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Put Your Money Where the Movement Is: Black-Operated Brands You Can Support Today

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

In response to the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and so many others, people across the United States have started speaking out against police brutality in Black communities. The past few weeks have seen protests in every state in America and in at least 40 countries around the world, countless petitions to get justice for Black Americans who have been killed by the police, and crowdsourced lists of organizations to donate to. As the initial wave of protests subsides, many people have been wondering how they can continue to fight against racial disparities in this country.

In addition to keeping this necessary conversation going even as the media cycle focuses less on the protests, a great way to help ensure that Black communities receive the reparations they deserve is to support Black-owned and Black-operated businesses. Whether you physically go to businesses in your community or you support businesses across the country by shopping online, you can fight inequality in the long-term by putting your money where your mouth is and giving Black businesses your hard-earned cash. There are 30.2 million small businesses in the U.S. and all it takes is a simple Google search to discover which of these are owned and run by Black entrepreneurs. To get you started, here is just a small list of some of our favorite Black-owned and Black-operated brands.

Castamira Swimwear

Chantel Davis, a Jamaican-born model, founded this luxury swimwear brand in 2017 and hasn’t stopped her entrepreneurial efforts since. Davis wants Castamira to be a swimwear company for all women, regardless of their size, shape, or skin color. Before she founded the brand, Davis went to university and then signed with Wilhelmina Miami to work as a model for three years.

After seeing the same thin body type over and over again in the modeling industry, Davis was inspired to launch a swimwear brand that aimed to make all women feel comfortable, sexy, and confident in their own skin. Davis designs Castamira swimsuits so that they highlight the small of the back, support the bust, embrace curves, and elongate legs. Every inch of these swimsuits is catered to the female form so that any woman can have fun in the sun while feeling undeniably beautiful.

The Doux

The Doux is a professional approach to curly hair that delivers real results without all of the hype. Maya Smith, a licensed cosmetologist, developed The Doux in a textured hair salon with extensive research and development and thousands of transitioned clients. Smith developed The Doux to treat any style of hair, whether it has natural curl definition or it’s been thermally straightened. With Smith’s innovative product, she’s squashed the battle between straight and curly and proved that any kind of natural is beautiful.

Black Girl Sunscreen

Shontay Lundy created Black Girl Sunscreen in 2016 to help Black people protect their skin against harmful UV rays. Lundy formulated this sunscreen specifically for darker skin tones so that it doesn’t leave a white residue or cast after you apply it. Whether you love laying out on the beach or you’re among the 162 million people who make up the U.S. civilian labor force and spend your working hours out in the sun, you can use this sunscreen to protect your skin. It is also reef-friendly, as it is made with an all-natural formula free of harmful parabens and fragrances.

JustFab

JustFab is a fashion-subscription e-commerce site that provides members with a personal shopping experience and is part of TechStyle Fashion Group’s portfolio of brands, which also includes Savage X Fenty, Fabletics, and ShoeDazzle. Daria Burke helps ensure JustFab’s success as their Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). In this position, Burke oversees all marketing functions and pilots JustFab’s global brand awareness and positioning.

Prior to joining JustFab in 2019, Burke led various fashion and retail advertising partnerships at Facebook and Instagram; was a founding team member of Rent the Runway, and served as Head of Beauty Strategy, Innovation, and Experience at CVS. Although Burke is early in her career at JustFab, she is sure to give the fashion brand a boost with her extensive expertise. Bet you didn’t know, JustFab was a Black-operated brand.

Mielle Haircare

With a focus on health from the inside out, Mielle products have shaken up the hair care market since the company’s 2014 launch. Monique Rodriguez is the company’s founder and CEO and used her nine years of experience as a registered nurse to create a line of natural beauty products for all hair types. At an affordable price, you won’t need to pawn precious stones to get the cash you need to purchase Mielle products. You can easily find these natural products at major stores like Walmart or purchase them online to support Rodriguez and her business directly.

Glam Body

Danika Berry created Glam Body in 2017 with the goal of making skin look and feel better with natural ingredients. Glam Body’s coffee scrubs are vegan and cruelty-free, containing jojoba oil, coconut oil, and coffee. This combination of ingredients helps fight stretch marks, cellulite, hyperpigmentation, eczema, dull skin, and aging effects.

