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It’s Time To Have Some Fresh Fun!

Have you heard about the new room escape games? This is a real-life game that offers huge amounts of fun. Read on to discover why this is an activity you should definitely consider giving a go…

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Have you heard about the new room escape games? This is a real-life game that offers huge amounts of fun. Based on the online Japanese game, Takagism, escape rooms are basically a game based in a locked theme room. Individuals have to work together and complete a series of puzzles and tasks in order to escape the room within the time period that is given. Read on to discover why this is an activity you should definitely consider giving a go…

It is really fun! 

There is only one place to begin and this is with the fact that new room escape games are exceptionally fun. This is a type of entertainment that all people enjoy as well. It doesn’t matter what your interests or hobbies are, how old you are, what sex you are… it is likely that you will definitely enjoy the time you spend in an escape room! In fact, of all the people that have played so far, the majority have said they would play again. 

An unconventional way of celebrating a birthday, hen party or bachelor party

Are you tired of celebrating in the same old way? Have you had countless birthday meals? Do you want to do something a bit different for your bachelor or hen party? If so, you can give everyone an occasion to remember by enjoying the activities in an escape room. This is an activity everyone will be talking about for a long time to come. You can get some T-shirts designed for the occasion as well. Check out these patriotic t-shirts for sale as a good example! Head to the bar after to complete the party. 

Lots of fun and challenging puzzles to enjoy

Your period within the locked theme room will include a whole host of varied puzzles to enjoy. Not only does this mean that you will really get the most out of your experience, but there is assured to be something everyone finds fun. 

Themed activity

A lot of people do not realise this but escape rooms are actually themed. You are not simply placed within a room and set a lot of random challenges. You will essentially be transported back to a certain period of time. You could go back to Ancient Egypt and be set in the depths of a pyramid for example. This really enhances the overall fun of the experience.

Great for team building

Another excellent advantage associated with escape rooms is that it is a great option for a team-building activity. Not only will your employees have a lot of fun with this trend, but escape rooms encourage teamwork and using your intuition and so this is an exceptional choice for any type of business. 

It is really not difficult to see why escape rooms are so popular. If you are looking for something fun and different to do, this is definitely something you should consider giving a go. From birthdays, to team building events, to hen and bachelor parties, to get-togethers… there are so many reasons and occasions to take advantage of this fun new game.


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Black-Owned Swimwear Brands to Support This Summer

Summer is here and it’s important for every woman to feel beautiful in their own skin. Support these amazing companies that offer some beautiful swimwear pieces that will leave you feeling confident and vibrant.

Want to look and feel your best this summer? Here are some great black-owned companies to make sure you are hot and ready for summer. All made by talented and gorgeous African American women.

Castamira Swim:

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Founded by former model Chantel Davis, Castamira was made to magnify the beauty of your body. There are a large amount of one pieces, but there are plenty of two pieces as well. Made to fit your body like a glove and leave you looking fabulous.

Gia $198

Asherah Swimwear:

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This collection is made to let your confidence radiate through you. Inspired by summer, designer Cheryl “Cejae” Jones creates a line that fits a woman's natural curve along with one-of-a-kind prints. Her collections set her apart from other collections and bring out a new idea of sexy to enjoy your summer the right way while looking good.

HENNA BIKINI COLORSCAPE FULL TOP: $105 BOTTOM $120

Xhaleswim:

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Professional model, owner and designer Jessica Lee Wong is the founder of this handmade swimwear collection. This swimwear company is one of the best because of its variety of choices. They have pieces that are daring and sexy and some that are more modest yet still beautiful.

XhaleSugar Neon Yellow $95

MBM Swim:

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Designer Marcia B. Maxwell’s pieces scream elegance. With her combination of clean cut lines and silhouettes, her suits are all about sophistication. Just like MBM Swim’s page says, “Swimwear for sophisticated women who never ask for attention, they command it.”

Discovery $140

Sixtwentyone Swim:

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Afro-Caribbean swimwear made in Jamaica and inspired by its culture by founder Christie Harridon. Each and every swimsuit has beautiful intricate and unique designs, such as bright colors, animal print and more.

The Peak Monokini $68

Support these companies and look good while doing it. Happy summer!

Photo Credits: Pinterest

Report: Melissa Adragna

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Modelo Crab Beignets

Add this to your summer menu!

Crab Beignets

Filling Ingredients

8oz Lump Crab Meat

4oz Jumbo Crab Meat

4oz Special Crab Meat

5 oz Mascarpone cheese

3 Garlic cloves

2 Tbsp Chives

1 tsp Sea salt

1 tsp Freshly ground Black Pepper

1 tsp Dry Yellow Mustard

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Filling Instructions

Pick crab meat for any shell.  Place all ingredients into a bowl and gently fold until well incorporated. Cover and chill for at least 3-4 hours.

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Batter Ingredients

1 ½ C All Purpose Flour

1 ½ tsp Sea Salt

1 12oz Modelo Negra lager 

1 ½ Tbsp Baking powder

¼ C Cornstarch

Mix all ingredients together and set aside.  Roll filling into golf ball sized rounds and drop into batter.  Gently spoon batter over crab ball to make sure it is evenly coated. Gently spoon beignets into 3 inches of  375°F oil in a cast iron skillet. Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes, occasionally turning so that they are fried evenly. Serve hot with fresh squeezed lemon and sweet chili sauce.

Recipes: Senior Editor, David Robert

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Wine & Grill?

