Tag: Lifestyle

Lifestyle /

Tips for Hosting Guests At Your Home

As soon as you move into your own home you will start hosting guests. Hosting is great fun, it gives you a chance to show off the place that you live as well as socialize and enjoy spending time with your loved ones. There are so many different ways to host a guest, you can have them over for a movie night, a games night, to try out new recipes (if you want to try something new here is a quiche recipe anyone can make or so simple catch-up and hear how they have been.

Photo by fauxels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-people-making-toast-3184183/ 

When hosting guests at your home, there are plenty of things to think about – making sure your house is tidy, ensuring it smells nice, having plenty of drinks available, and so on. To help you with the next time you host, here are some of our top tips. 

Give yourself plenty of time to tidy 

Everyone is conscious of how their house looks, especially when they have guests over. When you know you are going to be hosting someone, give yourself plenty of time to spring clean and tidy. Depending on what you are planning, the last thing you want to do is be stressed and have to urgently clean, tidy as well as cook. 

Your house smell says a lot 

Just like the shoes you wear when you meet someone, the smell of your house says a lot about you. On top of giving yourself plenty of time to tidy, make a conscious effort to remove any bad odors in your home. Room sprays are a great way to add a luxurious smell to your home and so to are diffusers and candles. Depending on your budget, you can buy affordable ones as well as more expensive ones. 

Have plenty of drinks available 

You don’t want your guests to be thirsty when you are hosting them. A day or two before they arrive, do an online order and select plenty of drink options that they can enjoy when round. Ensure you have alcoholic drinks as well as non-alcoholic drinks available in case someone isn’t drinking that day. If you have the time, mocktails are a great way to treat guests as well as impress them. With a quick Google, you’ll find a whole plethora of recipes to try out – some simple, some more complex. Instagram is a great place to investigate. 

Put your guests’ needs first 

Remember when hosting, your guests come first. Before they arrive, have a conversation with them about anything they may require – dietary requirements, drink tastes, dessert options, etc. You want to leave them impressed when they leave and the best way to do this is for them to leave impressed. 

We hope these tips give you some inspiration when hosting guests at your home. What tips do you have for hosting guests at your home? Which of the tips above did you find most useful? Is there anything you think we should add to the list? Please let us know in the comment box below, we look forward to hearing from you. 

Beauty /

What Are The Best Confidence Boosting Ideas To Try

Confidence is something that everyone can make use of in their lives, no matter what they do or what their personalities are like. Some people seem to have confidence already, but a lot of people need to boost their confidence to get it to a good level that will help them when it comes to getting a job, interacting with people, and generally being more successful in life.

Featured Image from GLAMOUR

Of course, knowing that you need to get more confident and actually doing this are two different things, and it’s not easy to know what you should be doing to help yourself get the most out of life. With that in mind, here are some ideas that you can get started with, and once you put them into action, you should be able to boost your confidence a little at a time.

Photo by Engin Akyurt

Change Your Appearance

One of the biggest reasons people might have to feel less confident about themselves is their appearance. Although most other people probably wouldn’t notice an issue, almost everyone has something about themselves they don’t like, and by changing this thing or making the best of it if you can’t do anything about it, your confidence levels are sure to be boosted.

One thing you can do is to change your wardrobe. By updating your clothes, trying out new fashion trends, and really finally finding your personal style, you’ll feel a lot more confident every time you get dressed, helping you to be happy in most situations you find yourself in. Remember that although style is important, wearing clothes you like and that you’re comfortable in is also important. Take some time to explore different styles, experiment with colours and patterns, and wear what makes you happy.

You can also change your hairstyle, and it’s best to visit a professional if you feel this is the right thing for you to do. Having great hair is definitely something that boosts confidence; just think of how amazing you feel when you walk out of the salon with a fresh cut and perhaps a new colour – why not give yourself that treat and boost your confidence at the same time?

If you really want to make a change, a mini facelift could be the answer; you can get more information about the procedure here. You’ll certainly need to research what happens and the benefits, but it could be exactly what you need to take your confidence to the next level.

Take Up Hobbies Or Work On Old Ones

When you are able to take part in hobbies you love or have always been interested in, this can be another wonderful (and fun) way to increase how confident you feel in yourself. Think about what you might like to do or consider old hobbies you don’t do anymore but that you’d like to get back into. Whether it’s painting, playing a musical instrument, cooking, writing, or anything else, when you do an activity that you can enjoy and get a sense of accomplishment from, you’ll see that you are capable of achieving things, and this will obviously make you feel more confident – you’ll be less worried about making a mistake or not getting very far.

