• Art,  New York,  WorldWide

    The New York Coffee Festival Wraps 5th Successful Year

    The New York Coffee Festival recently wrapped up its 5th annual celebration of coffee culture here in the city that never sleeps. With over 11.1k attendees and 114 innovative and exciting vendors, it was the Festival’s biggest yet.
    From Friday, October 11th to Sunday, October 13th, coffee novices and aficionados alike were treated to delicious cold brews, chai teas, chocolate, non-dairy milks, and more from exhibitors including Partner’s Coffee Roasters, Devoción, Raaka Chocolate, Bluestone LaneThink Coffee, Rishi Tea, Fruition Chocolate Works, Silk, Almond Breeze, and Keep Cup, amongst others. Attendees were also able to sample the best that New York has to offer in food, cocktails, live music, art, and more.
    This weekend also played host to the inauguralRoast Masters™ – North America competition. Judged by a panel of leading industry figureheads, 25 of North America’s most up-and-coming roasters battled head-to-head for the coveted Roast Masters™ title. We are thrilled to share that the winner of this fast-paced competition were Elixr Coffee’s Rodrigo Vargas and Brian Lam.
    Additionally, Sean Ben-Zvi was named the winner of the Breezey Masters’ Competition, and Liv Bread’s Dylan Klymenko took home the title of New York’s Best Barista.
    100% of profits from the New York Coffee Festival are donated to Project Waterfall, with over $250,000 raised to date for NYC-based charity: water to deliver life-changing water projects in coffee-growing regions. We are looking forward to seeing how much this year’s event has raised. Find out more about Project Waterfall at projectwaterfall.org and charity: water at charitywater.org.
    The New York Coffee Festival will return in 2020. Stay tuned for dates and details in the months to come.
    For the latest on The New York City Coffee Festival, please visit:    
    ABOUT ALLEGRA GROUP:
    Allegra Events, the organizer of New York Coffee Festival, is a young, dynamic, and influential branch of the Allegra Group working to produce powerful, interactive events that engage and inspire audiences across the world.
    About The New York Coffee Festival:
    The New York Coffee Festival is New York’s flagship coffee event, celebrating the burgeoning specialty coffee scene in this great city. With exceptional coffee, as well as food, cocktails, live music and art on offer, it’s an unmissable event for coffee lovers of all levels.

    The New York Coffee Festival is a celebration of community and culture, returning to the Metropolitan Pavilion from October 11-13, 2019. Whether you’re a beginner, a coffee aficionado, a self-confessed coffee geek or a key industry stakeholder, we’re curating an immersive program just for you.

    Taste your way through the vibrant New York coffee scene with hundreds of exciting coffees to sample. Boost your coffee knowledge in workshops, be a part of interactive demos and meet the top US artisans and baristas one-to-one. To top it all off, enjoy delicious street food, coffee cocktails, live music and coffee-inspired art.

    The Festival boasts an array of experiential features such as Latte Art LiveThe Sensory ExperienceThe LabThe Village, the Brew Bar, the Cold Brew Coffee Bar and The Kitchen.

    For the very first time, the New York Coffee Festival will also host global roaster tournament Roast Masters and a new experiential area dedicated to the art of chocolate making and chocolate tasting.

    With 100% of our profits being donated to Project Waterfall, partnering with NYC-based charity: water to deliver life-changing water projects in coffee-growing regions. Since 2011, Project Waterfall has raised over $1.4 million, bringing clean water to more than 50,000 people across seven countries. The New York Coffee Festival has contributed $250,000 towards the cause. Find out more about Project Waterfall at projectwaterfall.org and charity: water at charitywater.org.

  • Beauty,  Gift Guide,  New York,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    Hollywood Glam for Everyone – The Makeup Brand with Star Power

    Developed with the help of Hollywood makeup artists, Iconic Rose uses 3-tonal color technology which balances cool, warm and neutral tones to create universally flattering colors. That means they look amazing on practically everyone! Don’t believe us? Listen to women of different ethnicities rave about how Iconic Rose works for them.

    Behind this innovative brand is a boss babe Rose Lu, with roots in both Los Angeles and Shanghai. Rose is determined to bring Hollywood glam to women all over the world. Now you can easily achieve the same sexy, glamorous looks you see on youtube influencers, IG and fashion nova models.

    From gorgeous eyeshadow and face palettes
    filled with the trendiest and most beautiful colors
    to lashes so seductive and adventurous,
    you’ve got everything you need to easily create your own star power!
    Look out Hollywood!

    Must-have Makeup by Iconic Rose:

    Art of Seduction Eyeshadow Palette

    A smoldering combo of 18 mattes, shimmers and some fun glittering shades for a bold punch of color. These intense colors are amazingly blendable so you can easily create your own unique and gorgeous look!

