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NYFW: Negris LeBrum Spring/Summer 2021 Collection

September 18, 2020/0 Comments/in Collection Previews, Fashion, Frontpage Article, Lifestyle, Shopping /by Dynelle Skinner

Now that we’ve shared the Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report for Spring/Summer 2021, it is time to see how designers are showcasing the color trends with their collection. Our NYFW coverage begins with the Negris LeBrum Spring/Summer 2021 Collection. We previously highlighted this African-American owned label’s “Black is Beautiful” T-Shirt which declares the statement in 12 languages. Today we highlight their women’s ready-to-wear collection.

Negris LeBrum staged a runway show where were models easily socially distanced. With each look hitting the runway only after the previous model left the space, Creative Director Travis Hamilton, brought forth a collection both flattering and effortless. His “Good Trouble” Collection was inspired by John Lewis and the poignant quote he made on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama in March.

The conflict of unbalanced injustice can be seen throughout the Negris LeBrum Spring/Summer 2021 collection. Tracksuits sitting alongside dressy career options; cocktail dresses walking alongside feather-light chiffon printed sundresses speak to the contradictions that exist in this country. Wholly modern silhouettes are balanced with throwback pieces that seem plucked from the glory days of New York sportswear. We loved how he incorporated the bold colors of the ’80s & ’90s. We see bold Tomato Red paired with an eyecatching floral bearing Pantone’s sunny Illuminating, a pale Amethyst Orchid, and French Blue (reminiscent of the ’80’s Electric Blue). These colors add vibrancy to the collection, which is then tamed with classic white and Black (remember… “Noir est Joli”!), and an almost neutral Leopard that ties in the Spring/Summer 2021 core classic colors. The overall result is a mirror of society as a whole.

The Negris LeBrum Spring/Summer 2021 Collection boldly states “we are a nation and world of contrasts”; and that should be celebrated, not demonized.

“In so many ways, the news cycle came to Negris LeBrum this year, not the other way around,” says Travis Hamilton, Creative Director of Negris LeBrum. “Little did I know that my inspiration would find its way into the national news in such a major way! I set out to create a beautiful collection and pay homage to an iconic hero of mine and instead, Negris LeBrum became a fashionable version of the national headlines!”

What are your thoughts on the Negris LeBrum Spring/Summer 2021 Collection?

Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report Shows Hottest Shades for Spring/Summer 2021

Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report Shows Hottest Shades for S/S 2021

September 17, 2020/0 Comments/in Fashion, Frontpage Article, Lifestyle, Shopping /by Contributing Writer

Every year the fashion and design industry eagerly awaits the announcement of what colors are the trendiest. These trends are both a reflection of the current state of fashion as well as a guidepost for what will make designers and brands successful in the coming months. These reflections and guideposts come from the Pantone Color Institute, which is regarded as the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries.

Officially known as the Pantone® Fashion Color Trend Report Spring/Summer 2021 edition for New York Fashion Week, the report includes the top ten standout colors and five core classics that the experts expect to see in upcoming collections.

Image Courtesy of Pantone/Adobe Stock

According to the experts from the Pantone Color Institute, the colors for Spring/Summer 2021 represent a range of hues that transcends seasons and encourages more freedom of choice. This year’s color trends are supposed to be flexible enough and inventive enough to adapt to society’s newer, more fragmented lifestyle. The experts wanted colors that are based in nature but that could work year-round. As the world is moving at a slightly slower pace, the colors for Spring/Summer 2021 have both a level of relaxation and comfort as well as energetic sparks that uplift your mood.

While this color trend report was specifically released for New York Fashion Week, all types of design sectors take their cues from the report. Interior design trends often follow the color trends from Pantone reports, influencing the 1.57 billion gallons of paint that are sold in the United States every year. The color choices for furniture, decor, and home siding can also seek guidance from these reports, making their significance reach farther than just what’s walking down the runway.

