Tag: Summer 2017

Lifestyle Tips /

The Westin Jackson Announces its Luxury, Resort-Style Soul Spa

Wischermann Partners, Inc. is thrilled to announce today the spa concept for The Westin Jackson, opening early August 2017 in the heart of downtown Jackson. Soul Spa, The Westin Jackson’s newest luxurious spa and the only spa ESPA provider in the state of Mississippi, will offer guests and locals an extensive array of services and amenities including massages, facials, body treatments and nail services upon opening.

“Soul Spa is the perfect combination of a thoughtful, resort-concept design in an ultra-urban setting,” says Mike Burton, general manager of The Westin Jackson. “This new element of The Westin Jackson will be another highly sought-after destination in Jackson for relaxation and wellness, and we are excited to share Soul Spa with the community and our guests.”

An oasis of beauty and tranquility, Soul Spa will offer guests the highest quality services within a modern and sophisticated urban setting.  Soul Spa will consist of seven treatment rooms, manicure and pedicure stations adjacent to the reception area, sauna, experience showers and an outdoor courtyard with a whirlpool.  The spa is partnered with United Kingdom-based ESPA to carry their premier product line, and is the only ESPA provider in Mississippi. ESPA has pioneered the science of natural beauty in a potent collection of radically effective formulations featuring products derived from essential oils, plant extracts and marine actives at the hands of highly trained professionals.

“We are delighted to be opening Jackson’s newest downtown oasis, Soul Spa,” said Paul Wischermann, President and CEO of Wischermann Partners, Inc. “Whether you are looking to indulge in a full spa day experience, or are in need of a quick service in between meetings, Soul Spa’s world-class service caters to the needs of Jackson visitors and locals.”

Guests and locals can deeply unwind with the ultimate 110-minute stress-relieving Signature Body treatment, featuring a full body exfoliation, facial cleanse and individually tailored massage with warm aromatherapy oils. The EPIC Life-Stage Facial allows guests to turn back years in just 80 minutes as the results-driven facial instantly works to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, restores elasticity and returns skin to a more youthful appearance. This ESPA signature facial includes the exclusive SkinVision™ UV lamp analysis, deep-brush cleanse, Skin Radiance Mask, contouring facial massage techniques, Lifting & Smoothing Mask, scalp massage, and Life-Stage intensive serums and moisturizers. Couples can find the perfect way to escape in Soul Spa’s exclusive couple’s room for the Signature Couples treatment. After enjoying the sauna or outdoor whirlpool, couples can melt away tension with body brushing and exfoliation to first smooth and soften skin, followed by an indulgent massage using nourishing essential oils and warmed volcanic stones, and finished with a comforting scalp massage and gentle stretching.

Light food and beverage fare will be available in the relaxation room and outdoor courtyard during spa operating hours and will focus on fresh, healthy and revitalizing foods along with a daily selection of fruit smoothies. A selection of champagne and wine will also be available for those guests looking to relax with an alcoholic beverage including bachelorette parties, couple’s treatments and festive weekend getaways. Non-hotel guests visiting the spa will also be given complimentary valet parking and access to the WestinWorkout facility and indoor pool.

For more information, please visit http://www.westinjackson.com/.

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About The Westin Jackson

The Westin Jackson, set to open in early August 2017, offers 12,000 square feet of highly functional meeting space and 203 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites. Featuring a unique wine bar & bistro restaurant concept and state-of-the-art spa, The Westin Jackson will celebrate the history and culture of Jackson, MS, also known as the birthplace of America’s music. Marking the brand’s debut in the state, The Westin Jackson will be ideally located in the heart of downtown Jackson and within walking distance to the Mississippi Museum of Art, the Federal Courthouse, the Planetarium and the historic music and arts theatre, Thalia Mara Hall. Also within one block from the hotel, the Jackson Convention Complex features over 300,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibit space for convention attendees.

 

 

 

 

 

Beauty /

Essence Festival 2017 – Media Passes & Lineup

Essence Festival 2017 is only a few weeks away and we have received official media passes.  What does that mean?  Style + Life + Fashion will share behind the scenes style photos, celebrity interviews, and video clips.

Aside from real-time micro blogging via social media (don’t forget to follow the hashtag #EssenceFestSLF ) there will be an official event recap sharing details from the Beauty and Style Expo, Entertainment Access, and much more.

