February is Black History Month and 360 Magazine would like to recognize some historic people of color who have become a positive influence on society. In 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement skyrocketed and brought attention to the diversity that still exists within our community. Although society has come a long way from the early 1900s when segregation ran rampant, the movement for equality has a long way to go. From inventors to musicians, there are a number of successful people we would like to acknowledge in honor of Black History Month.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Arguably one of the most important leaders in the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King spent his time preaching for equality in a peaceful way. He will always be remembered for his famous “I Have a Dream” speech and his ability to lead others in this historical movement. Dr. King is one of the most influential
Joseph E. Lowery
Joseph E. Lowery is the grandfather of 360 Magazine’s President Vaughn Lowery and founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference alongside Dr. King. Throughout his life, Lowery served as vice president, chairman of the board and president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference as well as a leader in the Civil Rights Movement.
George Washington Carver
Many people are familiar with George Washington Carver for his inventive skills. He made over 300 products from peanuts and as an agricultural scientist promoted methods to prevent soil depletion.
Garrett Morgan
Garrett Augustus Morgan, Sr. is to thank for the invention of traffic lights as well as gas masks. Every time you stop at a red light, take a moment to think of Morgan for this essential technology.
Barack Obama
As the first black president of the United States, Barack Obama made an impact as the 44th president and showed young people of color they have representation in politics. He continues to use his voice to connect with the American people.
Kamala Harris
Keeping in the theme of politics, Vice President Kamala Harris is the first woman vice president, the first African American vice president and the first Asian American vice president. She’s giving young women of color everywhere a sense of representation.
Madam C.J. Walker
As the first recorded female self-made millionaire in America, Madam C.J. Walker was an influential entrepreneur, philanthropist and activist of her time.
Frederick McKinley Jones
Frederick McKinley Jones was the co-founder of Thermo King and he brought incredible improvement to long-haul transportation of perishable goods. Jones also won the National Medal of Technology.
Stevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris, better known as Stevie Wonder, is a musical prodigy that became blind after birth and learned to play the harmonica, piano and drums by age nine. He is now a notable singer, songwriter, musician and record producer.
Lonnie Johnson
Lonnie Johnson is known for his success as an aerospace engineer. He has worked on the U.S. Air Force term of service and has also worked at NASA for twelve years including in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Patricia Bath
As an ophthalmologist, Patricia Bath was an early innovator of laser cataract surgery. She was also the first woman, African American physician to receive a patent for a medical invention.
Oprah Winfrey
One TV personality almost everyone is familiar with is Oprah. Known for her television show The Oprah Winfrey Show, she has made waves in the world of entertainment. She is also known for co-producing a Broadway musical version of The Color Purple, establishing O, The Oprah Magazine, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) as well as creating Oprah.com.
Harriet Tubman
After being born into slavery, Harriet Tubman was a conductor of the Underground Railroad and helped many enslaved men and women escape. She led many people to freedom with her bravery and connection with antislavery activists.
Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks gained her notoriety as an activist in the Civil Rights Movement and is known for starting the Montgomery bus boycott after refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger. She has been called “the first lady of civil rights” and “the mother of the freedom movement” by the United States Congress.
John Lewis
John Lewis was chairman Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) as well as one of the “Big Six” leaders who organized the 1963 March on Washington. He was an essential part of the Civil Rights Movement and ending legalized racial segregation.
Alexander Miles
If you’ve ever ridden in an elevator, you can thank Alexander Miles for the automatic opening doors; he was awarded the patent for this invention in 1887. Mills was riding in an elevator with his daughter and he deemed an elevator shaft door left open could be dangerous.
Mary Kenner
Mary Kenner was an inventor famous for her development of the sanitary belt, the precursor to the self-adhesive maxi pad. However, due to racial discrimination, the idea wasn’t adopted for thirty years. She has five patents for various household items.
Maya Angelou
Known for her many famous pieces of writing, Maya Angelou was a poet, memoirist and civil rights activist. Over fifty years, she wrote a number of autobiographies, essays, poems, plays, movies and television shows. She also received over 50 honorary degrees as well as awards for her writing.
LeBron James
Along with being considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time, LeBron James also started the LeBron James Family Foundation to help create generational change for the children and families of LeBron’s hometown in Akron, Ohio.
Malcolm X
As a popular spokesperson at the time of the Civil Rights Movement, Malcolm X encouraged Black Americans to protect themselves against racism. He preached a much different lesson than Martin Luther King Jr. who preached nonviolence.
Thurgood Marshall
Thurgood Marshall was the Supreme Court’s first African American justice as well as a prominent civil rights activist. He served on the court for 24 years and helped with influential rulings at the time of the Civil Rights Movement such as the case of Brown v. Board of Education.
Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the United States during the 20th century. He broke the color barrier of the MLB when he played for the National League Brooklyn Dodgers as second baseman with the jersey number 42.
Now that it’s fall, it’s officially that time of the year. The holidays are still a way’s away, but the must-have items are coming out earlier and earlier and your list seems to get longer and longer. It’s never too early to start shopping for the best Christmas gifts of 2021! Whether you’re looking for the latest toys, present for your wife, your kids, or even your boss, this 360 MAGAZINE list will be your one stop shop to find the coolest gift ideas.
Check out our favorites below, and we hope you pick out something nice for yourself as well!
Leica Q2 ‘007 Edition’
Leica Camerahas unveiled a new Leica Q2 ‘007 Edition’ to celebrate the release of the 25th Bond adventure, No Time to Die. Limited to 250 pieces only, the camera exudes understated elegance – just like James Bond – marked by Leica’s signature minimalist design.
The newcamera features the iconic 007 logo on the deck cap and the famous Bond gun barrel design on the lens cap. Each of the limited-edition cameras will be individually numbered, making the “007” camera a sought-after collectable. The camera comes in a customized and handcrafted case designed by the British luxury suitcase brand, Globe-Trotter. Inspired by the bespoke cases that are featured in No Time To Die film, both the camera case and camera are finished in the same ocean green leather colorway.
A combination of both photography and cinema, this makes a perfect gift for anyone who is a film major or enthusiast! Available for purchase on the official Leica website.
Oakley × Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes II and Oakley has released the second iteration of the MVP quarterback’s Signature Series, Contrail. The new eyewear is inspired by the MVP’s limitless talent and includes features that honor the Super Bowl LIV Champion.
The Signature Series Collection launched in early 2021 with the bold design of Oakley’s Sutro Lite frame. Ahead of the brand’s third season partnership with the NFL, Oakley is adding Contrail to the collection, a modern design available in matte black with metallic gold icons to celebrate the unconventional success of the Kansas City Chief’s player. The frame features a lightweight, durable C-5 alloy frame and Prizm lens technology engineered to enhance color and contrast while discoverable Mahomes details on the Contrail include an etched lens with II for Mahomes and a signed microbag.
Modern yet timeless, the Patrick Mahomes Signature Series is available on Oakley.com and in Oakley retail stores.
Casio EDIFICE × Scuderia AlphaTauri Racing
Super-charge your speed and precision with this special Casio EDIFICE watch designed in collaboration with the F1™ team Scuderia AlphaTauri.
Made with the same type of 6K carbon fiber used in the floor and wings of the Scuderia AlphaTauri racing machine, the EFR571AT-1A puts the latest motorsports technology right on your wrist. Fluorescent yellow — the color that crew mechanics use at the track for safety — highlights key components, providing the stand-out visibility required by racing teams who have to make every second count. The yellow stopwatch button and second hand ensure easy, no-fumble timing. The last 15 seconds on the dial are also highlighted, in a nod to the F1 rule that crewmembers must leave the grid 15 seconds before the formation lap starts.
This special EDIFICE delivers what you need to manage your day with the confidence of an F1 driver. Available for purchase here.
Lids × Chris Godwin
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pro Bowler and Super Bowl LV Champion Wide Receiver, Chris Godwin, has partnered with Lids and is not the retailer’s newest brand partner.
Godwin has created seven custom embroidery designs exclusively with Lids. Along with his signature and a #14 jersey number available in a variety of design options, these exclusive designs will also include a ‘World Champion’ badge as a nod to the Bucs fanbase following their 2021 Super Bowl LV win.
Fans can embroider any one of the designs on a hat or jersey of their choice at hundreds of Lids locations across the country starting today (available at any location that offers on-site custom embroidery). Through this partnership, Lids contributed a flat donation to Godwin’s charitable foundation, Team Godwin Foundation, which provides at-risk animals a second chance through advocacy and financial support.
Nothing keeps you cozy on chilly fall mornings like the wearable blanket that started it all! The Comfy Teddy Bear Quarter Zip is everything you love about The Comfy Teddy Bear, but with the added flexibility and style of a zip.
Fun, cozy, and will keep you warm while couch surfing on a cool night. It is unisex and stylish enough for all your needs, from sitting on the porch or a quick trip to the store. Luscious, high-quality sherpa wraps you in a giant hug while the quarter zip gives you flexibility, you’ll never want to take it off.
Available in a variety of colors and patterns here.
LOL Cartel
Recording artist and MTV’s Ridiculousness host Chanel West Coast has announced the release of her new LOL Cartel unisex capsule collection. Conceptualized and designed by Chanel herself, the new streetwear line showcases fun, expressive lifestyle apparel that speaks to the laidback and feel good vibes of the West Coast.
The new drop features a wide array of classic silhouettes such as sweatpants, sweaters, hats, shirts, t-shirts and more in custom-dyed designs and bold color combinations, emphasizing the young and vibrant inspiration throughout. Each piece has been designed with high quality fabrics and materials, and was crafted to be unisex, ensuring a mix-and-match capsule collection that can be enjoyed by people of all genders.
Started in 2004 in New York City, Tenacious Toys services thousands of customers worldwide each year with the most reliable fulfillment of bullet-proof packages. Tenacious Toys offers customers a robust program of rewards and freebies, as well as multiple payment options during checkout.
Perfect holiday gift for a friend or partner who loves to collect! Shop Tenacious Toys’ latest collection here.
EATABLE
Celebrate flavors worthy of your everyday celebrations with the 100% natural, delightfully grown-up popcorn from EATABLE.
Inspired by the flavors of happy hour, each bag features the sophisticated notes of your favorite cocktails without the alcohol. They start with non-GMO corn kernels that are air popped to perfection, imbue them with a sweet candy or caramel spirit infused coating, and then painstakingly hand-sift each batch to ensure those hard unpopped kernels never make it to your mouth.
Give your movie night a sophisticated twist, upgrade your book club’s charcuterie board, or toast Team USA with the mixed pop of your choice.