So without further ado, here are the 10 standout shades for the Spring/Summer 2021 New York Fashion Week:

PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean: This blue shade evokes the color of the sky on a cloudless day.
PANTONE 14-1050 Marigold: Based in a comforting golden orange, the marigold is infused with yellow to bring warmth to the palette.
PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating: This is a brighter yellow that conveys the optimism and joyfulness of a sunny day.
PANTONE 18-1248 Rust: A departure from a standard spring palette, this is an earth-inspired brown that is more closely related to autumn leaves.
PANTONE 13-0117 Green Ash: A soothing green that will make you feel calm and cool.
PANTONE 18-4140 French Blue: This blue feels like a spring day in Paris that inspires creativity and joy.
PANTONE 16-5938 Mint: As the name implies, this color brings a minty freshness to the palette to uplift the spirits.
PANTONE 18-2043 Raspberry Sorbet: Venturing into the reds and pinks, this raspberry sorbet adds a tantalizing tartness.
PANTONE 17-3628 Amethyst Orchid: This purple shade is reminiscent of spring florals and is unique amongst the rest of the report.
PANTONE 16-1529 Burnt Coral: Another springtime classic, this pinky shade brings liveliness and conviviality to the palette.

As mentioned before, the report also includes five core classics for Spring/Summer 2021. These shades go beyond the seasons, giving more freedom of choice and flexibility:

PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray: A hue necessary for any time of year, this reliable gray encourages composure in the face of uncertainty.
PANTONE 19-4016 Inkwell: This blackened blue is deep and intense, giving the palette a solid ground to stand upon.
PANTONE 14-1127 Desert Mist: On the lighter end of the spectrum, this shade is reminiscent of powdery sands.
PANTONE 11-0110 Buttercream: A classic for any time of year, this off-white hue is easy and effortless.
PANTONE 16-0632 Willow: Just like the tree, this shade of green provides both protection and performance.

All together, these hues make up a color report that can inspire people as well as give them a sense of assurance and stability. These colors can lend a creative spark to fashion designers or encourage a homeowner to throw out old paint cans, which only last three to five years in proper storage, and find the same comfort in trendy yet familiar shades. This color report will even serve as a color reference throughout the Spring/Summer 2021 season for fashion retailers, reporters, and enthusiasts.

The colors in this report were all chosen from the Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors Color System, which is the most widely recognized and used system of color standards for textile, fashion, interior, and home design. Whether you’re doing a little maintenance on a home built within the last five to 10 years or you’re revitalizing the interior of a 20-year old home, the Pantone Color Trend Report is the go-to guide. Now that you know the report, all that’s left to do is get in touch with your marigolds and ceruleans so that you stay ahead of the trends.

Afternoon “Tea” Delight: Jaf Tea Fall Gift Sets for Tea Lovers

September 14, 2020/0 Comments/in Drinks and Beverages, Frontpage Article, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Nutrition /by Glasgow Skinner

“Teatime” is 365 days a year for us; we understand that for many, tea is preferred during the cooler seasons. Well, it’s days away from the Fall season and it’s the perfect time to share some delicious tea gift sets. Why tea giftsets? Firstly, they allow you to stock up on a variety of tea flavors without fear of running out too quickly; secondly, it’s a great way to try or discover new tea flavors without fully committing. That’s why we’re excited about Jaf Tea’s flavorful fall gift sets.

You may remember we first introduced you to Jaf Tea in March when we encouraged you to “Drink to Your Health.” Cuppa after cuppa of delicious flavors from this range of premium, hand-picked, and single-origin Ceylon teas kept our bodies healthy and our minds calm. For Fall, we’re very excited about Jaf Tea’s four fall gift sets. They include the Pure Fruits Collection, Pure Black & Flavored Tea Collection, Pure Teas & Infusions Collection, and the Pure Green Collection. Each of the Jaf Tea gift sets contains an assortment of 80 teas in foil envelopes. They come in a variety of classic black, green, and infusion teas.

Pure Fruits Collection

This collection contains an assortment of 10 tea bags of the following 8 exciting fruit-flavored black teas:

Forest Fruit – Bursting with lusciously ripe wild berry flavors and enhanced with real forest fruit pieces; it is then expertly blended with their premium Ceylon black tea.
Blueberry Delight – All the juicy tang of ripe blueberries and delicate sweetness of real cherry pieces gently fuses with Jaf their specially selected Ceylon tea.
Pink Grapefruit – Packed with the zingy, zesty flavors of ripe and juicy citrus, perfectly combined with our fine Ceylon tea.
Sunny Lemon – An invigorating blend of sun-ripened sweetness with the zesty tang of real lemon peel, infused into their superb Ceylon tea.
Peach Orchard – Savor the delicately perfumed, sweet flavor of freshly picked peaches, infused into our outstanding Ceylon tea.
Passion Fruit – A luscious balance of vibrantly sweet and tangy fruit flavors, expertly fused with our superior Ceylon tea.
Creamy Soursop – Creamy and comforting with the rich, tropical taste of exotic soursop, sweetly fused with our prized Ceylon tea blend.
Mango Banana – All the tropical sweetness of ripe mango with the smooth, mellow taste of banana, married together with our exquisite Ceylon tea blend.