The 2017 Lineup will include:

If you like this post, click here – What To Wear:  6 Tips For Music Festival Season

Lifestyle Tips /

Belle de Brillet Summertime Sippers

From BBQs to days at the pool, summer is the ultimate time to entertain. Make a statement at your next gathering by using interesting, versatile spirits to create delicious cocktails for your guests.

One spirit to try at your next get-together is the award winning Belle de Brillet, the original Pear Williams & Brillet Cognac Liqueur, produced by the 10th generation family-owned Maison Brillet. Located in the heart of the Cognac region, Belle de Brillet (SRP $25.99 in a 375ml or SRP $45.99 in a 750ml ) is a pear liqueur produced through the infusion of Brillet cognac with the essence of Williams Pears, produced mainly in the east of France. The liqueur is served in an elegant pear-shaped bottle, which will add charm to your summer spread.

“Belle de Brillet Pear Liqueur provides a wonderful natural sweetness. I like to use it in place of sugar or simple syrup; the fresh pear flavors and aromas combine with the cognac mouthfeel is a delicious addition to many favorite summertime cocktails,” explains NYC-based Mixologist Jaime Rios.  Listed below are three specialty cocktails created by Jaime to beat the heat and kick off your summer entertaining. Each recipe can be easily prepared ahead of time for guests and can be paired with summer salads, seafood dishes and light BBQ, or enjoyed on its own.

  • Belle of the Ball
  • 1.5 oz. Belle de Brillet Liqueur
  • 1.0 oz. Light Rum
  • 0.75 oz. Lime Juice
  • 3 Raspberries
  • Club Soda
  • Sprig of Rosemary
  • Add raspberries, ice and alcohol ingredients into a shaker. Shake and strain into a highball with fresh ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with rosemary sprig.
  • Brilliant Belle
  • 1.0 oz. Belle de Brillet Liqueur
  • 0.5 oz. Lime Juice
  • 1.5 oz. Premium Vodka
  • 0.25 oz. Green Chartreuse
  • 3 dashes Orange Bitters
  • 3 Red Grapes
  • 1 Basil Leaf
  • Muddle red grapes and a basil leaf in a shaker then add all ingredients. Shake and evenly strain to the rim of the martini glass. Garnish with basil leaf.
  • Summer in the City
  • 1.0 oz. Belle de Brillet Liqueur
  • 0.5 oz. Lime Juice
  • 2.0 oz. Joto Junmai Sake
  • Cucumber Slices
  • Mint Leaves
  • Muddle cucumber and mint and add all ingredients with ice into tin shaker. Shake and strain into a highball glass with crushed ice. Garnish with mint sprig and cucumber.

 

Beauty /

7 Do’s for a Sexy Decolletage

For women of all ages, sallow, dull, or creppy skin can make the chest area or décolletage appear older than it is. Factor in side-sleeping where for hours at a time, your breasts are at battle with gravity leading to deeper lines in the neck and chest. Luckily, there are advancements and solutions available to bring back the glow to the beautiful feminine décolletage. Dr. Lenny Hochstein, world renowned board-certified plastic surgeon based in Miami, Florida and owner of the city’s newest state-of-the-art Hochstein MedSpa, and his team of licensed aestheticians, offer insights on how to achieve and maintain a sexy décolletage.

  1. Go topical.

There are plenty of things women can do to prevent chest area skin from aging such as applying high-quality, medical-grade skin care products. There are plenty of wrinkle creams on the market. The key is to look for ones with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, retinol, Vitamin C and E, and growth factors. These will reduce the appearance of wrinkles. “This is great for prevention and maintenance. Using creams in your 20’s and 30’s really does help skin retain elasticity and its ability to produce collagen,” explains Larisa Belyakova, Hochstein MedSpa licensed aesthetician.

  1. Consider lasers.

Lasers will certainly offer that healthy glow, since they are the most powerful tool to address both discoloration and texture imperfections.

“One of the lasers we have had success with in the chest region is the HALO treatment, the world’s first hybrid fractional laser. It’s strong! Results to skin tone and texture are visible after the first treatment,” explains Dr. Lenny Hochstein who prides himself on being incredibly selective about the results-driven treatments he offers. “The HALO is a type of a fractional laser which allows us to obtain optimal results with reduced healing time,” he adds.