    Eyes should always hypnotize. This signature palette was created to accentuate the windows to your soul with a smoldering combination of 18 mattes, shimmers and some fun glittering shades for a bold punch of color.

    Iconic Rose custom created cool transitional tones, warm neutrals and  even a vibrant power red so you have all of your bases covered. The intense but blendable formula buffs out flawlessly so you can create any look your heart desires. Lure them in with your gaze and they’ll never want to let go. From soft glam to sultry bedroom eyes, this palette offers you the versatility to create a signature look for any occasion.

     

    Iconic Face Palette

    Everything you need to create that glam and glow. Contour powder, blush and highlighter round out this versatile palette.

    Each product goes on like a dream helping you create a high drama look.

    The Multi-Dimensional Diamond Gleam Highlighter in Diamond Gleam Shade 

    Highlighter with fine cut VVS diamond effect like sparkle.  Gel like ultra-soft and smooth texture in a pressed powder that doesn’t give you a cakey-chalky finish

    The 3-Dimensional Silk Blush in Rosy Sun shade

    Silky delicate texture that gives you that radiant rosy color on the apple of your cheeks. A perfect balance of soft burgundy, pink and berry tones with a hint of rose gold shimmer. Extremely feminine and classy shade.  It is really our most versatile color that is suitable for all skin tones and wearable all season long.

    The 3-Dimensional Satin Contour Powder in Dark and Light shade 

    An innovative yet timeless classic contour powder that is super sheer and matte. Using our iconic multi-tonal technology to give you the perfect blend of grey(cool), red(warm) and brown(neutral) shades that mimic the look of natural shadows. Mix and match the darker and lighter shade to customize your contour for the perfect sculpted look.

    Bombshell Lashes

    This popular style consists of several mini fans of lashes to make your eyes the center of attention.

    The most popular style, consists of several mini fans of lashes, universally flattering on any eye shape. It is 3D style, Mink fur, Reusable and Cruelty Free. It’s equally flattering no matter your eye shape. Hello beautiful!

    About Iconic Rose:

    Founded in Los Angeles, Iconic Rose was inspired by celebrity makeup artists and Hollywood red carpet glitz and glamour. Its mission is to deliver “classic Hollywood glam” for modern busy girls and boys all over the world. The company has headquarters in both Los Angeles and Shanghai.

  • Beauty,  New York,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    New A’ala Hawai’i skincare line delivers radiant results with algae-based science from Hawaii

    Aala Bioactives has launched Aala Hawaiia “clean and green” beauty brand that offers all-natural, algae-based skincare solutions for radiant, youthful skin.  Developed by professionals, Aala (pronounced “ah-ah-la”) Hawaii features premium ingredients scientifically proven to smooth, hydrate, nourish and rejuvenate skin.

    Hawaiian algae naturally possess exceptional concentrations of protective antioxidants and moisturizers to combat the sun’s harsh rays. Aala Hawaii harnesses these benefits to create products for anti-aging, firming, and reduced redness/spots for a more even skin tone.  Aala Hawaii provides fast-absorbing formulations, suited for all skin types, that are 100% free of parabens, silicones, mineral oils, formaldehyde, and artificial color and preservatives. They are clinically tested, hypoallergenic, and cruelty-free.

    Aala Hawaii openly details its ingredients and their scientific efficacy for skincare, reflecting modern consumer preferences for transparency, authenticity, safety, and sustainability in the products that they use every day.

    “Our dedicated team of scientists is committed to building a product line for healthy skincare, harmonious with nature,” says Aala Hawaii founder Dr. Heidi Kuehnle. “We tap into Hawaii’s biodiversity from sea level to the volcanic mountains to discover new ingredients.  These are produced in Hawaii using our patent-pending sustainable production techniques. Our formulations promote healthful glowing skin with a prestige feel, without relying on the synthetics found in many established luxury brands.”

    Dr. Kuehnle and her team decided to launch Aala Hawaii after years of working on sustainable raw materials for large cosmetics companies. “We loved our ingredients so much that we formulated them into products to use ourselves. We shared these with friends and family and received such an enthusiastic response that we decided to share these with the world.”  She notes that the name ‘Aala‘ is derived from the Hawaiian meaning sweet-scented and royal—conjuring sensations of fragrant tropical breezes and pampered luxury.

    Aala Hawaii includes six initial products—an anti-aging daily moisturizer, a hydrating spritz elixir for on-the-go, a smoothing rejuvenating balm, a mild cleansing face polish, an alcohol-free pore-reducing toner, and avitamin-rich anti-aging serum to activate skin cells—all of which can be ordered from the Aala Hawaii website www.aalahawaii.com.

    Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.  On the Mana Moon Restorative Balm, one user comments: “My favorite product… it left a gloss, yet my skin was still breathable. The next morning, my dry, flaky patches were gone, my skin was soft… I was blown away because my thicker overnight creams just couldn’t get my skin to hydrate enough.” On the daily Priming Crème, another user writes: “I love that this product is natural ingredients…I loved the smooth application and it was non-sticky or greasy!! …there’s a silkiness on my skin which made makeup application nice and even.”

    LULU’s Favorite

    Algae Beauty Collection

    A gift set including one each of Aala Bioactives premier products at a reduced price. Set includes Priming Creme, Manoa Mist, and Mana Moon.

    • Priming Creme

    Daily anti-aging and moisturizing crème with powerful Hawaiian ingredients for skin protection and renewal. Perfect for the face, neck and décolletage with long-lasting effects under sunscreen, makeup, or used alone. Pacific Fresh scent for a clean and energizing start to the day.

    • Manoa Mist Moisturizing Elixir

    Facial hydrating nutrient spritz with antioxidant powerhouses from Hawai’i for anytime, anywhere use. Leaves skin dewy, refreshed, and protected. Named after Tuahine, a rain mist recognized in Hawaiian chants for blessing the verdure of Mānoa Valley on the island of O’ahu.

    • Mana Moon Restorative Serum Balm

    A powerful anti-aging serum balm. Ideal for use on the face and neck for skin hydration, regeneration and nourishment. Well-suited for nighttime or anytime use. Available in two scents: Natural (no added fragrance) or Paradise Passion (with added essential oils).

    To discover radiant, ageless skin with algae-based science from Hawaii, simply follow the skincare routine at www.aalahawaii.com.

    About Aala Bioactives
    Aala Bioactives creates its own science-based beauty ingredients from algae it discovers in the Hawaiian Islands. Clinically tested and dermatologist-approved, the Aala Hawaii skincare line delivers superior performance using natural ingredients without synthetics and irritants. Committed to providing clean, sustainably sourced nature-based ingredients, Aala Bioactives believes the future of beauty products will require a fundamental shift in the mindset behind skincare eco-impacts. To order products or learn more about the science behind the brand, visit www.aalahawaii.com.

  • Beauty,  Health,  New York,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    Refresh Your Winter Look with Goat Milk Beauty Balm

    I want to introduce you a very cool product from Dionis, a brand produces Goat Milk Beauty Products. But why goat milk? Goat Milk is naturally enriched with high amounts of protein, fat, iron, Vitamin A, B6, B12, C, D, E and many more. It will nourish your skin while keeping you moisturized.

    • The pH of Goat Milk is nearly the same as that of human skin, helping to maintain a slightly acid mantle.
    • One of the main structural elements in living cells are lipids. Goat milk lipids are skin-compatible and are easily absorbed to moisturize and nourish our skin. No greasy residue.
    • Goat milk is rich in lactic acid and whey proteins. Lactic acid helps smooth skin by exfoliation while proteins enhance skin’s appearance.
    • Packed with Vitamins A&D and E — the first a powerful anti-oxidant, the second, a supplement for our “sunshine-needs”, and the third, adds moisture.
    • Contains a complex of trace minerals originating from fresh-grazed pastures to help skin naturally maintain its own moisture.

    Goat milk has always been the most acceptable of all milks for people with sensitive digestive systems — and what’s good for the inside is just as good for the outside!

    Dionis 100% natural goat milk beauty balm

    Dionis 100% natural goat milk beauty balm will tame flyaway hair, highlight cheekbone, can be used as a lip balm or cuticle cream and can also be applied to any dry spot to moisturize and repair.

    It has a mild exfoliation that perfects the complexion, allowing for better product permeability.

    • Apply to any dry spot for a deep Moisturizing Treatment.
      Use as a cheek highlighter, tame flyaway hair, as a lip balm or cuticle cream or any dry spot. This beauty balm does it all!

    Dionis Goat Milk Skincare products are made in the U.S.A. They’re free from cruelty, parabens, gluten, and sulfates. In addition to high standards, the company uses high-quality ingredients. Dionis is well-known for products packed with the vitamins and minerals found in goat’s milk. Their benefits extend beyond hydrating and revitalizing, they’ve also been shown to have anti-aging properties.

  • New York

    Craft Brewery Launches RePear, the Ultimate Two-Stage Hangover Prevention Drink Mix

    Serda Brewing introduced RePear, a two-stage drink mix that helps defend and recover from the effects of drinking alcohol.  Made with a scientifically formulated blend of high-quality ingredients known to help defend and recover from a hangover, RePear is the ultimate hangover prevention drink mix.  Available in easy-to-carry packets with fast dissolving powder, RePear is quickly absorbed by the body.  The Indiegogo Campaign, which launches today with a funding goal of $25,000 USD and can be seen at: igg.me/at/RePear, features limited Early Bird specials of $30 USD, as well as several other perks for backers.