French Deal

Steeven Kodjia started in a competition-winning dance crew at the O’Tentick dance company, a Parisian-based dance studio. While he performed at concerts and in music videos, he developed a strong interest in men’s fashion. After frequent trips to New York City to search for streetwear styles he couldn’t find elsewhere, he decided to start his own fashion label, French Deal.

French Deal is based on Parisian hip-hop looks and VOLUME 4, Steeven’s latest collection, aims to shine a positive light on Africa. With this collection, Steeven wants to challenge stereotypical beliefs to prove that Africa has an amazing fashion scene with a rich history and culture.

Glow by Daye

Glow by Daye is a brand that sells high-quality hair maintenance tools and products to help you meet your hair goals. Ranay Orton, a self-proclaimed lazy natural, wanted simple solutions to care for her hair and didn’t find them on the market. So, she created her own. Whether your hair goals are focused on length, moisture retention, or prolonging hairstyles, Orton’s products are designed to help you.

Rucker Roots

Sisters Ellen Rucker Sellers and Ione Rucker-Jamison launched Rucker Roots, a line of healthy products to help all hair types. Their products are derived from vegetable roots, such as ginger root, carrot root, and turnip root. You can shop the Rucker Roots collection for individual shampoos and conditioners or for multi-step systems to boost your hair’s health.

Whether you want to treat yourself to a piece of luxury fashion or you’re looking for affordable products to use in your daily life, you can support Black businesses. Use these companies as a starting point and remember to share your favorite brands with your friends and family. By creating a network of financial support for Black-operated businesses and recognizing the achievements of Black entrepreneurs, we can help Black communities thrive.

The Best Scented Soaps You’ll Want to Lather Up With

June 13, 2020/0 Comments/in Beauty, Lifestyle, Skincare /by Glasgow Skinner

We have all gotten to know our soaps a lot more than we used to. We can attest to not really talking too much about soap as we do now. It’s true we had favorites; we loved some because of how our skin felt after using them, and others because of how much we love the scents. Today, we’re highlighting hand, and body soaps that both leave your skin feeling great and smell wonderful. The following are our favorite scented soaps you’ll want to lather up with.

Whether you’re washing your hands for the thousandth time for the day or pampering your skin with moisturizing cleansers, you’ll want to get your hands on these scented soaps.

source Lavender Blossom Goat Milk Hand Soap By Dionis, $8.00

Dionis hand soap is a rich and creamy concentrated formula that is sulfate-free and highly moisturizing because they blend their natural Goat milk with Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, and Coconut Oil. This hand soap will not only clean your hands, but it will leave you feeling silky smooth and moisturized. Lather your hands and the result is delightful Aurelian lily blossom, juicy orange and cassis, surrounded by jasmine, rose and lavender on a creamy background of coconut, apricot nectar, and musk.

lopinavir ritonavir dosing Ounce of Nature Activated Charcoal Soap, $10.99

Activated Charcoal Soap draws out impurities, dirt, and oil from the skin. Ounce of Nature puts loads of charcoal in this soap for maximum cleansing effectiveness. It is then blended with Colloidal Oatmeal and Aloe Vera Gel to make their amazing soap base. Free of synthetic fragrances, this wonderful, naturally scented soap contains just activated charcoal, colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, and soap.

source url Coconut Sugar Hand Soap & Lotion Sink Set from Mer-Sea, $38.00

Don’t leave your hands high and dry, keep some lotion close by with this chic set of soap and lotion from Mer-Sea. Their Coconut Sugar is a cult classic and once you take in the scent, you’ll know why. Subtle coconut notes are warmed with vanilla and musk for a smooth, addictive fragrance. It will remind you of warm, summer nights after a long day at the beach. Enjoy the benefits of Sea Kelp extract, Artemia Extract, Shea Butter, Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, and Jojoba oil every time you wash and hydrate your hands.