EATABLE Highlights:
• Crafted from locally sourced, non-GMO corn kernels
• Twice baked recipe creates the perfect crunchy texture
• Grab and go bags are ideal for snacking, picnics, barbecues, and more!
• Comes in a resealable bag for freshness you can taste
• NO artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• Flavors include:
• Whisky on the Pops
• Pop the Champagne
• Pop the Salt & Tequila
• Pop Goes Sangria
• Poppy Caesar
•Poppin’ Rosé all Day
Sea Witch Botanicals
Sea Witch Botanicals is committed to being a role model in the shift toward sustainability and ethical business, and transparently dedicated to environmental justice. We are a small, tenacious team that believes you don’t need sinister synthetics or animal byproducts to have a clean home, a beautiful smelling space, or luxurious self-care. All of our products are crafted with only plant-based ingredients and packaged for optimum waste-reduction.
Sea Witch Botanicals aims to keep the world’s water healthy by providing natural home and body products that are good for you, and the environment. With a huge range of scents and products, find your match of incense and candles here.
N.Peal Cashmere Knitwear
Know a Bond fan? These gifts would be right up their alley. Exclusive cashmere knitwear brand N.Peal is launching its Navy Ribbed Army Sweater and 007 Combat Trousers as worn by 007 in the upcoming James Bond film, No Time To Die, releasing in theaters October 8, 2021.
Available in a blend of 90 per cent superfine Merino wool and 10 per cent cashmere, the Navy Ribbed Army Sweater features canvas patches on the shoulders, cuffs and elbow and is augmented by a drawstring neck. The 007 combat trouser is made from 100% Cotton, features-Gun metal zips and poppers- 3 pockets, two zipped and one poppered – Epitomises the modern and informal utility look and marries perfectly with the N.Peal commando sweater.
Modelling its design on British Military Commando sweaters & Combat Trousers, N.Peal developed these pieces with No Time To Die costume designer Suttirat Anne Larlarb.
CASIO G-SHOCK
As the most nostalgic time of the year nears, what’s a better way to remember your childhood than to purchase old trinkets? Casio has released a few timepieces that are reminiscent of the 90s, and will surely bring you back in time.
Based on the larger men’s style, the GMAS120SR-7A is a compact G-SHOCK model in the transparent style that became popular back in the ‘90s. This model features a rose-gold metallic finish with a design that makes it the perfect accessory for work and play.
The square design of the GMS5600PG-1 is reminiscent of the classic G-SHOCK 5600. This model has a metal covered bezel and incorporates standard G-SHOCK shock resistance in a small, lightweight watch that is comfortable to wear. The mirror finish of the case and bezel add a touch of elegance to the watch’s casual look.
The BG169G-4B offers the nostalgic BABY-G style in an eye-catching pink band and face. Featuring 200-meter water resistance, this model has an ion-plated metal ring and with a face protector, creating a face that is dynamic, yet classically BABY-G. The wire face protectors on the case allow for worry-free wear at the beach, pool, or in other high-activity areas.
Pureaty Naturals – Biotin Hair Serum
One of those products that went viral over quarantine, none other than this biotin hair serum from Pureaty Naturals.
According to more than 5,000 five-star Amazon ratings awarded for its ability to regrow hair even in nearly bald spots after a month of use. Shoppers say it makes a huge difference in their hair’s strength and thickness, rescuing thinning hairlines from intense shedding and encouraging growth like a “miracle serum.”
Prior to trying the Pureauty formula, one person says that nothing seemed to help their drain-clogging hair loss. Within two weeks, the cycle turned around: “The results are AMAZING! I legit only had like two strands fall out per shower.” They continue, “The only downside: I didn’t find this product sooner. I could not be happier. Thank you so much to whoever made this. You literally saved my depressed soul from losing my hair.”
Another person “desperate” to reverse their chemo-thinned hair says their hair loss is now so minimal, the results are “hard to believe.” But by all accounts it doesn’t much matter what’s behind the hair loss — the Pureauty’s hydrators, including the glycerin and squalane mentioned above, keep your scalp optimally moisturized regardless. As the last person concludes: “Thank you, little bottle of serum.”
Give the gift of a portable tub, Tubble! Imagine taking a private hot bath in the snow after skiing or on your balcony over looking the city! Tubble was designed for urban living but is also great for outside adventures (veranda, porch, balcony, living room, cabin, glamping, RV). With the Tubble, you can take a bath anywhere-anytime. You just need a water source! Tubble is great for contrast therapeutic bath (hot to cold and vice versa) any type of therapeutic bath is an option. Fits a 6’ tall person or two people very comfortably! Quality materials (like a yoga mat) makes it more comfortable than a regular bath. Lightweight when empty, travels easy, and holds 60 gallons of water when full. Perfect for the holidays.
You know the holidays are near when you see Pumpkin Spice on the shelves again. Keep the good times pouring with nutpods unsweetened Winter Collection flavors; Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint Mocha and Holiday Nog. The party goes on to the last drop. All three are creamy, foamy, and free of dairy and sugar.
The CBD industry has become an oversaturated $2.1 billion market notorious for a lack of consumer awareness, large corporations, and countless athletes/celebrities fronting brands (without any real involvement in the company). However, a few smaller CBD brands are setting themselves apart through a purpose-driven mission and commitment to product quality.
Cornbread Hemp is one of the rare few that has been able to gain market share as an underdog, in large part due to its signature Flower-Only™, full spectrum, and USDA-certified organic hemp. They are going down a different path, not cutting corners, and offering a product that is light years ahead of what you see at your local convenience store.
The founders at Cornbread Hemp have made taking on corporate CBD as one of their causes to ensure that consumers know what is in the product they are ingesting or rubbing on their bodies. Co-founder Jim Higdon has said that “what most consumers don’t know is that corporate hemp manufacturers produce substandard products, only to dress them up with the term ‘Whole Plant.'”
Know someone that got the new iPhone? Here’s a quick gift idea. ZAGG, the global leader in accessories and technologies that empower mobile lifestyles, introduced screen protection and protective case solutions for the new Apple iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max. ZAGG also announced screen protection for the Apple Watch Series 7 and iPad mini (6th gen).
ZAGG accessories for these Apple devices are available beginning today on ZAGG.com with some products arriving in the coming weeks. Consumers may find ZAGG InvisibleShield and ZAGG Gear4 products at Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Best Buy, and Walmart stores nationwide.
ZAGG backs its mobile accessories with an industry-leading limited lifetime warranty and will replace the product if it ever gets worn or damaged for the life of the device. With more than 250 million screen protectors sold worldwide, ZAGG InvisibleShield is the #1 selling brand for smartphone screen protection in the U.S. and has set the industry standard for screen protection. Shop here.
OakleyCoyote Boot
Born more than 20 years ago, the Coyote boot was built to function like a sneaker while still offering an iconic combat-inspired product. The boot is not meant to be just for anyone, it was created for a purpose with a will to run alone and to run with the pack.
Designed to take on any adventure whether in the city or in the wild, the Coyote boot itself features an EVA midsole and slip-resistant rubber outsole which moves naturally with your foot, while providing plush shock absorption. The lightweight material and genuine leather offers ventilated comfort while the rugged nylon laces stand to rough wear to complete this durable, everyday boot. In addition to the regular colorways, The Coyote Boot will also offer three new limited-edition colorways featuring vibrant, neon soles: black/neon green, coyote/neon orange, and sage/neon light blue.
A gift made for any adventurous friends or partners, the Coyote Boot is available in select stores and online here.
PUMA
The second PUMA collaboration with Black Fives collection celebrates the way teams in the Black Fives Era expanded their reach beyond neighborhoods where they began, into cities and towns throughout the United States. This seven-piece collection encompasses vintage-inspired designs with historical graphics and authentic logos maintained by the Foundation. Banner graphics showcase Black Fives teams along with cities they played in across the U.S. from Los Angeles to New York.
The Black Fives Foundation’s mission is to research, preserve, showcase, teach and honor the pre-NBA history of African Americans in basketball. Items in the collection include multi-colored hoodie and sweatpants, shorts, T-shirt, long-sleeved T-shirt, cardigan, and a black Suede Mid Black Fives, which includes a pop of color on the sole and team logos on the formstrip.
The collection launches globally October 8 in stores and online.
Affirmicious
Has this last year taken a toll on your friends’ spirits? Are you on the lookout for a gift that inspires change and growth There’s nothing like the holiday season to spread a little cheer, and with Affirmicious and their uplifting Zodiac Affirmation Card Decks you can help nip negativity in the bud.
Each deck of fun and focusing cards is tailored to the personality of a specific Zodiac sign, offering positive statements and reminders to help change the flow of your thoughts the more you practice them.
Features 100 personalized affirmation cards per set
Cards are based on the unique traits, needs, and energy of each Zodiac sign
This holiday season, give the gift of natural cell renewal from the inside that supports health and beauty from the outside. Cell health affects growth of our hair and nails, and the appearance of our skin.
A new supplement, spermidineLIFE® by Longevity Labs, is the world’s first natural spermidine-rich wheat germ extract dietary supplement that supports our bodies rejuvenation and renewal of cells from the inside, which supports health and beauty health from the outside.
spermidineLIFE® is an all-natural, clinically tested supplement that supports brain, heart and organ function, helps reduce inflammation, improve immunity, detain the effects of aging, improve the growth and appearance of nails and hair, and support skin firmness. MSRP: $99 (subscription price $89)
Support cellular renewal through spermidine supplementation with a simple two-capsules per day dose.
Founded on the belief that head-turning style shouldn’t be a luxury reserved for a select few, celebrity founded Privé Revaux continues to provide affordable and effortlessly chic eyewear. A great gift that has been given the golden seal of approval from a variety of celebrities from Billie Ellish, to Common, Miley Cyrus, Shawn Mendes, J. Lo, Dwayne Wade, Rachel McAdams and more. Countless styles have been worn and loved by the a-list, and with its inexpensive price point, it’s an easy gift that your loved ones will delight in.
Join the a-list and gift Privé Revaux this holiday season. Shop here.
Barton Perreira
Barton Perreira is an independent brand that sees things differently, taking the time to invest in craftsmanship that produces nothing less than the finest eyewear in the world. Meticulously crafted by hand in Japan, a single pair of Barton Perreira frames takes weeks to refine. Barton Perreira’s weightless fit originates from the use of Japanese titanium without any composites to construct the most durable frames available today. Barton Perreira premium lenses are created through a hand-dipped double staged process that results in a stunning gradation of color.
