• Fashion

    Karina Brez Launches the Cowgirl LUV Collection

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    Western charm meets everyday luxury in Karina Brez’s new signature collection, Cowgirl LUV, which echoes the vibrant landscapes of the USA.

    New York, NY. September 26, 2023. A tribute to the untamed spirit of the American West, renowned equestrian jewelry designer Karina Brez unveils her latest signature collection, Cowgirl LUV, an ode to the inspiring mountains and cities that grace the landscape of the USA. The collection pays homage to the rugged beauty of the American West, featuring stackable rings that artfully symbolize various mountain ranges, and a thoughtful double entendre, with each mountain range doubling as a cowgirl name, embodying the spirit of adventure and independence.

     

    Honoring the majestic Sierra Nevada, the towering Denali, and the legendary Mount Whitney, Karina Brez has crafted six distinct stackable ring styles that encapsulate the essence of these monumental peaks. The Sierra Nevada, often referred to as the “Range of Light,” stretches majestically across California and Nevada, offering a panorama of breathtaking peaks and valleys. Its snow-capped summits and ancient forests have provided an enduring muse for artists and adventurers alike. Within the Cowgirl LUV Collection, the essence of the Sierra Nevada is captured in delicate yet powerful Sierra stackable rings, each echoing the natural contours and sublime beauty of this celebrated mountain range. Denali, standing tall as North America’s highest peak, commands a profound presence in the Alaskan wilderness. Its icy, towering façade looms over a landscape of untamed wilderness, a testament to nature’s raw power and resilience. In Cowgirl LUV, Denali’s spirit is channeled through its namesake designs that reflect its stoic grandeur, allowing wearers to carry a piece of this majestic peak with them, wherever they may roam. Mount Whitney, a sentinel of strength and endurance in the Sierra Nevada, holds the distinction of being the highest summit in the contiguous United States. Its towering prominence and commanding views serve as a testament to nature’s capacity to inspire and humble. Through Cowgirl LUV, the essence of Mount Whitney is captured in Whitney stackable rings that echo its towering majesty, inviting wearers to embark on their own personal ascents, both in style and spirit. Together, the Sierra Nevada, Denali, and Mount Whitney represent more than just geological formations; they are living testaments to the indomitable spirit of the American West. Karina Brez has masterfully translated this spirit into jewelry that embodies the resilience, strength, and untamed beauty of these iconic mountain ranges. Within Cowgirl LUV, nature’s wonders continue to inspire and captivate the hearts of all who venture forth. Each ring captures the spirit and grandeur of its namesake, offering wearers a tangible connection to these natural wonders.

     

    “A cowgirl is a strong, resilient and confident woman, and it was important for me to create a collection that embodied the untamed beauty of America through the spirit of the American Cowgirl,” says Karina Brez.

     

    Combining elegance with a nod to the Wild West, Karina Brez’s artistic vision extends beyond the mountains, celebrating beloved American Western cities and states with five captivating hoop earring styles: Montana, Aspen, Dakota, Sedona, and Dallas. Known as “Big Sky Country,” Montana boasts vast open spaces, rugged terrain, and an undeniable sense of freedom. The Montana Diamond and Turquoise earrings in the Cowgirl LUV collection evoke the grandeur of this state with their open, airy design reminiscent of the endless horizons. Renowned for its elegant ski resorts and alpine charm, Aspen, Colorado, is a place where sophistication meets the untamed wilderness. The Aspen Diamond and Turquoise earrings in the collection embody this unique blend of refinement and nature with their intricate, slope-like design. The Dakotas are known for their wide-open plains, prairies, and the enchanting Badlands. The Dakota Diamond and Turquoise earrings in Cowgirl LUV embrace the simplicity and rugged elegance of this region, with a design reminiscent of the rolling hills, reflecting the untamed beauty that defines the Dakotas. Arizona’s Sedona is celebrated for its striking red rock formations and spiritual energy, alongside its nod to luxury with its world-famous spas.  The Sedona Diamond and Turquoise earrings are a tribute to the unique energy, natural beauty, and opulence of Sedona. The heart of Texas, Dallas, embodies the vibrant spirit of the Lone Star State with its blend of modernity and Western tradition. The Dallas Diamond and Turquoise earrings in the Cowgirl LUV collection capture the city’s cosmopolitan flair with their contemporary, urban design. “Turquoise is often used in Western-style jewelry and accessories, making it a staple in cowgirl fashion. Its bright blue hue adds a pop of color to outfits, complementing other Western elements like leather and silver. It is a symbol of tradition, and a nod to the enduring legacy of Western fashion,” says Karina Brez. The jewels embody the essence of places cowgirls roam and ride, allowing wearers to carry a piece of their adventurous spirit wherever they go.