Eczema Honey Gentle Oatmeal and Lavender Soap, $8.95

Enjoy a mild cleansing for sensitive skin that will leave you feeling soft and smooth. It’s more than a soap, it’s a gentle cleansing bar. Washing with regular soap can cause your skin to feel dry and tight. What makes the Eczema Honey soap different? The combination of cleansers and moisturizing ingredients helps to nourish skin, plus it is more gentle than typical soap bars.

kaletra y duovir Orange Honey Blossom Artisan Soap by SoapCreek Company, $9.99

Take your bathroom to the next level with SoapCreek Company’s handmade, artisan soaps. The large, luxurious 6 oz bars contain rich Cocoa Butter and Honey with exfoliating Orange Peel. This makes them a moisturizing treat (you may remember we highlighted SoapCreek a few months ago). Ylang Ylang essential oil gives a heavy floral scent with bergamot and sweet orange to lighten this perfect blend. As a certified organic company, SoapCreek is dedicated to making the world better, one bar at a time. Each bar of soap is handcrafted in the U.S.A and has generous amounts of additives sourced both locally and worldwide.

http://fitkatbykatrinabowden.com/?ka=lopinavir-india-price Fizz and Bubble Whipped Soap, $15.00

We love the thought of a truly fun soap and this ready to whip soap gives you clean, super smooth, silky, and yummy-soft skin! If you want to say goodbye to old-fashioned soap, then this Fizz and Bubble Whipped Soap is for you. You have the freedom to scoop out as much as you’d like of the super nourishing (and calorie-free) Birthday Cake Whipped Soap! Lather this treat all over for blissfully soft and glowing skin (and smell like a delicious cake, of course). You’ll be glad you did.

ritonavir covid 19 Outlaw Soaps, $10.00

Outlaw Soaps are formulated with an all-vegan combination of oils that is both delightfully sudsy in the shower and leaves your skin silky smooth. The brand creates scent profiles that include whiskey, campfire, clean laundry, and fresh grass. All perfect as Father’s Day gifts. This personal care purveyor puts the “Yippee Ki Yay” back in his day with soap, lotion, body wash, deodorant, cologne, and more; all made in the USA and also available at www.amazon.com.

lopinavir coronavirus coronavirus Nature Pure Vegetal Base Soap Bar – Real Shea Butter, $4.79

Nature by Canus Vegetal Base Soaps are made using sustainable palm oil and a rich formula of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. The key ingredient is fresh goat’s milk; which has the benefit of moisturizing dry, flaky skin from constant handwashing. Made by traditional saponification, the goat milk cleanses the skin without drying or altering the natural hydration barrier to give your hands a break. This Shea Butter bar leaves a sweet flowery fragrance while providing all the softening and nourishing benefits. For those with extra dry skin, Nature’s Creamy Body Lotion is a great follow up product.

ritonavir pills Sea Witch Botanicals Printed Body Soaps, $7.00+

Printed Body Soaps are one of Sea Witch Botanicals’ best-sellers. Each soap contains an image printed on rice paper with vegetable-based ink to help make washing your hands enjoyable, but don’t just admire the bar for its beauty. The soaps contain a gentle formula that can be used from head to toe. The Certified B. Corp. brand offers plant-based, certified vegan, and cruelty-free home and body care products. Its mission is to keep you and the environment equally healthy.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the scented soaps we highlighted. Have you tried any of these brands?

Bandero Tequila: Drink to the Spirit of the Revolution

June 10, 2020/0 Comments/in Alcohol, Cocktail Recipes, Drinks and Beverages, Lifestyle /by Glasgow Skinner

As we fight against the continuous and unjust killing of black lives, we find ourselves searching for moments of joy. Happy memories from our past to fight the internal rage. This rage has forced us to take social media and news breaks, but we still cheer on the revolution. In keeping with the spirit of this current revolution, we’re highlighting a tequila that is “el espíritu de la revolución,” or, “Spirit of the Revolution.” We also had an experience with it that brought us so much joy. Just a little over a year ago, we were invited to partake in a mixology class with Bandero Tequila and Ricardo Calderon. It was an incredibly fun experience, one we will hold onto forever. We loved it for many reasons; the camaraderie; the relaxing environment; and as we learned that day, just how delicious Bandero Tequila is.