There are other options as well. “The other device used for chest rejuvenation is called BBL (broad band light). This treatment is the most effective on the market for clearing up sun damage spots and reducing redness,” adds Jenya Titova, Hochstein’s certified Physician’s Assistant who vast expertise in lasers spans 12 years.

An issue of concern to women are stretch marks to the breast area. “Another laser often used on the chest area is E-matrix. This technology reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks on the breast,” Jenya adds.

  1. Try a chemical peel and/or a microdermabrasion.

If the skin itself is supple, microdermabrasion could work very well to address skin elasticity, texture, tone and overall appearance. It’s a less expensive option than lasers. Chemical peels work at the cellular level, smoothing the fine lines in the chest area with very little downtime. There are varying strengths available so it is very important to have an experienced person administer peels. Microdermabrasion and peels are usually recommended in packages of 3 or 4, performed several weeks apart.

 

  1. Hydrafacial

 

This is of the newest treatments that brings out the healthy radiance and glow to the skin of the décolletage area. “It is a high- tech equipment operated procedure that includes several steps, such as deep cleansing, exfoliation, antiaging light treatment and application of powerful antioxidants. Well hydrated and nourished skin on the chest is the immediate and lasting result of this treatment,” explains Hochstein MedSpa Licensed aesthetician, Capri Colello.

 

  1.  Micro-needling

 

Micro-needling is a process where a small roller is rolled over the skin creating tiny punctures in the top skin layer. This phase of the treatment triggers a wound healing response in the body. Collagen levels are boosted as the skin regenerates itself leading to skin thickening, scars fading and smoothing of fine lines. Peptides and antioxidant serums are applied and massaged into the skin at the end. “What’s interesting to note about micro-needling is that the skin is essentially put into a healing, rejuvenation mode lasting for several months after the first session takes place. Skin looks better over time. To maintain results it’s advised to repeat the treatment at least 3-4 times,” advises Hochstein.

  1. PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)

Microneedling described above, can be enhanced with a very powerful collagen building treatment using your own plasma. “The treatment requires that we draw a small blood sample to extract the concentrated platelet cells out of it. These cells have a natural ability of healing by building new elastic and collagen layer. Fine lines and wrinkles on the chest respond wonderfully to this procedure, with no discomfort, side effects or downtime” says Dr. Hochstein.

  1. Get smart about sunscreen.

Regardless of what treatment option you choose optimal skin protection is key. “You go through a series of treatments. The last thing you want to do is damage skin and get into this cycle of damage, treat, damage treat,” explains Dr. Hochstein. “You can’t invest $6000 on skin treatments and think a $9.00 bottle of basic sunscreen is going to protect you,” he adds. Any physician will suggest using a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. “The best results are found when the patient ‘protects the procedure’ and takes preventative measures recommended by their skin care professional,” he recommends.

About the experts:

Dr. Lenny Hochstein is a board certified plastic surgeon in Miami, Florida. World renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, symmetry and overall excellence, including published scientific papers, awards, early entry directly into medical school where he graduated valedictorian; Dr. Hochstein has two decades of experience, over 23,000 surgeries with breast augmentation as his main specialty. His dual accreditation of American Board of Plastic Surgery and American Society of Plastic Surgeons speaks to his high standards and reputation of providing exceptional care to all his patients. In 2017, Dr. Lenny Hochstein added Hochstein MedSpa to his Miami practice to offer lesser invasive treatments and anti-aging solutions adhering to the same values of high standards and quality. Anyone selected to be on his team must be exceptional, credentialed and committed to offering excellent care.

Jenya Titova, board certified Physician Assistant with 12 years of experience in aesthetic field, is Dr. Hochstein’s right hand at Hochstein MedSpa. She is highly skilled in areas of laser medicine and injectable treatments. His wonderful licensed aestheticians, Larisa Belyakova and Capri Colello are also great assets of his skin care team, delivering personalized, quality-driven approach to their patients.

Beauty /

Make a Splash at the Beach This Summer – 7 Cosmetic Procedures That Will Get You Swimsuit Ready

Swimsuit season can be a reason to show off the body in an itsy bitsy bikini or grab the terrycloth cover-up. Suddenly, those spider veins, bulges and sagging body parts that have been hiding under layers of winter clothes are on full display.

Photo Credit:  People Style.com

The impulse is to jump start a diet and exercise plan. The reality, however, is no Pilates class or low carb diet can fix Aunt Ellen’s saddlebags or your mother’s size A cup breasts. Genetics and age-related hormonal changes will always be at work.

