Flaxen Summer
Flaxen Summer. EcoFriendly. Linen clothing.
There are plenty of reasons for the popularity of flax. Fabric is easy to care for, never loses its relevance, is most comfortable for hot weather, and is one of the most environmentally friendly materials.
The history of flax dates back to time immemorial. According to historians, in ancient Egypt and the Middle East, linen was a luxury item. The priests wore clothing made of natural material, and the canvases in which the mummies of the Egyptian pharaohs were wrapped were preserved to this day.
Flax is considered to be one of the most environmentally friendly materials. In the process of growing, it needs only long daylight and a small amount of water and pesticides. Thanks to non-waste production, flax was again able to compete with cotton for the title of the most environmentally friendly material and claim the status of the material of the future.
Despite the characteristic density and inelasticity, flax perfectly passes air, absorbs moisture, and removes heat, which is why it is gaining unprecedented popularity in the warm season. In addition, it is completely hypoallergenic and durable. A linen outfit is able to serve its hostess for more than one year while maintaining a presentable appearance.
Report: Olha Dzharyha
Harry Potter and the Wizarding World of the Butter Beer Recipe
Butter Beer Brought to You
To all the Harry Potter fans out there, this one is for you. If you have ever been to the Harry Potter themed part of Disney World, you have tried the famous butter beer they serve. Since Covid-19, the Happiest Place on Earth has unfortunately closed their doors and the access to this sweet drink. With the extra time on your hands, you can make your own homemade Butter Beer right in your own kitchen! With this simple recipe, you can bring the Harry Potter World to life again. All you need is 2/3 scoops of vanilla ice cream, a melted bag of butterscotch chips, a dash of vanilla extract, your favorite brand of cream soda, and some whipped cream to top off this potion of deliciousness. Just add ice and blend away. This refreshing treat is perfect for the summer months when you're lounging by the pool or binge-watching the entire series of Harry Potter.
photo 1: usatoday.com
photo 2: princesspinkygirl.com
Report: Hannah Zaremba
Lifestyle For Those Still In Quarantine
Still in quarantine? You’re not alone. There are still many people out there that are hesitant to go out for their own reasons. With that being said, there are tons of ways to keep busy while doing some neat things.
While places are starting to open up again, some people are still hesitant to go out for their own reasons. The problem with that, is it can have some effect on your mental health and overall lifestyle; making one feel isolated and not be their best self. So here are some things you can do to make time pass in a positive way to help you stay inspired and creative, while learning in the process.
Not wearing fashionable items? Clean the closet out.
Still being in quarantine means you are probably still in sweats, T-shirts and messy buns. That can make one feel quite dull for not wearing your normal fashionable outfits while others are. Best thing to do about that? Clean your closet out if you have not done so. Play dress up, see what outfits you could see yourself wear when you do get out of quarantine. It's a great chance to get rid of some old pieces of clothing too.
Spark a new hobby
Being isolated in quarantine can teach you a lot about what you enjoy to do and will bring you peace. Candle making is a great start and it’s super easy. There are numerous kits that you can buy online that come with the wax, candle holders and amazing scents you could use. They can be used as a great gift to someone or light one up for yourself and make your home smell like you're walking through a meadow of flowers. You could also paint! You don't have to be Picasso to enjoy painting. Just like candle making, there are great kits for it. Paint by numbers is a great tool to help you make some beautiful masterpieces that are really easy.
Stay Fit
Covid-19 was a wake up call for us all. We must make sure we are washing our hands, maintaining good hygiene and of course keeping our immune system strong. Drinking tons of water throughout your day as well as working out must be added to the list of things to do everyday. Going for walks/runs are a great way to do that while making sure you are also getting some Vitamin D. Maybe even create your own gym set up in your home.
Lastly, quarantine has made many of us become lazy and more hungry. So, why not start your own cookbook of old family recipes as well as create some new recipes of your own. It's a fun way to create something for yourself that you can share with friends, family, and pass it down to your children one day.
There are so many things we can do to make sure we are staying busy and keeping a positive mindset. Remember to make the most out of your life. The beauty of it is that we get to wake up each day and try something new, something that excites us and allows you to learn more about yourself while doing it. Be smart and be safe.