Distinguished for their passionate attention to each one-of-a-kind detail, Japan’s leading artisans ensure every facet of Barton Perreira eyewear is brought to life with precision and virtuosity. Available here.
Skechers ×JGoldcrown
Spread love and comfort this holiday season with Skechers x JGoldcrown: BOBS Too Cozy slippers featuring the iconic #Lovewall heart design of muralist James Goldcrown. Feel warm and fuzzy inside and out with this gift that gives back – for every BOBS from Skechers item purchased, a donation is made to help save shelter animals’ lives nationwide through Skechers’ partnership with Petco Love. The BOBS from Skechers movement has raised more than $7 million to help more than 1.3 million shelter pets in the United States and Canada.
The casual vegan slippers feature an allover print of the artist’s signature design, soft microfiber suede-textured upper with a faux-fur trim, striped midsole and cushioned Skechers Memory Foam™ footbed, providing ultimate comfort while you sip cocoa by the fire. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the Too Cozy styles which make the perfect welcome gift for out of town guests joining you for the holidays.
DIESEL has recently introduced a stylish new way of listening to music or taking phone calls on the go with their new True Wireless Earbuds.Comes in two color variations, black and red, both featuring the silver ‘D’ logo detail. The case is compatible with wireless charging and doubles as a charging portal. The earbuds are sweat and splash resistant, equipped with voice assist and has a total battery life and playback time of 32 hours. This fashion tech accessory will make for the perfect stocking stuffer and will retail for $128 and will be available at DIESEL stores, online at diesel.com and at select fashion, tech and electronic retailers worldwide.
SKECHERS
Skechers new GO Lounge™ footwear and apparel deliver the cute and cozy looks we are all craving as the temperatures start to drop.
Available in a variety of designs and colors, the cozy GO LOUNGE styles feature the brand’s Comfort Technologies for ultimate ease and support at home or on the go. Skechers line of GOLounge™ apparel compliments the footwear with its all-around comfort designs and tranquil color story.
Skechers GO Lounge pairs feature a Patented Skechers Arch Fit® contoured footbed with podiatrist-certified arch support. Developed with 20 years of data and 120,000 unweighted foot scans, the contoured footbed helps mold to your foot to reduce shock and increase weight dispersion. Apparel is designed with signature Skechers fabrics delivering incredible fit and features with a luxe lounging feel.
AveSeena
Inflammaging is AveSeena’s NEW Green Caviar Facial Oil Elixir is the only oil to beat inflammaging (Inflammation + Aging) and is formulated with peptide complex Matrixyl 3000™, sea sourced Green Caviar Algae Oil, Vitamin C, retinol replacement Bakuchiol and Squalane offering key nutrients essential to skin’s strength and defense system.
This vegan, gender inclusive, certified clean Elixir is a multi-nutrient loaded anti-aging facial oil that addresses skin concerns including fine lines & wrinkles, dryness, dullness, uneven texture and signs of inflammaging. It is also the only oil to feature the ingredient Matrixyl 3000™, as it typically is only used in cream-based skincare products.
Additional Green Caviar Facial Oil Elixir benefits:
100% of respondents felt that it was easily absorbed
90% said their skin looks better overall
80% stated the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles is visibly improved
Signed By McFly
Say no to generic gift cards, scratchy sweaters and ugly underwear this holiday season and give the gift of style with Signed By McFly. The fashion label offers everything for men and women – from puffer jackets to athletic wear, socks and hats as stocking stuffer gifts, swimwear for any tropical travel, sneakers, and cozy sweats for holiday lounging.
The Bronx-based, black-owned fashion label creates genderless designs that have caught the eye of professional athletes, musicians, and celebrities worldwide. Drip style with Signed By McFly’s Alphabet Varsity Jacket, crafted to keep you cosy and cool! The Bronx-based, black-owned fashion label creates genderless designs that have caught the eye of professional athletes, musicians, and celebrities worldwide. Available nationally at signedbymcfly.com
Triptech
All the functions you need! Flipside Sticks to Your Current Phone or Case by Adhesive for Instant use A slim, snag free design Protection from shattering drops with our Finger Ring, the most vertical and stable viewing kickstand. Triptech’s portrait stand gives you the option for a different view Impact stand allows hard touch for emails, games, and texts. Never be without a GPS mount because it goes with you!
Simon Ardem
This fall, Simon Ardem is launching the New York Fall Collection, a capsule collection of one-of-a-kind rings and bangles inspired by Central Park landmarks.
The New York Fall collection features all-natural-colored diamonds. With graduated placement, to resemble the myriad of warm fall colors; each piece is a tour de force. The North Meadow Ring is named after one of Central Park’s largest open areas with a countryside-like feel. Its fancy orange brown round diamond is surrounded by an open field of billowing brown and white diamonds, capturing the essence of space and fall’s natural beauty. The Great Lawn Ring features a brown Ascher cut diamond, surrounded by an ombré arrangement of smaller diamonds, reminiscent of how the Great Lawn appears amongst the hustle of the city. Another classic spot, Central Park’s Cop Cot is a historical wooden shelter surrounded by greenery, and the Cop Cot Ring celebrates its placement through an abstracted, diamond view, featuring rounds and cushion cuts in champagne, yellow, white, and a mix of graduated browns.
To celebrate the brand’s fourth birthday, Session Goods has taken their award-winning, iconic design, smoking accessory line and created a limited edition run of all black and white bongs, pipes, and cleaning caps.
This series was created to explore the beautiful styling of their modern products by purposefully indulging in stereotypical designer aesthetics of monochromatic black and white. These two contrasts have inspired countless artists, designers and brands and conveys class and refinement. Fashion can be so much more than clothing and accessories. Session Goods new Designer Series intersects fashion and cannabis – two things that are important to many but rarely connected. With thoughtfulness that flows through every fine detail, this matchup is timeless, sleek, and effortlessly trendy. Intersecting fashion and cannabis is a new phenomenon.
This holiday season, give your loved ones the gift of ultimate pampering with exclusive gift sets from Gemmist, including recently launched salon grade haircare products made to tend to your tresses this holiday season and all year round. Offering two bundles for the ultimate self-care queen, or the person in your life looking to give their hair a little extra love, Gemmist makes shopping easier for you as all products can be ordered online on Gemmist.com and delivered straight to your door (21+ ONLY).
Start your self-hair journey with the Scalp Balancing Bar, made to exfoliate and stimulate the scalp while nourishing hair from the root. After brushing out your worries with the flexible detangling brush, deliver essential moisture and tame frizz with the Crème Styler. After a day spent celebrating at holiday soirees to the fireplace with glee, spritz on the new Hair Freshener to instantly refresh hair by capturing unwanted odor molecules to make hair smell clean, even when it’s not wash day.
Eco Lips
Eco Lips Makes Christmas 2021 More Sustainable with First Holiday Line that Comes in 100% Plant Based Tube
Christmas is just around the corner! And in case you’re looking for more sustainable ways to celebrate the season, Eco Lips has the answer for you.
The certified B Corp, also known as the nations’ largest independent organic lip balm manufacturer, has recently announced the upcoming launch of its 2021 Holiday offering–Candy Cane Organic Lip Balm line. Bursting with deliciously sweet minty flavor, this quintessential holiday lip balm flavor features invigorating peppermint, which leaves a pleasant tingling sensation, and warming vanilla to comfort and soothe dry lips. It makes for a perfect stocking stuffer or holiday gift for yourself or loved ones.
As with other Eco Lips products, Candy Cane Organic Lip Balms are made with certified organic beeswax combined with hydrating Fair Trade Certified™ coconut oil to nourish, moisturize, and restore lips back to health. They also come in the brand’s revolutionary Plant Pod, a patented 100% plastic-free, plant-based packaging that looks and acts like a regular tube.
Candy Cane Organic Lip Balms will be available on Eco Lips’ website and will hit retail in the weeks following its online release. Each set of 3 tubes will sell for $9.99.
In Good Conscience
Officially launching November 16, In Good Conscience is the perfect self-care gift + stocking stuffer for everyone on your gifting list. The modern personal care and body wash brand is designed for universal appeal and for all bodies. Each body wash is designed with clean beauty standards, steeped with select naturally derived ingredients and gently scented with all natural aromas.
In Good Conscience body washes come in three sensorial aromas, Mandarin Rose, Rosemary Bergamot and Peppermint Sage, offering a unique aroma for everyone on your gift list. Additionally, in the spirit of the holiday season, each product purchase supports the brand’s mission of cultural sustainability, and contributes a portion of product proceeds to non-profit community organizations driving social impact for under-resourced communities of color.
Product Highlights:
Made in America
Size: 12 FL OZ / 355ML
Naturally clean: Clean formulas that are highly natural, sensorial & ingredient transparent (100% natural fragrance, formulas free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances and with naturally derived ingredients, cruelty
Features Babassu Oil, known for it’s lightweight hydration and anti-oxidant properties and sustainably sourced from the Dominican Republic
Universally Essential: Inclusive, everyday products for all skin types & tones
Barebells
Holiday Crisp is a limited edition for the Holiday Season. Barebells’ Holiday Crisp will be available for purchase starting November through their website, GNC, Trader Joe’s, and select gyms. Barebells protein bars are rich in protein with 20 grams of protein, no added sugar, without palm oil, and only 200 calories. They suit everyone who wants to give their taste buds a real treat but this year it’ll be a special holiday treat with the same great taste and health benefits.
Barbie
Choosing a holiday gift for your daughter, niece, or younger sister? Barbie has your back. Most recently, Barbie made an appearance at The LA Auto Show to unveil her new Extra Convertible designed by Barbie designer Judy Choi, with a life-size version, designed by Mattel’s vehicle team. Cars have always been an important part of the Barbie brand – Barbie got her first car in 1962 and since then has had everything from convertibles to campers, beach buggies, and more. Now, kids everywhere can give new meaning to the phrase “passing with flying colors” by sporting their own Barbie Extra Cars, available now at Walmart for $30.
When it’s time to take Barbie’s Extra looks on the go, the convertible’s trunk includes spaces for shoes and a trendy top. For Barbie’s furry friends, the Extra Convertible features a pet pool at the rear. The car is the latest extension of the “Barbie Extra” line, which launched in November 2020.
Banana Phone
Is your goal to win the office’s white elephant this year? Looking for a screen-free phone alternative? Discover a whole bunch of fun while supporting gorilla conservation with the first ever bluetooth enabled Banana Phone!