It was the first time we saw it in person and we were immediately enamored with the bottle. In case you’re unfamiliar, the award-winning Bandero Blanco is radical in flavor and style. It features bold flavors and an authentic leather-bound canteen bottle. Twice distilled, Bandero uses the finest Blue Weber Agave cultivated from the hills of the Los Altos Highlands in Jalisco, Mexico; known worldwide as the only location for authentic Tequilas. The agave plants at this higher elevation experience cooler nights, less rain and colder winters, transforming Bandero into a sweeter, richer “pineapple.” The hardened red clay soil of Los Altos forces the Bandero agave roots to work harder to find this region’s special crystalline waters while gathering copious amounts of minerals. The result is a richer agave, high in natural sugar with notes of pear and peach.

Since we’re all far from attending a mixology class, we present two cocktails brought to life with this premium tequila. While Bandero Tequila is ideal for sipping, these two great cocktail recipes are a delicious way you can enjoy Bandero’s radical flavor.

The Bandero “Quarantina” Margarita

2 oz of Bandero Tequila
3/4 oz of Orange Juice (Fresh Squeezed if you have).
1 oz Cointreau, Triple Sec, or Another Orange Liqueur (if available).
Splash of Club Soda
Garnish with 1/2 Orange Wheel
Mix in a Large Glass or add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake. Strain into a rocks glass over ice and add a splash of Club Soda. Garnish with an Orange Wedge.

Bubbles Before Midnight

1.5oz Bandero Blanco tequila
0.5oz grenadine syrup
0.5oz lime juice
Brut champagne top
Combine all ingredients EXCEPT champagne in a shaker tin with ice and short-shake. Strain into a champagne flute, top with champagne. Zest & rim glass with lemon peel, place on a rim of the glass.

Whether you’re out protesting across this broken nation or sharing news and knowledge from home, we raise a glass to you in this, our revolution. Here’s to our black voices being heard; here’s to our black lives and our bodies, mattering! ¡Viva la Revolución!

Back to the Basics of Skincare with Moroccan Beauty Brand, Ziri Skincare

June 9, 2020/0 Comments/in Beauty, Lifestyle, Product Reviews, Skincare /by Glasgow Skinner

When it comes to beauty practices, Moroccan women are ahead of the curve. For one thing, they made us aware of how absolutely necessary oils are to our daily beauty routine; the amazingness of rose water; detoxify skin with clay masks; and the benefits of deep exfoliation for the entire body. While Moroccan beauty is rooted in ancient practices, one new brand is applying those old-world rituals to a modern, active lifestyle. Join us in welcoming Ziri Skincare to our beauty routine. Launched earlier this year, Ziri Skincare is the skin and hair care brand sharing North African beauty traditions.

Ziri means “moonlight” in the Moroccan Amazigh language and for centuries, the moon has played an important role in Moroccan culture. According to Moroccan legend, skin and hair are more absorbent in moonlight, making it the perfect time for rejuvenation and recovery. We have been indulging ourselves in some of this wonderful range of Moroccan Hamam beauty products.

lopinavir ritonavir mechanism of action Moroccan Black Soap with Lemon, $30.00 – This 100% virgin black olive oil and lemon cleanser is a miracle worker. We’ve only been using it for a few days and our skin is already brighter. As acne sufferers, we love its anti-bacterial properties and that it fights against discoloration. It’s great at removing toxins and unclogs your pores, whether after a workout or a very humid day. It works especially great with the watch exfoliating glove, $10.00. But don’t let it’s powerful cleansing abilities scare you; this soap also moisturizes, exfoliates, and soothes your skin. Not once did our skin feel tight or dry; in fact, it felt quite the opposite.

http://mylifeonandofftheguestlist.com/?kaletra=ritonavir-coronavirus Rose Water, go to link $30.00 – From Morocco’s Valley of Roses, this multi-purpose spray serves many skin benefits at once. It tones your skin and thanks to its antibacterial properties, fights acne caused by oil and dirt. This distilled rose water also reduces the signs of aging as you hydrate and strengthen skin.