Photo Credits: Vogue, Pinterest, Etsy
Report: Melissa Adragna (melissa_adragna)
A Martini That Lets you Have Your Cake and "Drink" It Too
Have your Cake and "Drink" it too
Birthdays and Summertime are the perfect excuse to invite your friends and family over for a celebration. What better way to celebrate than with a signature drink for the birthday boy or girl? The Birthday Cake Martini can replace a birthday cake by how alike it tastes to a cake. For this drink, you will need the following ingredients:
1. 2 ounces whipped vodka
2. 1.5 ounces amaretto
3. 1 ounce white chocolate liqueur
4. 2 ounces half and half
5. Sprinkles
The sprinkles are a great addition to the drink as it serves the purpose of creating the "cake" look. In order to attach the sprinkles to the glass, the trick is to put honey on the rim of the glass and then proceed to add the sprinkles. Enjoy your birthday as you have your cake and drink it too.
Images: makezine.com and berries.com
Report: Hannah Zaremba
What Do Stores Look Like Now That They are Starting to Open Up?
What do stores look like now that they are starting to open up?
Some of you may be concerned with going back to stores as they are slowly opening up. I had my suspicions going back shopping since contracting COVID-19 is still possible. However, many of them are attempting to keep control of the situation. They are trying to maintain clean and healthy environments as you shop. What does this look like and how can you be prepared?
You should be prepared to wear a face mask while you're in there as most stores won't let you in without one. I suggest always keeping one in your car or your purse, so you always have one at hand.
Some shops I went into have arrows on the floor to try and maintain the 6 feet away rule. It's your job to follow them the best that you can. If they don't have the arrows, you should still keep a reasonable distance from the people around you.
The majority of stores don't allow you to try on items in fitting rooms. And yes, you heard me correctly! I know it's incredibly difficult to buy things you can't try on, but for now, use your best judgment. Go home, try it on and if it doesn't look right, see if you can take it back!
If you decide to go to the store, maybe wear comfortable shoes. A lot of shops only allow a certain amount of people in them which causes long lines. Usually, they aren't that bad, but still, be ready, especially if you have to wait outside in this heat. Bring water just in case you're outside.
Long lines aren't just because of the number of people in the store. Often, the employees take a couple more seconds to clean off the entire counter before you ring up your items. Be patient. Maybe, you can bring a family member to keep you entertained while waiting!
At the end of the day, we must stay safe during these times.
Photo Credits:
@njdotcom on Instagram, Business Insider and Miami Herald
Report: Anna Levitus
Lean, Mean, Cleaning Machines
The Best Type of Clean is Delta Clean
Airports are one of the emptiest public spaces in the world ever since the rise of Covid-19. Thousands of people have ended up cancelling family vacations, summer get-aways, and honeymoon destinations because of the virus. It is a concern if traveling will ever be normalized after the outbreak and if people will revert back to feeling safe being closer than 6 feet and not wearing masks. This is detrimental to all airlines globally, because they profit off of people booking trips and flying their aircrafts to their destinations. One company in particular has been able to tackle the concerned travelers with their new and improved sanitization protocols that have been put in place recently this year. Delta Airlines launched their new standard for clean in February known as “Delta Clean”. As they are committed to the health and safety of their customers, they have adopted a new measure of cleaning, disinfecting, and inspecting the plane before and after each flight that takes off and lands. Just after a few short months of implementation, there has been a significant increase in flight bookings. By creating these new cleanliness plans, airlines like Delta are striving to make their customers feel at ease every time they fly, not just because of the virus.
Photo Credit: Youtube and delta.com
Report: Hannah Zaremba
It’s Charcuterie Time: June Board
Our June Board Is Here, And It's Time To Grill!
This month the charcuterie theme of choice is grilling, in honor of all those wonderful dad’s out there who think they’re ~the grill master~. Didn’t think charcuterie could be more than just a cheese board? Well, I’m happy to prove you wrong! This easy, delicious, and in my eyes, beautiful board is everything you need to make your man of choice’s day special.
A charcuterie is worth the time and effort, just looking at my masterpiece makes me happy. I’m all about self care, so treating myself to a pretty dinner and bar worthy drink is all I need in life, and I highly recommend it. Maybe, that’s why I love charcuterie so much!
