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Lifestyle Tips / May 4, 2018

Top Travel Tips For Your Summer Holiday This Year

Many of us love the chance to get away on holiday. An opportunity to put the “out of office” on the email, not think about work and just spend quality time with your nearest and dearest. It is such a liberating feeling to head away on your holidays but sometimes we can make a few errors when it comes to booking and actually getting there. Perhaps we get too wrapped up in all of the excitement of it. So I thought I would share with you some of the top travel tips to help you enjoy your summer holiday this year.

Featured Photo from Oprah.com

Choose your destination wisely and budget

One of the first things you need to consider would be where you want to go and what you want to do. A good way to work this out would also be to consider what budget you have. You may want to think about something luxurious and stay in somewhere like the Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club or you might want to think about something a little more local like a camping trip with all the family, or a road trip somewhere new. This can help you to ensure that you can then plan accordingly for the rest of the trip in terms of itinerary and what you have to spend while you are there.

Consider your outfit options instead of packing everything

While packing, instead of putting anything you think you might wear on holiday in your case, consider your outfits instead. Look at what you plan to do while you are there, the potential weather forecast and then work out what you will wear each day and night and what you might need. This is an excellent way of saving in space and weight and could mean taking less luggage away.

Make sure you take care of your skin while away

It is so important to take care of your skin while away on your holiday as the weather can cause sun damage if your skin is not protected with a high UV protection sunscreen. The last thing anyone wants to do on holiday is burn as it can be very uncomfortable. So make sure you pack plenty of skincare and moisturizers so that your skin doesn’t dry up.

Choose comfort over style for shoes

When it comes to your shoes, make sure that you consider comfort over style for most of your options. We can often fail to predict exactly how long we will be walking or be on our feet for while away, especially if your dinner option in a few minutes walk away. Sometimes it is worth comfort to ensure you remain comfortable on holiday.

Make a list of all the tech and gadget type things you want to take

Finally, make a note of what technology you want to take away with you. From an Ipad to a reading kindle, you may want to think about taking a few things with you. But having a list will also ensure that you pack the necessary batteries and chargers so you are not left stuck while away.

I hope that these tips help you when it comes to traveling on your next summer holiday.

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Lifestyle Tips / April 5, 2018

Montgomery Looks Ahead to Exciting Spring Events Calendar

Springtime offers ideal weather and a jam-packed calendar of events in Montgomery this year. Known for its Southern hospitality and its revitalized downtown, this riverfront capital city was the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and has established itself as a landmark Deep South destination. With a world-class monument and museum opening in April, more visitors than ever will make a stop in Alabama’s capital city to experience the civil rights landmarks, take in the local culture and take part in some exciting events and celebrations.

“This spring will see some long-anticipated developments in our city and we’re looking forward to welcoming many visitors to the city for the very first time,” shares Vice President of Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Dawn Hathcock. “Although many people will be here to experience the brand new EJI Memorial and Legacy Museum, we’re excited to welcome all visitors to our many annual events which give our destination such a unique feel.”

Below is an overview of notable spring events and celebrations in Montgomery:

Maxwell AFB Centennial Celebration, April 6 – 8, 2018 – A full weekend of celebratory events will be held to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the opening of Maxwell Air Force Base. A Montgomery Biscuits baseball game on the 6^th will include military flyovers and a military first pitch. For more information, go to http://www.maxwell.af.mil/Centennial/
Alabama Book Festival, April 21, 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 Miracle Worker. For more information, go to www.asf.net
Grand Opening of the Equal Justice Initiative’s Memorial to Peace and Justice and The Legacy Museum, April 26, 2018 – These two institutions will open to the public for the very first time this April. The memorial, on a six-acre park, is a sacred space for reflection on racial terrorism in America, and the museum, located a short walk away, will use interactive media, sculpture, film, and exhibits to immerse and educate visitors. For more information, go to https://eji.org/news/museum-and-memorial-opening-april-26-2018
24^th Annual Fitzgerald Gala, May 11, 2018 – This annual fundraiser for the Fitzgerald Museum is the social event of the year. Guests arrive decked out in 1920s and 1930s attire to celebrate Montgomery’s favorite literary couple. The event includes live period music, antique cars, and a jaw-dropping Silent Auction. For more information, go to http://www.thefitzgeraldmuseum.org/events.html
Taco Libre Festival, May 12, 2018 – Alabama’s Taco Festival features a wide assortment of tacos from the state’s favorite local taco joints, restaurants and food trucks, along with plenty of refreshing beer and margaritas and musical entertainment. 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/

For more information on Montgomery, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/

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 historical 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 birthplace 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).