The Banana Phone is both a bluetooth mobile handset and a speaker that can connect to virtually any smartphone so you can take calls, listen to music, or activate Google or Siri when your hands are full. Best of all, a portion of all sales go to support Gorilla Conservation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Banana Phone Highlights:
60 ft Bluetooth range
Make phone calls or play your favorite music
20 hour talk time
120 hour Idle time
Connects to iPhone and Android via Bluetooth
Rechargeable via micro USB (cable included)
2% of all revenue is donated to Gearing Up for Gorillas to support Gorilla Conservation in the democratic Republic of the Congo while working with 1% for the Planet
Cheegs is a Minneapolis based apparel company with a mission to better people’s lives through clothing. Cheegs understands the impact that clothing can have on the trajectory of your day and engineer clothing to work with you, not against you. Using innovative fabric technology and versatile designs, Cheegs offers clothing that provides unmatched comfort, utility and durability, all while ensuring a minimal footprint. Re-imagine business attire with optimal comfort.
TableTopics
For the perfect stocking stuffer, we’re introducing you to the TABLETOPICS® Holiday Conversation Trio Pack. These festive questions will add sparkle to the holiday table and bring family and friends together in new ways. Discover, reflect, reminisce, and share laughter through the season and beyond.
For ages 6 and up, this pack is a boxed set of 3 to-go editions – each containing 40 question cards. MSRP $20 from Amazon and major retailers nationwide, including Barnes & Noble.
Thanksgiving with Family: Add a special ingredient to your traditional Thanksgiving with these engaging conversation starters.
A Very Merry Christmas: Bring friends and family, young and old into the conversation with these festive questions about everyone’s favorite time of year.
New Year’s Eve: Pop the champagne! Whether your guests are “old acquaintances” or new friends, these conversation starters will inspire humor, reminiscence, and resolutions.
Reebok
Dropping Friday November 26, the new Question Mid “Class of ’16” sneaker honors Allen Iverson‘s induction into the Hall of Fame in 2016, as well as the city of Philadelphia where he spent the bulk of his professional career.
The new Question Mid “Class of ‘16” blends colors representative of each of the five professional teams Iverson played for. Beneath a clean execution of his signature shoe, the Question Mid is laced with the red and blue accents, signifying Iverson’s return to his Philadelphia roots to finish off an illustrious NBA career. Dropping November 26, the sneaker will be available globally in adult and kids unisex sizing from Foot Locker, Champs Sports and EastBay.
At Home With Ray
Offering home goods and accessories with an artistic edge, At Home With Ray is the brain/love child of Kris Roufa, designer and maximalism extraordinaire that has a true flair for the unexpected.
You can’t quite put a label on Roufa’s overall aesthetic. She is clearly unafraid to let her delightfully curious imagination shine through in her designs. You’ll find elements of nature intertwined with bold unapologetic colors. You’ll enjoy sharp modern lines paired with soft feminine touches. At Home With Ray is kind of like the cool kid that doesn’t even have to try to be cool.
Scarves, twillys, cocktail napkins, table runners, stationary…you’ll find treasures within the At Home With Ray collection that you’ll cherish forever and want to save for your grandchildren. Visit AtHomeWithRay for more information and to enjoy the full line of quirky goodies.
CMY Cubes
Meet CMY Cubes – the makers of the most curious and utterly magnificent sensory toy you’ll ever get to handle.
These seemingly magical color-defying cubes, tetrahedrons, icosahedrons, and more are captivating the world, seeing 1200% growth in the first six months alone. The almost instant success came from a mixture of launching a first-of-its-kind product that is extremely visually appealing and good digital marketing, thanks to Saper’s experience in the industry. Shortly after launching, CMY Cubes went viral on TikTok & Reddit, which launched CMY into the market quickly.
Highlights:
Each face is coated in electromagnetically subtractive materials that appear as cyan, magenta, or yellow
As you twist and turn it creates all-new color combinations
Use it to teach color mixing, light refraction, angles and geometry, and more!
Available in a myriad of shapes to suit your taste
Skechers is committing to help our planet through a multi-year partnership with environmental nonprofit The Nature Conservancy (TNC) with a minimum commitment of $800,000 to help the organization achieve its mission to protect our world’s lands and waters. TNC impacts conservation in over 70 countries and territories, operates more than 100 marine conservation projects and has protected more than 125 million acres of land.
To further reduce the Company’s environmental impact, Skechers has created Our Planet Matters, a new collection of sustainable men’s, women’s, and children’s product which utilizes recycled materials in its designs.With this initial offering of casual lifestyle and performance product, The Comfort Technology Company™ hopes to encourage shoppers of all ages to take steps to become more environmentally conscious.
adidasHeadphones
adidas Headphones announced its first-ever true wireless collection, debuting with the help of Grammy Nominated hip-hop recording artist, Quavo. Best known for being the front man of hip-hop/trap trio Migos, as well as for his skills on the basketball court, Quavo perfectly embodies what makes adidas Headphones the ideal choice for those with an active lifestyle, as well as a passion for creativity and sport.
Debuting alongside adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC ($189), are two additional pairs of earbuds, each developed to enhance sport performance while offering all-day comfort: adidas Z.N.E. 01($99), an accessible pair of true wireless earbuds built to withstand various aspects of daily life and adidas FWD-02 SPORT($169), a sleek pair of true wireless earbuds designed with insight of adidas Runners to lock in place and help runners of all levels push forward.
adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC and adidas Z.N.E. 01 are available now for purchase on adidasheadphones.com, while adidas FWD-02 SPORT will be available early next year.
G-SHOCK
Inspired by the colors of the national flag of Benin, Hachimura’s father’s home country, the new, limited-edition GM110RH-1Ais based on the original metal forged case design of the GM110 and adds a polished copper IP bezel. The new model comes with two interchangeable urethane bands, the first being a black textured band with a metal copper IP buckle and the second, a West African Kente-cloth motif band inspired by the traditional clothing of the region.
The new GM110RH-1A also offers G-SHOCK features, such as shock resistance, magnetic resistance and 200M water resistance, a full auto calendar, 3-year battery, world time, 24-hour countdown timer and more.
The GM110RH-1A retails for $420 and will be available for purchase in December at select G-SHOCK retailers, the G-SHOCK Soho Store, and gshock.com.
Kidrobot
Kidrobot brings your favorite Dungeons & Dragons characters to life with an all-new collection of plush toys & collectibles.
Pre-order the new 3″ Vinyl Mini Series 1 here now.
INDOGGO Gin
Share the love this holiday season by gifting your family, friends, or coworkers a bottle of Snoop Dogg’s INDOGGO Gin. Unlike any other Gin in the world, INDOGGO is a remix of seven botanicals and all-natural fruit flavoring mixed with a laidback California style, compliments of the Doggfather himself.
With the holidays right around the corner, we are all looking for ways to relax and unwind while surrounded by family and friends. INDOGGO Gin by hip-hop legend, Snoop Dogg is a gluten and sugar free delicacy that will make the perfect stocking stuffer or gift to your family, friend, or coworker. After maintaining his place in the public spotlight for over 25 years, the “Gin N Juice” singer ventured out into creating his own spirits brand with the mission of making a Gin that exemplifies a laidback lifestyle that is easy to mix, easy to drink, and hard to forget. Experience warm holiday cheer unlike any other while experimenting with all the possible cocktail combinations that INDOGGO offers, including, “The Doggfather, “The Long Beach Lemonade,” and “The Laid Back.” Give the gift of warm holiday cheer unlike any other with INDOGGO Gin.
GAUCHO
Gaucho – Buenos Aires is a brand for tomorrow’s originals. It’s values — strength, resilience, optimism — run through everything they make, from the quality of its leather to the fearlessness of cuts and unending passion for Buenos Aires’ fashion heritage. They’re here for entrepreneurial spirits and self-starters, and for people who want their fashion to feel as good as it looks. In complementing your style now and inspiring your future choices, it gives you the confidence to realize whatever version of you you’re working towards.
GAUCHO has exclusive gifts for men and women. The brand carries different accessories, such as colorful scarves made of exquisite silk foulard at $265, leather saddle and tote bags starting at $325, Gaucho classic wide brim hats at $165, and leather belts at $175. All accessories are available for both men and women.
The luxury brand is set to open in the Miami Design District January 2022. Visit GAUCHO – BUENOS AIRES, a luxurious lifestyle brand known for its leather goods, including clothing and accessories for both men and women.
Champion × Hasbro Gaming
The perfect combination of comfort and holiday tradition is encapsulated with the new collaboration between Champion and Hasbro Gaming. Created for those who love playing board games and relaxing in comfy loungewear, the Championx Hasbro Gaming collection features four board games – Monopoly, Twister, Scrabble and Candy Land.
The collection includes a range of head-to-toe Champion looks with products varying from apparel and footwear. Designed keeping the whole family in mind, Champion constructed the collection for fans of all differing ages ranging from adults, youth and toddlers. Each piece encapsulates the unique essence of each game paired with that signature, classic Champion flare.
The collection is available now on Champion.com, and can be found in select Champion retail stores and retailers. Adult sizes range from XS-2XL and prices range from $30-$80.
Baobab Roots is a brand that prioritizes sustainability while operating with a global mindset. Created to encapsulate the beauty and signature look of the African Baobab, aka the tree of life, this line of handbags is devoted to their conservation. Designed in Africa with leather sourced from Italy, all Baobab Roots bags are manufactured in the United States. The bags are not mass produced as to reduce the companies carbon footprint.
Hazo Maximalist Features:
• Produced with Italian leather
• Produced in small batches to ensure quality control
• Transforms from crossbody to clutch using removable straps
• Metallic silver spike and stud hardware that is sure to make a statement
• Showcases two large compartments, one zip pocket and a leather credit card sleeve for easy, practical storage
Baobab Roots donates a portion of each purchase to aid organizations that safeguard the endangered Baobab Trees in Africa and Elephants without Borders.
Cloney × LL COOL J
35 years after LL COOL J’s debut album, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October 2021. To commemorate this accomplishment, LL COOL J’s Rock the Bells and Cloney worked together on a limited edition collection.
The collection includes streetwear such as hoodies ($185) and trucker hats ($95). The aim of the collaboration is to encapsulate LL COOL J’s iconic street style and success in the music industry.
After being in the watchmaking business for over 40 years, Maurice Lacroix knows how to construct a modern style of watch. In 2016, they recreated their Calypso watch from the 90s, re-released as the AIKON. Styled for Millennials that have ambition and talent, and for those who aim to take over the world’s major cities. The electrifying energy that encompasses these cities has been named a supplier of inspiration for the Maurice Lacroix team, and something that the team continues to relate its image with.
