC 3340 sharing healthy breakfast recipes.

I was excited to host the segment because breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day.

Due to our hectic schedules, making a hearty breakfast can be a challenge but with the right appliances it can be an easy task!

During the segment I discussed the importance of creating a toast bar with the Krups 2 Slice Toaster Oven.  There are so many delicious toast recipes adding peanut butter, avocado, bananas, and olive oil as a topping.

For breakfast meals (on the go) make a fruit smoothie as an option; top with Carrington Farms Organic Flax and Chia Seeds to boost the immune system.  Munk Pack Oatmeal Squeezes are gluten-free, vegan snacks that are compacted with whole grains and fruit bites.

The TFal Pressure Cooker not only makes delicious dinners but breakfast dishes such as Cinnamon Roll Steel Cut Oats.

Take a look at the segment clip here:  TALK OF ALABAMA:  HEALTHY BREAKFAST

Cinnamon Roll Steel Cut Oats Recipe

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup steel cut oats

3 1/2 cups water

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup raisins

Brown Sugar Topping

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Add butter to pressure cooking pot, select Sauté. When butter is melted add the oats and toast, stirring constantly, until they start to darken and smell nutty, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add water and salt to pressure cooking pot.
  3. Select high pressure and set 10 minutes cook time.
  4. When beep sounds, turn off pressure cooker and use a natural pressure release for 5 minutes and then do a quick pressure release to release any remaining pressure.
  5. When valve drops carefully remove lid. Stir oats. Stir in raisins. Cover and let sit five or 10 minutes until oats are desired thickness.
Interview /

Celebrity Chef Richard Ingraham Interview and Eating Well To Win Cookbook

Style + Life + Fashion had the opportunity to interview Gabrielle Union and NBA veteran Dwyane Wade’s private chef, Richard Ingraham.

He released a new cookbook titled, Eating Well to Win – which is focused on developing delicious, flavorful recipes — many of which include either a Southern, Creole, Italian or Asian flair.

What was your inspiration for creating this cookbook?

I just wanted to be able to touch others with my cooking. Being a personal chef doesn’t allow me to cook for the masses like I would be able to if I worked in a restaurant. So, writing Eat Well To Win seemed like the perfect solution.

Can you provide a delicious, easy appetizer recipe or any meal planning suggestions?

See recipe below.

What is your favorite recipe in the cookbook as it relates to eating healthy?

I really like the Roasted Sea Bass and Mushroom Broth with Quinoa, Sweet Potatoes and Kale. This dish starts with roasted sea bass that has up to 20 grams of protein in a 3oz serving. It’s also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure and reducing levels of cholesterol. The sea bass sits atop a mixture of quinoa (great source of protein, fiber, and essential amino acids), kale (high in vitamin k, iron, and fiber) and sweet potato (great source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6).

Are there any additional tips or ideas that you would like to leave with us?

Eating healthier doesn’t mean that your food should be flavorless and lackluster. Eating Well To Win shows you that food can be exciting, flavorful, and still be good for you. Even with eating healthier, one must remember that paying attention to portion sizes is another very important factor in leading a healthier lifestyle.

 

Grilled Portobello with Lobster and Shrimp Salad

Ingredients for Portobello Mushroom

6 Tablespoons grape seed oil

3 Tablespoons fig balsamic vinegar

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 Tablespoon fresh thyme

6 large portobello mushrooms, stemmed, gills scraped out

Kosher Salt and fresh ground pepper

Ingredients for Lobster and Shrimp Salad

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

3 Tablespoons whole grain mustard

1 Tablespoon honey

2 Tablespoons shallots minced

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 cup grape seed oil

Kosher Salt and freshly ground pepper

3/4 pound cook lobster meat chopped

1/2 pound medium cooked shrimp

1 1/2 cups ripe mango chopped

1 1/4 cup fresh raw corn from about 2-3 ears

1 cup micro greens

Method for Mushrooms

  1. Heat grill to medium high heat
  2. Whisk oil, fig balsamic vinegar, garlic, and thyme in small bowl and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Arrange mushroom caps on foil lined baking sheet, gill side up.
  4. Generously spoon dressing into each mushroom (be sure to get all that good flavor all over the cap)
  5. Place mushrooms on grill, gill side down and grill until edges start to soften
  6. Turn mushrooms over and cover
  7. Cook mushrooms until they’re nice and tender
  8. Remove mushrooms from the grill and arrange on a platter
  9. Top with Lobster and Shrimp Salad.