Birmingham / February 2, 2018

Discover Cultural Delights in Montgomery: Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery Ballet, and More

Montgomery is making a name for itself as one of the cultural capitals of the South. Known for its Southern hospitality and its revitalized downtown, this riverfront capital city was the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and has established itself as a landmark Deep South destination with much to offer in the field of arts and culture. Headlined by the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, one of the top Shakespeare festivals in the country, Montgomery presents a wide variety of high-quality cultural opportunities.

“The wealth of cultural pursuits in our city continues to grow,” shares Vice President of Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Dawn Hathcock. “From professional theatrical productions to world-class art collections and an accomplished local symphony, to an adventurous art collective, there is always something to do for those seeking arts and culture. Visitors who come to Montgomery for the Civil Rights monuments and museums are often delighted by our world-class cultural institutions.”

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, a fully professional regional theatre that produces around ten productions each season. Although productions of Shakespeare are at the artistic core of the company, the company also produces Broadway musicals, children’s productions, American classics and world premieres among their annual offerings. For more information, go to https://asf.net/
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, featuring several world-class art collections, the permanent collection of this museum includes 19th and 20th-century American paintings and sculpture, Southern regional art, Old Master prints, and decorative art including works by Hopper, Wyeth, and Dürer. For more information, go to http://mmfa.org/
Montgomery Ballet, the only professional ballet company in Montgomery, and one of only three in the state of Alabama, the Montgomery Ballet provides a full season of moving ballet performances. Yearly performances of The Nutcrackerare complimented by other crowd favorites. The Montgomery Ballet School offers a full course of classical ballet education, along with classes in jazz, modern, tap and hip-hop.
Museum of Alabama, Interactive exhibits highlight this downtown museum which showcases the history of Alabama, from prehistoric times to the present day. The Museum is located at the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH), the nation’s oldest state-funded, independent archival and historical agency. For more information, go to http://www.museum.alabama.gov/
Alabama Dance Theatre,an award-winning regional ballet company with an eclectic repertoire that includes 19^thcentury classics as well as new modern and contemporary works. In addition to its public performances, Alabama Dance Theatre hosts a number of educational activities in the community which serve to enhance the cultural life of Montgomery. For more information, go to http://www.alabamadancetheatre.com/
Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, for over 40 years, the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra has played a key role in Montgomery’s artistic community. Performing the great orchestral works, the orchestra has a full calendar of shows geared towards both classical music fans and families looking for a fun evening out. The Broadway Under the Stars Pops Concert is a yearly favorite. For more information, go to http://www.montgomerysymphony.org
Foreword South, Foreword South uses an original storytelling system to showcase the Southern identity. Seeking to be inclusive they aim to increase the visibility of Southern visionaries, activists, designers, artists, and change-makers. Foreword South engages consumers on all levels, from social media, long-form narratives, to live events that showcase the diversity of the region. For more information, go to https://www.theforewordsouth.com/
21 Dreams Arts & Culture Collective, provides one of the key resources for artists and art enthusiasts in Montgomery. The collective influences the growth and the value of the arts in Montgomery through public engagement and creative programming ensuring accessibility for all. Each year during National Arts and Humanities Month, the group hosts “Flight of Arts”, a four-day weekend festival of workshops and exhibitions for digital, visual, performing, literary, and culinary arts held in venues around downtown Montgomery. For more information, go to http://21dreamsmgm.org/
The Cloverdale Playhouse, a community-based, volunteer-driven performing arts center in Montgomery, Alabama. The Playhouse is dedicated to presenting entertaining, challenging, and innovative theatrical productions, as well as special performances, music series, and educational programs. For more information, go to http://www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org

For more information on Montgomery, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/

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 birthplace 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).