Thanks to advances in cosmetic surgery there are plenty of procedures that can enhance your appearance. Here, just in time for summer, are seven of the most popular, some of which are so minimally invasive you can hit the beach within a few days of being treated.

 

The Lunchtime Quickie

If you’re close to your ideal body weight but fighting fat on your thighs, tummy, flanks, bra roll or arms, Coolsculpting is an option. This FDA approved technology safety and effectively freezes fat to improve the contour of those nasty bumps and bulges that are resistant to exercise and diet. Within four to 12 weeks after the treatment, the body eliminates the crystallized frozen cells, giving patients visible and long-lasting results.

“Because Coolsculpting only takes a couple hours, this is one of the procedures patients can do on their lunch hour and then head back to work,” says Dr. George Bitar, an award-winning plastic surgeon based in Northern Virginia who has performed more than 10,000 cosmetic surgeries.

For stubborn fat, a more aggressive approach would be liposuction. The results are immediate and allow for better contouring. Doctors can even use the liposuction for abdominal etching, creating a perfectly natural looking six-pack abs in roughly an hour.

Get a Smooth Tummy and Defined Arms

With significant weight loss, pregnancy and aging it’s not uncommon to have loose skin. “A tummy tuck, which takes roughly two to three hours, will tighten the abdominal muscles to create that firm, sleek stomach, and waistline.”, says Dr. Larry Lickstein, a Harvard-educated, board certified plastic surgeon at the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute in Northern Virginia. For that hanging skin that looks like “bat wings,” an arm lift is often advised. It involves removing excess skin and residual fat to create a firmer arm. It can even be combined with liposuction for a more defined look.

Before and After: Tummy Tuck

Show Off Your Cleavage

Google trends report breast augmentation is highest between June and August. For the procedure, the scar can be placed either in the under-arm (axillary), the crease under the breast, or at the lower border of the areola.

According to Dr. Bitar, who specializes in the auxiliary breast augmentation, there are many advantages to this approach. “Muscle and breast tissue are not cut, there is also minimal bleeding, less scarring and a shorter recovery time with minimal complications,” he says. “The milk ducts are not touched, so the risk of losing the ability to breast feed after a breast implant with this approach is negligible.”

Look Good Coming and Going

Women now not only want to be fit and toned, but they want Kim Kardashian’s derriere. The Brazilian butt lift is a relatively simple procedure where the fat is harvested from the belly and around the buttocks through liposuction and reinjected to create a heart or ideal round shape. The procedure yields natural results with minimal recovery time.

Wear Short Shorts with Style

Dread showing your legs? There are vein treatments to fix those ugly blue and red veins that spread across your legs as you age. Sclerotherapy, for example, involves injecting the veins with a saline solution. The veins then scar and are reabsorbed into the body. In most cases, the treated veins will fade within a few weeks.

Finally, before you undergo any procedure, do your research. Make sure the surgeon has done hundreds if not thousands of procedures and is affiliated with a good hospital. Also, think twice before traveling abroad for cheaper surgery. As Dr. Bitar advises his patients, “Three things you don’t want to compromise on: your parachute, your scuba gear, and your plastic surgery!”

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Accessories /

Curate Your Summer Looks with Ann Taylor – From the Beach to the Boardroom

The summer social scene is in full swing, and it’s time to update your wardrobe and start planning for the events ahead whether they take you to the beach, BBQ or boardroom.

 

Below, please find three curated outfits from an Ann Taylor style expert:

A Beach Getaway

Regardless if you are on a romantic getaway, girl’s weekend, or family vacation, a cute summer dress, bold earrings and a beachy clutch are this summer’s must-haves!

Fourth of July

Whether you are spending 4th of July at the beach, in the city, or in your backyard, a classic palette of red, white and blue never fails.

Office Party

Transition from the office into professional eveningwear with a classic blazer, printed pencil skirt and subtle heels.

Fashion /

NSHF and Grandiosity Presents Third Annual “Fashion for Fighters” Gala

Join the Navy Safe Harbor Foundation in partnership with Grandiosity Events for the third annual Fashion for Fighters Gala – an evening of fashion to raise funds for wounded, ill and injured U.S. Navy, Coast Guardsmen and their families. Navy Safe Harbor Foundation (NSHF) is dedicated to supporting the recovery of Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, and their families by assisting them with resources not currently provided by government resources.

Inspired by the growing needs of the military community, NSHF was created to efficiently identify and meet the needs of wounded, ill, and injured Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, Marines and their families. NSHF fills in the gaps of critical non-medical provisions through collaboration with federal and civic resources. Through its efforts, every service member is given an opportunity for full recovery by providing financial assistance, respite care, special equipment, transportation, recreational opportunities, and other services.

All proceeds benefit NSHF, which is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit organization and is not affiliated with the United States Navy, Coast Guard or Department of Defense.  The event is scheduled as follows:

What:

Fashion for Fighters will be the chicest black tie event of the season. Guests will enjoy sponsored fashion shows, silent auctions, raffles with music and entertainment.
When: Saturday, June 10, 2017
Time: 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM EST
Where: New Zealand Embassy, 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008

More About Fashion for Fighters

Fashion for Fighters Foundation has been dedicated to expanding fashion to support wounded, ill, and injured service members through fashion shows and events.  We seek times of comradery and support to raise funds to support those who support us.  Fashion for Fighters, a registered 501(c)(3) in Virginia, is dedicated to supporting the recovery of others by assisting them with resources not currently provided by the government or community.  Our shows have become a fun and fashionable fundraising tradition where guests enjoy unique designs by both prominent and small-businesses.

Contacts

Press
Nika Watkins (404) 808-1605
Public Relations
nikawatkins@gmail.com

Lifestyle Tips /

Thirst-Quenching Beverages for Memorial Day BBQs

It’s time to start planning delicious drink ideas for all your upcoming barbecues and Memorial Day festivities. Skip the calories and keep the flavor with refreshing drink recipes which can be whipped up in a minute’s notice – how convenient!

Melon Mixer

Time to buy that delicious watermelon you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Start with 3oz of Cascade Ice Blueberry Watermelon. Then pour 1oz of club soda. Add several slices of watermelon and blueberries and stir to release the fresh flavor. Voila!

Pomegranate Icer

Pomegranates pack a punch of vitamins and anti-oxidants and now that they are in season, it’s a great time for this refreshing drink. First pour 4oz of Cascade Ice Pomegranate Berry and 1oz of Cascade Ice Strawberry Lemonade into a glass with crushed ice. Top if off with fresh pomegranate seeds for the perfect touch and serve!

Grapefruit-Lemonade Refresher

A BBQ isn’t complete without some ice-cold lemonade! Try the Grapefruit-Lemonade Refresher for a new twist. Start with a chilled glass full of ice and add 3oz of Cascade Ice Grapefruit and 4oz of Cascade Ice Lemonade. Garnish with sliced lemons and a sugar rim.

 

 

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 /

Spring into summer with Caposaldo Cocktails

What better way to cool off during the warm summer months than with a cool and refreshing summer cocktail?

Whether you are grilling in the back yard, throwing a summer party or just chilling out, Caposaldo cocktails are sure to refresh as well as impress.

Feeling inspired? Share your own #CaposaldoWine cocktails with us on Instagram and Facebook @caposaldowine!

To find a retailer near you that sells these wines, please use the Kobrand Wine & Spirits retail locator: Kobrand Retail Locator

 

 

FROZEN PEACH BELLINI

5 oz Caposaldo Sparkling Peach

2 oz Peach Fruit Purée

Ice

GLASS: Coupe Glass

GARNISH: Peach or Strawberry Slice

PREPARATION:

Combine ingredients except ice in blender. Fill serving glass with ice and pour into blender.

Blend until smooth. Pour blended beverage into serving glass. Garnish.

 

BUBBLY RAZZ

4 oz Caposaldo Moscato IGT

1 oz Caposaldo D.O.C Prosecco

Splash of Crème de Cassis

GLASS: Champagne Flute

GARNISH: Fresh Raspberries

PREPARATION:

Pour Moscato and Prosecco into flute, splash Crème de Cassis on top. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

 

WILDBERRY SPARKLING SANGRIA

4 oz Caposaldo Sparkling Peach

1 oz Wildberry Fruit Purée

1.5 oz Cranberry Juice

.5 oz Brandy

GLASS: Red Wine Glass

GARNISH: Whole Berries, Citrus Slices

PREPARATION:

Combine ingredients in shaker in the order listed, minus Caposaldo. Cap and shake vigorously.

Pour into serving glass and add any needed ice. Top with Caposaldo, gently stir to mix and garnish.