Pure Black & Flavored Tea Collection

This bold collection contains an assortment of 10 tea bags of 4 classic black teas and 4 fruit-flavored black teas:

English Breakfast – This popular morning blend hails from the fine Dimbulla region of Ceylon and is noted for its strong, full-bodied, and brisk taste.
Ceylon Earl Grey – Named after the 19th Century British Prime minister our blend combines the distinguished taste of Bergamot with the finest Ceylon tea.
Organic Darjeeling – Their organic Darjeeling blend is made up of teas harvested during the months of May to June. They are replete with the signature aroma of muscatel grapes and summer fruits.
Ceylon Supreme – Few black teas on earth can equal this superlative blend for its perfect harmony of distinct Dimbulla character and strong full-bodied taste.
Forest Fruit Black Tea – Bursting with lusciously ripe wild berry flavors and enhanced with real forest fruit pieces, expertly blended with their premium Ceylon black tea.
Creamy Soursop – Creamy and comforting with the rich, tropical taste of exotic soursop, sweetly fused with their prized Ceylon tea blend.
Pink Grapefruit – Packed with the zingy, zesty flavors of ripe and juicy citrus, perfectly combined with our fine Ceylon tea.
Sunny Lemon – An invigorating blend of sun-ripened sweetness with the zesty tang of real lemon peel, infused into their superb Ceylon tea.

Pure Teas & Infusions Collection

An exceptional collection that contains 10 tea bags of the following assortment of 8 teas and infusions:

English Breakfast Black Tea – This popular morning blend hails from the fine Dimbulla region of Ceylon. It is noted for its strong, full-bodied, and brisk taste.
Ceylon Earl Grey Black Tea – Named after the 19th Century British Prime minister, this blend combines the distinguished taste of Bergamot with the finest Ceylon tea.
Forest Fruit Black Tea – Bursting with lusciously ripe wild berry flavors and enhanced with real forest fruit pieces, expertly blended with their premium Ceylon black tea.
Natural Green Tea – Hailing from the southern regions of China, this delightful natural variety is distinguished by its perfect balance of light body, fresh aroma, and mellow taste.
Strawberry & Kiwi Green Tea – All the sweet, fresh taste of strawberries enhanced with tropical kiwi and infused with our beautiful Ceylon green tea blend. Brew lightly to enjoy the fruity aroma and refreshing sweetness.
Soursop & Banana Green Tea – Creamy and comforting, with the sweet taste of soursop fruit and mellow banana, infused with our classic Ceylon green tea blend. Brew lightly and enjoy hot or cold.
Camomile Dream Natural Infusion – Create a sensory sanctuary with this calming infusion. It is the perfect way to unwind at the end of a long day.
Cool Peppermint Natural Infusion – Only the finest peppermint leaves, replete with essential oils, are used to create this cool and refreshing infusion.

Pure Green Collection

Last, but certainly not least, the Jaf Tea Pure Green Collection. It contains 10 tea bags of the following assortment of 4 Classic Green and 4 Fruit-flavored green teas:

Natural Green Tea – Hailing from the southern regions of China, this delightful natural variety is distinguished by its perfect balance of light body, fresh aroma, and mellow taste.
Jasmine Green Tea – This carefully crafted blend of Chinese tea is naturally scented with jasmine blossoms in the traditional way to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and fragrance.
Mint Green Tea – Natural mint leaves are expertly blended with the finest green teas from the lush mountains of Ceylon to create this cool and refreshing tea.
Strawberry & Kiwi Green Tea – All the sweet, fresh taste of strawberries enhanced with tropical kiwi and infused with our beautiful Ceylon green tea blend. Brew lightly to enjoy the fruity aroma and refreshing sweetness.
Lemon Mint Green tea – Ceylon green tea blend. Brew lightly to enjoy the invigorating taste and aroma.
Mango Green Tea – All the sun-ripened succulence and sweetness of mango, infused with their light and refreshing Ceylon green tea blend. Brew lightly to enjoy the aromatic burst of tropical taste and flavor.
Soursop Banana Green Tea – Creamy and comforting, with the sweet taste of soursop fruit and mellow banana; it is then infused with their classic Ceylon green tea blend. Brew lightly and enjoy hot or cold.
Oolong Tea – This prized Oolong tea from the Fujian province of China is produced using sophisticated and artisanal techniques to create a delightfully floral light-bodied tea.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on these perfect-for-fall, Jaf Tea gift sets. Will you be adding more tea to your pantry during the cooler seasons? If you are, now is the perfect time to get your hands on these tea gift sets. They are regularly priced at $29.99 but are currently on sale for only $19.99. We suggest you head over to www.jaftea.com and stock up before they’re gone.