Junghans
Founded in 1861, Junghans has been an innovating timekeeping for over 160 years. Changing the game since the early 1900s as the worlds largest clock manufacturer in the world, Junghans was also the official timekeeper in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany. Adding to the list of successes for this company, they also invented the first radio-controlled wristwatch in 1990.
The current collection references the long history of Junghans while keeping a contemporary touch. Meister watches and timepieces of max bill are some cases of pieces that have been reinvented. These Bauhaus originals were created back in 1956 with Swiss designer Max Bill. Today, they are produced in an almost unaltered design.
Blowfish Malibu Vegan Collection
Grow your wardrobe this holiday season with Blowfish Malibu’s vegan collection. Showcasing a variety of boots for the holiday season, Blowfish Malibu has a wide range of footwear that will be sure to enhance your closet.
Warm up this winter season with Chillin-SHR, a comfortable Chelsea-inspired ankle boot, with a low pancake wedge and shearling details.
Incorporate the fall style into your closet with Venom-C, an ankle mini-boot with cutouts and a cushioned footbed.
With a reimagined version of the combat boot, Rauly is modernized and showcases a new tonal welt and a snug lug sole.
The collection does not use any type of animal products or by-products in the shoes, even down to the glue and outsole. The boots are made from man-made materials, 100% cruelty free and guaranteed to maintain their value, appearance and comfort. All styles apart of the collection are formally registered with the Vegan Society.
Stündenglass Gravity Infuser
From Stündenglass comes an assortment of brand new gravity infusers that are hot on the market. Designed with a 360° rotating glass hookah, the structure of the hookah generates kinetic motion via water displacement with resisting airflow technology paired with the natural force of gravity to dispense smoke. Included with the range of infusers is an aluminum hookah bowl kit and glass bowl that can connect to smoking or vaporizing devices with a 14mm male joint.
Signed by McFly
Sick of your partner stealing your hoodie? Or guilty of being a hoodie thief yourself? Score some style you can both enjoy this season with Signed by McFly‘s range of unisex hoodies, sweats and sneakers. Buy it for yourself or give it as a gift to your bae so you can both stay stylish and cozy all season long! The Bronx-based, black-owned fashion label creates genderless designs that have caught the eye of celebrities such as Doja Cat and Post Malone. Please let me know if I can send you any designs or images.
Blundstone
With Christmas right around the corner, it’s time to get that last-minute shopping complete, and Blundstone has something for everyone on your list. If you’re in the NYC area, the Blundstone Pop-Up Shop located in SoHo at 250 Lafayette Street, has endless pairs of boots that are as comfortable as they are stylish.
With a wide range of colors, styles and prices, there’s a pair for every family member, friend and colleague.
#558 – Built to stand the test of time, the #558s are turned up to the max. All the durability. More comfort. More shock absorption. These boots will become your best companion.
#584 – Built to weather the elements, the fully waterproof #584s are sturdy boots packed with features. Genuine shearling footbeds and Thinsulate® insulation will keep your feet toasty and dry.
#585 – Most admired for a reason, these boots are a companion for life. A dialed-up version of our Original boots, the signature #585s deliver all the durability with superior comfort and outstanding shock absorption.
#1630 – Rain or shine, the #1630 boots are admired for their rustic black leather and brogue accent details. Made for whatever the day throws at you, this boot offers outstanding comfort and durability.
#1671– Our Women’s heeled boots combine legendary comfort with rugged, yet distinctly feminine looks. With a sleek design and contoured fit, these boots come in soft, supple leathers that feel as good as they look.
Uber Appliances
From mini-fridges for your at-home office space to air-fryers for your home-cooked meals to a sorbet & frozen ice cream maker for a little fun with the kids, Uber Appliance has you covered.
The Sleek and highly functional Uber Chill Personal Mini Fridge/cooler is capable of housing up to six 12 ounce cans of four 16.9 ounce bottles of your favorite beverage. Utilizing state of the art and environmentally friendly thermo-electric peltier technology, this mini fridge is capable of cooling or warming the contents within a reasonable amount of time, making it convenient in almost any occasion. In addition to this, the portable unit comes with both standard home and car power cables for ultimate portability. This is a great mini fridge for the bedroom, this small refrigerator is great for a kids room or simply for having refreshments or snacks withing close proximity (as a dorm fridge, or a cubicle mini fridge).
Features:
Compact yet roomy 4-liter size, holds up to six 12-oz. cans or four 500-mL. bottles
Features heating and cooling options to keep contents cool or hot. Both options are preset optimal temperatures Portable Plugs into 12V car or Home outlet (Built in AC/DC transformer) Both cord’s included
Eco Friendly High quality Solid-state thermo-electric cooling system keeps drinks at optimal drinking temperature
Retro styling perfect for bedroom, office or dorm. Features a removable shelf and a self-locking recessed door handle
Aquasonic
Electric toothbrushes are not made equal. Some are powerful, others are stylish, and some are portable. But what if one electric toothbrush has all these incredible things? Aquasonic black series provides all those features and more:
40,000 VPM Smart Toothbrush – Beauty, brains and power. The Black Series is a world class modern electric toothbrush packed with the most up to date technology. It features an ultra-powerful and industry leading motor producing 40,000 vibrations per minute , lithium-ion battery, ultra-fast wireless charging, 4 mode operation, smart vibration timers, 8 DuPont engineered brush heads and bristles, and a custom travel case; all with a sleek ultra-slim, lightweight and IPX7 rated waterproof design.
Accepted by the American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs – We put our money where your mouth is. Investing in premium oral care technologies has earned the Black Series the prestigious ADA seal of approval. It has shown efficacy in removing plaque and helping to prevent and reduce gingivitis. Black Series goes beyond just cleaning teeth – it provides complete oral care with unique modes that include one for whitening and polishing teeth and one for improving gum health.
8 DuPont Brush Heads & Travel Case Included – Every Black Series toothbrush comes with 8 brush heads engineered by world famous DuPont; a world leader in quality & materials science. Each brush head lasts 4 months so 8 will last for over 2.5 years. Also included is a convenient custom hard shell travel case made of BPA Free plastic with space for two brush heads. AquaSonic can last 4 full weeks (2 min/2x a day) on a full charge so it’s perfect for on the go travel with the included travel case
Modern Tech for a Healthy Smile – Black Series brings toothbrushes into modern times with its built in enhanced features. A lithium-ion battery, ultra fast wireless charging (forget outdated USB charging), 4 distinct brushing modes and a smart vibrating notification timer are some of the enhanced features built in to the sleek and ergonomic waterproof black satin handle
What’s in the Box – 1 AquaSonic Black Series Smart Toothbrush, 1 wireless charging base, 8 DuPont Brush Heads, 1 Travel Case, Instruction and Support Contact Manuals
Read full-depth review of Aquasonic here in comparison to other brands such as Sonicare and Oral-B.
Aquasonic is available for purchase on Amazon currently.
Skechers
Inspired by the designs of Chicago street artists, the Skechers X Hoop ‘Til It Hurts! charitable footwear line will have kids feeling great from the inside out because a portion of proceeds will be donated to the Hoop ‘Til it Hurts Foundation. Gear up for the big game in the Powershot – Skech-Hops, featuring a mid-top leather lace-up front with adjustable strap in black and red or white and blue signature graffiti design styles. Get a boost of comfort and style in the Skech-Speed which includes a lace-up leather and mesh upper and an eye-catching tech design coming in blue and black styles.
The sneaker styles retail for $65 and can be purchased on skechers.com.
Casio G-SHOCK x Kanoa Igarashi
Casio G-SHOCK has created their second exclusive extreme sports watch in collaboration with pro-surfer Kanoa Igarashi.
The partnership between G-SHOCK and Igarashi created the GBX-100KI, which is modeled after the GBX100. This new model is perfect for your loved ones that enjoy surfing, and showcases the use of Mobile Link functions, which allow the watch to be linked with a smartphone app. In the app consumers have the option to rack information vital to surfers such as tide data and sunset/sunrise times.
The watch itself has many unique designs that are distinct to Igarashi, like the number 50 on the band’s lug side, which is Igarashi’s number on the WSL Championship Tour. The dial, case back and band tip even highlight Igarashi’s inscribed signature. The GBX-100KI utilizes regular G-SHOCK features; 200M water resistance, shock resistance, world timekeeping and a 2-year battery life.
The new GBX-100KI retails for $200 and can be bought at select G-SHOCK retailers, the G-SHOCK Soho Store and gshock.com.
Why would anyone leave behind working on music videos with Madonna, R.E.M, Randy Travis, and The Rolling Stones?
Why would anyone leave behind “hobnobbing” at the homes of Sting, Roseanne Barr, or Joan Rivers?
The sheer romance of Hollywood, and hype, the luscious frivolity and gorgeous glamor, all ensconced like a movie within a movie—the Southern California of it all. Like Icarus flying high above the drudge and turmoil of everyday life, just knowing your wings would never melt. The rubbing elbows with the insanely famous, or very famous, or just famous movie stars. Crashing the ubiquitous Oscar parties strewn all over “the strip”—the famous Sunset Boulevard. The bright lights that draw you to it like a moth to a flame.
I worked on it all. I worked on the movies and the music videos. And the TV shows, the MOW’s (movies of the week), and the pilot shows during pilot season. I worked on food commercials, car commercials, and clothing commercials. I worked low-budget, no-budget, and dream budget shows. My job? The art department. I was a set dresser, lead man, painter, prop guy, and even drove the 5-ton trucks because I had a CDL (commercial driver’s license). (My credit nickname on some of my IMDB credits is “Big Ton.”)
My entre to Hollywood was the world-renowned UCLA film school, where I studied screenwriting, directing, and producing with my fellow students, Academy Award-winning directors Gore Verbinski and Alexander Payne, director Shane Black and noted television producer Jeffrey Bell. Friends of mine who work “below the line” (in the art department, or as grips, gaffers, painters, transportation, etc.) all have IMDB credits a mile long.
There are two ways to enter Hollywood from film school—from the top or from the bottom. From the top means your film or script hyperjumps you directly into an “above the line” directing gig, or screenwriting offer, or both.
But if you’re like the majority of film school grads, you start again at the bottom. You work on every low-budget film, TV show, and commercial you can get your hands on. And you don’t let them know you graduated from film school. No, siree. Not unless you wanted yourself laughed out of work. Because the real work is learning the craft of making films. The very long hours (minimum 12 hours a day). Learning who all the behind-the-scenes players are and who knows what, when, and where. Learning from the old-timers all of the million tricks that go on to a screen and the politics behind the scenes. Learning how to segue from show to show, so that you can continue to work.