Moroccan Red Clay, $35.00 – Need an ultimate detoxifier? This clay effectively absorbs sebum and significantly impacts the appearance and overall health of your skin! The Ziri Skincare Moroccan Red Clay removes excess oils and reduces acne and blackheads. It will also remove any dirt, grime, and dead skin cells left behind after any physical activity.

Organic Argan Oil, $30.00 – Perfect for skin and hair, this wonderful oil is made from the seeds of the Argan tree located in southwest Morocco. It leaves your skin renewed and moisturized, reduces inflammation, and the appearance of scars and stretchmarks. For healthier hair, just apply it to your hair and scalp to not only reduce breakage and frizz but to promote hair growth.

National Rosé Day w/ the Sugarfina Rosé All Day Gummy Collection

June 5, 2020/0 Comments/in Food, Lifestyle, Snacks /by Glasgow Skinner

When you win Cosmopolitan’s Wine Award for Best Rosé Candy, you immediately become an expert in all things Rosé candy-related. So naturally, we look to luxury candy makers, Sugarfina to help us celebrate National Rosé Day on June 13th. Lord knows we could personally use sweet treats to take our minds off the daily assaults of our civil rights. And boy they Sugarfina did not disappoint! You are going to swoon over the Sugarfina Rosé All Day Gummy Collection. This beautiful candy bento box is exactly what you need to get you through the rest of the quarantine. But believe it or not, there’s more. To celebrate National Rosé Day, Sugarfina is partnering with Bodvar Rosé, MINNIDIP, and Native to host an Instagram giveaway that will slay this summer!

Sugarfina has several delicious options to help you celebrate all things rosé wine. Join us in drooling over these sweet rosé candy treats:

Rosé All Day Bears – Infused with real rosé wine, these gummy bears from Sugarfina are a delightfully rosy treat.
But First, Rosé Roses – With an infusion of Rosé wine from Provence in every bite, our newest rosette-shaped gummies are the perfect treat for any Rosé lover.
Sparkling Rosé Bears – Get sparkling with these grown-up gummy bears infused with rosé wine and dusted in tart sugar crystals.
Rosé Fruttini – Juicy, tiny fruit gems infused with real Rosé wine from Provence and rolled in extra-fine sugar crystals, plus these are vegan!
Rosé Bears Pink Chocolate Bar – Sugarfina sourced the finest white chocolate from Paris and topped it with Rosé Bears, our signature gummy bear infused with rosé wine from Provence. Because when it comes to rosé, too much is never enough!

The Sugarfina Rosé All Day gummies are available in a 3-Piece Candy Bento Box ($28.00) and 2-Piece Candy Bento Box ($20.00). You can stop and taste the rosé in every delicious bite. Our 2-Piece Rosé All Day Candy Bento Box features the But First, Rosé Roses and Rosé All Day Bears; while the 3-Piece Rosé All Day Candy Bento Box comes with the But First, Rosé Roses, Rosé All Day Bears, and Sparkling Rosé Bears (rosé bears dusted in tart sugar crystals). Either box you choose, you’ll be joyfully saying National Rosé Day.

Bogart's Spirits: Drink in the Essence of Old Hollywood

Bogart’s Spirits: Drink in the Golden Age of Hollywood

June 3, 2020/0 Comments/in Alcohol, Cocktail Recipes, Drinks and Beverages, Lifestyle /by Glasgow Skinner

Before we were fighting for our civil rights, our COVID-19 experience had been basking in the glory of all things old Hollywood. With the popularity of Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time and the amazing success of Ryan Murphy’s reimagined Hollywood series on Netflix, we were more than ready to drink in the love of Bogie and Bacall. Then we ended up fighting for our lives and rights and things were put off to the side for a minute. But! One cannot live my anger alone, so back to love we go. Specifically to Stephen Bogart, the son of Bogie and Bacall, and his range of Bogart’s Spirits.

During the “Golden Age of Hollywood”, Humphrey Bogart was the toast of the town, so we quite eager to get to know the offerings from Bogart’s Spirits. Thanks to the partnership between the Humphrey Bogart Estate and Patron Tequila co-founder, John Paul DeJoria’s, ROKiT Drinks, the award-winning Bogart’s Gin, Bogart’s Whiskey, Bogart’s Rum, and Bogart’s Vodka is here to bring some of old Hollywood to today.