Must Drink: Caveman Coffee’s Sparkling Hibiscus Cold Brew Herbal Tea

Must Drink: Caveman Coffee Sparkling Hibiscus Cold Brew Herbal Tea

August 23, 2020/0 Comments/in Drinks and Beverages, Frontpage Article, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Nutrition /by Glasgow Skinner

About this time last year, we were neck-deep in food trends at the Summer Fancy Food Show. Learning about all the wonderful food trends we’d all be enjoying this year. One of those trends is something we’re very familiar with – the Hibiscus flower, one of the top food trends we highlighted last year. The main thing made with the Hibiscus flower is tea; a bold red tea with lots of health benefits that boasts slightly sweet and tart flavors. We were recently introduced to a new refreshing Hibiscus flower tea drink, Caveman Coffee’s Sparkling Hibiscus Cold Brew Herbal Tea.

Caveman Coffee Co. is the buzzed-about Amazon brand known for healthy, nutritious specialty coffees and they have expanded their line to include something different in the cold brew category. The brand’s original cold brew beverage is the number one best-seller with the stats to back up its title. This delicious, caffeine-free sparking tea is an herbal beverage brewed cold with hibiscus flowers, lemongrass, and organic natural flavors. Because it’s a natural adaptogen, it is packed with antioxidants and has been linked to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

The Sparkling Hibiscus Cold Brew Herbal Tea is lightly sweetened and carbonated after cold-brewing for 12+ hours for optimum flavor. Some benefits of drinking Hibiscus tea include helping to reduce body temperature, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol; This naturally calorie and caffeine-free tea is also used to help in the treatment of heart disease, sore throats, and can help with weight loss. Another great fact is the effect a cup of hibiscus tea can have on cramping and bloating during your period. It helps ease the pains of cramps, as well as elevating your mood and has a calming effect.

Although recently launched, Caveman Coffee’s Sparkling Hibiscus Cold Brew Herbal Tea is already receiving great reviews. Available in 11.5 oz cans, the 6-calorie drink is refreshingly delicious when served cold. The shelf-stable herbal tea is available in 12 packs for $30.00 and is available at Whole Foods, Amazon.com, and on their website, www.cavemancoffeeco.com.

Woodford Reserve Mint Julep Honors 50th Anniversary of Kentucky Derby’s First Female Jockey

August 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Alcohol, Cocktail Recipes, Drinks and Beverages, Frontpage Article, Lifestyle /by Contributing Writer

Fifty years ago, Jockey Diane Crump made history as the first female jockey to ride in The Kentucky Derby®. This year, Woodford Reserve is dedicating their $1,000 Mint Julep Cup program to honor that history-making achievement.

According to Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris, the $1,000 Mint Julep program has become a beloved tradition with the Derby. Morris is happy that the company is able to use the 2020 program to celebrate this important milestone in racing history and that the money raised from the program will go to charity.

A total of 146 julep cups, celebrating Derby 146, are already on sale. Each cup is individually numbered. Those between numbers 1 and 25 are gold-plated and sell for $2,500 each while those numbered between 16 and 146 are silver-plated and sell for $1,000 each. In commemoration of Crump, the cups feature etchings of the jockey silks she wore in 1970, as well as the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs. The cups also come in a walnut case with a replica of the white and turquoise silks Crump wore on the day of her historic race.

On that day in 1970, Crump rode the thoroughbred racehorse Fathom. Although Crump and Fathom finished in 15th, Crump won a place in history and opened the gates for many other female jockeys to follow in her steps. At the time, male jockeys and horseracing fans were resistant to women competing in the sport. Crump was also the first woman to compete in a pari-mutuel race in the U.S. at the Hialeah Park Race Track in 1969. A police escort accompanied Crump to get her to the track, taking her through a crowd of angry, shouting people.