     

    “At its core, the cowgirl spirit is about a fierce determination to conquer challenges, a love for wide-open spaces, and a commitment to taking care of one’s horses and cattle. It is an attitude of self-reliance and grit, with a deep connection to the land and horses,” says Karina Brez. “It has a nice place alongside my signature collections and gives me the opportunity to incorporate the essence of the equestrian and Western spirit while being more mainstream with contemporary lines.”

     

    Karina Brez’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in every piece of the Cowgirl LUV collection. The jewelry showcases exquisite turquoise, which provides a vibrant, authentic touch to each creation. Complemented by delicate pink sapphires and dazzling diamonds, the jewels exude luxury, allowing every cowgirl to experience opulence in their everyday life.

     

    Mix and match from the Cowgirl LUV collection to effortlessly embrace timeless cowgirl style. Whether worn alone or stacked together, these pieces offer a versatile and elegant addition to any wardrobe. From a day at the ranch to an evening out on the town, Karina Brez’s latest collection brings a touch of the American West to every moment.

     

    The Cowgirl LUV collection by Karina Brez invites one to embark on a journey through captivating landscapes, spirited names, and places that define the heart of America. “Cowgirl LUV is a symbol of tradition and a nod to the enduring legacy of Western fashion. The cowgirl spirit embodies independence, resilience, and a deep connection to the American West. It is reflected in both fashion and lifestyle choices, including the use of gems like turquoise, which symbolizes the enduring beauty and spirituality of the Western way of life,” says Karina Brez. Embrace the cowgirl spirit with these exquisite pieces, designed to inspire, empower, and captivate.

     

    For more information about the Cowgirl LUV collection and to explore the full range of Karina Brez’s equestrian designs, visit karinabrez.com. The Karina Brez Cowgirl LUV signature collection is available online and will be shown in person at The Jeweled Barn, a mobile luxury retail experience, from September 28th-October 8th at the Capitol Challenge Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, MD, the Washington International Horse Show in Annapolis, MD from October 23rd-29th, and Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas, NV from December 7th-17th.  On Instagram, follow Karina Brez @karinabrezjewelry and The Jeweled Barn @thejeweledbarn.

     

    About Karina Brez

    A first-generation Ukranian-American, Karina Brez earned the title of Miss Florida USA in 2012, and was inspired to design a jewelry collection after fellow contestants were impressed by the design she created for her own pageant dress. A horse enthusiast with a passion for gemstones, Brez completed the GIA Graduate Gemologist program, is an appraiser, and advocates for non-profits introducing children to the healing power of horses. Her signature fine jewelry collections are Huggable Hooves®™, Horse LUV®™, Bit of LUV®™, Lucky Horseshoe, Horsea®, The Garden Collection, and Cowgirl LUV™. In 2020, Karina Brez was voted one of the top three Equestrian jewelers by Equestrian Living Magazine. She opened a retail flagship in Palm Beach, Florida in 2021, and is available in retailers throughout the USA.

  • My dog Cami

    Three New ACANA™ Chewy Tenders Treats for Dogs

    Today, the ACANA team announced the launch of ACANA Chewy Tenders dog treats with high meat content and functional nutritional benefits.

    The ACANA™ pet food team is obsessed with using nutrient-rich ingredients consumers know and love. The recipe separates ACANA™ Chewy Tenders from other premium jerky-style treats: superfoods, savory bone broth for added protein and exceptional taste, honey and made without glycerin ingredients.

    Each of the three ACANA™ Chewy Tenders recipes, available in 4-ounce resealable packages, combines a great flavor with a specific health benefit:

    • Immune System SupportACANA™ Chewy Tenders Chicken Recipe, made of 90%1 animal ingredients, offers immune system support from antioxidant rich cranberries, vitamin C and vitamin E.
    • Hip and Joint Health: ACANA™ Chewy Tenders Beef Recipe, also made of 90%1 animal ingredients, supports hip and joint health with algal oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
    • Skin, Coat and Digestive Support: ACANA™ Chewy Tenders Salmon Recipe, made of 85%1 animal ingredients, supports skin, coat and digestive health with omega-3 fatty acids from wild-caught salmon and fiber from pumpkin.

    “ACANA™ Chewy Tenders were designed for pet lovers who are looking for indulgent meat treats made with higher-quality ingredients,” said Keith Arnold, director of innovation at Champion Petfoods. “Pet lovers want to give their dogs treats that not only taste good, but also support their dogs’ health. With ACANA™ Chewy Tenders, ACANA® High-Protein Crunchy Biscuits and ACANA® Freeze-Dried Dog Treats, we now offer pet lovers a complete assortment that balances peak nutrition, quality ingredients, functional benefits—and tastes dogs will love.”

