Archives for April 2019

Microsoft Wants to Teach Your Child How to Code with Free Summer Camps

It’s hard to believe, but school will be out before we know it.

With summer rapidly approaching, keeping kids busy over the break is no small feat. Thanks to free programs like the Microsoft Store Summer Camps, kids can be empowered to gain technical skills in a camp that’s right for them.

We’re living in a digital age and tech advances are only getting more sophisticated. As the leaders of future, it’s important that we set children up to be at the forefront of this leading industry. Through Microsoft Store Summer Camp offerings, kids ages 6 and up can get hands-on skills to learn the basics and fundamental elements of coding and robotics needed to excel in professions in coding and  video game development.

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Courtesy of Microsoft

This year, Microsoft Store Summer Camps is back with seven workshops including two new additions that that tap into children’s passions with fun, pop-culture themes. From Fortnite to Harry Potter, camp attendees will get the chance to learn the essentials through the lens of some of their favorite characters and games. With camps like, “Harry Potter Creative Coding Camp” and “Design and Create Your Own Video Game with MakeCode Arcade,” kids who enjoy STEM-focused activities will have a blast.

Led by trained Microsoft Store associates, students will be in good hands as they’re guided through the education-based curriculum developed by industry experts.

Not only do these camps teach skills that will prepare them for future careers, but they also foster environments that encourage communication and a sense of community. Plus, they equip students with life skills that are key to a productive existence outside of keyboards and codes. Now that’s a win-win!

Below, check out a few of their latest camp offerings:

Harry Potter Creative Coding Workshop, ages 6+
“Harry Potter Kano Coding” is the perfect camp for first time or beginner coders. Students ages 6+ get free hands-on access to the Harry Potter Kano Coding kit, available at Microsoft Store. In this immersive Harry Potter experience, students use their very own wand to build a coding skills foundation by casting spells to make sparks fly and even feeding Fluffy.

Harry Potter Creative Coding Camp, ages 8+
With “Harry Potter Kano Coding” camp, students ages 8+ not only get free hands-on access to the Harry Potter Kano Coding kit, available at Microsoft Store, but get an immersive experience using their very own wand to create, explore and learn code in the popular world of Harry Potter by casting fan-favorite spells like Wingardium Leviosa and competing in a Quidditch match.

Gaming Summer Camp: Grow Your Passion for Gaming and Learn Positive Life Skills (Ages 8+ and Ages 13+)
“Gaming Summer Camp” supports the next generation of gamers by offering ways to explore life skills and practice healthy habits that can be used in gaming and everyday life. Students explore teamwork, effective communication and resilience while strategizing how to put these skills into action during Rocket League and Fortnite tournaments each day of the camp.

Design and Create Your Own Video Games with MakeCode Arcade (ages 8+)
“Design and Create Your Own Video Games with MakeCode Arcade” teaches students the basics of building video games with MakeCode Arcade, while introducing them to computer science fundamentals and video game concepts. The camp culminates in a tournament where students play the video games created by their peers. At the end of the camp, students are encouraged to publish their games to MakeCode Arcade so they can continue the game play at home and share it with friends and family!

 To register, visit your local Microsoft Store in person or online.

Have you ever signed your child up for STEM-based camps or extra-curricular activities?

3 Makeup Trends To Keep On Your Radar this Season

Photo by Eloise Ambursley on Unsplash

Photo by Eloise Ambursley on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again! Yup, The Makeup Show is coming back to New York City and is expected to be even better than before.

The epicenter of beauty will reconvene at the Metropolitan Pavilion where professional artists, legends and industry experts will gather this spring (May 5-6, 2019) in the name of makeup. From stocking makeup kits to the highly-anticipated Beauty Brunch (May 4th), attendees will have the opportunity to relish in a fun-filled weekend of networking, mingling and educational activities. For those who aren’t exactly pros and won’t be attendance, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

James Vincent, The Makeup Show’s Director of Education & Artist Relations and one of the biggest names in beauty, shared some of the major makeup trends we can expect to see and of course, try this spring/summer season. Our biggest takeaway: glitter isn’t just for little girls.

Check them out below:

The Year of the Cat 
Who doesn’t love a classic cat eye? There is not much in makeup that gives such immediate drama as the perfect feline flick. This season sees cat eyes in new colors and more dramatic shapes that allow the wearer to be more individual. Many designers brought dramatic shapes to the runway, but brands like Burberry did it in shades like taupe. Take a look at Danessa Myricks Color Fix or Cushion Color for a large array of color that is also waterproof. Classic houses like Dior showed more artistic flare and finish and many challenged the size and shape of the cat eye. Crown Brush eyeliner pens come in an array of shades and at less than $10 do not break the bank. Kevyn Aucoin at Camera Ready Cosmetics has the most beautiful black liner with a perfect tip for natural or dramatic looks. Kryolan Skin Liner pens come in shades that range from taupe to red and bold blues and allow any person to perfect the cat eye like a pro.

Shimmer and Shine
Glitter has managed to make its way from kids craft projects to fashion in a major way. We saw glitter and shimmer in the form of jewel and foil finishes on the eyes at Giambattista Valli, glitter lips at Jeremy Scott, crystal finish at Valentino and metallic eyes at Versace. Every artist from Val Garland to Pat McGrath are bringing it again this season. Lemonhead at Alcone offers easy to control glitter without the difficult clean up. Shadow palettes like Viseart and MustaeV make it easy to bring jewel tones on to the eyes. For metallics, Mehron Metallic Powder is ideal for real gold and silver touches, try the rose gold for the eyes and lips for an unforgettable look. Stila at Frends beauty gives glitter a fashion forward look for eye and lip with a while collection of jewel tones, glitters and metallics that are perfect for the pro or everyday makeup wearers.

