Archives for 2018

September 10, 2018

Making a Difference one Diva at a Time

by Lisa Gal

Divalicious body lotion is enriched with Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E and Aloe. This special formula helps protect your delicate skin, and keeps it soft, smooth and silky. It is non-greasy and fast absorbing. Diva by Cindy was created by Cindy, a former Registered Nurse and veteran salon owner. It has taken her years of research and passion to bring these products which deliver results. Diva is for a woman who wants : Beauty, Excellence and Elegance in her hair. “DIVA” stands for: Divine, Inspired, Virtuous and Annointed. Try it, your skin will love it! We are so happy to include Cindy’s body lotion in our celebrity gifting this weekend at the Four Seasons Hotel for the nominees, talent and guests staying for the big red carpet event.

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September 10, 2018

Artisfactions: Offering Extraordinary Experiences with Comprehensive Results

by Lisa Gal

For over 25 years, Artisfactions continues to offer visual communications & multimedia solutions in content design, sales & marketing, advertising, PR, media, promotions, celebrity fundraisers, events, community outreach & campaigns, photography & photo gifts for the home, office, business, holidays, birthdays & special occasions. They provide amazing services to the celebrities and beyond. We are happy to have them taking part in our Hollywood Swag Bag gifting this weekend at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.

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September 10, 2018

Vanessa Hudgens Wears Silk Laundry!

Vanessa Hudgens shared a photo wearing Silk Laundry over the weekend! The actress completed her simple, yet classic look with the 90’s Silk Slip Dress in Emerald Green ($170, www.silklaundry.com).

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September 10, 2018

Join Author Nely Cab on her Magical Adventure in “Marker of Hope”

by Lisa Gal

Author Nely Cab has brought us the final book in her best-selling Creatura series titled Marker of Hope. Will Isis resist the urge to devour the town or will she be the Marker of Hope as she’s believed to be? Find out in this epic finale. Or, start with book one, Creatura, and follow-up with Fruit of Misfortune before you dive into her latest in the series. You’ll be stepping into a world filled with romance, wit, demons and deities that will whisk you away into her magical journey. We are so thrilled to include Nely’s latest book in another gifting. Next week her title will be included in our Hollywood Swag Bags being gifted to the nominees, talent and guests staying at the Four Seasons Hotel for the big award show weekend.

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September 10, 2018

Coffee PM: 4 Ways to Enjoy Coffee After Hours

Lots of people enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee in the morning. Maybe it’s a simple black coffee on the way to work, or a piping hot Americano with plenty of cream and sugar. Either way, it’s a “pick me up” to start the day off right.

But what if you crave the bold taste of coffee in the evening? Here are four ways to enjoy coffee after hours in both beverage and food form.

Decaf Coffee
This first suggestion will seem obvious – drink decaffeinated coffee. Still, we bring it up because it is the essential building block to late-night coffee beverages. But what is decaffeinated coffee? How do they remove the caffeine?

The decaffeination process starts with green, unroasted coffee beans. The caffeine is then extracted using a chemical solvent or, in some cases, a process of water and osmosis to draw out the caffeine. This is an oversimplification, but it works for our purposes.

Unless you are looking to pull an all-nighter, decaf coffee is the way to go.

Luxury Coffee Cocktails & Nightcaps
So, you want a late-night coffee drink without the energetic buzz. We can understand that. But how do you feel about a boozy buzz?


Coffee cocktails and nightcaps are a great way to relax in the evening. You just can’t beat the complex taste of coffee and liquor. While there are dozens, if not hundreds of cocktail recipes, here are a few favorites to get you started.

  • Café Mocha Shakerato. This is an easy drink to make, especially if you use decaf luxury coffee pods from a brand like Caffé di Artisan since they don’t require a brew machine. Start with 2 ounces of strong coffee, add 1 ounce of simple syrup, and 1 ounce of chocolate syrup (Monin brand works best). Toss the ingredient into a shaker with ice, and vigorously shake until there is a nice froth. Strain the beverage into a glass and enjoy.
  • Spanish Coffee. Start with 1 cup decaf hot coffee, ½ ounce of rum, and 1.2 ounce of vanilla coffee liquor. Pour into a glass mug, top with whipped cream and garnish with a cherry. Delicious!
  • Kona Coffee: Kona Coffee is a luxury coffee made in the Kona Districts of the Big Island of Hawaii.  It”s one of the most expensive and exclusive coffees in the world. The traditional Kona Coffee taste profile is light, sweet and fruity.