Then the magic moment arrives. All the grunt work and long hours finally pays off. You are handed that obscenely rare gold Willy-Wonka ticket to Wonkaland—the ultimate movie pass of all time to anyone who wants to work Hollywood—the Motion Picture Union Card. And the only way to get is by working on a film that goes from non-union to union. Even the stars can’t wheedle their offspring into this part of “the industry.” You earn this one with a lot of sweat, grit, and determination. Then you begin to make real money. And work on the “big” films—the big features. Or work at the studios, on a hit TV show, or endless pilots. Great medical, retirement, benefits up the ying-yang. You are now part of the legacy and lottery that is the Hollywood film family. You truly have made it to the land of the silver screen.
Was it great? Was it fun? Was it wild? Yes, and yes, and yes.
But something was amiss in the land of forever happiness. I began to notice cracks in the gold façade. I saw hidden hints of unhappiness I hadn’t noticed before. I began to understand how easily the golden handcuffs of money and prestige could be so easily slipped on over one’s wrist until one day you realize that the dreaming is over, and now you are locked into the Hollywood grind.
How fleeting the luscious frivolity and gorgeous glamor. The elbow-rubbing with all that famous fame and fortune. The seductiveness of being the insider in star land. That thirty years later you would wake up from the dream and realize it was all spent in dreamland. That’s the writing I saw upon the wall.
But as with all good screenplays, there arrives the pivotal moment upon which the destiny of the entire universe resides in the action of one person.
One day a friend of mine at Universal Studios, a guy who had worked on sets for a million years, a guy whose stories about the business were endless and fascinating—I asked him. “Was it all worth it?” Well, that was the million-dollar question you never ask because the answer did not fill you with awe. It scared the living bejesus out of you. “Nope. I never saw my kids grow up. I divorced twice. I made a lot of money. I owned a lot of toys. But what do I have to show for it after 35 years? My kids barely talk to me. I’m mostly alone and I’ll retire alone.”
Crap and wow. That’s when the Hollywood dreamed ended for me. That was THE wake-up call of wake-up calls. That’s when I knew it was time to get out. I was only five years in. I did not want to end up with the self-chosen burden of unhappiness to haunt me in Hollywood for the rest of my life.
That’s when I took to the road and headed west. Not to actual west of the Pacific Ocean but the west of America, where people lose themselves to find themselves. And that’s what I did. A “drive-about.” Where one can meditate upon endless miles of blacktop, the engine purring a constant tone poem like the drone of a Tibetan chant. This blue-highway contemplation forcing the quintessential questions of mortality—why am I here and what is my purpose?
After a few thousand miles, I ended up in a 3-bar town on the Arizona/Mexican border. I asked for work and the universe handed it to me in the guise of a local cowboy. My new job? Putting up a fence on a nearby ranch—a barbed-wire fence. Hammering in fence poles with a pole pounder for as far as the eye could see. When I was done, he’d come out and we’d string up wire. How fitting. Having been raised around ranches as a kid, I had returned to my roots.
My home was the back of my pickup truck. My shower, an old horse trough filled with water. I cooked by camp stove and ate by campfire. The stars were brilliant and there was not a human light to be seen. This was my new existence. I couldn’t imagine going back and was terrified at going forward. It was here, amidst this desolation and aloneness, I had truly leapt off the cliff of Hollywood, into the great abyss of the west, praying for the universe to somehow catch me. And it did.
A slow miracle appeared. An idea that was born of this life transition. I picked up the pen again, and the pen roared back to life.
After having published in my early twenties, I had not written a book in years. Now I began to write as if my life depended on it. The premise? A father who would never live to see his kids, leaves behind a compendium of practical, moral, and spiritual letters that would eventually be a guidebook to life. How fitting that the universe brought me here, writing on the back of my pickup by lantern light, to begin my real life’s work.
But the book, to eventually be called, The Legacy Letters, and its awards, were still years in the future. Now I would have to finish the fence. And then work as a cowboy on a small nearby ranch. And then meet my wife-to-be, while working as a wrangler for a friend of mine. And then get married at the ranch. And have a son together. And all the while, in this Walden Pond time of life, I would continue to write and ride, and ride and write until I finished the book.
Now far from the delusions of glitz and glamor, fame and fortune that would have beguiled me into a life of golden unhappiness. What an amazing and strange journey to happiness and contentment.
I remember reading many years ago about a prayer the Buddhist monks would intone, and that in my spiritual infancy, I could never quite understand. “Please Lord Buddha, give me a problem so that I may overcome it.” Finally, I’ve grown up enough to understand why anyone would want a problem to overcome. And why we must leave to find out how to return.
ABOUT CAREW PAPRITZ
Carew truly lives the central message of The Legacy Lettersto “live life to the fullest,” creating such innovative and adventurous one-of-kind events as his “First-Ever Book Signings”–on top of Mt. St. Helens in Washington State, the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska, and on horseback at a Barnes & Noble in Tucson, Arizona (amongst many others). Before Amazon, Carew’s First-Ever Delivery of a Book by Drone made headline news. Carew’s YouTube “I Love to Read” series and his annual literacy-driven charity event, “The Great Book Balloon Launch,” inspire kids and adults to rediscover the joy of reading! And to inspire more kindness and civility in the world, Carew started National Thank You Letter Day–Nov.14th, in which he created the world’s largest handwritten thank you letter, stamp, and envelope–the size of a high school gym–to help spread the word about writing thank you letters!
Hasler Ventures LLC plans to scale up to commercial levels a Purdue University patented technology that may accelerate the volume of waste plastic recycling.
The innovation is called Low-Pressure Hydrothermal Processing. It promises an economically and environmentally safe way to transform polyolefin plastic, the most common form of plastic, into gasoline, diesel fuel and other high-value items. Developed by Linda Wang, the Maxine Spencer Nichols Professor in the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, the research was published in a 2021 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Fuel.
The United Nations estimates that more than 8 million tons of plastics flow into the oceans each year. Of all the plastics produced over the past 65 years (8.3 billion tons), about 12% have been incinerated and only 9% have been recycled. The remaining 79% have gone into landfills or the oceans. The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2050, the oceans will hold more plastic waste than fish if the waste continues to be dumped into bodies of water.
“The key to solving this problem is to make it economically more attractive to collect and process the plastic waste stream into higher-value products at a significantly lower conversion cost,” said Dan Hasler, CEO of Hasler Ventures. “Current methods including incineration, pyrolysis and mechanical recycling have all proven to be ineffective or too costly, both financially and environmentally. They have not been able to draw the required private investment at a scale sufficient to divert the vast majority of the global 350 million tons of plastic waste produced annually from the landfill. We believe we can demonstrate first at pilot scale that hydrothermal processing is a less-expensive approach to produce fuels from plastic than from crude oil, making it a profitable venture to collect and process plastic, keeping it out of landfills and oceans.”
Purdue has put significant effort in this area for many years, said Mung Chiang, Purdue’s executive vice president for strategic initiatives and the John A. Edwardson Dean of the College of Engineering. “Solving this plastic waste problem will greatly benefit the environment and future generations,” Chiang said.
The recently invented conversion process incorporates hydrothermal liquefaction and efficient separation. Once the plastic is converted into oil or naphtha, it can be used as a feedstock for other chemicals or further separated into monomers, specialty solvents, or other products. The clean fuels derived from the polyolefin waste generated each year can satisfy 4% of the annual demand for gasoline or diesel fuels. Some results of Wang’s study were published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering in 2019 and Fuel in 2020 and 2021. A video about the process is available online.
Hasler Ventures is collaborating with American Resources Corp. (NASDAQ:AREC) to use its Indiana-based chromatography pilot plant, currently in development, to demonstrate the technology.
Mark Jensen, president of American Resources Corp., said, “Once proven, the commercialized Purdue innovation could change perceptions about recycling plastics. We’re excited to support this environmentally critical project.”
How does a particular culture capture the imagination of the masses and live on well after its demise? Well, if it were possible, we’d ask a Viking. Native to Southern Scandinavia from the 8th to the 11th century, the Vikings are a warrior race that not only conquered almost everything they clapped eyes on, but did it in such a way that people have never forgotten. Of course, it wasn’t all pirating and plundering, the Vikings were also keen on trade and exploration in general. However, it was their prowess on the sea and way with weapons that won them respect around the world.
History Hasn’t Forgotten the Vikings
Such was their reputation that we still celebrate Viking culture today. In fact, we don’t just celebrate it, we engage with it in a myriad of ways. History books are full of Viking facts, legends, and stories. One of the best-known historical works is The Sea Wolves: A History of the Vikings by Lars Brownworth. This book assumes no prior knowledge of the subject and injects a sense of drama into its telling of the facts.
For those who see reading as a chore, the best way to get a handle on this ancient culture whilst being entertaining is the History Channel’s Vikings. Premiering in 2013, the fantasy drama series not only depicts the harsh reality of life as a Viking, but every aspect of daily life. From love and relationships to family and recreation, it offers a great overview of the culture. Indeed, that’s something that’s often lost in certain representations of this group. As much as Vikings were experts in sailing and fighting, they also had a love of games and recreation.
Viking Culture is Here to Stay
Evidence of ancient versions of chess and dice have been found at Viking archaeological sites across Europe. This love of recreation and entertainment is something modern gaming companies have embraced. According to Harrison Score of WDW, “Viking mythology has no doubt caught the imagination of online bingo and casino players. There are dozens of Norse inspired video slot machines as well as entire sites, like Viking Bingo, dedicated to the theme.” In fact, such is the richness of Viking culture within the gaming community that modern offerings go beyond the obvious. Slots such as Viking Runecraft pick up on intricate details of the culture such as the alphabet used.
There are also plenty of video games based on Vikings, including Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla. From that, you also get to the very cutting-edge of modern technology and virtual reality. Researchers at the University of York have recreated what it would be like to take part in a Viking war. Working with Yorkshire Museum, the team created a virtual camp that puts you in the midst of a battle. Fortunately, the impending danger isn’t physical. However, the experience is truly immersive and another example of our fascination with this ancient race.
Everyone will have their own reasons for loving the Vikings. However, there are plenty of traits that many of us identify with. From their thirst for travel to strength, bravery, and love of games. Put simply, there’s a bit of Viking in all of us and that’s why their spirit will live on forever.