Skin Gang
This season it was a truly glowing, natural look. Every day skin care and beauty routines help to bring a gorgeous complexion all summer long. Start by gently exfoliating with Twinmedix Resurface, a non-granular exfoliant that gets rid of all the dry and dead skin. Rebels and Outlaws Potion are the perfect blend of organic Hydrosol and essential oils infused with Crystal to balance your skin PH and your energy. Protect and moisturize with celebrity secrets from brands like Perricone MD and Mario Badescu Skin Care. For coverage, try airbrush with Mineral Air or Kett Cosmetics for a flawless finish that looks natural and lasts through the intense Texas summer. Try Limelife by Alcone One Drop Wonder and Dew Date for skin that has exceptional glow without the grease.

For tickets and more information, please visit The Makeup Show.

Which beauty trends are you looking forward to trying this season?

Beautycon NYC 2019: My First Experience

Two weeks ago, beauty lovers descended on the Javits Center in New York City for a fun-filled weekend at Beautycon. Not familiar with Beautycon? Well, it’s the beauty mecca for those who can’t get enough of makeup, cosmetics and the social media stars behind their favorite blogs and video channels.

As a beauty blogger with an endless stash of lipsticks and mascaras, I knew it would be an event I’d enjoy. I was right. Thanks to Dove, I was able to attend the 5th annual event as their guest for an incredible experience that I won’t soon forget.

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The legacy brand invited me as part of their inspiring new campaign, Project #ShowUs, designed to tackle beauty bias and representation. Before the two-day event got underway, I got a sneak peek at Dove’s booth and was able to explore their ingenious activation which celebrates beauty in all forms.

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The brand partnered with Getty Images and Girlgaze to launch the world’s largest stock photo library 100 percent created by women. Throughout the booth, some of the 5,000 photographs of 179 women from 39 countries were on full display for visitors to see.

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In addition to Dove’s interactive booth, they also offered Beautycon attendees free hand massages using their new Body Wash Mousse and Exfoliating Body Polish for smooth, soft skin.

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The two-day convention was comprised of countless innovative beauty activations, fun makeup tutorials, invigorating dance breaks, and inspiring panel discussions.

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All the panels featured industry leaders talking about subjects around race, beauty, inclusion, media and social justice. For example, Dove hosted the panel, “I Deserve to Be Seen: Beauty Bias & Representation,” moderated by former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Elaine Welteroth, with guests from publishing and journalism.

Another interesting panel, “Black Girl Magic On the Big Screen,” featured Marsai Martin, Issa Rae and Regina Hall from the new comedy, “Little,” which discussed beauty standards and what it’s like being a black woman in Hollywood.

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Oh, and did I mention the convention’s headlining guest? Yes, America’s favorite no-holds barred Bronx native, “okurr!” Yep, the one and only Cardi B was on hand to discuss managing finances and fame in the popular “Making Money Moves” session.

And it wasn’t just all makeup and panels. Hair is also a big part of what makes us feel beautiful. Thankfully, the event was chock-full of hair care brands. From SheaMoisture to the Mane Choice, the convention was teeming with well-known and up-and-coming brands to satisfy our hair care cravings.

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Beautycon is a must for those who enjoy all things beauty. For me, it was an honor and privilege to be a guest of a brand that I’ve admired and used for as long as I can remember. Attending Beautycon fortified my self-esteem and restored a bit of confidence that I’ve been lacking these past few months. Hearing uplifting stories and seeing gorgeous images that represent me, I was reminded to embrace and celebrate my own unique beauty!

Have you ever attended Beautycon? If so, how would you describe your experience?

Review: New York City Children’s Theater’s ‘This Is Sadie’ Celebrates the Power Imagination

“Sadie, can you please play quietly so that your dad and I can get an extra hour of sleep?”

What parent can’t relate to that desperate plea? Being a mom of two children under the age of 10, I’m all too familiar with begging my kids to let me and their father sleep in on the weekends.

That deeply resonating opening line (heard offstage) set the tone for what would be a fun and imaginative 50 minutes .

This is Sadie,” is a fanciful story of a six-year-old girl of the same name who obliges her parents’ request and uses her imagination and creativity to stay busy. She takes her beloved stuffed fox who turns into a real-life pal on several journeys all within the confines of her mind and bedroom.

Photo: Carol Rosegg

Photo: Carol Rosegg

From a close encounter with an octopus to a playful sword fight with pirates, Sadie along with her fox friend go from one wild adventure after the other. Without a single word uttered, the story, based on a book of the same title is still easy for young kids to follow. Thanks to the actors’ entertaining dance moves and dramatic theatrics, they bring the endearing story to life strictly through facial expressions and body movement.

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“This is Sadie” unlocks kids’ imaginations, reinforces the beauty of friendship and celebrates the power of creativity and curiosity. It’s the perfect show to introduce your little ones to live theater.

“This is Sadie” is playing at Theatre Row in the Beckett Theater located, 410 w. 42nd Street. For tickets and more information, please visit New York Children’s Theater.

“What’s the first live performance you recall seeing?