    The dog treats are now available for purchase in stores and online, including neighborhood pet stores, Petco Pet Care Centers, Petco.com, Chewy.com and Amazon.com. For more information and to learn where to purchase, visit acana.com.

    ABOUT ACANA™ PET FOOD
    The ACANA™ name was inspired by its birthplace in the farmlands of Alberta, Canada and through generations has become synonymous with quality. In ACANA™ food, every ingredient matters when it comes to feeding pets a nutritious diet rich in animal protein and balanced with fruit & vegetables. All ACANA™ recipes are thoughtfully crafted to provide quality nutrition so pets live a full and healthy life as a happy member of the family. With a delicious variety of recipes and a range of options to suit every pet, ACANA™ products include kibble, freeze-dried food and treats, biscuits, and wet food. To learn more, visit acana.com.

    ABOUT CHAMPION PETFOODS
    Champion Petfoods is an award-winning pet food maker with a reputation of trust spanning over 35 years. Founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion has grown to be a key player in the premium pet food industry across three major global geographies. Our purpose, To Earn Pet Lover Trust Every Day so Pets Thrive for a Lifetime, provides the foundation for our highest aspirations as a company. And our Food Philosophy drives us to provide the highest quality in every ORIJEN and ACANA food we make for cats and dogs. We specialize in making foods that are Biologically Appropriate and all of our ingredients are selected from a carefully curated group of farmers, ranchers and fisheries, whom we know and trust. Our foods are crafted by passionate nutrition and health experts in world class kitchens, and as Pet Lovers ourselves, we strive for the highest quality and food safety in every food we make. To learn more, visit championpetfoods.com.

  • Children's Books,  food

    LET’S EAT : Recipes for Kids Who Cook

    LET’S EAT : Recipes for Kids Who Cook 

    DL Acken & Aurelia Louvet 

    A colourful, comprehensive cookbook that teaches kids (ages 9+) and beginner chefs to  cook, and arms them with accessible yet impressive recipes they can make with little to-no parental supervision. 

    • Let’s Eat brings together kitchen basics, tools, terminology, and 60+ recipes with  loads of variations to suit a range of tastes.  
    • Follow this fun, choose-your-own-adventure style primer, with its bold, colourful  photography, kids will soon advance from quick afterschool snacks and summer  picnics to breakfasts in bed and full-course family dinners (with dessert, of course).  Recipes like: 
    • Sticky Soda Pop Ribs 
    • Spaghetti Bolognese 
    • Falafel Veggie Burgers 
    • Deviled Eggs 
    • Pulled Chicken Tacos 
    • Sweet Potato Curry 
    • Teriyaki Baked Salmon 
    • Oven Baked Doughnuts 

    “Vibrant, fun, and full of tips and recipes that manage to be kid-friendly without being  too kiddish. Perfect for budding school-aged cooks!” 

     —Stacie Billis, Co-host, Didn’t I Just Feed You podcast 

  • WorldWide

    Actor and Comedian Joel Mchale Joins ‘Growin’ Up’ Podcast

    Lingokids, an educational tech and media company that is helping transform the way children learn through the power of play, announced today that its award-winning podcast for kids, ‘Growin’ Up,’ is returning for Season 2. Hosted by MIT-engineer turned EMMY-nominated, science TV host, Emily Calandrelli, and produced by Paradiso, ‘Growin’ Up’ will captivate young audiences once again with inspiring stories of how real people achieved their dream careers like marine biologist, NBA player turned coach, illustrator, film director and  race car driver. Season 2 premieres on September 20, 2023 and will be available on platforms like AppleSpotifyYouTube, and Amazon. The show trailer is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAhZ3X6AOao

    Smelling Like Booze Is Stylish With This Whisky-Scented Perfume

    The inaugural episode of Season 2 will feature a conversation with the actor, comedian, and presenter, Joel McHale. After bumping into Joel in a Hollywood coffee shop, Emily talks with him about how he became an actor, where he finds inspiration, and what it is like working on a Hollywood set. The interview will also candidly address the highs and lows of McHale’s acting career, offering young listeners valuable insights into the power of perseverance.

    “It was a pleasure working with Lingokids and Paradiso on ‘Growin’ Up.’ I’m excited to share my journey as an actor and host with kids around the globe. I hope this podcast helps them get a better understanding of all the great careers available to them and inspires them to strive for whatever future they wish.”