Each Bogart’s Spirits bottle, available in 750ml, features Humphrey Bogart’s name, key facts from his biography, and a famous Bogie quote about drinking.

The Bogart’s Gin ($26.99) is made with juniper berries from Italy that are selected for their fragrant aromas; fresh hand-zested citrus; vine-ripened cucumber; lightly hand-roasted and crushed macadamia nuts; lavender, and coriander leaves. Incredibly smooth juniper spruce tips and coriander taste that finishes in a round, full back note of macadamia and peppery lime. The gin bottle features this Humphrey Bogart quote: “NEVER TRUST A MAN WHO DOESN’T DRINK”.

Bogart’s Whiskey ($34.99) is a blended whiskey made with single malt and grain whiskeys. After maturing for at least three years, it is then rested and finished using white American oak bourbon casks. Spice and fruit notes mingle on the nose along with strong flavors of honey. You may notice the simple syrup and graham crackers that show in this lively spirit. The whiskey bottle boasts features this Humphrey Bogart quote: “I DEFEND MY AMERICAN RIGHT TO TAKE A DRINK WHEN I FEEL LIKE IT”.

Rum lovers will love Bogart’s Rum ($24.99) for its artisan-distilled and blended unaged rum. Made from U.S. Virgin Island rum (a sugar cane base) and “Fancy” grade Black Strap Molasses from the Gulf Coast; this crystal-clear white rum boasts a remarkably smooth, clean finish, with aromas of light caramel and citrus zest. It’s soft, well-rounded flavors include almond and coconut, which makes this exceptionally well-crafted rum the star of any occasion. What is the Humphrey Bogart quote on the rum bottle? : “ALL YOU OWE THE PUBLIC IS A GOOD PERFORMANCE”.

Last but not least, Bogart’s Vodka ($24.99) uses the highest-quality American grains. It is column-distilled seven times in small batches and matches the quality of the legendary man it represents. The result is an unbelievably smooth and clean vodka with a silky-dry yet light, fruity body, and peppery spice-accented finish. It is a truly tasty and balanced vodka. The Humphrey Bogart quote on the vodka bottle is probably what every American is feeling right now: “THE WHOLE WORLD IS THREE DRINKS BEHIND”.

Now that you’re acquainted with Bogart’s Spirits, we thought we’d share some delicious cocktail recipes to start you off on your Golden Age of Hollywood entertainment.

Bogart’s Vodka “Quarantini”

2 oz. Bogart’s Vodka
1 oz. Roses Lime Juice
1 oz. Pomegranate Juice
1 Sprig of Fresh Mint
In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients over ice. Shake not stir until chill. Pour in a Martini Glass and garnish with a sprig of Fresh Mint.

Bogart’s Vodka Dilly Dilly

1.5oz Bogart’s Vodka
0.75oz strawberry cordial*
0.75oz lemon juice
Top ABK Rose Frisch(sub prosecco, or club soda)
fresh dill
Combine all ingredients EXCEPT ABK Rose Frisch in a shaker tin with ice and shake. Strain into wine glass over ice. Top with ABK Rose Frisch, garnish with a sprig of dill.

*Strawberry Cordial
6.0oz strawberries
16.0oz simple syrup
0.5oz rose water
1.0oz Bogart’s Vodka
Blend strawberry into a puree, combine with simple syrup. Bring strawberry syrup to boil, reduce heat and let simmer for 10min. Remove from heat, strain through cheesecloth or coffee filter. Once it’s cooled down, add rose water. Keeps refrigerated for 2-3weeks.

The Bogart’s Adult Whiskey Sour Apple

(A smart cocktail you will definitely need after a day of Home Schooling!)

2 oz. of Bogart’s Whiskey
1/4 Cup of Apple Cider or Apple Juice
1 oz. of Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer
1 Squirt of Lemon Juice
Pour all ingredients over ice and stir!