In 1989, Crump had a riding accident in which she broke her leg, ankle, and ribs. While a minor injury like a mild ankle sprain would only take seven to ten days to heal at home, Crump had to be hospitalized for over a week due to her severe injuries. Doctors told her she wouldn’t be able to ride again, but she was able to resume racing in 1992 and kept at it until she officially retired in 1999.

During her career, Crump rode to 235 wins and participated in international races as well as those in the United States. Now, Crump is one of the 47 million seniors in the United States and remains involved in the horse industry.

Anyone who purchases a julep cup in honor of Crump’s life achievements will have it sent directly to their home. Traditionally, consumers would pick up the cup on Derby Day at Churchill Downs, but the global COVID-19 pandemic has made it necessary to change that procedure. To celebrate Derby Day while keeping in line with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, Morris is planning on holding a virtual julep experience. This year, Derby Day and its virtual celebration have been postponed to Saturday, September 5.

To celebrate the Derby as well as Crump’s legacy, Woodford Reserve created an exclusive cocktail recipe that features the official fruit of Kentucky, called the Diane Crump Blackberry Mint Julep. The ingredients for the recipe are:

2 ounces of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
1 barspoon simple syrup
1 barspoon blackberry preserves
Mint bitters
Crushed ice
Fresh blackberries and mint springs, for garnish

To create the honorary cocktail, start by mixing the blackberry preserves with the simple syrup at the bottom of the julep cup. You then add two to four dashes of mint bitters and fill two-thirds of the cup with crushed ice. Next, add your sipping straw and the bourbon. Top it off by packing in more crushed ice and garnishing the drink with fresh blackberries and a sprig of mint.

All proceeds from the cup sales and the delicious cocktails that go with them will be donated to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) in Crump’s honor. This fund is dedicated to providing financial assistance to 60 former jockeys who have experienced catastrophic on-track injuries. This money can fill a much-needed financial gap for those who may not qualify for federal health insurance programs like Medicare, which is for people who are aged 65 or older and younger people with certain disabilities. Many of the jockeys who are supported by PDJF were injured in their 20s and 30s and face a future of living with a disability without a way to generate an income. Since its founding in 2006, PDJF has disbursed almost $9 million to jockeys who are permanently disabled.

How Can South Africa’s Wine Industry Recover from COVID-19?

August 11, 2020/0 Comments/in Alcohol, Drinks and Beverages, Frontpage Article, Lifestyle, Travel /by Contributing Writer

There aren’t many industries left unaffected by the global spread of COVID-19 this year. With each affected industry is the many people who work within it and depend on its success for their livelihoods. Despite an increase in at-home drinking in the U.S. and Britain during the pandemic, the wine industry is among these affected industries. The restaurant and hospitality sectors were almost immediately impacted by the resulting lockdowns and quarantines from COVID-19. causing global wine sales to drop significantly.

In the famous South African wine country, those in the industry have been struggling even more acutely with a total ban on the sale of alcohol during the lockdown and a temporary ban on wine exports. South Africa is the only country to have imposed such bans during the global pandemic.

The controversial alcohol bans came in two waves. The first ban on the sale of alcohol began at the end of March and lasted for about nine weeks. For five of those weeks, wine exports were also banned. As about 50% of South Africa’s wine is exported in some of the 17 million shipping containers that circulate globally, this was a devastating blow to the industry. This initial ban was lifted on June 1, but President Cyril Ramaphosa reinstated it on July 12 when COVID-19 rates began to rise again.

The purpose of these bans is to ease the burden on South Africa’s health services. So far, coronavirus has hit the country the hardest out of all nations on the African continent. The health systems in many areas of South Africa are on the verge of collapse.

Officials hoped that the initial ban would reduce the number of injuries and accidents hospitals had to deal with if alcohol was out of the picture. With 1.25 million people dying in road crashes and an additional 20 to 50 million people sustaining injuries from traffic collisions around the world every year, removing a primary cause of these accidents could make sense. According to the South African health minister Zweli Mkhize, the government reinstated the ban after a study showed that when the alcohol restrictions were lifted facilities reported as much as a 60% increase in trauma emergency center admissions and up to a 200% increase in ICU trauma admissions. Mkhize also said that models showed that a ban on alcohol sales could result in a 20% decrease in all trauma cases and a 40% reduction of all alcohol-related trauma by the third week.