Anyway, here she is! THE June Charcuterie. It may look intimidating, but trust me it’s an easy dinner. The hardest part about it is cooking the actual dinner, plating is just fun!
The Breakdown:
You have your basics that any meat eating human will love, Chicken Skewers and Sliced Steak.
My trusty sides of choice were Roasted & Grilled Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Grilled Corn, and an easy Garden Salad. (As you can tell I really tried to stick to the “grill” theme!)
I even included easy appetizers too! Caprese and Bruschetta are always my favorites to work with.
And that’s it! You have your apps, mains, and sides all on one plate. It can’t get much easier than that!
The best part about charcuterie is that you can be as creative as possible. You literally can’t do it wrong, so just go for it! Even if it’s a meal for one, create an Instagram worthy dinner for yourself!
Next month I may go for a sweeter board, so stay tuned!
Photo Credits: Kaitlin Gallagher
Report: Kaitlin Gallagher
Self-Love: The Road to Happiness and Growth
In a world where we are battling the effects of racism and Covid-19, is easy to slip and fall between the cracks. Many of us are struggling and fighting with ourselves to remain positive. Making sure that you are taking care of yourself is very important. Find out why self-love is essential to your life and how it can help you grow as person.
Self-love is regard for one’s own well-being and happiness.
Sometimes we tend to forget about ourselves and shift our focus to the ones we love most. We also lose ourselves. Death, breakups, any loss or heartbreak can sometimes to lead to carelessness which can become dangerous if action is not taken.
Self-love is essential in order to live a happy, and healthy lifestyle. Self-love comes in different forms. First there’s taking care of your appearance. Second there’s wellness or your health. Third, there’s self-reflection.
Grooming is important because that is what usually makes you feel good. For women, think about when you finally get your hair and nails done. Think about when you wear a nice outfit or your makeup is done. How does that makes you feel? For men, think about when you get a haircut, line-up or even shave. Think about when your wearing your best outfit and fresh scent of cologne. Men know one way to a woman’s heart is that smell of cologne. Then there’s also pampering yourself. This can be going to get a massage, maybe taking a bath with some bath bombs in your tub, or going on a vacation or to a spa.
Health is top priority. When you look good, it is important to feel good too. Healthy eating and exercising requires consistency that can be hard but is possible. Even mental health is important because this is part of your well-being. Going to a gym, working out at home, even yoga or meditation can help when it comes to your body. A safe and relaxing space is needed in order to have a peace of mind. Once you’re at peace with yourself, you will handle stressful situations effectively. Self-reflection is important when it comes to self-love and growth. You need to be able to think about your actions, motives and character. You must question yourself and your past. Maybe you had a pass situation that you did not handle too well. You ask yourself “What could I have done differently?” Maybe there are things about yourself that you never came to terms with but someone close to you has. They’ve told you things that they notice about you that hasn’t changed for the better. You ask yourself “What steps do I need to take in order to change?”
Self-reflection starts with you and it is when you make startling and surprising realizations about yourself that you never even knew. Maybe in this process you realize new things about yourself based on the situations and experiences that you have encountered. Self-reflection is the key to growth.
Self-love starts with ourselves. Always remember that you have to love and take care of yourself as best as you can because if you don’t, who else is going to? Find peace and happiness within yourself, don’t settle for less and be open to change.
Report: Juana Norales
Instagram: @juana.n_
Zero Waste: Is it Possible to Live Without Producing Any Trash?
ZeroWaste. Sustainability. Save the Planet. Eco-friendly.
American citizen, Bea Johnson, who came up with the philosophy of "Zero Waste," knows how to live without leaving garbage. Literally: in a few years, her family collected only a half-liter jar of waste that cannot yet be recycled, mainly clothing labels. An impressive result, given that the average inhabitant of the Earth leaves behind about 400 kg of junk per year. Johnson's secret is based on a formula of five R: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot, that is, failure, reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting.
The call to completely boycott products that pollute the environment by themselves or through packaging is no coincidence in the first place in the Zero Waste philosophy. A complete list of things that Zero Waste enthusiasts never use can be frightening, but the author of the concept claims that there is an alternative to all the benefits of civilization.