A Clove Affair

2.0oz Bogart’s Irish Whiskey
1.0oz lemon juice
0.75oz grenadine syrup
Garnish: 1⁄2 lemon wheel studded with clove
Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin with ice and shake. Strain into Collins glass over ice. Garnish with a clove-studded lemon wheel. Torch clove until smoking and serve.

Garden Bubbles

1.5oz Bogart’s Gin
0.75oz lemon juice
0.75oz simple syrup
0.25oz Cynar
2 dashes rhubarb bitters
Celery foam*
Combine all ingredients into a shaker tin with ice and shake. Strain into martini/coupe glass. Spoon celery foam over top of the cocktail.

*Celery Foam:
16.oz celery foam
1⁄2 tbsp soy lecithin
1⁄2 tsp celery salt
Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl. Use an immersion blender to mix ingredients, turn at a 45-degree angle to create bubbles.

To purchase one or all of the Bogart’s Spirits, visit www.shop.bogartspirits.com in the US and www.masterofmalt.com/distilleries/bogarts for worldwide shipping.

Hanifa Debuts New Collection on Instagram Live With 3D Models

May 29, 2020/0 Comments/in Collection Previews, Fashion, Lifestyle, Shopping /by Contributing Writer

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting quarantine have forced many people and organizations to adapt to a world based on virtual communication in order to survive. Workers now doing their jobs from home have adjusted to using video chats for all meetings. Those who no longer have jobs have to rely on online forms and portals to receive unemployment and Temporary Disability benefits. Businesses have had to make their goods and services available online or else face bankruptcy. Out of these obstacles, however, many individuals and organizations have found ways to thrive.

One fashion brand has made a virtual splash that could change the future of fashion, but the designer behind it had planned her unique launch before the coronavirus pandemic made it essential. Designer Anifa Mvuemba debuted the newest collection from her brand, Hanifa, with 3D digital models on Instagram Live on May 22. The runway show, which featured her Pink Label Congo collection, pulled in over 500 viewers and changed preconceived notions about how you could put on a fashion show.

Mvuemba first had the idea for a virtual runway show five years ago, but she had limited technical knowledge to pull off the ambitious plan. To learn more about 3D modeling, she turned to Google and YouTube. Using the same determination she had when learning how to sew from the same search engines, Mvuemba studied 3D design software while she designed the physical collection.

“I’m just the type of person that when I want to learn how to do something, I’m going to learn it even if that means I have to be up 24 hours for a week straight,” said Mvuemba.

She finished the collection’s looks in November 2019 and in January 2020 she decided that she would make her vision of a virtual fashion show come true. She started with testing out curvy 3D models on Hanifa’s Instagram, replacing the brand’s real-life models to preview the upcoming looks.

Soon after, the spread of the coronavirus created another obstacle for Mvuemba and her brand. As she admits in an interview with Teen Vogue, the designer was initially hesitant to move forward with her virtual runway show.

“The news came out about how serious things were and I started to feel a bit anxious about everything going on. I started feeling like maybe it would be insensitive to create and share a new collection online while people were facing very difficult realities,” Mvuemba told Teen Vogue.

However, Mvuemba began to see the unique opportunity she had to launch a runway show that could transform the fashion world. Traditional runway shows tend to happen at major events like New York Fashion Week, making them inaccessible to much of the world. Not only are invitations to these events exclusive, but many people cannot afford or are not physically able to travel to the events to even have a chance at seeing the shows. This can exclude people in lower economic classes, people with disabilities, and people who are older — the global population of which is expected to reach 22% by 2050 — from the events where major fashion moments happen. By debuting a runway show on Instagram rather than in an inaccessible NYC venue, Hanifa opened up its show to anyone of any age and ability in the world.

Making the show accessible to anyone who wanted to watch it was also important because of the show’s content. The Pink Label Congo live stream started with a mini-documentary on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Viewers saw clips of news articles on the illegal child labor and abuse of power that occurs in the Congo in the name of mining Coltan, which is used to produce cell phones. Mvuemba wanted to contrast this abusive part of the Congo’s history with its beautiful scenery and citizens, represented by the stunning collection.