While the reasoning behind the ban is to ultimately save lives, the 290,000 people directly employed in the South African wine industry fear for their financial futures. There are 533 wineries operating in the country and 2,778 grape-growing farms. The worries over job losses in these businesses are not so different from the worries those in the 28 million small businesses in the U.S. are facing. Without the ability to produce and sell products, jobs are at risk.

“For the initial ban on both local sales and exports, we anticipated losses of up to 18,000 jobs. Depending on how long this new ban is in place, this figure is likely to double…With the initial lockdown, we estimated that up to 80 wineries could have to close their doors,” a spokesperson from the industry body Wines of South Africa (WOSA) said.

Many of those in the wine industry, and people in the hospitality industry as well, have taken to social media with the #JobsSaveLives campaign in an attempt to save their futures. The campaign urges Ramaphosa’s government to partially lift the ban and allow the sale of alcohol in sit-down restaurants. It also calls on the government to ease the 9 pm curfew that was imposed in July 2020.

The stand to save the wine and hospitality industries has even made the leap from virtual to tactile, as protesters have gone to the streets in cities across South Africa. They’re hoping that government leaders hear their voices and realize that the hundreds of thousands of people who work in these industries are going to suffer without some kind of help.

Another social media campaign, identified with #SaveSAWine, is calling on wine drinkers around the world to help support the South African wine industry by purchasing and consuming their wine. As the eighth-largest wine producer in the world, the South African wine industry has an impact on the global wine industry. The country produced 974 million liters of wine in 2019, according to figures from WOSA.

For the sake of the global economy as well as the 40,000 grape farm and winery workers and their dependents, people around the world need to support the South African wine industry. Whether you show support by purchasing South African wine or raising awareness of the industry’s struggle through social media, you could be helping the thousands of families who depend on this industry to survive.

Your 5-Step Makeup Routine For Your Next Virtual Meeting, Chat, or Wedding

July 25, 2020/0 Comments/in Beauty, Frontpage Article, Lifestyle /by Contributing Writer

Although most of us rely on digital tools to do our work, no one realized just how big a role the internet would play in our daily lives during 2020. We’re working from home, participating in distance learning, and staying in touch with loved ones via FaceTime. And although 35% of weddings now take place outdoors, many couples have opted to say “I do” via Zoom, as well.

Times may be tough, but we’re making the most of it. Since large gatherings are still prohibited in many places and you may be avoiding any type of in-person social interaction out of an abundance of caution, it’s no wonder that you’re relying on online platforms to stay connected. But since video chats are among the few opportunities we have to see others sans face mask, you might be hoping to make the most of it. Whether you’re trying to impress your coworkers, are having a virtual girls’ night over Skype, or are attending an online wedding ceremony, you’ll want to look your best (in spite of the worst!). Here are five steps that’ll allow you to perfect your makeup routine for virtually any virtual hangout.

Create Facial Definition

It’s actually not true that the camera doesn’t lie. Webcams tend to wash us out and flatten our bone structure, which can make us seem far more pale and doughy than we actually are. If you’re doing your makeup with teleconferencing in mind, you’ll really want to add some definition back into your face. Work on your contouring skills by watching some YouTube videos to make your cheekbones stand out and to make the planes of your face look their best on camera.

Conceal Dark Circles

You’ll also want to use a foundation that gives your skin a healthy glow without adding too much shine. But you can’t rely on your foundation to cover everything. That’s where concealer comes in — and you’ll definitely need it, especially if your sleep has been disrupted with pandemic dreams. Your webcam will zero in on those dark undereye circles, so use a concealer that reflects the light without looking cakey.

Go Bold With Your Brows

Bold brows were already in, but your webcam can probably handle an even bolder brow than you might be able to pull off in real life. Still, don’t go too crazy with the brow pencil or pomade. Use a thin pencil, brow marker, or sharp-angled brush to draw hair-like strokes to fill in your existing brows and brush them in place with a tinted brow gel.

Don’t Forget to Bronze ‘n Blush

As we mentioned, webcams will wash most people out, so you’ll want to put your bronzer and blush to good use. Although the global cosmetics products market was valued at $532.43 billion in 2017, there are even more choices available now — and it’s never been easier to access the beauty products you need. Blush and bronzer aren’t among the priciest cosmetic items out there, either, which means you can go a little wild without spending a ton. You can feel free to be a bit more liberal with these products than you ordinarily would, as they won’t show up as brightly on camera.