It’s not the first decade that ecologists have been begging people to stop rampant buying. Living ascetically is beneficial for health, for a wallet, and the environment. Bea Johnson calculated: with the transition to Zero Waste, her family spent 40% less.
The Johnson family practically does not leave any trash, because of numerous recycling programs and modern technologies that can “digest” junk.
To upshot everything said above, the average person can conclude that environmentally-friendly existence is very much possible. Moreover, such a lifestyle is favorable not only for the planet we live in but for our wallets.
Report: Olha Dzharyha
Virtual Game Night
Social distancing doesn’t mean we can’t be social. Have a virtual game night!
Social distancing doesn’t mean we can’t be social. In the age of the internet, we’re never far away from our friends and family. Gather your group on a phone call, FaceTime, Google Hangout, Skype, Discord, or any platform you prefer (if you want to hear each other talk) and enjoy an online game night. Here is a list of games to get you started:
Skribbl
Skribbl (skribbl.io) is a free multiplayer drawing and guessing game where players earn points based on the correct answer. Although you can join a public game, users can also create a private room with up to twelve players. Creating a private room allows the host to customize words, the amount of drawing time, and the number of rounds. The player with the most points at the final round wins.
UNO
UNO With Friends (uno.robinko.eu) is a free game with multiple game play options. Including two to four players, a host can create a private, password- secured room and set some rules. Only people with the password can join the game. Players could also join ongoing UNO games in the lobbies.
Playing Cards
Playing Cards (playingcards.io) has a plethora of free games that synchronizes all movements made from every player: 500, Backgammon, Checkers, Crazy Eights, Cribbage, Escoba, Euchre, Go Fish, Hearts, Match Up, Joking Hazard™, and any other standard 52 card deck game. It’s easy to create a room and share the code with your group. The room code can be shared with any number of people, but the number of players varies per game.
Paper Games
Paper Games (papergames.io) appeals to people of all ages. Focusing on games played with pen and paper, this consists of Tic Tac Toe, Connect 4, Gomoku, and Battleship. Users can find random online opponents around the world, play with friends, or create a private tournament.
Escape Room
There are a lot of different versions of online escape rooms. Some are created with Google Forms and shared for free; while users can work together to find the answers, each player must input their own answers to continue. Others -- like Puzzle Break (puzzlebreakli.com) or Enchambered (enchambered.com)— offer a more virtual and immersive experience. Prices and the amount of players vary per platform. This may also require booking a time slot in advance.
Also, in this age where gaming has become increasingly popular, several other developers and marketers can exploit this interest by seeking innovative strategies to put their games out there. This way, they can also rub shoulders with established industry players. Promoting your work to the right audience is vital here, so it would be beneficial to pair with an influencer whose reputation you can count on to market your games or toys. For example, a trusted toy influencer can make your work known to a specific target audience, and this can translate into increased visibility of your work and even higher patronage.
Report: Victoria Namnama
Summer Read: "Ready Player One"
Get swept away into the OAISIS! Read Cline's "Ready Player One".
Get swept away into the OAISIS! Ernest Cline’s debut novel is praised among critics, gaining a spot on the New York Times best seller list and a 2018 Steven Spielberg movie. As a science- fiction adventure story, “Ready Player One” (2011) is set in a 2045 dystopia world where virtual reality has become the new reality. Here, people find solace in an online society: the OAISIS. After his death, James Donovan Halliday -- creator of the OAISIS—hides his fortune in this virtual world, leaving clues for people to find the Easter Egg. Whoever finds it would become the richest, most powerful person in the world. Protagonist Wade Watts --otherwise known as Parzival-- and the other gunters (egg hunters) must find the fortune before IOI does or everyone must face real world consequences.
This book is a great summer read for all audiences, especially if video games and eighties references are your passion. Cline hides these Easter Eggs all throughout the story, ranging from John Hughes movies to Dungeons & Dragons. Having a young protagonist adds to the nostalgia. This isn’t just a story about cultural phenomena but learning about friendships and social interaction. The conflicts and morals could definitely have modern implications, especially as we continue to launch ourselves into the digital age. Readers can’t help but be entangled in the OAISIS and swept away on an exciting adventure.
