Archives for December 2023

AMBI Continues to Celebrate Black Beauty with New Virtual Series

Last week, I had the pleasure of tuning into an enlightening webinar hosted by Ambi. The iconic skincare brand’s inaugural panel discussion series, “Skin Wisdom – It’s More Than Just Skin Deep,” featured three popular influencers and digital personalities including Kéla Walker, Angelique Miles, and Christina Granville. Moderated by Africa Miranda, a lifestyle curator, actress, and host, the topics ranged from working out to the importance of maintaining authenticity. 

“As I got older my body started changing and I began to get my body together,” said Miles, who is a beauty and wellness influencer. “Every time I think I got it together my body is like ‘what else you got!’ Nutrition becomes more important, I can’t just work out, I also have to eat right as well.”

It’s no secret that beauty proliferates when you’re authentic and people will appreciate your transparency. 

“The more I started being my true authentic self the more people started receiving me and more opportunities started coming for me just being me,” Granville said during the conversation.  

It was an afternoon that personified “Black Girl Magic.” Of course, the celebrated industry leaders spoke about their skincare secrets, routines, and how Ambi has been a mainstay and go-to within the culture for decades.

“I remember growing up, if you had issues with hyperpigmentation Ambi was the one,” Walker, the Emmy-nominated host said. “There was no one else marketing towards black women or women of color for discoloration.” 

Since Ambi came on the scene in the late ‘60s, it changed the landscape and laid the foundation for skincare products created with melanated skin in mind. The beloved brand is continuing that legacy with additions to its skincare lineup. 

Consumers looking to address hyperpigmentation, dark spots and uneven tone can try the brand’s Even & Clear Complexion Facial Cleanser, Even & Clear Pore-Minimizing Toner, Dark Spot Fade Collection, and the Even & Clear Facial Moisturizer With Sunscreen. 

Watch a snippet from the panel discussion below:

Have you ever used Ambi? What’s your go-to skincare brand?

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New Victory’s ‘White Gold’ is a Feast for the Eyes

Photo By: Ranuth Yun

The holidays are in full swing in New York City, which means Times Square is teeming with tourists anxious to see a good show. Whether you’re visiting or a local looking for a live performance to celebrate the season, New Victory Theater’s “White Gold” is a sure bet. While most productions at the theater are created with children in mind, this is a masterpiece for guests of all ages.

Playing at Stage 42 (New Victory Theater’s sister venue), the family-friend Cambodian circus troupe Phare, takes audiences on an awe-inspiring journey of acrobatics, stunning choreographer, and death-defying stunts. The main attraction? Rice, of course.

As Cambodian’s most popular grain and star of most meals, the tasty starch is a mainstay in kitchens around the Asian country. “White Gold,” founded by refugees, is a brilliant love letter to rice and it’s cultural impact — making it a major component of the show. The entertaining routines transform the tiny grains into mesmerizing props, creating a feast for the eyes.

What’s more, the show also incorporates live painting mixed with juggling, enchanting music, and hypnotic dance.

If you’re on a hunt for a show that the entire family will enjoy, satisfy your appetite for top tier theater and make your way to “White Gold.” It’ll nourish your mind and spirit.

Photo By: Vattanak Chou

“White Gold” at Stage 42 runs now through December 30, 2024. Click here for tickets and more information.

What activities do you and your family enjoy during the holidays?

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Turo Wants New Yorkers to Take a Ride in an Elfmobile This Holiday Season

Get ready to sleigh your ride this holiday season.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the beloved hit movie, Elf, Turo has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to bring New Yorkers an unforgettable ride of a lifetime.

Move over Buddy, the popular car sharing marketplace wants to put you in the driver’s seat of one of the five limited-edition Elfmobiles inspired by the film. Want to book one of the festive vehicles? You’ll need to hurry because they’re only available through December 12, 2023. That’s right, these decked out rides won’t be around for long. Who knows? Santa may need them in case his reindeer go on strike.

Me and my son checking out the Elfmobile in Brooklyn.