Method for Lobster and Shrimp Salad

  1. Combine vinegar, mustard, honey, shallots, and garlic in medium bowl.
  2. Gradually whisk in oil.
  3. Season dressing with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine lobster, shrimp, mango, corn, and micro greens
  5. Gradually pour dressing into lobster mixture until lightly coated
  6. Add more dressing if desired.
  7. Adjust seasonings
Beauty /

How To Prevent Tooth Stains from Coffee and Wine: Power White Deep Stain Eraser Fluoride Toothpaste

Let’s talk about ways to prevent and eliminate tooth stains that are often experienced by serial coffee, wine and tea drinkers?  Take a look at the tips below:

  • Rinse your mouth with water right after drinking your morning latte or chai so the pigments don’t sit on your teeth for hours.   Did you know that tea in particular contains tannic acid that makes tooth enamel more porous and thus prone to staining? (Better yet, brush your teeth immediately.)
  • Use a straw – it’s a simple way to drink your coffee without it getting on your teeth
  • And to eliminate stains that are already present:  change your daily toothpaste to a whitening formula that contains fluoride.  That way, you’ll remove stains while still getting the oral care benefits of a traditional dentifrice.  One to try: Luster’s Power White Deep Stain Eraser® Fluoride Toothpaste, a two-in-one whitening toothpaste that cleans and freshens breath with zero tooth sensitivity.  It removes up to 95% of surface stains in only 5 days for a 2X whiter, brighter smile than the leading brand.  The enamel-safe, sulfate free formula is the only toothpaste on the market containing 2% stabilized peroxide.  www.lusterpremiumwhite.com 
Birmingham /

Holiday Cocktail Recipe with Khortysa Vodka and Raspberry Lemonade

The holidays are right around the corner.  Traditionally, I’m the person in my family who prepares appetizers, dishes or cocktails.

From my experience, having a delicious cocktail keeps everyone relaxed and enjoying the day.  It’s a fun way to remove the holiday edge after extensive traveling or managing kids.

Khortytsa Vodka is premium liquor that mixes with most beverages.  Not only does the distillery use local organic filters but it’s a great gift option for coworkers, family, and friends.  The new holiday gift set includes both Khortytsa Platinum and Khortytsa Honey Pepper. 

To jump-start the holiday season, I wanted to share a recipe for Vodka Raspberry Lemonade:

Photo Credit: Me

Ingredients:

1 Part Khortytsa Platinum Vodka

2 Parts Rasberry Lemonade Juice

1 Fresh Lemon Wedge and Parsley Leaf (Garnish)

Ice

Instructions:

Combine ingredients and stir in ice.

Serve with a cheese platter or spread for Thanksgiving.

Accessories /

Rare and Vintage: Building a Seasonal Wardrobe With Color Palettes

I’m always excited to shop at the change of every season. There’s something about new merchandise that builds anticipation of months ahead.

One fashion tip that helps me build a solid seasonal wardrobe is purchasing items according to a distinct color palette.

This is significant because it eliminates the issue of having nothing to wear or a closet filled with various items? For example, burgundy toned leggings can coordinate with a burgundy striped plaid shirt.  Or black sweaters coordinate with houndstooth slacks.

 

 

 

Rare and Vintage from Style + Life + Fashion

 

The same applies in terms of outerwear as well.  I generally stick to neutral tone jackets or something that matches items in my wardrobe.  Rarely will you find me buying a neon pink coat due to the lack of neon items in my fall/winter wardrobe.

Certain colors also set the tone for the season.  Pastels look nice in the spring/summer while a beautiful array of warmer shades in the colder season.

PANTONE Fashion Color Report, Fall 2017

 

Accessories /

Konstantino Jewelry Trunk Show Recap: Saks Fifth Avenue

Last week I attended the Konstantino Jewelry Trunk Show at Saks Fifth Avenue.  The designer featured handcrafted pieces from Greece.

Each unique design showcased silver or gold metals along with luxury gems.  The collection representative explained how specific pieces were created and allowed me to view the items up close.

As a style expert, the Konstantino Jewelry Collection can be paired with on-trend fashion items or classic styles and designs.

 

 

 

Accessories /

Increase Savings with Dryel Cleaning Solution: Consignment Shopping

Summer has ended and the kids have headed back to school.  That means it’s time to re-evaluate the household budget.

One way to increase savings is by reducing the amount of dry cleaning services.  Many people are not aware that dry cleaning can be harsh, timely and expensive.

There’s a solution to this household concern.  Dryel is an at-home solution that’s easy to use and convenient.  This product can be picked up during your local Target run or online from Amazon for an reasonable price.

There’s several advantages to using Dryel instead of laundry services:

  • Dryel reduces fading, shrinking, and stretching.
  • Dryel ingredients do not contain harsh chemicals.
  • Dryel does not require the use of expensive machines.

After a day of consignment shopping, Dryel was an easy option that removed dirt and debris from my new items. They were placed on a hanger after 15 minutes with the use of Dryel products.

To learn more about Dryel products and use, click here.

Sponsored Post – Dryel Ambassador