As well as this, sometimes confidence can come from just getting better at your talents and skills. This is why it can be a good idea to go back to hobbies you used to do and start again – or pick up where you left off if that is something you feel confident in – you can see how this is so important in life – doing.

Get Fit

Doing exercise doesn’t just help when it comes to your physical fitness, but it can also have a big impact on your mental and emotional state. That’s because when you engage in regular exercise, your body will release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters in the body. You’ll feel good and get a great sense of well-being at the same time as making yourself fitter and healthier. This feeling of positivity will improve your confidence.

Another way that getting fit will improve your confidence links back to the idea of changing your appearance. When you get fit, you will lose weight, and your skin will look healthier because of better circulation. If this was something that was worrying you and making you less confident when you interacted with other people, it won’t be an issue anymore.

It’s not just about exercise either; making small changes in your lifestyle that mean you become healthier (changes like giving up smoking, eating more fresh food, drinking less alcohol, and so on) will also boost your confidence and help you live a better life.

Beauty /

Reality Star Destiny Payton Selected As Newest Ambassador for Atlanta Fibroid Center 

According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 80% of women will have uterine fibroids before reaching the age of 50, with an even larger percentage in African American women. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) pioneer Dr. John Lipman, MD, FSIR, is continuing to lead the charge in educating women about non-surgical treatment options for fibroids by signing Serial Entrepreneur, Singer, and Love and Marriage: Huntsville cast member Destiny Payton as an ambassador for the Atlanta Fibroid Center. As an ambassador, Destiny will publicly speak regarding her personal journey with fibroids and increase the awareness of nonsurgical treatment options like UFE. Dr. Lipman and Destiny initially met in 2022 while attending Cynthia Bailey’s4th Annual Fibroid Awareness Brunch, where Destiny became inspired to speak transparently on her personal struggle with fibroids and infertility. Cynthia Bailey found her fibroid relief with UFE with Dr. Lipman which was chronicled on Season 6 of Real Housewives of Atlanta.

“I’m so excited about this journey. I’ve been speaking with so many women who are in need of this information.” – Destiny Payton

Destiny is one of many African American women who suffered from uterine fibroids and was told by a previous doctor that a hysterectomy was her best option for treatment. Destiny understood that hysterectomy was a permanent solution, but losing her uterus was too big a price to pay; even if she didn’t have a child. Fortunately, she held out and was blessed with a son (who’s now 2 years old). “The doctor told me a hysterectomy was my best treatment option, and I just did not believe that. It felt like a fear tactic”, says Destiny.

“Numerous studies have shown that most women suffering with uterine fibroids will be given only the surgical options and not told about UFE”, says Dr. Lipman. “The uterus provides many other important functions outside of childbearing. Women should not have to lose their uterus in order to successfully treat a benign condition (fibroids). Women are entitled to know all of their options and not just the surgical ones.” Dr. Lipman speaks from over 30 years of experience, as the Founder and Medical Director of the Atlanta Fibroid Center, a state-of-the-art medical facility specializing in the non-surgical treatment of uterine fibroids. To date, Dr. Lipman has performed close to 10,000 uterine fibroid embolization procedures (UFEs), making him the world’s most experienced UFE physician. With Destiny on board, it is hoped that awareness for the UFE procedure and its accessibility will be enhanced greatly.

Dr. Lipman and Destiny have created ‘Dear Destiny’, a weekly Instagram livestream where they will connect and answer questions regarding uterine fibroids and procedures available to treat them. The livestreams will premiere in Summer 2023. Additionally, Destiny is offering a giveaway for a livestream participant to receive a free consultation by Dr. Lipman at the Atlanta Fibroid Center. “Our goal is to specifically target women who do not have accessibility to medical options outside of having hysterectomies and major surgeries”, says Dr. Lipman. For more information on fibroids, the UFE procedure, and updates, visit the official Atlanta Fibroid Center website at www.ATLii.com,and by following Dr. John Lipman on Instagram @dr_lipman.

All media inquiries should be directed to PRTeam@epimediagroup.com.

Entertainment /

American Rock Legend STYX Performs At Wild Adventures Theme Park

Wild Adventures Theme Park

The Wild Adventures LIVE! concert series presented by Valdosta TKO Nissan continues Saturday, April 22 as STYX takes the stage at the Wild Adventures Amphitheater.