    For maximum effect, RePear is taken two hours before and right after drinking alcoholic beverages to supercharge the liver’s ability to produce needed alcohol metabolizing enzymes.  Before drinking, taking RePear will increase a user’s stores of B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, folate and other necessary nutrients which are lost when drinking, and are necessary to protect the body from inflammation and help it metabolize alcohol.  Taking it immediately after drinking helps load the body with even more vitamins and minerals, helping to continue to protect the body and break down alcohol.  Taking RePear at this point continues to help the liver metabolize alcohol and speed up the detoxification of acetaldehyde from the body to decrease the symptoms of a hangover.

    RePear, contains Korean pear which has been scientifically shown to reduce the effects of hangovers by up to 21% on a 14-point scale by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), an independent Australian federal government agency responsible for scientific research.  Korean pears act on the key enzymes involved in alcoholmetabolism, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) to speed up alcohol metabolism and the elimination of acetaldehyde.  RePear also contains prickly pear extract, milk thistle, N-acetyl cysteine and alpha lipoic acid that all work together to protect the liver and produce alcohol metabolizing enzymes.


    With Dihydromyricetin (DHM), one of the most effective ingredients in preventing hangovers, RePear provides the ultimate in brain defense and liver detox.   DHM has been scientifically shown to protect the liver (Y. Shen et al., “Dihydromyricetin As A Novel Anti-Alcohol Intoxication Medication,” 32 J. Neurosci. 390 (2012).) by increasing the speed at which alcohol is metabolized by increasing the activity of ADH and ALDH in the liver, which enables the body to metabolize and flush out alcohol and toxins faster so it feels better the next day. DHM protects the brain by binding to Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) decreasing alcohol withdrawal symptoms including headache, poor sleep quality, anxiety and agitation.


    RePear also contains Milk Thistle, N-Acetyl Cysteine, prickly pear extract, glutathione and alpha lipoic acid to continue protecting the liver and supercharging its ability to produce alcohol metabolizing enzymes and L-theanine and chamomile, an antioxidant and herb which promotes relaxation and sleep. Other key ingredients include ginger root and turmeric, which help to alleviate nausea from drinking too much.  RePear also has more electrolytes in it than most sports drinks without all the bad sugars, food colorings, and preservatives to help keep the body hydrated to prevent headaches, tiredness and confusion.


    Serda Brewing was founded by John Serda in November 2017. John’s fascination with alcohol began at an early age when he built his first still in his parents’ garage at the ripe age of 17. Now with a 30bbl, 15,000 square foot brewery, John continues his fascination with alcohol making some of the south’s premier lager and ales.

  • New York,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    CHILDREN WILL NEVER LOSE THEIR STUFFED ANIMALS AGAIN

    Every parent knows the fear and panic that accompanies a child’s loss of a beloved stuffed animal. Somewhere while traveling between Seattle and Port-land—we never figured out where—my daughter Piper’s favorite plush toy, Mid-night, just disappeared. The loss was devastating to the founder, Vogel’s six-year-old, who never went to bed without her favorite cat. Right then and there it occurred to Vogel: our phones are mobile, computers are mobile, why can’t plush toys be mobile too?

    Enter GOPALS($14.95), the first stuffed animal that goes everywhere your child does. Designed by Vogel with an ingenious fastener that attaches securely onto any backpack, the eight plush toys in the GOPALS collection are sure to be a hit with kids everywhere. All of them—Piper theCat,Dash the Dog, Hadley the Panda,Spencer theLamb, Colie the Monkey, Mia the Rabbit, Lukie the Bear, and Jack the Fox—are cute, cuddly, portable, and most importantly attachable to your child’s travel gear. Standing7inches tall and made of durable polyester fiber,GOPALS are designed to stand up to the elements whatever the weather, even as they tag along on a child’s backpack—to school, sleepovers, on vacations and more. And parents will rest easier knowing that their children’s favorite friend will never leave their side.

    Parents will also appreciate GOPALS’ commitment to improving the lives of children everywhere. “In deciding to create this company,” says Vogel, “we wanted it to be one that spread joy by doing good–the first by creating a small stuffed friend that never leaves a child’s side, the second by supporting children charities.”The GOPALS Brand has signed a partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation,which is aimed at propelling the world towards a future without childhood cancer. A portion of every GOPALS animal sold will go toward funding and promoting children’s charities.

    Vogel explains, “This work is personal to my family. Several years ago, I lost a husband–and my daughter Piper a father–to cancer. We know how hard he fought, and we want to continue his fight by supporting the cure for childhood cancer. Please join us in the effort to ride the world of childhood cancers and save other families from the devastating loss of a loved one.”

    Look for GOPALS online at www.GOPALS.net, the official U.S. online store.