Ernest Cline’s “Ready Player One” novel; ISBN-13: 978-0307887443
“Ready Player One” Spielberg poster, 2018
Report: Victoria Namnama
Social Media Activism, Not Social Media Validation
Social media can be a vital tool in promoting societal change- make sure you are using it for the right reasons
Over the past few days it has been difficult for me to put my thoughts into words. No words seem enough to express the immense anger and sadness I feel over the murder of George Floyd, and too many others, at the hands of those meant to protect us. But in order for there to be change there needs to be words. And so, I write.
This Tuesday there were over 26 million posts on Instagram for Black Out Tuesday, a campaign where one posted an all-black photo on Instagram sending the message that they would spend the day silencing their own content and promoting that of Black Lives Matter activism. The 26 million Instagram posts translated to only 12 million signatures on a petition calling for justice for George Floyd.
While I do not wish to disregard 12 million signatures as anything small, that is less than half of the amount posted to social media. If you want to be an activist, you need to take action.
Social media is a fantastic way to use your platform to reach hundreds, thousands, millions of people. Sharing donation links, statistics, and your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences are just some of the ways to garner attention and encourage action. But if you’re using your words solely and not contributing your own action, whether that be signing a petition, providing a donation, or participating in a protest, then how is your platform really being utilized?
An activist is defined as “a person who campaigns to bring about political or social change.” It’s very easy to post a black square on your Instagram and move on with your day. Doing so does not make you an activist. Seeking personal validation over your social media does not make you an activist. Using your social media to encourage and invoke your own change makes you an activist.
It’s time for all of us to do our part. Our words are powerful, but actions speak louder than words. Whether you choose to share your efforts on social media or not, your participation in efforts to reduce racism and discrimination in our society is all that matters. Signing a petition takes less than a minute, and any donation helps. Let’s be good people – not just look like good people.
Access PR has created a gofundme to support black owned small businesses, consider donating:
• https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-hand-access-pr
Here are some more resources available for other places to donate, petitions to consider signing, and ways to get further involved:
• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ra1crnSHFzgznux5BBPuFkd-7vCo7YAPCeIWZr3Ryjg/mobilebasic
Photo Credits: Instagram, GoFundMe, @cleowade
Report: Jordyn Kelley
Five Reasons To Home School Your Kids Beyond Lockdown
It’s been a controversial topic throughout lockdown, but so many parents need to be applauded for their homeschooling efforts!
It’s been a controversial topic throughout lockdown, but so many parents need to be applauded for their homeschooling efforts! Cronovairus took the ability to go to school away, turning parents into teachers overnight beyond their usual teaching for their children. Home educating children is not easy, no matter what age they are, as it forces a parent to be so much more than they expected to need to be. No matter which way you look at it, we rely on our teachers, and we couldn't be more thankful for them and their help.
It’s for this reason that so many send their children back to school at the earliest opportunity. Then there are those who are looking at home education as the way forward. They’ve searched the Coassemble reviews for the best e-learning program and they are looking at the way they can convert the garage into a classroom. Home learning isn't a bad thing: it’s a positive thing for a lot of families. So, with that in mind, let’s look at five reasons you should continue beyond lockdown.
You can teach what you like when you like. Yes, there is a curriculum in mainstream schools, but you really do get the freedom to teach your children whatever you choose. You can allow your children to dictate what they want to learn, too, and they can pick whether they have math lessons or English on a given day.
You can have children that graduate early if they hit their lessons enough. There are so many children out there who graduate high school years in advance, as mainstream schools choose to spread out the curriculum. When you’re at home, you can go at your own pace and that can be faster than regular school if they have the inclination.
Your children can learn so many more things than a school plans to teach them. They can learn life skills alongside maths and read more novels and fun books than the ones dictated by a teaching system. You can also take as much time as you like to travel, as your children will be able to see the world and mix with a range of new people.
It’s you that will be in charge of shaping their minds, which means that there is no hidden rhetoric in the lessons. You can teach them the most important parts of history that are often whitewashed by the government teaching curriculum. The freedom to reach your children on another level is a huge draw for parents who want to home educate, and you can make sure that your children know the truth about the world in a way that they wouldn't have before.