Lifestyle Tips / January 22, 2018

Bask In The Heaven Of Bali – Tropical Paradise

If you’re looking for new place to visit, you might want to consider taking a trip to the tropical paradise of Bali. One of the benefits of Bali is that it isn’t that expensive. In fact, Indonesia, in general, could be seen as the perfect choice for someone who wants to go to an exotic location but doesn’t have a massive budget to spend. Don’t get the wrong idea here though and don’t let the price tag fool you. It may not break the bank as a holiday destination, but it’s still a stunning place to visit. Here are a few of the things that await you in the beauty of Bali.

Gorgeous Golden Sands

One of the best things about Bali is the beach. Whether you want a relaxing vacation, tanning on the beach or you’re more interested in something a little more active Bali is the perfect place to be. Its golden beaches are like the paradise that you have seen in music videos, on billboards and postcards. When you lie down on the sand, you’ll immediately realize that you are hundreds of miles away from your troubles and stresses.

Of course, Bali is also a beautiful place for swimming in the ocean. With the temperature just right, you can relax on the beach and then head out for a dip in the aquamarine waters.

If you want to explore the area in a different way, consider hiring a boat. You’ll be able to dive off the coast and see wonderful, unique sea creatures.

Explore Nature

Another great thing about Bali is the nature that’s there ready for you to explore. Jungle wildlife surrounds you from every direction. According to https://www.gadventures.com/destinations/asia/indonesia/, one of the best features of Bali is the beautiful scenery. Pack a bag and hike through the trees and you might discover an enchanting waterfall. Or, a monkey hanging from one of the lower branches could greet you. It really is like stepping into a world from an adventure book.

Relax In Paradise

When you have returned from your trip, you will be able to relax in luxury. Have you ever wanted to indulge in an infinity pool? Well, you can in Bali. Lie by the side and gaze out across the ocean that stretches for miles. Or, look at the land below from high above the town. There are some truly incredible places to stay in Bali so don’t miss out on an unforgettable place to retreat.

Indulge In Tropical Dishes

Or how about visiting a place where the food is fresh, fruity and scrumptious. The menus in Bali are mainly based on seafood but you can also get fresh fruit smoothies and fruit on your plate picked fresh that week. It does help make an incredible breakfast to start the day. Of course, you can also learn to make one yourself on http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/.

We hope you see now that Bali has so much to offer you’d be crazy not to visit. And with lower prices than you think, you might be able to go sooner rather than later.

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Lifestyle Tips / August 31, 2017

Pensacola Florida Has Something For All Taste Buds

Buttery, smoky oysters, wood-fired locally caught lionfish and what’s that? A fried green tomato topped with crab meat, bacon and a shallot-champagne vinaigrette? Do we have you drooling yet? Pensacola’s cuisine has a mind of its own combining New Orleans creole flavors with a southern twisted Gulf side experience. Our cuisine is so important to us that we dedicate a whole festival season to it and you’re invited!

It’s a well-kept secret that fall is one of the best times to visit a coastal southern town. With a light breeze in the air, the best sunsets of the year and an eclectic mix of seasonal cuisines and cocktails, Pensacola is sure to be your go-to vacation this fall.

First on the docket is Tastemakers. We know you’ve probably heard of a pub crawl, but a restaurant crawl? Dine your way around the world through downtown Pensacola with dishes such as alligator sausage with watermelon relish, southern fried chicken, Irish boxty’s and so much more. The event passport provides free entry to the afterparty at the famous Seville Quarter, so you won’t want to forget that! If you want to continue around the world, stop in for the Greek Festival. Get your fill of baklava, gyros and dolmathes while vacationing.

Next up is Taste of the Beach. Sip, savor and surf through over 20 Pensacola Beach restaurants offering signature cocktails and dishes right next to the Gulf of Mexico. The festival is free to enter and all dishes are under five dollars! Later in the afternoon, the PensacolaBeach Chefs will take the stage to present live cooking demonstrations. Additionally, the festival will host cooking competitions, live entertainment and kid-friendly activities.

If you haven’t had enough seafood, just wait. The 40^th annual Pensacola Seafood Festival kicks off the last weekend in September showcasing the freshest Gulf seafood in the country. Spanning three parks in downtown Pensacola, festival-goers can taste tapas from over 25 vendors, view regional art and bask in coastal ambiance.