The runway portion of the live stream showed curvy, body-less models strutting down a virtual runway. Although there were no bodies making the clothes move, the Congolese-inspired pieces draped on the 3D models, showing every curve and bend. The runway was set to upbeat electronic music that accentuated the show’s celebration of culture and joy. Even viewers who were among the 15% of adults who have a form of hearing impairment, however, still saw that joy through the beautiful runway pieces. From pieces like the Kinshasa dress, a red, blue, and yellow pleated mini-dress that celebrated the colors of the Congolese flag, to the show’s finale look, the Mai Maxi that features the Congo river, the runway was a proud display of Congolese culture.

After the show finished on Instagram, the Internet sang the brand’s praises. Hanifa became a trending topic on Twitter, the first time the brand has ever done so, and the show became the subject of headlines across media outlets. Fans across platforms marveled at Mvuemba’s creativity and innovation and went wild with pride from seeing a black woman taking this monumental step in fashion history.

Whether you want to celebrate black women — yet again — changing the world for the better or you’re inspired by the gorgeous clothing, you can shop the full Hanifa Pink Label Congo Collection on its website. If you’d like to help people directly in the Congo, check out the collection’s Colette T-shirt. Hanifa is donating 20% of sales of the shirt to support Congolese families who have been affected by the illegal Colton mining. And of course, keep an eye on what else is to come from Hanifa. We certainly will be and we can’t wait to see what world Mvuemba will invite us into next.

Versatile Pantry Staples From Mighty Sesame Co. and Wissotzky Tea

May 27, 2020/0 Comments/in Drinks and Beverages, Food, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Snacks /by Glasgow Skinner

If you’re experiencing what we have been during this stay-at-home order, then you’re looking for groceries and pantry staples that multitask. With many basics still sold out or unavailable, it’s time to look to foods that are versatile. While this can’t be done with fresh fruits and vegetables, you can with pantry staples. Thankfully, Wissotzky Tea and Mighty Sesame Co. have come to the rescue. The shelf-stable products from these two brands will add variety and versatility to your meals and snacks.

Our go-to for stressful times have always been tea, so of course, we were excited about the Wissotzky Tea offerings. Whether you’re reading a book or catching up on your shows, nothing relaxes you like a delicious cuppa; plus tea is full of antioxidants. You may not know, but Tahini is teeming with great health benefits. It is full of healthy fats, is anti-inflammatory, protects over and kidney functions, has antibacterial properties, and like tea, is rich in antioxidants.

Wissotzky Tea (Nana Mint, $3.99; Chai $4.99)

Wissotzky Tea Company has dozens of varieties of teas to satisfy any mood on every occasion. Its Artisan Spiced Tea collection artfully pairs hand-selected premium black tea leaves with market spices, herbs, and other natural ingredients. Enjoy their Salted Caramel Chai, Ginger, and Turmeric, Spiced Nana Mint, Pumpkin Spiced Chai, or any of Wissotzky’s premium teas and infusions – hot or iced. With these pantry staples, you can indulge in a trip around the world without leaving your home.

Mighty Sesame Co.

The Mighty Sesame Tahini creamy spread is a game-changer for sandwiches, marinades, dips, baked goods, desserts, salads, and even cocktails. It’s great to use in soups or drizzled over meat and fish. Grab the 10.9 oz. bottle for 5.99.

The creamy Tahini spread isn’t the only must-try from Mighty Sesame. For those with a sweet tooth, the yummy TahiniBars are a great snack option. With three varieties of all-natural tahini bars, Pistachio, Cocoa Nibs, and Vanilla, you get a delicious snack that’s only 100 calories per bar. Like their squeezable cousins, these addictive grab-and-go treats are premium-quality snacks that are good for you. They are gluten- and dairy-free, vegan, kosher, halal, non-GMO, 100% guilt-free, and delicious. Grab your favorite flavor(s) for $3.99 per box of 6 individually wrapped 0.63 oz. bars.

The Mighty Sesame products and Wissotzky teas are distributed by Kayco, the leading Kosher food distributor in America. You may be familiar with other kosher brands they distribute, including Kedem and Manischewitz. Now that you’re familiar with these great pantry staples, how can they rev up your meals?