Home education can teach your children levels of tolerance and acceptance that they wouldn't find in a lot of mainstream schools. They can get your time and your knowledge which is often so important compared to the time spent in school. There are groups in which they can socialize and get to know others of a range of ages, too!
Espresso Yourself
Rise in shine, coffee drinkers. There are many choices of beverages in the morning.
Rise in shine, coffee drinkers. There are many choices of beverages in the morning. If you normally don’t drink coffee in the morning, then you probably haven’t heard of this drink. This coffee has been all over social media while being under quarantine. You guys are in for a sweet treat that I am willing to share. Coffee dates back to the 15th century which is a really long time ago. When it first came to America in mid 17th-century it was a huge success. With the rebel against King George III produced a mass change from tea to espresso among the homesteaders. It would change drinks and beverages forever. The newest trend of drink that blew up on Tik Tok is called Dalgona Coffee. It was founded in South Korea and India. Dalgona Coffee is a refreshment made by whipping equivalent extents of moment which is made with four special ingredient’s which are espresso powder, sugar, water, and milk mix all those ingredients together until it becomes smooth. That’s just a quick way to make to the fluffy drink if you need further assistance you can go on TikTok, food and drink websites and YouTube. Enjoy this drink with a muffin, sweet pastries or oatmeal. Hop on this trend before it too late. I am sure you’ll love it.
Photo Credits: Hummingbird High and Amazon
Report: Tykaia Rose
Edward Enninful Talks About The Importance Of Cultivating An Anti-Racist Agenda
“My mother told me to watch myself whenever I left the house. I still feel that same sense of anxiety today when I step out of my front door. Forty years on, nothing has changed.” -Edward Enninful
Last week, Edward Enniful, the editor of British Vogue watched a video of George Floyd, the 46-year-old African-American man who died in custody after an officer from the Minneapolis Police Department knelt on his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds. He talks about how it made him feel, he said, “First of all, I was wracked by a feeling of intense sadness at the senseless loss of life. Then I saw the video footage of Amy Cooper, the white woman who called the police on Christian Cooper, a black man walking in New York’s Central Park, when he asked her to put her dog on a leash. That made me feel enraged. In the days since, I have been unable to shake a very specific feeling that will be familiar to black people around the world: that my life is somehow disposable.”
He talks about how lucky to have a privilege in his world, he said, “But as a man of colour, and as a gay man, I could not escape the sense that it doesn’t matter what you’ve achieved, or what you’ve contributed to society, your life can still feel worthless. When I step out of my door in the morning, to take a walk or to wander alone, I am always aware of increased personal danger because of the colour of my skin. These past few days I’ve gone between rage and sadness and fear. What these racist acts reveal, among many other things, is that we have a lot more work to do. Anybody who thinks we’re there, that we have created a society where everyone is equal – well, they’re wrong. Racism is a global issue. Racism is a British issue. It is not one that is merely confined to the United States – it is everywhere, and it is systemic.”
His mother always told me to watch himself when he left the house, he said, “As a black person, you learn from a very young age that you need to have your wits about you. Children are born without prejudice, but when I started school in London, I realised that I was different. Name-calling is only the very first thing you have to deal with, and there have been worse moments. Growing up in Ladbroke Grove, I saw black people persecuted, arrested, abused – this happened all the time. My mother told me to watch myself whenever I left the house. I still feel that same sense of anxiety today when I step out of my front door. Forty years on, nothing has changed.”
Report: Amanda Lou
The Path of Betterment
For Better or Worse
When you go through a traumatic experience that tries to break your spirit, typically you want to rid your mind of that negativity and do something good for yourself.
Sometimes these traumatic moments can happen with people in your life you considered a best friend or family. This is when a force in life shows you that a person isn’t meant to be in your life anymore. Over conflicting differences or a deep betrayal, that bridge is burned.
What do you do after this trauma becomes critical to who you are as a person? Either you have to reevaluate your surroundings in life and push yourself forward to do better and be better or you’ll remain in the toxicity of your environment because of its familiarity and not seeing a way out that doesn’t include discomfort.