Affogato: Something Special on Top

Affogato is one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s espresso poured on top of another dessert, thus marrying the essence of bitter with sweet. It’s a match made in heaven all right.

While the most popular form of affogato is espresso coffee poured over vanilla ice cream, there are numerous ways to make your desserts extra special with the addition of coffee. You can add espresso to a bowl of tiramisu; add a drizzle of mocha or caramel sauce if you really want something special. Or pour hot espresso over flan just before adding whipped cream and cinnamon on top. Yum!

Desserts: Cooking with Coffee

Speaking of desserts, another spectacular way to enjoy coffee in the evening is by including it in your baking. Again, these are just a sampling of recipes to try. Feel free to get creative. After all, what is more fun than desserts with coffee?

  • Coffee Kahlua Brownies. We hope you like cocoa flavors, because this recipe is full of ‘em. Start by pre-heating the oven to 375. The rack should be 1/3 up from the bottom. Grease a 9x13x2 pan with butter. Melt 8 ounces of unsweetened chocolate with 1 cup of unsalted butter (tip: it helps to chop up the chocolate for quicker melting) in a separate sauce pan over low heat. Once even, set aside to cool. In a large bowl, beat five eggs before adding 2 cups sugar, 2 tablespoons liquid coffee, 1 tablespoon vanilla, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix until even. Next add 2 cups flour and mix into a batter. Next, combine 2/3 cup hot coffee (decaf) with ¼ cup Kahlua into a separate bowl, mix gently, then add to batter. Pour the batter into the prepped pan and heat in oven for about 35 mins. Cool at room temperature, and enjoy.
  • Decaf Coffee Fudge. Start with a tin of condensed milk (~400 g), 150 ml regular milk, 115g unsalted butter, and 450g fine sugar. Mix these ingredients together in a large saucepan until melted. Be careful to avoid chunks of sugar in your mixture. Turn up the heat to boiling, and simmer for 15 minutes; stirring gently, but continuously. This will keep the bottom of your fudge from burning. Pour the mixture into a bowl. Add 2.5 tablespoons liquid coffee and beat for 10 minutes. The result should be a caramelly thickness. Pour the contents into a lined, flat dish. Make sure the top is nice and even while cooling. Once solid, cut into squares, adding a single coffee bean to each piece for presentation. And there you have it: Coffee fudge.

We bet you never knew coffee was so versatile. So, go ahead, try one of the above suggestions to enjoy coffee in the PM.

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September 10, 2018

Morgan Taylor Runway Report

Morgan Taylor Runway Report

Rodarte: September 9, 2018

The Manicure: Art Deco Metallics w/ Crystal Appliqués

Art Deco Metallics with Crystal Appliqués

 

The Rodarte Spring/Summer 2019 collection has a whimsical meets art deco inspired aesthetic. The manicure looks reflect the cool metallic vibe of the accessories worn in the show with hints of crystal for added dimension.

 

Using key polish shades, “Could Have Foiled Me,” “Give Me Gold,” and “No Way Rosé” Morgan Taylor Lead Artist Eichi Matsunaga created eye-catching designs that are bound to be the go-to nail looks for this season.

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September 10, 2018

The Beautiful Connection Between Music and The Mind

The Beautiful Connection Between Music and The Mind

The Beautiful Connection Between Music and The Mind

The human mind is very powerful. The way it functions on a daily basis is quite amazing. And what’s even more amazing is that there are a lot of things that can affect the way it works. Accordingly, music is one of them.

Music plays a huge role in the society. And it also plays an important role for everyone. In fact, one cannot end a day without hearing any music or sound. Moreover, music provides a lot of benefits. Whether it’s related to the emotional aspect or mental side of a person, music affects almost every aspect of a certain individual.

Hence, it is safe to say that music and the mind has a special connection. And this connection between the two provides a lot of positive things which makes the relationship more beautiful. Now, if you are wondering what are these amazing and beautiful benefits, here are some points that you may want to ponder on:

  1. Music boosts brain chemicals

Brain chemicals are simply the hormones that are normally found in your brain. When you listen to music, especially to the ones that peak your interest, these brain chemicals are boosted. The most targeted hormone when music is around is the dopamine and serotonin.

These hormones are usually called as the happy chemicals. This is because they are largely responsible for making you feel calmer, lighter, and happier.

So, when you listen to music, the production of these brain chemicals is increased and boosted. And the more these hormones are present, the more you will feel calm and happy.

The same goes for when you perform your own music. It is equally therapeutic. To enhance your happiness while playing, you could invest in additional equipment that will work to enhance your performance. For instance, finding looper pedals at Singular Sound will help you record your loops for extended periods of time without having to recharge the device or add extra storage. The ease to save and exporting songs will allow you to share your best loops with your fans and enhance your performance while on stage.

The Beautiful Connection Between Music and The Mind

  1. Music improves your brain’s language skills

Today, music is considered the universal language of the world. Aside from the fact that everyone can relate with one another through music, the music itself can significantly improve your brain’s language skills. In fact, many parents nowadays prefer to enroll their kids in different music lessons. And this is all because music is found to be very helpful in improving the language and communication skills.

According to studies, young people who are musically-inclined are seen to have much more effective communication skills. Also, it shows that music can largely expand one’s vocabulary and grammar skills, as well as sentence structure.

  1. Music can help reduce stress and anxiety

In relation to the brain chemicals, music is found to help reduce stress and anxiety. Apparently, when you listen to music, your brain tends to decrease the production of stress hormones while increasing the production of your happy hormones. This is why many people prefer to listen to music when they feel sad, stressed, and anxious.

The Beautiful Connection Between Music and The Mind

In addition, music can largely affect one’s mood. It elicits the feelings of encouragement and inspiration. Which is why many depressed people are recommended by their respective therapists to have a music therapy. During these therapy sessions, all patients are guided by several musical therapists which would allow them to play musical instruments and listen to music of various genres.

  1. Musical training strengthens the brain’s executive function

Alongside the act of listening to music, playing musical instruments have been found to be very helpful as well. In fact, having musical training sessions is found to strengthen the brain’s executive function, especially the cognitive functions of the brain.

This area of the brain largely includes the reasoning, logical, and mathematical capabilities of a person. It is important for you to note that musical training sessions are not simple and easy. Even so, the benefits of engaging yourself into one are quite amazing.

  1. Music helps you heal

Whether you are suffering from an emotional trauma or physical pain, music can significantly help you heal. It can relieve all the pain that you feel inwardly and outwardly. You could relate this to the increased production of the happy hormones or the brain chemicals.

Normally, when a person in pain, the presence of the happy hormones is not very apparent. Amazingly, music can elicit the production of these hormones and make their presence much more obvious. Hence, you will feel much happier and lighter. And when you feel much more positive, it can dramatically help you cope with what you are currently experiencing and totally help you heal.

Now, isn’t it beautiful how music can really affect your brain and mind positively? So, the next time that you really want to improve the quality and functions of your brain and mind, listen to music or play a musical instrument. And remember the beautiful connection that the mind and music have.

Author Bio:

Curtis Dean

Curtis Dean

Curtis Dean writes on behalf of Sage Music School where they base lessons on the science and research of the psychology of learning. Their effective teaching methods create confident and capable students who enjoy the happiness of making music.

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September 10, 2018

Trendy Fall Wedding Invites with Basic Invite

Trendy Fall Wedding Invites with Basic Invite

Address cards

 

Wedding bells have been ringing all summer long. Everyone’s been swooning over gorgeous bouquets, dreamy decor, and all the blushing brides. Pretty pink color schemes and bright botanicals make for the loveliest weddings, but now that summer is ending we’re ready for rustic, romantic weddings that include fall wedding invites to match.

 

What better time to chat weddings and invitation design than during a change in seasons. And since wedding invitations are one of the first pieces of your special day we’ve called on the stationery design team, Basic Invite to bring us their favorite fall wedding invitation design tips for all you autumn brides.

 

First, a bit about Basic Invite. They have been in the stationery biz since 2006 and are leaders in the digital stationery world offering up timeless designs and innovative options. With more than 180 custom colors and 100 fonts, multiple card cuts and paper types including premium shimmer and luxe velvet options and the ability to customize almost every aspect of every invitation they have something suitable for everyone.

 

Here’s what they have to say on fall wedding invites.

 

Autumn brings a new wave of design aesthetic – earthy tones, neutral colors, and rustic touches. The changing scenery makes decorations and themes a breeze and here are a few of our favorite options.

 

  1. Leafy, woodsy, and other designs containing nods to the season make for super festive looks. Botanical designs fall under this category as well, but rather than light and bright colors opt for a more neutral palette.

Wood Cards

 

  1. One of the most unique choices, real wood wedding invitations. These have rustic, fall vibes written all over them. Created from real cherry wood veneer and pressure mounted on a heavyweight cardstock printed with bright white ink these are a one-of-a-kind seasonal look that will totally impress your guests!

Raised Foil

 

  1. All foil is good foil, but when it comes to fall wedding invites – gold foil rules! Whether it’s raised or flat, gold foil details take any design to the next level. Pairing your foil invite with a metallic envelope will take your suite one step further.

 

Autumn wedding season is right around the corner so if you’re still in need of wedding invitations head over to Basic Invite and use their tips to order your own stunning suite.

 

Don’t forget to use code 15FF51 for 15% off everything and check out their wedding website builders to give your guests access to updated wedding info, photos, and more – all at their fingertips!

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September 9, 2018

imPRESS Press-On Manicure – Christian Siriano debuted his Spring/Summer 2019 Collection at New York Fashion Week

Christian Siriano debuted his Spring/Summer 2019 Collection at New York Fashion Week, featuring an exotic “twisted zebra” nail look — using imPRESS Press-On Manicure Medium Length Nails in Black, and KISS Nail Artist Paints.

 

imPRESS Press-On Manicure Medium Length Nails

imPRESS Press-On Manicure Medium Length Nails

 

Models’ nail looks were created by Gina Edwards, Lead Manicurist for KISS Products Inc.

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September 9, 2018

At New York Fashion Week Jonathan Simkhai Wows Crowds

At New York Fashion Week Jonathan Simkhai wowed show-goers with a fun, bohemian look created by TRESemmé NYFW Stylist, Odile Gilbert.

THE “60’S CHIC LOOK” FROM JONATHAN SIMKHAI

THE “60’S CHIC LOOK” FROM JONATHAN SIMKHAI

 

“To achieve this chic and bohemian look, be sure to give the hair texture at the roots. That’s how you get the 60’s boho feel.” – Odile Gilbert, TRESemmé NYFW Stylist

Recreate today’s look from Jonathan Simkhai with the below steps and tips from Odile.

Step 1: Start by washing hair with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner to create a frizz-free foundation. For finer hair, use the Thick & Full Shampoo & Conditioner.

Step 2: Part hair in the centre. Spray TRESemmé Repair & Protect 7 Pre-Styling Spray to prevent damage and then blow dry hair with a paddle brush.

Step 3: Use hair straighteners to achieve a sleek and smooth finish.

Step 4: Spray generously with TRESemmé Fresh & Clean Dry Shampoo for texture. Then, take a small section of hair from either side, tightly plait and fasten with a hair tie. Add wooden beads for additional 60’s-style chic.

Step 5: Finish the look with TRESemmé Compressed Micro-Mist Hair Spray to keep the look in place without creating stiffness.

TRESEMMÉ PRODUCTS USED: Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner, Repair & Protect 7 Pre-Styling Spray, Fresh & Clean Dry Shampoo, Compressed Micro-Mist Hair Spray in Level 2: Smooth

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