Americans have always had a great liking for their pickup trucks, and this trend is growing by the season. In 2020 alone, a year known for being one of the worst for automotive sales due to the Corona Virus pandemic, we still saw around 11 million trucks sold throughout the USA. Conventional trucks, such as the Ford F-150, Honda Ridgeline, and Chevrolet Sierra are admired for their strapping performance, proven long-term reliability, and well-roundedness in just about every area. And these days, trucks bear those qualities alongside what people expect from modern-day vehicles, qualities such as eye-catching aesthetics, contemporary driver-aids, safety specs, and many comfort features, as well as suitable everyday practicality. Added to this is the so-called street-cred associated with such vehicles. So there’s no wonder as to why so many celebrities choose to opt for a pickup truck over any other overly extravagant car, here are just a few of the celebs rocking pickups:
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Ford F-150
Famous Hollywood actor, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is said to have a mighty fine collection of vehicles in his garage. One of those vehicles is the Ford F-150, one of the best selling pickup trucks of all time in the USA. Ford offers a selection of strapping V6, V8, and even hybridized engines for the F-150 along with strong transmission and drivetrain constituents. There are numerous powertrain, body, and bed length configurations offered, too, meaning the truck can be purposed for the road, the unbeaten trail, or for full-on utility. Some modifications to ‘The Rock’s’ F-150, nicknamed “The Bull”, include a custom black grille, a five-inch dual exhaust setup, and an advanced sound system.
Kid Rock – GMC Sierra
American singer-songwriter, Kid Rock, has been producing chart-topping hits for a long time. And if you’ve heard his music, which you probably have, you’d know this cowboy couldn’t not have a pickup truck in his garage. His pick: the ever-popular GMC Sierra, a half-ton cruiser proffered with many potent engine options, cab options, and cargo bed lengths. A lot different from the base model, his beast features the K2Package which includes a blacked-out front grille and custom fender flares, and a suspension lift kit that elevates the chassis six-inches off the ground for an aggressive, towering stance.
Kourtney Kardashian – Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a massive truck, but that didn’t stop 5’ 1’” Kourtney Kardashian from buying one. Yes, she does sometimes have trouble parking the behemoth and yes, she does need a step ladder to get inside, but, regardless of those mild inconveniences, it sure does have her standout from the crowd, which is the point, right? Well, the expansive array of aesthetic, feature and mechanical modifications certainly have it catching the eye of other motorists. Her sisters, Kim and Khloe, drive a Lamborghini Gallardo and a Land Rover Range Rover respectively, both premium and expensive rides. Still, a top-of-the-line Silverado can come in at anywhere over $60,000.
Amber Marshall – Dodge RAM 3500
It’s no surprise that this country music star and actor spends her daily commutes in a mammoth-in-size heavy-duty RAM 3500 Mega Cab. With its rugged exterior, high-horsepower powertrain, and lofty ground clearance, it’s also the perfect beast for her to get around her Alberta ranch with. The Mega Cab is commodious, housing comfy and supportive seats and providing more than enough room for all her human and furry friends that she tours around her ranch with. It carries a sizeable cargo bed, too, and can tow a maximum of up to 35,100 pounds, all she would need to haul about her horse trailer and bikes, and if so inclined, complete any ranch-related chores.
Rutledge Wood – Toyota Tundra
Rutledge Wood has an extensive automotive background and having been one of the presenters on the USA’s version of Top Gear, has had plenty of experience in a large variety of automobiles. His truck of choice is the Toyota Tundra built by Toyota Motorsports for the 2007 SEMA. At the helm, a monstrous 5.7-liter supercharged V8 unit does duty, the Tundra has been specced-out with 2016 TRD Pro performance parts, a Honey D wide body kit, and a 3M wrap. It’s a ferocious metallic yellow demon and highly capable family runabout.
Pickup trucks are awesome, and despite there being so many on the roads, it’s easy to get yours to stand out with how customizable and configurable they are. Not only can they be used to stick out or tower above the crowd, but they can be purposed for an array of practical daily tasks.
The casino industry has evolved a lot over the last few centuries. In Europe during the 18th century, the underground gambling halls morphed into the first legal casinos. Eventually, the same thing happened in the United States, with Nevada’s fledgling Las Vegas providing entertainment for the workers of the nearby Hoover Dam.
From those sawdust-covered floors, modern casinos developed with names like the Golden Nugget in the 1940s. The giant integrated resorts we know today began springing up in the 1980s, and online casinos came into existence in the late 1990s.
Today, most of Europe and a growing number of US states have legalized online casinos, though New Jersey continues to lead the way on this side of the pond, with more than 23 online casinos to choose from in NJ.
At every stage along the way, these casinos have influenced pop culture, changing what we watch, what we read, and what we listen to.
Casino’s Influence on Language
You may be surprised at just how many casino-related words and phrases you use in your everyday conversations. Casino and card games have been around for the best part of a millennium, with blackjack being the descendent of several card games that go back as far as the 13th century AD.
Having been around for such a long time, words and phrases while playing these games have worked their way into the common vernacular.
For example, “hedging one’s bets” is a phrase we use regularly to explain when we’re not committing to one particular option to protect ourselves from a negative outcome. In betting, you may hedge your bets by wagering on two opposing outcomes, while in life you might take a job interview while staying at your old job until you see which is the better option.
All commonly used phrases include “all bets are off,” which can mean no one is sure about the outcome of an event; and “poker face,” which describes someone who is not displaying any emotion.
Casino’s Influence on Music
Speaking of poker faces, Lady Gaga’s hit song is one of the most recent examples of the influence of casino games in music. But there are plenty of others.
The country and western singer Garth Brooks had a hit with Two of a Kind Working on a Full House back in 1990. The song leaned heavily on references to poker hands to discuss his relationship with his wife (two of a kind) and the fact that they planned to build a life together (a full house). The song contained betting references all the way through, with links like “I’m her wild card man” and “a real hot hand.”
Other popular songs that have been created by the influence of casinos and casino games include The Gambler by Kenny Rogers, House of Cards by Tyler Shaw, and Ace of Spades by Motörhead.
Casino’s Influence on Movies
Perhaps the most obvious influence that casinos have had on popular culture is in movies. Hollywood loves to set a movie in Las Vegas and its casinos, with at least 92 movies set in the city since 1941.
Popular examples include Ocean’s Eleven (and its 21’st century remake), Viva Las Vegas, Diamond Are Forever, The Godfather, Casino, The Hangover, and 21.
Writers often find the excitement and mystery that casinos offer are a great setting for their stories, with films like Ocean’s Eleven and Casino entirely based around the inner workings of the gaming business.
Others, including many James Bond movies, use casinos in certain scenes as they offer a great way to show the characters outwitting their rivals. A casino setting is also one of the few places where a protagonist and villain could sit in the same room and talk without being forced to attack or fight each other.
Drive-In screening awards-eligible films across LA & launches this weekend @ Ebell of Los Angeles
Necessity drives awards-eligible filmmaker Phyllis Stuart to create the Your Consideration Drive-In Screening Series for the awards season.
With the 2021 awards season in full swing and theaters still shuttered, awards voters are left to judge competing films at home via an online link this season. It’s not ideal. So one awards-eligible filmmaker, Phyllis Stuart (Wild Daze) launched a series the Your Consideration Drive-In screening series to give voters a place to experience films the way their creators intended them to be seen on the big screen. Their Drive-In will follow all public health and safety requirements as mandated by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the City of Los Angeles.
Awards voters are inundated with online voting links Stuart said, so motivated by The old proverb: Needs Must When The Devil Drives, aim to give my film a fighting chance to reach voters and offer other awards-eligible filmmakers a place to envelop audiences Conveniently located pop-up locations keep voters close to home while allowing them to watch films.
WHAT: Your Consideration Drive-in Screening Series for film awards voters
WHERE: VARIOUS / FIRST VENUE: THE EBELL OF LOS ANGELES: East Parking Lot @742 S. Lucerne Blvd. LA CA 90005
WHEN: Opening Night January 30th & 31st at 7 P.M.
HOW: Adhering to the 2021 awards outreach rules, all Your Consideration Drive-In Screening invitations will be emailed to awards voters from participating studios and campaign publicists, who will each host their own screenings
Like a traveling treasure hunt, the Your Consideration pop-up drive-in screening series allows Los Angeles film awards voter audiences the chance to travel short distances to see awards-eligible films on a big screen, from the safety of their own vehicles. Says its founder, Phyllis Stuart, always loved scavenger hunts as a kid, and since we must still socially distance this is a safe way to witness cinematic splendor together.
The first two nights of the series will take place at The Ebell of Los Angeles on January 30th and 31st with Stuart’s feature-length documentary Wild Daze. Thereafter, until April 2021 studio awards-eligible films will run at three Your Consideration Drive-In venues.
Director of Special Events, Anessa Birkemeier believes supporting the documentary work of a female filmmaker like “Wild Daze” director Phyllis Stuart aligns with the mission at The Ebell of Los Angeles: To participate in and encourage the educational, cultural, and social growth of the diverse LA community. The venue parking lot with 150 spaces at 742 S. Lucerne Blvd., sits directly across from the clubhouse, where the Your Consideration Drive-In will launch. Ms. Birkemeier added, “The Ebell of Los Angeles is excited to host a drive-in experience that connects our community and supports the film industry.”
ABOUT YOUR CONSIDERATION DRIVE-IN SCREENING SERIES
Featuring a 40-foot inflatable screen with a 30,000 lumen Barco projector and FM transmitted audio, the pop-up drive-in accommodates 75 to 150 vehicles for evening film screenings beginning January 30th through April 2021. The series offers film awards, voters, the opportunity to watch awards-eligible films on the big screen in a charming Los Angeles cinematic environment. For more venue details visit HERE and to book a screening visit HERE.
ABOUT THE EBELL OF LOS ANGELES
The Ebell of Los Angeles is home to the Wilshire Ebell Women’s Club, an active club that began in 1894. In 1927 the women built their historic landmark in the mid-Wilshire area of Los Angeles. The 75,000 square foot property includes a tri-level clubhouse and the 1,238-seat Wilshire Ebell Theatre that has hosted top artists including Cher and Stevie Wonder and lectures by world leaders like Dr. Jill Biden. Judy Garland was discovered on the Broadway-style stage while performing as Baby Frances Gumm. Revenue from the Theatre, private events, film and TV& productions fund the operations so that the Ebell women can continue their social and philanthropic work in the community. The Ebell will serve as one of three venues for the Your Consideration Drive-In screening series.
ABOUT WILD DAZE THE MOVIE
Under the banner of Light Productions (The Women’s Image Awards, 50 Years of Funny Females), filmmaker Phyllis Stuart forges an awards-eligible documentary Wild Daze, a project six years in the making, fueled by a fierce desire to save African wildlife, while protecting the women, children and forest peoples whose fates are tied up with the survival of the continent’s most iconic and majestic animals. Visit www.wilddazethemovie.com and follow developments on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Trailer HERE.