This is what has currently evolved between Khloe Kardashian and Jordyn Woods. After Khloe’s drama with Tristian Thompson and Jordyn Woods, it seemed that Khloe was set against defaming Jodyn’s character in anger once Jordyn was exiled from the family circle.
Jordyn took the separation from the Kardashian/Jenner clan to speak her truth and live her life for herself and has continued to do so. While Khloe continued to deal with Tristian’s playboy antics, recently she took to social media to post her new look and she is unrecognizable having others question plastic surgery.
Jordyn as another black woman who was vilified chose a path of wellness. She has chosen to focus on herself and her career while surrounding herself with friends that chose to elevate her with love and positivity. Jordyn has continued on this path and she has prospered through the self-care and love she shows herself.
She chose the wellness of not letting a negative situation derail her life. When living in wellness and self-care it is important to treat yourself with care, to be kind to yourself while doing what makes you happy. Sometimes in being attached to others it can be easy to lose sight of what you’re meant for in life.
To reject manipulation is choosing to put yourself first. The self-love and self-care you adopt are creating a forcefield of positive energy again the toxic words and actions of others. In that space of positivity, you embrace those who embrace you. When you allow room for growth you manifest a new perspective on life and you react differently to negative energy. Commit to yourself the way you commit to others.
Report: Josephine Coiscou
Vegas Is Back! Everything You Need To Know About The Reopening Of Sin City
Las Vegas is back on the map for all lovers of traveling starting June 4th. The strip is officially back up in lights, and I can’t wait to get there.
Vegas Baby! Las Vegas is back on the map for all lovers of traveling starting June 4th. The strip is officially back up in lights, and I can’t wait to get there.
Obviously Vegas will always be Vegas, but we can expect some differences this go around. In a post-pandemic world, things won’t necessarily be back to normal, but anything is better than nothing.
Some of the greatest hotels will be reopening their doors this week such as the Wynn Resorts (my personal favorite), the MGM Grand, the Bellagio, and Caesars Palace. Casinos will hold half of their maximum capacity, leaving every other chair empty at the slots. Tables will also hold half their capacity, so if you’re going in to play blackjack, expect 3 players rather than 6. Card dealers will actually offer you a complimentary squirt of hand sanitizer in between rounds, how cute!
Not into gambling? Well, the party scene isn’t that different when it comes to social distancing and maintaining health/safety guidelines. Clubs are not opening as of right now, but that’s not to say they won’t open at all this summer! Social distancing will definitely be enforced. Designated “crowd police” will be on duty to ensure there are no large gatherings. Weird for Vegas, I know, but again, anything is better than nothing! Plexiglass at bars/restaurants, contactless check in, and digital menus will all be offered as well.
All employees will be required to wear a mask, but guests will only be encouraged to. All guests will have their temperature checked upon arrival, and there will even be a COVID-19 testing station with almost immediate results.
Hotel costs are almost cut in half at this point, and airlines are begging for travelers. It’s a win for your social life, and your bank account.
Direct flights are being added weekly, so get online and book yourself a trip!
Photo Credits:
https://noblestudios.com/how-to-build-a-strong-digital-brand/
https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/you-can-visit-las-vegas-virtually-during-your-coronavirus-quarantine-2000711/
Report: Kaitlin Gallagher
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Green House - The New Fashion House
How Sustainability will become the focus of many brands - and it should be - but will it cost the consumer?
via Pinterest
Perhaps using the word “Sustainability” has been a kind gesture or nod to the fashion industry for progressive attempts to lessen the damage it causes on the environment - however, if we’re going to be transparent about it, our beloved industry is responsible for nearly 35% of the microplastic flows into the ocean and outweighs the carbon footprint of international flights and shopping combined
42 percent of millennials say they want to know what goes into products and how they are made before they buy, according to The Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company’s annual State of Fashion report.
But longer-term, the trend raises a central tension for many brands: in an era of growing consciousness and concern about the strain mass consumption is placing on the planet and its resources, can brands really be sustainable and continue to grow at the same time?
By definition - Sustainability :
the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
"the sustainability of economic growth"
avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance."the pursuit of global environmental sustainability"
According to dictionary.com
It's the ecological balance of the fashion world that has the new generation of “fashionistas” up in arms about how we consume fashion and how we produce it.
The understanding of sustainable fashion often begins with how materials are sourced, who’s being employed to work in the factories, how are they being compensated, how often we consume products, and how can we lessen the footprint (pollution) of fashion in the world.
Let’s break this down into three questions:
What Is Sustainable Fashion? Who Does It affect? Will It Cost Companies To Change?
Understanding Sustainable Fashion
- Consideration and adaptation to environmental and socio-economic standards when
creating a product. This includes all stages of the product's life, from the creation of the design to the final sale and ultimate use.
- Environmental factors: conserving natural resources, recycling, and using
renewable energy sources
- Socio-economic factors: workers conditions and rights - Intended for long term use - clothes made sustainably from naturally occurring fibers last
longer than clothes made from cheap synthetic materials. The longer the clothes last, the less clothes that end up in the landfill and the less clothing being produced in the long run.
Who Does Sustainable Fashion Affect
- Workforce: impacts the workers throughout the supply chain: Sustainable fashion focuses on minimizing the use of “sweatshops” within the fashion industry. This means improving working conditions and offering fair wages for all workers starting at the bottom on up.
- Consumer: naturally the consumer receives a higher grade quality of product, however, that same consumer will also pay a higher price to obtain a more “earth friendly” product.
What is the Cost of Producing Sustainable Fashion
- Sustainable fashion faces higher costs in almost every aspect of the supply chain as
opposed to their non-economically conscious competitors.
- Fabrics made from natural resources cost more than those made of synthetic materials.
They have to be farmed sustainably - and that means fair wages and environmentally friendly methods.
- Paying all workers fair wages significantly raises the cost of production. Also, because
the clothes are made to last, more time is put into making each garment and less products are made per payable hour.
- Sustainable fashion brands often buy in small quantities to avoid waste and because of
their smaller customer base. This is more expensive than buying in bulk in two ways: (1) manufacturers often give discounts to companies buying in bulk and (2) shipping costs are higher when multiple small orders are made instead of just one large one.
With the current COVID -19 crisis management cycles in motion for various industry - the one topic on everyone's “List Of Do’s” is to create a plan of execution to bounce back - and that begins with the message of “Conscientious Business” - companies are aware that they not only have to speak to what's happening, but they have to speak to the future - and that can be difficult when the future is clouded by financial lost and potential increase in debt with no real cash flow currently.
Despite Sustainability being an actual concern and legitimate focus, companies will and have simply “lip serviced” this necessary shift in toward more conscious fashion.
Companies speaking about the change and promising change can be seen as a marketing tool - or PR move to maintain their consumer, and intently grasp new patrons. Either way, the cause is acknowledged, but so much more has to be done, and the hope is, it will be done.
As we slowly maneuver toward a NEW NORM, it's our hope that we will see a lot of the changes promised by the fashion world.
A Taste of Summer
It tastes as good as it looks. Summer in a slice
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!).”
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
Astrology Lessons: What Else Can We Expect From 2020?
2020 Astrology. Pluto and Saturn.
Astrologers have long warned humanity that 2020 will be a year of global change due to the unique position of the planets - on January 12, Saturn and Pluto met in the sign of Capricorn. Astrologers have long warned that this year will have historical significance and we will need a lot of strength to survive all the challenges.
It turns out that this fateful locale of the planets more than once served as a kind of prediction of important events - two world wars, the economic crisis of the 1980s, and now the coronavirus pandemic. Although this year, Saturn and Pluto have a few more surprises for us that are better to know about, even if you do not believe in astrology.
Neptune will greatly influence us, which will make us think a lot about relationships with each other. We will finally understand that all people are connected, and the concept of “each for himself "will lose its relevance.
The combination of Pluto and Saturn will affect another important component of modern life - the empowerment of women. 2020 is the end of the era of patriarchy and the beginning of matriarchy, not only because of the aforementioned duo, but also the Moon in Cancer.
Experts conclude, that overall humanity will have a chance to upgrade, become more efficient, and finally begin to value the planet we live on.
Report: Olha Dzharyha
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.