Grilling is an activity that is enjoyed across numerous countries and cultures. I mean, what better way to spend a social distancing Sunday afternoon than grilling some skewers while playing a card game under the sun?

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The summer and all of its splendor is well underway, despite the CoVid-19 pandemic. As cases surge again, people are finding creative ways to entertain themselves. However, in the midst of tik toks, zoom happy hours and roomba races (seriously, what the heck is even that?) there’s one pastime that has remained a constant for generations….grilling. 

Grilling is an activity that is enjoyed across numerous countries and cultures. I mean, what better way to spend a social distancing Sunday afternoon than grilling some skewers while playing a card game under the sun? Alas, if breathing in the fresh corona air really isn’t your thing, don’t fret. Target and other super stores make it easy to enjoy this activity from inside of your home with their stove top grill products.  

So, what’s another word synonymous with grilling? Beer. The beverage king for grilling has always been beer. With its varying styles & crispness it is no wonder that beer would help set the mood for the perfect summer cookout. But, what if I could guarantee a beverage that was equally--if not more--enjoyable? 

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Wines fare greatly with common foods found on the grill. Whether you are grilling some chicken, barbequing ribs or skewering shrimp, there is a wine for every option. The same way you are allowed to eat chicken and head back for skewers is the same way you are not confined to drink one type of wine. Now, before you recoil at the thought of switching from a white wine to a red or vice versa, let me make something very clear. The act of switching between wines will not cause you to get drunk. You being too zesty will cause you to get drunk. Take it slow and keep the zest low. 

With that being said, take a look at the below pairings between commonly grilled foods and types of wines. When your dad can’t stop raving about how enjoyable his turkey burger was paired with that glass of pinot noir, remember, you read it here first. 

Report: Senior Lifestyle Editor, Damali Richie

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Bathing Suit Trends

Are you trying to look trendy at the beach and pool this summer?

Are you trying to look trendy at the beach and pool this summer? I got you! Bathing suits are very hot on the market right now for obvious reasons. Some people struggle with finding the right ones for themselves; I know I do all the time. The goal is not just to feel physically confident, but emotionally confident as well. This summer, nothing is standing in our way from achieving that. I know I get immensely insecure about my stomach when I head to the beach. However, I try to find bathing suits that make me feel beautiful inside and out but are still trendy.

One of the trendiest bathing suits that you could get right now is high waisted bottoms, which I'm obsessed with. It just covers all the right places for me. If you're feeling bloated that day, you won't have to worry about it! It looks beautiful on all body types and I see girls everywhere wearing them. There are so many pretty patterns that you could get them in. Tie-dye and animal print are two that I wear all the time. You can get a strapless top to match, so when you tan, you won't get awkward tan lines! It creates a perfect combination.

Another one is a one-piece! They are incredibly chic and so stylish right now. You can get ones with slits or ones that cover up more. There's a lot of different options and I love it! They come in so many different colors. I have two in black and one in light pink. It's a great suit to wear for a beautiful pool day. You can find reasonable priced bathing suits at Target, Kohls or Amazon! No matter what bathing suit you decide to wear, you are going to rock it! Strut your stuff, girl.

*Photo credits to Target and Kohls website*

Report: Anna Levitus

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A Taste of Summer

It tastes as good as it looks. Summer in a slice

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Temperatures are rising which calls for a delicate, refreshing, and savory recipes.

This 7 step recipe calls for only a few ingredients, but leaves an unforgettable taste in your palette ranging from Greek yogurt to olive oil and back around with orange blossom water. Did I mention it’s also beautiful? - adorned with rose petals, this makes a great treat to bring to the party or simply to decorate the kitchen counter!

For the ingredients we’ll need :

* 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

* 2 eggs at room temp

* Zest of one lemon

* 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice

* 1 cup plain greek yoghurt at room temp (leave it out for 10 min or so). I used 2% fat

* 1 cup super fine sugar

* 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

* 3 teaspoons baking powder, sifted GLAZE:

* 1 cup icing sugar

* 1 tablespoon lemon juice

* 1/4 teaspoon orange blossom water .

The preparation is as follows :

“1 Preheat the oven at 325F. Grease and flour your pan and set aside.

1. In a large bowl mix the olive oil, eggs, lemon zest and juice, yoghurt, and sugar and lightly whisk until all ingredients are combined.

2. In a smaller bowl, sift the flour and baking powder and combine them with your fingers, then add the flour in parts to the olive oil mix (don't dump it all at once or you'll get lumps). Don't over-mix! Just gently fold the ingredients until they are combined.

3. Place the batter in the greased pan and bake for about 45-50 min, until the top is golden brown and no batter comes out when you test it with a skewer.

4. Once the cake is done, take it out, set aside, and let it rest for at least 10 minutes (if you flip it too soon it'll break). Once it has cooled down, flip it on a plate to cool fully.

GLAZE

1. Combine the icing sugar, orange blossom water, and lemon juice and mix until there are no sugar lumps (a minute or so). If it's too thick and doesn't drizzle, add a mini splash of water (just a teeny!).

2. Pour glaze over the cake and decorate with rose petals (or orange blossoms if you have any!).”

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In particular, this recipe is especially interesting as it introduces orange blossom water - which can be very new to most taste buds.In fact, orange blossom water has been originally used in the Middle East particularly for sweets, and was later used across the Mediterranean. It is made made solely from the orange blossoms on trees. How’s that for a taste of summer ?

This cake should feel and taste light, offering you an incredible start to the summer season- in quarantine or not 😉.

Report: Lara Olsson

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