American rock legends and multimillion-selling group STYX have recently released their 16th studio album The Mission. Drawing from over four decades of barn-burning chart hits, joyous singalongs, and hard-driving deep cuts, STYX promises an unforgettable performance for fans of all ages. Audiences can look forward to hits such as “Lady”, “Blue Collar Man”, “Lady”, “Come Sail Away” and “Renegade” to the Wild Adventures Amphitheater stage.

The concert is scheduled for Saturday, April 22 at 8 p.m. General Admission to the concert is included free with a 2023 Season Pass, and Gold and Diamond Passholders can purchase Reserved Concert Seats for just $5 in advance. Guests who do not have a 2023 Season Pass can purchase General Admission to the concert for $10 and Reserved Concert Seats for as low as $15 as an additional cost to park admission.

Before the STYX concert, guests can enjoy a live performance from Jacksonville, Florida southern rock group Whiskey Heart at the Water’s Edge Stage from 4 to 7 p.m. “Water’s Edge Brews and Bites serves freshly baked hand-rolled pretzels, local draft beer from Georgia Beer Company and refreshing wine slushies,” said Adam Floyd, sales and marketing director. “It’s the perfect spot to relax along the lake with refreshments and live music in between thrills and splashes in the park and a world-class concert from STYX.”

Families can enjoy every Wild Adventures LIVE! concert and unlimited visits to Wild Adventures Theme Park and Splash Island Water Park all season with a 2023 Season Pass on sale now at WildAventures.com.

Wild Adventures Theme Park is located at the halfway point between Atlanta, Ga. and Orlando, Fl. off Interstate 75 and is home to more than 40 family and thrill rides, hundreds of exotic animals, dozens of concerts and special events each year and Splash Island Waterpark, named as one of the “Top 30 Waterparks” in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Wild Adventures is ranked as one of the Most Affordable Theme Parks in America by Travel + Leisure, one of the Top 10 Most Affordable Water and Theme Parks in the U.S. by AOL.com and the Top Theme Park Deal in Georgia by Yahoo! Finance.

Beauty /

5 Essential Self-Care Practices to Thrive in Your 40s

As we age, it is important to prioritize our physical and mental well-being. Self-care in our 40s is essential for leading a healthy and balanced life. Taking the time to practice self-care can have many benefits, such as improved physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. It can also help reduce stress levels, improve relationships with others, and increase productivity. By taking the time to focus on ourselves in our 40s, we can ensure that we are living our best lives for years to come.

1. Eat Healthy Foods for Optimal Health

Eating healthy is essential for optimal health, especially in your 40s. As you age, the body’s nutritional needs change and it is important to ensure that you get the right balance of nutrients from your diet. Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats will help to maintain energy levels and keep your body functioning at its best. Here are some tips for making smart, healthy choices:

– Strive for variety in your diet, eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables every day.

– Make sure that you are also getting more than the recommended minimum daily intake of fresh fruit and vegetables.

– Don’t rely on protein to make up most of your diet; it’s better to eat more whole grains high in fiber.

– Aim for at least half the amount of whole-grain food that you eat each day.

A good rule of thumb is to try and eat something made from whole grain every 3 or 4 hours during the day.

2. Create a Personalized Exercise Plan that Works Best For You

It’s never too late to start a fitness routine, especially if you’re over forty. With the right exercises and plan, you can become more physically fit and improve your overall health. But what are the best exercises for busy adults over forty? You do not have to slug it out in the gym every single day.

Make sure that whatever activity you choose, you get at least 20-40 minutes of exercising. Make it a routine and a habit in order to ensure that it helps you achieve your fitness goals. You can try activities such as swimming, biking, yoga, running, or even hiking. All of these will also help you get out in nature.

3. Get Quality Sleep Every Night

Quality sleep is essential for adults over forty to stay healthy and energized. Not getting enough sleep can lead to serious health problems, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. It also affects our mental health, causing us to feel anxious and depressed. To get quality sleep every night, it’s important for adults over forty to follow certain sleeping habits and tips that will help them get better rest each night.

Do not use any electronics at least one hour prior to when you are supposed to sleep. Use your bedroom only for sleeping and not for other activities such as work and eating food. Try to establish a bedtime routine that consists of taking a shower, doing some skincare, and reading a book in order to get in bed.

4. Get Checked Regularly

As we age, our health can start to decline. That’s why it’s so important to get regular checkups in your 40s and beyond. Getting checked regularly is key for identifying any potential health issues before they become serious and can help you stay healthy and active as you get older.

A woman’s risk for breast cancer increases with age, which is why they should get checked every 6 months.