For someone with a different palate looking to still enjoy the shoreline, opt for the best barbecue party on the coast at the Pensacola Egg Fest. Situated on top of Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium spanning Pensacola Bay, chefs meet at sunrise to prepare the day’s smoky goodness. Delicious samples to the public begin at 3 p.m. with everything from oysters to brisket to paella and even desserts!

Whether you’re looking for southern fusion or Gulf Coast seafood, Pensacola has options for everyone. Our cuisine is award-winning, according to Southern Living, Florida Travel + Life, Florida Trends Golden Spoon and Business Insider just to name a few. Our standards reflect history and culture dating back over 450 years that visitors are sure to experience the moment it hits their taste buds. We can’t wait for you to join us. For more information, visit www.visitpensacola.com.

About Visit Pensacola

Visit Pensacola is the destination management organization for Escambia County which includes Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. With over 450 years of rich history and 18 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordered by the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, visitors from all over the world are lured to our pristine shores every year. Visit Pensacola supports the community vision of tourism by serving as the central body responsible for building tourism as an economic engine for our community through leadership, connection, collaboration and communication.

Beauty / August 30, 2017

Cuvée Beauty Must-Have Travel Kit for Labor Day

For healthy, tousled hair this Labor Day, stash the Cuvée Beauty Everyday Essence Travel Kit in your weekender bag! This three-piece kit provides you with champagne infused products that are your ultimate must haves no matter where you are headed for the holiday weekend. It’s everything you need for flawless hair in one chic, travel friendly package.

Filled with three deluxe travel size products that will give any girl on the go the full Cuvée Beauty experience, this kit includes Shampoo, Conditioner, and the Première Treatment, which are all sulfate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty free! All of these products contain the Cuvée Complex, which incorporates luxurious ingredients like champagne, white truffle, and platinum, to create a one of a kind formula that repairs and strengthens for lush and shiny hair. These brand new travel kits also provide new tips and tricks to help give you amazing results no matter where in the world your travels take you!

Get it now at CuveeBeauty.com for $30

Beauty / August 24, 2017

Avon ANEW Anti-Agining Skincare: Packing Staple from Dr. Kim Nichols

Summer may be fading away right before our eyes, but that doesn’t mean your skin routine should too. Avon’s consulting dermatologist, Dr. Kim Nichols, offers her weekly skincare tip below to keep your skin fresh and glowing for the rest of the summer and right into fall.

Pack carefully. Take along travel sizes of your gentle cleanser or convenient Avon ANEW Clean Facial Cleansing Wipes and Avon ANEW Ultimate Multi-Performance Day Cream to moisturize the skin, especially if you’re planning a vacation or trip with ultra-dry humidity.

Using hotel products or saying “I’ll just take a few days off” from your skincare regimen is a no-no! This can lead to an otherwise preventative flare-up, pesky pimple, or dull appearance.

Beauty / July 27, 2017

Summer Travel and Getaway Essentials

The summer months are all about quick weekend getaways, so it’s best to stock up on the perfect travel essentials! Make sure you pack your bags full of Sun Bum and John Frieda and listen to experts like Umbreen Sheikh and Sophia Gushee on how to make the most of you short vacation!

Sun Bum Original Sunscreen

Bigger isn’t always better, so breeze through security with serious sun protection stowed away in your carry on. Just like the full-sized versions, these cute little sunscreens deliver the same premium, ultra-lightweight formula and irresistible beachy smell.

John Frieda Hot Air Brush

Dry and style your hair in just one step with this multi-tasking hot air brush, newly redesigned with a sleeker, 1” ceramic titanium-coated barrel.

Ask the Experts:
Umbreen Sheikh, Founder of Wink Brow Bar

When grooming at home, it’s alright to tweeze a couple of hairs from the middle of the brow but do not touch any hairs that are in line with the nose. If you take a pen or a stick and put it vertically up against the side of your nose you can see where the brow should start on both sides.

Sophia Gushee, detox and wellness expert and author of A to Z of D-Toxing

•Broad-spectrum, which will guard against both UVA and UVB rays

• Water-resistant

• Safer key ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, preferably without nanoparticles. If they are not available, then select avobenzone at 3 percent.

Summer 2017 / July 20, 2017

Looking For Florida’s Best, You’ll Find It In Pensacola

The Pensacola Bay Area continues to prove to be a destination vacation through recent accolades. Known most well for its sugar white beaches, voted to the 10 Best Beaches in Florida by Conde Nast to be exact, the coastal city has established itself as an all-encompassing travel and leisure spot for visitors around the country.