Pop On Lashes and a Bright-Colored Pout

If you’re attending a Zoom wedding or a virtual prom, you shouldn’t feel self-conscious about going all-out with your makeup. Aside from some mascara, you might consider adding a strip of false lashes to your final look. A bright-colored lip can be really effective on camera, as well (and fortunately, you’ll be able to check to make sure you don’t have any lipstick on your teeth!). Even if you aren’t much for an all-over makeup look, a brighter lip can instantly make you look more polished and ready to party… or give an amazing presentation.

Although 31.77% of bathrooms are considered to be large in size, the final step isn’t to check your makeup in your bathroom mirror. Rather, you’ll actually want to fire up your webcam before you enter the conference room or Zoom window to see how you look. You might think you look too dolled up, but your makeup may actually read pretty natural through the screen.

Once all that is done, all you have to do is get dressed, do your hair, and click a couple of buttons. Presto: you’ll be sure to turn heads and feel great about your appearance — even if you’re still wearing pajama pants no one can see.

Black-Owned Business Spotlight: Felicia Jackson’s CPR Wrap

July 24, 2020/0 Comments/in Frontpage Article, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Shopping /by Contributing Writer

The best ideas for inventions are often born out of times of desperation and intense need. For mother and medical professional Felicia Jackson, that need came when her young son had a choking incident. Although Jackson was CPR-certified and had 20 years of experience in the medical field, her mind went blank with panic and she couldn’t help her son at that moment. Her husband was able to step in and save their son, but Jackson couldn’t stop thinking about the panic that sets in when you see someone choking and how that can prevent anyone, even medical professionals, from performing CPR.

That’s how Jackson literally dreamed up CPR Wrap. After the incident, she had a dream in which she saw someone using the product in an emergency situation. From the moment she woke up, she knew she had to bring that live-saving product into the world.

CPR wrap is a simple product that makes performing CPR less intimidating and more accessible to everyone. A tool that allows anyone to effectively perform CPR at a moment’s notice, CPR Wrap is a translucent overlay that guides you through the four steps to perform CPR that the American Heart Association recommends. In addition to the simple, step-by-step instructions, it includes a one-way mouth valve and a visual hand placement map to guide chest compressions. If someone’s airway is obstructed, all you have to do is get them flat on their back, lay CPR wrap over them so that the mouthpiece aligns with their mouth and the lower half of the map covers their chest, and follow the instructions on the guide.

As the need for CPR can arise anywhere at any time, CPR Wrap is packaged for convenience. It comes in a palm-sized package, allowing you to easily store it almost anywhere in your home or workplace. As 3 million people are injured in car accidents in the U.S. every year, the ability to keep CPR Wrap in your glove compartment or purse is a great perk of the product. It also comes in different sizes for adults, children, and infants, allowing you to administer CPR to whoever may need it.

This versatility is important, as CPR can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival. When someone starts choking or having trouble breathing, you likely won’t have time to get them to one of the 6,200 hospitals in the U.S. or even have time to wait for an ambulance to get to you. You can, however, quickly open up CPR Wrap, lay it on the person in trouble, and follow the easy instructions to give them CPR.

Although Jackson had no formal business experience and an aversion to marketing when she first thought of this life-saving product, she knew that she had to conquer the tough road ahead and get her idea on the market. Jackson started with business programs in her town of Chattanooga, TN, including an immersive accelerator program run by CO.LAB, a local startup incubator.

In that program, Jackson quickly learned the ropes of pitching a business. She found that she was a natural at marketing, a part of running a business that includes tasks big and small, such as branding a product and ensuring that branding is consistently presented across all platforms, which can increase revenue by up to 23%. The hard work paid off and Jackson was able to sell 3,000 units of CPR Wrap before she even had a tangible product.

Today, Jackson works on CPR Wrap full time and business is booming. The company has even gone international, with audiences in South Africa, Dubai, and Germany showing interest in having CPR Wrap on hand.

“Internationally, when it comes to safety and protocol, they prepare—they’re not reactive. For many of us here in America, it’s only when something happens to us that we think we need something like CPR Wrap,” said Jackson.

Thankfully, when a near-tragedy did happen to Jackson’s son he made it out alive and Jackson did think of something like CPR Wrap. Now, families around the world can take a preventative step by bringing CPR Wrap wherever they go and always being ready to face an emergency situation with ease and confidence.