Robin Wilson launched Robin Wilson Home in 2000 and created a conglomerate that covers eco-design, licensed products, interior design, and real estate development. Her brand has generated over $82 million in wholesale revenue from sales of cabinetry and textiles. She became the first Black woman with a line of hypoallergenic textiles sold nationwide at Bed Bath & Beyond (now in Wal-Mart), among other retailers. Her book, CLEAN DESIGN: Wellness for your Lifestyle was #1 on Amazon and focused on eco-friendly designs and hypoallergenic products for consumers.
Recently, the lifestyle expert introduced the practical aspect of Top-Down Cleaning. In this era of quarantines and lock downs, the last thing anyone wants to do is add to our work load – and a few simple tips will help you maintain a clean and healthier living space!
The Statistics
Sixty million Americans – that is one in five of us – have asthma and allergies. We sneeze, sniffle, and itch. Expose us to a whiff of dust, a gust of pollen, a sniff of perfume, or an encounter with an inquisitive dog or cat, and before we know it, our airways start to close up, and we begin to cough, wheeze or struggle to breathe.
With COVID in the air, the last thing we need is an inflammatory response. So cleaning your space has never been more important. Remember that asthma and allergies cannot be cured, but they can be managed. We can reduce symptoms by avoiding the allergens that trigger them. Unfortunately, the average home is full of allergy and asthma triggers, which means the place that should be your sanctuary can be a major source of allergenic triggers.
What is Top-Down Cleaning?
Most people create twice the cleaning work by first cleaning the floor, softa, tabletop or countertop and then cleaning the lights, ceiling fan or cabinets – only to see dust drift downward.
Solution: Clean from the top-to-bottom. In fact, if you have a second level, start upstairs and then work your way downstairs. Start at the highest point and make sure you have the following tools: paper towels, microstatic dust mitt/cloth, microstatic duster/floor sweeper, HEPA vacuum and a non-toxic cleaning solution. Cleaning solutions should include: baking soda, vinegar, toothpaste and Coca Cola.
Starting at the Top
We forget that walls are one of the largest surfaces in our spaces. Use a microstatic duster cloth/mitt to rub gently along the walls starting at the ceiling line and let the dust fall. As well, make sure to swipe over light receptables, ceiling fans or chandeliers.
Surfaces
Then clean the surfaces, starting with the highest-level lamp, bookcase, window treatments, cabinet or closet shelf. Allow dust/dirt to fall. As you work you way down, you will find that you need to vacuum or wipe down surfaces.
As mentioned earlier, there are a few tricks that involve cleaning solutions that are non-toxic.
1. Toilet Ring Solution: Pour Coca Cola into your toilet overnight, and use toilet brush in the morning and the stubborn ring will disappear (may have to be repeated dependent on the level of stain) by morning.
2. Crayon Marks: Use toothpaste. Smear on the mark and let sit for about 20 minutes. Using light brush strokes, and the crayon should be removed, or at least diminished.
3. Stained Baking Sheets: to make them look new, use vinegar and baking soda. Coat pan with baking soda. Pour a layer of white vinegar on top. You may see slight bubbling. Let sit for 4 hours. Use gloves and a brush in circular motion. Watch the surface start to look new.
Finish at the Floor
The last thing that you need to do in your space is clean the floor.
1. Make sure to invest in a HEPA filter vacuum as the dust and dirt is stored in a chamber (unlike older vacuum units that sometimes-added dust back into the space), and the canister can be emptied outside.
2. Before you clean, you might want to make sure that you remove rugs and shake them outside.
3. Run a microstatic dust cloth over the floor before you vacuum so that you can ensure that minimal dust flies around.
One tech solution that many working from home families are investing is an electronic robot vacuum that can be programmed to work during the day in various rooms. Some floor robot vacuums have HEPA filters, and can be a great option if you have a pet and want to make sure to limit buildup of dander and hair on your floor.
[SIDE BAR] For a space that follows CLEAN DESIGN protocols, it is important to replace a few items:
1. Change your older model vacuum to a HEPA vacuum to effectively limit dust in the space. Especially important if your home is near any location that had recent fires.
2. Change your vinyl shower liner to a nylon shower liner to minimize mold.
3. Review the window treatments and find options that can be laundered and are not ‘dust catchers’ or which can be easily vacuumed.
4. Replace your pillow after 3 years if it has not been washed frequently or covered with a zippered liner.
5. Think about using your window screens so that you can open your windows for 5 minutes daily.
SIDEBAR
Leading triggers include:
Dust mites in beds and pillows
Dander from pets
Mold growth in walls, bathrooms and basements
Pollen from outdoor trees and grasses in your hair that infiltrates your sleep space or living room sofa
Fumes from cooking and chemical cleaners
Toxic or environmentally unfriendly building materials that permeate indoor air
Remember, you can change that by using the strategies in the book, Clean Design: Wellness for your Lifestyle (Greenleaf, 2015). Create a healthy home environment that manages indoor air quality and protect your family from dust, mold, pollen, fumes, odors, airborne toxins, chemicals and other substances. Create a home environment that nurtures good health.
According to the American Lung Association, “poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of infections, lung cancer…headaches, dry eyes, nasal congestion, nausea, and fatigue” in anyone, not just those who suffer from asthma and allergies. We can all benefit from living in a more pure home environment.
More physicians are convinced that there is a link between environmental toxins, indoor air quality and allergies. Chemicals we are exposed to in our homes and offices have the power to make us sick, and we can improve our health and wellness using Clean Design principles.
Shopping for Hypoallergenic Options
The pandemic made both me and my clients realize that the CLEAN DESIGN HOME which sells our retail products is more important than ever – and that we should find non-toxic cleaning options and information for day-to-day living, especially since so many of us are working from home. I have pivoted to focus on building out the product line, and have just licensed our brand. So much information involves simple non-toxic options– the ideas are rooted in my bestselling book, Clean Design: Wellness for your Lifestyle.
About Robin Wilson
Her design projects including the White House Fellows office, a part of President Clinton’s Harlem office, and the rustic beach cottage of Robert DeNiro – each project had a very quick turnaround and exacting standards. She was named to the Top 100 Female Founders List in 2020 by INC magazine. Her eponymous licensed brands of textiles is sold at retail and hospitality. She is also in the process of creating Design+Build projects. She is author of two award-winning books: Clean Design She is the first woman with a branded line of custom cabinetry that was sold by over 400 independent kitchen dealers nationwide (2009-2018). First featured in Oprah’s magazines and extensive media coverage since 2005. In May 2013, her furniture line, Nest Home by Robin Wilson, premiered at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York. In 2014, she partnered with consumer products giant Panasonic to promote their latest line of cutting edge products for the home.She is an ambassador to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, and previously served on the board of the Sustainable Furnishings Council.
With the holidays behind us and more snowstorms expected in Park City, Utah, YOTELPAD Park City is seeing a robust level of skiers taking advantage of the new hotel’s first season at the base of Park City Mountain.
The largest ski and snowboard resort in the United States, Park City Mountain has added YOTELPAD Park City last month to Canyons Village with easy access to the Gondola and Orange Bubble ski lifts to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, shopping, dining and après ski.
“We’re finding this year that cross country skiing and snowshoeing has taken a leap in popularity with our guests,” said Brandon Tyler, general manager of YOTELPAD Park City. “YOTELPAD Park City is at the base of one of the best ski mountains in the country, and families are relishing all of our outdoor winter activities.”
One national report showed 2019-20 cross country skiing was up to 5.2 percent from year-earlier figures of 4.9 percent, while year-over-year snowshoeing increased to 3.6 percent from 3.4 percent, according to Cross Country Ski Areas Association.
“With 7,300 acres of open mountain terrain as a playground, guests are loving recreating in the clean mountain while naturally distancing from others,” said Tyler, whose team opened the 144-PAD (YOTEL-speak for condos) hotel Dec. 17, 2020.
The first in the world of its kind, YOTELPAD Park City is a fully tech-equipped hotel with self-service check-in stations, Grab+Go meals and drinks, a 24/7 gym with the latest Life Fitness & Peloton equipment, ski valet service, a fireside lounge and more.
“YOTELPAD’s differentiator is our innovative designs for various-sized PADs, which include Italian furniture that transforms into multiple uses in the same room space,” he said. “Guests absolutely love the European-inspired floor plans because they optimize every inch of PADs, which can accommodate up to seven guests and make it the perfect mountain base for adventure seekers.”
Born from creative leaders at London’s YOTEL, the YOTELPAD concept is drastically altering consumers’ images of hotels.
“This first YOTELPAD is changing travelers’ expectation of hotels, which will cause hotels to adapt to travelers’ demands,” said Tyler. “From top to bottom, these PADs offer incredible options for guests. Intelligently designed PADs allow guests to enjoy the benefits of their stay without added expenses.”
Tapping into the local fresh food options, YOTELPAD provides with several local food options.
“To accommodate guests’ preferences, our Grab+Go food express offers fresh, farm-to-table local food,” he said. “Savoury Kitchen provides breakfast burritos, oatmeal, soups, sandwiches and salads. Dinner originates from Rebekah’s Kitchen, with items such as turkey chili and minestrone stew. Gold Creek Farms provides locally harvested cheeses daily.
“From quality coffees, such as Lavazza, to high-end takeaway meals, we offer a wide array of food, drinks and retail items.”
Already at 85 percent sold, YOTELPAD’s owners can submit their PADs into a nightly rental program when not in use.
“Owners can rent their PADs and instantly be listed in YOTEL’s worldwide network for guests seeking new experiences in an environment with modern designs,” said Tyler.
Operating 17 hotels in eight countries, YOTEL recently opened YOTEL London, YOTEL Glasgow and YOTEL Washington, D.C.
“The YOTEL and YOTELPAD concepts are trending, with 13 more YOTELs under development globally and two YOTELPADs being built in Miami and Dubai,” he said.
The tech-forward hotel has built a strong following for its hassle-free solutions, with travelers seeking out hotels in cities and airports from San Francisco to Europe to Singapore.
To provide mountain resort expertise, YOTEL has partnered with Benchmark, a global hospitality leader, to spearhead day-to-day operations of YOTELPAD Park City. Since acquiring Gemstone Hotels & Resorts in 2016, Benchmark has built a strong Park City presence and manages a portfolio of more than 70 unique projects across three continents, including ski properties in Park City, Vail, Lake Tahoe and Jackson Hole.