As for men, testosterone replacement therapy and aging are directly related since testosterone levels in men decline with age. Low testosterone can lead to fatigue, depression, weight gain, and decreased libido. By getting regular checkups, you can make sure that your testosterone levels are within normal range and take action if they are not. Regular checkups also help identify other medical conditions that may be causing symptoms similar to low testosterone levels.

5. Take Time to Relax and Recharge

For adults over forty, taking the time to relax and recharge is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As we age, our bodies and minds are more prone to stress, which can lead to physical and mental health issues. To combat this, it’s important to take the time to de-stress and unwind after a stressful day. Try to take out time for yourself that is away from work and personal commitments. Strive to give yourself a break at least once a week so that you do not burn out. Try to develop some hobbies that make you happy and keep you busy.

It is important to take good care of yourself in your 40s so that you age well. Use this list to help you figure out the areas you have been lacking in to help you improve your quality of life.

Beauty /

Covergirl Alexis Skyy: Journey to Transformation, Healing, and Success

Alexis Skyy

Pivoting from a cast member of Love and Hip-Hop to the emerging multifaceted businesswoman gracing our timelines today, Alexis Skyy literally started her spiritual transformation right before our eyes. Accrediting her daughter with being a major influence for her holistic transformation, she has intuitively created the haircare line, The Hair Pot as an initial generational wealth builder for her firstborn Alaiya Grace.

Not only is Alexis curating ventures in hair care, real estate investment, and fashion, but the highlight of her journey is she is bringing other women along for the ride to spiritual healing. Creating safe, digital, and in-person spaces for trauma survivors to speak openly of their past experiences, Alexis is utilizing her platform of over 5 million followers to be an inspiration to women young and old.

Birmingham /

Access205- #1 Entertainment Guide in Birmingham: Orchestra Noir Returns to the Magic City

The Magic City welcomes Orchestra Noir, The Atlanta African-American Orchestra!  This exciting performance is scheduled for Friday, February 17th, 2023 at the Alabama Theater, located at 1817 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203.

Orchestra Noir has high-energy reviews with audiences saying, “You will not be disappointed in the musical experience of this all-black symphony!”  With previous performances throughout the southeast, the magical sounds being played are infused with all genres of blues, classical, hip-hop, and jazz; definitely a treat for the city of Birmingham.  Directed by the conductor, composer, and arranger, Jason Ikeem Rodgers the Orchestra Noir performance has received numerous awards such as Best of Atlanta:  Classical Meets Contemporary.  Attendees are encouraged to have a good time; dance, relax, and sing to the melodic tunes.
Tickets to attend this must-see event can be purchased on Ticketmaster with prices ranging from $29 – $89 (and up.)  Don’t miss out on attending, click on the link here to purchase online.

Orchestra Noir was founded in 2016 by Maestro Jason Ikeem Rodgers. Through orchestral performance, Orchestra Noir celebrates the cultural achievements of African-American music pioneers across all genres of music including classical, jazz, blues, hip-hop, and R&B. Orchestra Noir has witnessed a meteoric rise to be one of the most talked about orchestras in the nation, as it continues to successfully bring orchestral music to a diverse audience in grand and spectacular fashion.

Awarded ‘Best of Atlanta: Classical Meets Contemporary’ by Atlanta Magazine, Orchestra Noir has worked on projects with global brands such as Time Warner, NBC Universal, Atlantic Records, Lionsgate, YouTube Music, BET, OWN Network, the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and countless more. In addition, Orchestra Noir has worked with international hip-hop stars 2Chainz, Migos, and 9x Grammy Award-winning super-producer Bryan-Michael Cox. Orchestra Noir has been covered in prominent media publications such as The Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Atlanta Magazine, Good Day Atlanta, CBS Radio, The Atlanta Modern-Luxury, Birmingham Times, and many more.
Birmingham /

Civitas Celebrates First Anniversary with Free Event

Cheers to one year! Civitas restaurant and bar is marking its first anniversary with an evening of incredible wine and food Tonight, February 1st, from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Enjoy top-notch wines from Rush Wines out of Irondale and delicious light bites from Civitas’ Chef Jamahl Payne. The event is free to attend, and guests are encouraged to continue the celebration with an intimate dinner, for which reservations are available from 5:00 pm.

Opened in February of 2022, Civitas was started by Tonya Jones and her husband, Bryan Combs, hoping to unite the community through the power of food. Civitas means ‘for the citizens’ and provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere for Birmingham residents to enjoy.

Birmingham /

Give Hope to Children this Holiday Season with Food Donations

Do your part this holiday season and help children in your community! Selena Rodgers Dickerson, President of SARCOR, LLC, is hosting Hope for the Holidays. This annual event serves as a networking function for the local business community while providing a medium to bring easy-to-open, non-perishable food for children who rely on daily school meals and would likely go without regular meals during the holiday break.