Trips to Discover, an online travel publication that reaches over 7 million people, named the area to the 14 Best Day Trips in the Florida Panhandle and to the 12 Best Florida Summer Vacations on a Budget. The Pensacola Bay Area offers a multitude of activities from exploring the Gulf Islands National Seashore and its majestic forts, learning where Don Tristan de Luna landed and established America’s First Settlement over 450 years ago or enjoying the vibrant cultural scene downtown.

The Pensacola Bay area is known for its fresh Gulf Coast seafood, so well-known that Food Networks “Great American Food Truck Race” and host Tyler Florence stopped in to experience it. Business Insider named Taqueria El Asador, a local taco stand, to the 50 best tacos joint in all of America and Southern Living awarded the Flora-Bama the best bar in the entire state of Florida! Speaking of cocktails, locals favorite and owned by one of Visit Pensacola’s celebrity chefs, Skopelos restaurant has been awarded the 2017 Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator magazine!

As Pensacola gears up for the Fall Festival season, it places a significant emphasis on the culinary scene. We encourage foodies to come and experience a vast variety of tastes including gulf coast seafood, Greek, American street food and so much more. Festival season is the prime time to plan a vacation to the area as the official tourism season has come to a close, rates have declined and the weather is mild. You can easily say this is a locals favorite time of year!

Only in your state again named The National Naval Aviation Museum to the Best Free Activities in Florida and the Historic PensacolaVillage to the 13 Unforgettable Tours in Florida. With over 450 years of rich history, Historic Pensacola is a living laboratory that guides guests through 28 properties that have been fully restored. The village is fully operable and includes daily colonial living history demonstrations. The National Naval Aviation Museum is the world’s largest Naval Aviation museum and features more than 150 restored aircraft’s representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation. Spanning 37-acres of ground space and 350,000 square feet of exhibit, the museum is open daily and offers free admission.

The US Navy Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow is currently in the running for USA Today’s Reader’s Choice award for top 10 Best Airshows. Be a part of our next accolade by voting daily, visit http://ow.ly/WNWj30dmkEa.

For more information about Visit Pensacola, call 1-800-874-1234 (toll-free) or go to http://ow.ly/Rga530dxikW.

About Visit Pensacola

Visit Pensacola leads the effort of economic development through tourism in Escambia County. Comprised of over 200-member businesses, VisitPensacola’s mission is to position the Pensacola Bay Area as a premier year-round travel destination through tourism marketing, communications, meetings and conventions, reunions and group tour initiatives. For more information about Visit Pensacola, call 1-800-874-1234 (toll-free) or go to VisitPensacola.com.

Beauty / July 6, 2017

Jada Pinkett Smith, Solange, Karrueche Tran, and Kofi Siriboe: Essence Festival 2017 Event Recap

Essence Festival 2017 was exhilarating; packed with panel discussions, games, giveaways, and high-energy concerts.

Fashion editors, beauty bloggers, and celebrity stylists were present while the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center was filled with beauty vendors such as Palmers, Creme of Nature, Cantu, Olive Miracle, and Shea Moisture. Attendees at the Palmers booth received free samples, demonstrations, and prizes.

The daytime main stage featured performances by India Arie, John Legend, Rhonda Ross, Afrika Mamas, Junior, and Diana Ross. Saturday afternoon guests included Jazmine Sullivan, Monica, Ari Lennox, Jill Scott, Chaka Khan, and Mary J. Blige. Solange, Trombone Shorty, Chance The Rapper, and Ithwasa Lekhansela were at the main stage on Sunday, July 2, 2017.

Additional conference expos included the Path To Power: Entrepreneurship and Business Conference, Essence Eats, and Shops at Essence; featuring global vendors with African print apparel, framed art, paintings, and jewelry.

Hollywood actors and actresses were interviewed in the pressroom. Spike Lee and Janice Bryant Howroyd shared millennial career advice while additional cast members and comedians discussed their upcoming projects.

Also known, as the “party with a purpose” Essence Fest is a must-go event! To attend the 2018 star-studded weekend, check the Essence website and register for more details.

See pressroom photos below: