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Bokksu Box Brings Unique Japanese Snacks To American Consumers

October 16, 2020/0 Comments/in Food, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Shopping, Snacks /by Contributing Writer

Anyone who loves to travel knows how easy it is to fall in love with a different country’s food. You discover all kinds of snacks and goodies while you’re there, helping make your trip feel truly special. When you get back on your shores, however, you’re left feeling a deep disappointment after you realize that none of those treats are in the international aisle at your grocery store.

Danny Taing had this exact experience after living in Japan for many years. He fell in love with Japanese delicacies, as well as the community that formed around them. When he returned to America and could no longer enjoy those tasty treats and the culture surrounding them, he became one of the 400 million entrepreneurs around the world by starting a monthly subscription box for Japanese snacks.

Taing’s company is called Bokksu and its tight-knit team curates a box of gourmet Japanese snacks every month. Bokksu sources these snacks from artisan makers in Japan, so when you get a Bokksu box you know that you’ve supported local businesses in Japan and not international corporations. The company even partners with the artisans in Japan to create new Japanese snacks exclusively for its customers. This authentic touch, combined with the deliciousness of the snacks, has spurned the success of Bokksu, which sold half a million snacks to customers in more than 75 countries in its first two years of business.

To give customers a wide diversity in flavor and experience, the snack box revolves around a different theme every month. When a customer orders their first box, however, the team at Bokksu will handpick a variety of snacks that represents the four seasons in Japan so that you can get an authentic taste of the country.

Japanese snacks are made with high-quality ingredients. This is unlike many common American snacks, the unhealthy and processed ingredients in which have contributed to obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which are among the leading causes of preventable death. The high-quality, richly-flavored ingredients make the treats you can find in a Bokksu box ranging from traditional Japanese desserts, known as wagashi, to modern confections.

When you open up a Bokksu box, you’ll find a variety of sweet and savory treats. These include mochi, edamame senbei, red bean doughnuts, matcha chocolate stick cakes, rice crackers, and so much more. If you find a snack that you can’t get enough of, you can shop a la carte items at the Bokksu Market so that you can stock up on your favorites.

You have a few different options when it comes to choosing a plan for your Bokksu Japanese snacks subscription box. You could do a monthly rate, a 3-month rate, a 6-month rate, or a yearly rate. Whichever you choose, you can rest assured that your financial information is secure. Although researchers believe that 4 billion records were exposed in data breaches in the first half of 2019 alone, Bokksu keeps your sensitive information safe in their secure e-commerce platform. Invest in local Japanese businesses while getting a taste of authentic cuisine by signing up for your first Bokksu Japanese snacks today.

Tenth Street Hats: A Collection of the Best Fall Hats for Women

October 11, 2020/0 Comments/in Accessories, Collection Previews, Fashion, Lifestyle, Shopping /by Glasgow Skinner

We love hats, the variety of styles, the way it completes a look, and the way it can change your look. For as long as we can remember, we’ve struggled to find a hat that both fits and looks good on our heads. Thanks to the combination of big heads and a lot of hair, finding those gems are few and far between. Even now we own hats that we’ve never worn. We love the idea of hats and love to see people wearing them, while we cursed our follically blessed and larger than most heads. But we have discovered hope in the form of Tenth Street Hats, a range of designer hats made in the old way and sold in a new way. We’ve finally found a hat company with very chic hats that we look good it (and they fit).

The family-run Tenth Street Hats boasts a collection of hats that blends a vintage feel with modern sensibilities. The California-based label works with expert craftsmen and cutting-edge designers to bring you quality hats. Using rare hat-making machines, Tenth Street Hats has been providing stylish hats for almost 100 years. Their range of women’s fall hat offerings includes styles from the following designers: Aegean, Biltmore, Brooklyn, John Callanan, Dorfman Pacific, Scala, and Stetson. They offer a lot more brands for men, including Santana by Carlos Santana, Stacy Adams, Indiana Jones, Panama Jack, and more. Check out all the fall hats they have available.

This fall, Tenth Streets Hats offers the following women’s styles: Fedoras, Fishermen, Cloche, Safari, Berets, Safari, Western, and much more. The new season means new styles, new fashions, and new accessories. We fell (pun intended) head over heels in love with the Cloche silhouette, particularly the Sciacca by Scala (featured below in Blush; a perfect way to rock Pantone’s 16-1511 Rose Tan). This fashionable and functional felt wool hat features a feminine bow detail at the back and is crushable, so it retains its shape when packed. Other favorites, also by Scala, are the Katie Ann Cloche, which features spiral studded detailing; and the Tula, a pleated crown style in boiled wool. The Seville by Brooklyn, an elegant, wool felt Gaucho (boater-style) hat with a leather band and bow.

A great hat is a great way to spice up your fall wardrobe. Whatever your go-to looks this fall, Tenth Street has the perfect hat for you; and will help you get the perfect fit.

Could your fall wardrobe use the addition of a great fall hat? Plus, they make excellent Holiday gifts for her and him.

Holiday Gift Guide 2020: Must-Have Gifts for the Wine Enthusiast

October 4, 2020/0 Comments/in Alcohol, Frontpage Article, Lifestyle, Shopping /by Glasgow Skinner

Is there a wine enthusiast in your life? Do you always feel uneasy about gifting them a bottle of wine they will love? Why not save yourself from worry and get them a wine accessory they need this holiday season. You may not know how to pick the perfect wine but we’ll help you get the perfect wine gifts for that wine enthusiast on your holiday gift list.

They’ll love these must-have wine essentials from PureWine, Wine Condoms, ArT Wine Preserver, and Wine Accents. The best part, these gifts are so affordable, you may end up a wine enthusiast yourself. Let’s get to know these wonderful holiday gifts.

1. Wine Accents Wine Accessories Set, $50.00

These solid zinc wine accessories feature a titanium finish and are designed to last a lifetime. Each accessory has surprise features that alleviate common wine problems and maximize the function. Easily remove difficult corks, control the aeration into your wine, remove foil with a quarter wrist turn, and more. The Wine Accessories Set features a Corkscrew, Aerator, Foil Cutter, Drip Ring, and Silicone Spiral Wine Glass Charms.

The corkscrew features extra-pointed tip screws that move into your wine cork like butter. A Cork claw that snags the toughest corks for an easy twist out and a discrete tool that instantly pops off bottle caps.
An Aerator with a sure-grip handle eliminates accidents while you pour, controlling how much air mixes with your wine.
A Foil Cutter with quad-cut wheels, a palm-grip shape that fits comfortably in your hand and removes foil with a quick turn of your wrist.
The Drip Ring that fits slim to wide-necked 750 ml bottles to keep drips off of your table.
Silicone Spiral Wine Glass Charms that come in a variety of colors to distinguish your guests’ glasses and add a comfortable grip to your wine glass stems.

2. ArT Wine Preserver, $14.99

Gearing up for the holidays or hosting a socially distant party this year? Keep wine fresh for up to 30 days with this argon wine preserver! ArT Wine Preserver wants to change the wasteful drinking habit of swine going stale. It also promotes moderation drinking in a sustainable way. This made-in-the-USA, recyclable wine saver uses pure argon gas to displace oxygen into your wine. Argon gas is the preferred method by winemakers to prevent oxidation in wine as it’s a natural atmospheric gas that’s non-toxic and non-reactive. It makes the perfect wine preserver because it doesn’t react with your wine flavors or aromas, it simply displaces the oxygen. They are available in single cans and a 12pk on Amazon.

3./ 5. PureWine The Wave Single, $9.99 & PureWine The Wand 10-pk, $19.99

Any wine enthusiast will thank you for providing magical PureWine Filters. Imagine no more headaches or other side effects that come after enjoying a glass of wine. Thanks to PureWine, you no longer have to suffer as it offers two unique filtration systems that eliminate the histamines and sulfites that cause wine allergies without altering the flavor of your delicious red, white, and rose wines.

The Wand does double duty as a by-the-glass purifier for the age-old and widespread problem of wine allergies; and an assortment of twist-off charms including hearts, lucky clovers, diamonds, and wine drops so you’ll never lose track of your glass again.
The Wave is the only product available that purifies your wine by removing both histamines and sulfites from an entire bottle of wine.

4. Wine Condoms, $14.97/Set of 6

Wine Condoms are the original innovators of the edgy wine bottle stopper. Packaged and applied like a condom, this spill-proof solution to storing an opened bottle of wine is the safest and most effective product for preventing unplanned spillage. Unlike corks or decorative stoppers, Wine Condoms seal flush with the rim for easier fridge shelf storage. Wine Condoms are made from 100% food-grade latex rubber and can be used more than once.

Whether they love red, white, or rose wines, the wine enthusiast on your holiday gift list will greatly appreciate any of these must-have wine gifts.

NYFW the Shows: PH5 Spring/Summer 2021 Collection Presentation

September 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Collection Previews, Fashion, Lifestyle, Shopping /by Glasgow Skinner

It’s long been said that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding grow out of tragedy. That is certainly the case with the tragic Australian bushfires. Reading about this tragedy has allowed us to get to know more about Australia as a whole and it’s people. For example, did you know there is a group of Indigenous Australian women who form the Firesticks Alliance? This group’s aim is to protect, conserve, and enhance the cultural and natural values of Australia and it’s people through cultural fire and land management practices. This female-led Alliance, and an ode to the rebirth of Australia, is the inspiration behind the PH5 Spring/Summer 2021 Collection.

The New York-based knitwear brand continues to challenge the conventional knitwear industry with their whimsical designs and architectural dimension. Photographed on Awabakal land (home to Aboriginal Australians descended from the Awabakal tribe indigenous to the coastal area of New South Wales), the collection forces you to rethink what knitwear would be.

For the PH5 Spring/Summer 2021 Collection, new designer Zoe Champion’s first collection, she recreated some of the label’s signature silhouettes. These include their asymmetric and wave dresses, as well as their wide-leg pants. These silhouettes join new pieces and elements such as a capsule of handbags and hats made from their innovative knitwear techniques and materials.

Prevalent throughout the collection is an engineered flame print in various sizes representing the fire spirit. Naturally, the collection’s color palette includes flame orange, as well as Pantone Spring/Summer 2021 trend colors – Burnt Coral, Marigold, and Cerulean. Mixed in are classic hues like navy, and earth tones. Bold details include laces woven throughout pieces and tiered gatherings on dresses, sweaters, and skirts.

We love it when designers use their voices to bring attention to important issues. We look forward to seeing what Zoe Champion does during her tenure at PH5. What are your thoughts on the PH5 Spring/Summer 2021 Collection and the inspiration behind it?

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.

Anna-Kaci: An Affordable Way to Add High-Quality Style to Your Wardrobe

September 13, 2020/2 Comments/in Fashion, Lifestyle, Shopping /by Glasgow Skinner

If there is one thing this pandemic has done, it has humbled all our bank accounts; and that’s putting it mildly. Many of us have been left with finding new ways to make money. Money we need to pay things like rent, bills, and shopping for groceries. It seems almost indecent to think about things like shopping for clothes but we’ve found that treating yourself helps to alleviate stress. For those who think treating yourself to a cute new outfit is completely out of your budget, we’ve got the answer – Anna-Kaci!

The high-quality fashion brand boasts just the affordable styles you’re looking for. Offering boho favorites, cozy everyday must-haves, and glam looks for a special occasion, Anna-Kaci will have you looking great for your Zoom meetings, virtual dates, and everything in between. Stylish looks at an affordable price? What more can you ask for?

As we transition from summer to fall, there are lots of must-haves to procure from Anna-Kaci; the best part, they’re all exclusively available on Amazon. Don’t just take our word, check out their hundreds of 5-star Amazon reviews. Our favorite pieces are, of course, the ones who stand out. We adore the below Vintage Wash Straight Leg Denim Overalls with Pocket Bib in the Floral Print. Who says the classic overall have to be basic! They’re available in nine colors (traditional hues are available for those who prefer a more classic look) for only $39.99 – $45.99. We will definitely be rocking ours soon.

These classic denim overalls boast a medium weight, long/slim straight leg, and a washed and worn look. We subscribe to the belief that florals can be worn year-round. We love and think dark florals are perfect for the fall season. Another huge must-have for us are their sequin pieces.

When it comes to sequins, the answer is always yes. Whether you want to wear a little or a lot, nothing ups your style profile like some sparkle. For some night-out sequins or daytime sparkle, try the Confetti Sequin Balloon Long Sleeve Mock Neck Pullover Sweatshirt, $29.99 – we’re completely obsessed; the Shimmer Sequins Club Spaghetti Strap Camisole Vest Tank Top, $18.99 – $29.99, grab one or all of the available six colors; or the Short Sleeve One Shoulder Sexy Sequin Top Blouse, $24.99 – $29.99, available in eight lovely sparkling colors. There’s a great collection of sequin options to gush over. We guarantee you won’t de disappointed with the Anna-Kaci sequin offerings. If you’re looking forward to the oncoming sweater weather, Anna-Kaci has the fall styles you need as well.

From cardigans to chunky pullovers, hooded sweaters, and on-trend outerwear, look no further than this affordable fashion brand to style you up. We love the layered look (a classic for fall), so their cardigans and dusters make ideal wardrobe additions. Go bold in sweaters with thin or thick stripes. Take a little of that homey feeling with you in a cozy hoodie or hooded dress. At these affordable prices, you just can’t go wrong.

We invite you to check out all of Anna-Kaci’s budget-friendly offerings. You will see how reasonably you too can treat yourself. We hope you fall in love with their wonderful pieces and share your favorites. Happy Shopping!

How Clear Face Masks Are Opening a Window of Communication

August 18, 2020/0 Comments/in Accessories, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Shopping /by Contributing Writer

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t exactly been convenient for anyone, but the changes and regulations that have occurred because of it are more troublesome for some than others. In particular, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation that everyone wear cloth face coverings in public has created a major challenge for people who have hearing impairments. People who are deaf or hard of hearing often rely on lip-reading to understand what others are saying. With masks now covering the lower half of almost every face in public, reading lips has become virtually impossible.

For the 10 million Americans who are hard of hearing, this means that basic communication is not-so-basic anymore. Just going to the grocery store presents problems, as they can’t tell if someone is asking them a question or to move out of the way. Going to important appointments creates an even more dangerous situation for people who rely on reading lips, as they don’t know what doctors or other medical professionals are attempting to tell them.

These challenges have caused the demand for window or clear face masks to skyrocket over the past few months. The United States already spends nearly three times more on healthcare than any other country in the world, but people across the country knew they had to put the necessary money and time into making masks that would create a safer way of living for people who are hearing impaired. While they might not be able to get everyone in a grocery store to wear one, their family members could wear them and act as a go-between for people with hearing impairments and the general public or medical providers.

One company that has started manufacturing window masks is ADCO Hearing, a company that has long made products for people who are hard of hearing. When the nonprofit Hands and Voices, which supports families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, approached ADCO about making masks that allowed for lip reading, the company got to work. The President of ADCO Hearing, Abby Armijo, started the production of these window masks by hand sewing them with her mother in her kitchen. They made 150 clear face masks and every single one was sold by the next morning. Armijo knew she had found a major gap in the mask market and began the process of expanding the operation.

Now, ADCO has three large-scale manufacturing facilities that make thousands of window masks. According to Armijo, the company is almost always sold out of the clear face masks.

Although the mask’s see-through panel is a simple concept, it’s a game-changer in the daily lives of many people. Not only can it help people who are deaf or hard of hearing, but a window mask also allows anyone to have an effective conversation involving full facial expressions with another human being while staying safe. This can be extremely important for the 65 million people who provide care for a chronically ill, aged, or disabled family member or friend and need more than their eyes and muffled voices to communicate. Even though people may not realize it, humans use every part of their face to communicate, not just their voices and ears.

This perk of window masks is also important when communicating with children. Seeing people wearing face masks can be scary for young kids and many children with hearing or speaking impairments or other disabilities have significant trouble communicating with masks. Using window masks may be a great option for teachers to have effective conversations with kids if they go back to school. Whether they work at a school that is among the 87% of private schools that have fewer than 300 students or at a public school with a thousand students, teachers are concerned about kids following mask policies. With window masks, everyone can stay safe while having better communication.

In addition to ADCO, there are many companies and individuals making masks with clear windows. Rafi Nova is a speech pathologist based in Boston and made a mask with a BPA-free plastic window. Inu is selling window masks on Amazon that have a cotton-based face covering and plastic for the window portion. ClearMask™ is producing a wraparound mask that is completely clear and doesn’t fog as easily as vinyl plastic. Three years of research and development went into this mask and this is one of the only window face masks approved by the Food and Drug Administration. For those who don’t need FDA approval and just need a way to better communicate with family and friends, there are several window mask sellers on sites like Etsy as well.