This year’s goal is to provide resources for the i3 Academy Food Pantry. In addition, attendees will be given the option to provide easy-to-open non-perishable food items, Publix gift cards, or monetary contributions that can be used at the school’s discretion.

SARCOR strives to do its part to curb child hunger and bridge the gap so children can focus on being children for Christmas.

The event will take place on Tuesday, December 6th, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at i3 Academy on 230 49th Street N., Birmingham, AL 35212.

Who: Selena Rodgers Dickerson, SARCOR, LLC

What: Hope for the Holidays

When: Tuesday, December 6th, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Where: i3 Academy Elementary School Gymnasium Selena R. Dickerson is the president of SARCOR, LLC, located in Birmingham, Alabama. She strives to educate others on how to become successful business owners.

Her mission is to utilize her expertise to leverage strategic solution-based diverse, equitable, and inclusive initiatives through business endeavors, philanthropy, integrity, and spirituality.

Lifestyle /

Learn and Network Virtually at the 2022 Women|Future Conference

Hundreds of women professionals will gather virtually at the fifth annual Women|Future Conference from November 8-10. 

The Women|Future Conference is a professional and personal development, learning, and networking conference hosted by The Stevie® Awards, the world’s premier business awards. Attendees return to the conference year after year to be inspired, build resilience, and share insights into changes that impact their industries, their careers, and their lives. 

The agenda features over 20 panels, workshops, and breakout sessions hosted by 80 women CEOs, founders, small business owners, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, coaches, and executives from organizations such as Accenture, Goldman Sachs, Hilton, HUGO BOSS, IBM, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Nestle, T-Mobile, and others. 

Each session falls within one of seven tracks:

  1. Leadership
  2. Entrepreneurship
  3. Future of Work
  4. Marketing
  5. Personal Development
  6. Technology
  7. Workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

The sessions are designed for professionals in all stages of their careers to learn and share what’s working in their organizations, troubleshoot the challenges they collectively face, and make meaningful connections.

Below is a partial list of the 2022 Women|Future Conference panels, sessions, and workshops. 

  • KEYNOTE: Dream Big & Chase It, by Rashmi Verma, Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion at HUGO BOSS
  • Building Your Community of Mentors​​​​​​​​
  • Cultivating an Inclusive Workplace: How Diversity Creates Opportunity​​​​​​​​
  • FearLESS: Facing Adversity ​​​​​​​​
  • Generational Work Styles: Understanding the Old and the New​​​​​​​​
  • ‘Shark Tank’ style pitch competition for newly founded woman-owned businesses​​​​​​​​
  • Silencing Self Doubt: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome​​​​​​​​
  • Strategic Storytelling: Advertising and PR Tactics for Your Business​​​​​​​​
  • The Balancing Act: Self-Care and a Sustainable Work Life
  • The Next Generation of Tech​​​​​​​​
  • The Ever-changing World of Social Media
  • The Evolution of Connection: In-person vs Virtual Networking
  • The Snowball Effect: How Women-Led Businesses Create an Impact
  • Think Like an Investor: How to Get the Funding You Deserve​​​​​​​​
  • Turning Passion into Profit
  • …and many more

Browse the full agenda to explore the sessions occurring each day, including pre-conference sessions on November 7.

The Women|Future Conference Senior Manager of Events, Ruslana Milikhiker, remarked on the transformation since the first annual Women|Future Conference;

“In 2018, the Women|Future Conference was created to complement the highly successful Stevie® Awards for Women in Business competition to give high-achieving women professionals, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs a place to come together, share ideas, and network.” 

Nina Moore, the Director of Marketing & Communications, added, 

“Today, the Women|Future Conference serves women on a larger scale. Our conference tagline Cultivate Your Tomorrow was added in 2020. We chose this phrase because the conference encourages attendees to not only embrace their tomorrow, but to tackle career, personal, and life goals. The Women|Future Conference goes beyond the changing business landscape and focuses on current issues we all face as working women.”

Conference Registration

Tickets for the 2022 Women|Future Conference are available on the conference registration page.

  • Get $15 off registration by using promo code [YOUR CODE] at checkout
  • Groups of three (3) or more who register together get 10% savings with our group discount
  • Student tickets are $39, with proof of a valid student ID

To learn more about the conference, keynote, other speakers, and registration, visit www.womenfuturconference.com. 

For press and media inquiries, contact Nina@stevieawards.com.