The eye-catching cars can be booked at a rate of $20 per day (excluding fees and taxes) in Manhattan. Booking a car for a 48-hour trip during this period unlocks an exclusive package, including four gift cards to see “Elf” in theaters, delectable treats representing the four main food groups (candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup), and a stocking filled with goodies. Pretty sweet, right?

My son and I got an up-close-and-personal look at one of the Elfmobiles and we were blown away. It was an SUV wrapped in an enchanting green elf outfit, of course. Just know that if you’re lucky enough to book one of these cool rides, be prepared to get nonstop stares along with tons of oohs and ahhs. The sheer novelty of it is enough to stop traffic, literally.

So, go ahead make Buddy proud and spread holiday cheer in style this merry season.

For more details, visit turo.com/us/en/car-rental/united-states/elf.

What’s your favorite Christmas movie?

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McCormick Announces Tamarind as the 2024 Flavor of the Year

If you love to cook, McCormick has some spicy news to share. Yesterday, the iconic seasoning brand announced Tamarind as its 2024 Flavor of the Year. Yep, the highly acidic, tangy-sweet fruit is predicted be the flavor dominating your dishes this upcoming year. This tasty prediction is based on the brand’s 24th Edition of the Flavor Forecast, its annual culinary trend report.

For at-home cooks, McCormick makes it easy to join in and enjoy the unique blend of citrusy spices with its new Tamarind & Pasilla Chile Seasoning, which can be found online and on grocery store shelves near you.

What’s more, the brand is also partnering with Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, a popular burger and milkshake restaurant with locations globally, to bring a tamarind-inspired menu to the masses. Starting in February, the limited-time menu will feature burgers, fries and yes, even milkshakes made with the new seasoning. Not sure how the seasoning that boasts a blend of tamarind flavors mixed with pasilla chiles and savory notes of paprika, cilantro, and onion will pair with the menu items? Well, let me tell you; it packs a spectacular burst of flavor.

How do I know?

Thanks to my friends at McCormick, I was invited to attend a lovely tasting at Black Tap earlier this week. I along with about a dozen other journalists were treated to a delicious meal featuring tamarind-infused dishes. The tasting menu included, a Tamarind Chile Jam Burger (made with ground chicken), Tamarind & Pasilla Chile Fries, and a mouthwatering Tamarind Chile Cocoa Churro milkshake.

Being a true seafood person who doesn’t typically order sandwiches, I was pleasantly surprised by the chicken burger. It was super flavorful with just the right hint of heat and tanginess. It was a delightful bite that paired well with the seasoned fries.

If you crave sweet and savory dishes with a kick, this unique seasoning will earn a coveted spot in your kitchen pantry.

McCormick + Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer’s Tamarind Chile Jam Burger with Tamarind and Pasilla Chile Fries.
McCormick + Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer’s Tamarind Chile Cocoa Churro Shake
McCormick Tamarind & Pasilla Chile Seasoning available here.

Besides salt and pepper, what’s your favorite seasoning to cook with?

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Things to Do: Visit Museum of Illusions

Now with winter underway, finding fun indoor activities is a must. Sure, New York City is teeming with holiday attractions and countless sights to see during this time of year. But, if you’re not in the mood for merry festivities or simply want to do something a bit out of the box, head over to the Museum of Illusions NYC

Located near Union Square, the museum is chock full of mesmerizing surprises. With more than 30 installations to pique your curiosity, visitors are taken on a fascinating journey of awe-inspiring optical illusions. From tricks of light to spiraling shapes that will put you in a playful trance, this museum offers a variety of captivating exhibits. What’s more, the museum also boasts a bevy of wooden puzzles and games that are great for boosting cognitive skills and treating your brain to fun teases. 

So, skip the norm and make your way to this museum for an unforgettable, mind-bending experience. The best part? It’s suitable for people of all ages. Bring the whole gang and get ready to see things that will blow your mind.

My son and I during a visit to the Museum of Illusions in New York City in November 2023.
This mirrored room was my favorite exhibit at the Museum of Illusions.
My son enjoying one of the optical illusions at the Museum of Illusions in New York City.

The Museum of Illusions is located, 77 8th Avenue in New York City. For tickets and more information, visit Museum of Illusions.

What’s your favorite museum to visit in New York City?

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