    As a mom, aerospace engineer, science communicator, children’s book author and passionate STEAM advocate, Emily is no stranger to trying new things.‘Growin’ Up’ Season 2 takes young listeners on a weekly adventure with Emily and her new child assistant, Winston (played by actor/comedian Brock Powell), as they talk with real people about how they achieved their ‘dream jobs’. Season 2 will feature 30 episodes, giving kids an inside look on 30 of coolest careers imaginable.

    “Since launching Growin’ Up last year, we’ve heard from countless kids around the world about how they have been inspired to work hard toward their new dream career that they heard about on the show,” said Emily Calandrelli. “Season 2 will feature amazing guests who will help us shine a light on 30 amazing careers that kids can aspire to have one day. For me, there is nothing better than sparking curiosity and opening young minds to the endless possibilities that are out there for them.”

    Paradiso Co-Founder and CEO Lorenzo Benedetti says “Lingokids and Paradiso Media share a passion for enriching young minds through great audio storytelling. It’s been a pleasure to collaborate on ‘Growin’ Up,’ a wonderful podcast in which education and entertainment converge.”

    ‘Growin’ Up’ Season 2 is now available on AppleSpotifyYouTube, and Amazon.

    ABOUT LINGOKIDS

    Lingokids is an educational tech and media company that is helping transform the way children can gain traditional educational and modern life skills. Its unique PlaylearningTM approach puts children in the center of the Lingokids universe, which provides thousands of engaging, interactive learning experiences in a variety of mediums and surrounds them with choice and exploratory child-led learning paths.  With a commitment to traditional, educational objectives for preschool through second grade, Lingokids knows today’s child needs engineering and empathy; reading and resilience; math fluency and mindfulness. A captivating cast of original characters seamlessly brings life to each immersive learning adventure and blends play with a modern skills curriculum to engage and motivate kids around the globe. Since launching in 2015, Lingokids has achieved category-leading viewership on YouTube and its portfolio includes the Lingokids app (Voted Best Original Learning App 2022 and 2023, Kidscreen) trusted by more than 60 million families, Lingokids Studios, Lingokids Podcasts, and Lingokids Music Publishing.

    For more information, please visit www.lingokids.com and follow @Lingokids.

    About Emily Calandrelli

    Emily Calandrelli is the host and co-executive producer of the hit Netflix series Emily’s Wonder Lab. Each episode features Emily and a group of kid-scientists as they learn about STEAM through experiments and fun activities. Emily is also an Executive Producer and Emmy nominated host of FOX’s Xploration Outer Space and was a correspondent on Netflix’s, Bill Nye Saves The World.

    Emily, who was named to Adweek’s“11 Celebrities and Influencers Raising the Bar for Creativity in 2017”, is also an accomplished writer and speaker on the topics of space exploration, scientific literacy, and equality. Her chapter book series, The Ada Lace Adventures, centers around an eight-year-old girl with a knack for science, math, and solving mysteries with technology, the second book in the series, Ada Lace: Sees Red, was included in the National Science Teachers Association’s list of best STEM books for 2018. The third book, Ada Lace: Take Me To Your Leader, was part of the initiative from NASA and CASIS, Story Time from Space where the book was launched into space and read by an astronaut aboard the ISS to an audience of kids. The fifth and most recent book in the series, Ada Lace: and the Suspicious Artist which was released in February 2019. All 5 books in the series are available at Barnes and Noble as well as Amazon. Earlier this year Emily released a children’s book, Reach For The Stars, an uplifting book about love and shared discovery.

    Emily frequently gives talks about the importance of science literacy, the benefits of space exploration, and the challenges for women in STEM careers for clients like Google, Pixar, MIT, Texas Instruments as well as dozens of K-12 schools across the nation. Her first two TEDx talks, “I Don’t Do Math” and “Space Exploration Is The Worst,” have garnered over one million views on YouTube.

    Prior to her work in science communication, Emily attended West Virginia University, where she received a Bachelors of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering, and MIT where she received two Masters of Science degrees, one in Aeronautics and Astronautics and the other in Technology and Policy. Through her work, she wants to make science relatable, easy to understand and more exciting today than ever before in history.

  • My dog Cami

    Aquapaw Pro for Your Doggy Spa Day

    Aquapaw is an attachment to make bathing your dog more simple and effective. There are 2 kinds of dogs, the ones love baths and the ones who howl like they are being killed. Every time we go to Dog Supplies Outlet in Las Vegas, we take advantage of their bath station. It is completely free of charge and they even provide shampoo and conditioners too! All you have to bring is your own towel. My dog already knows this place and she was eager to get her spa day.

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    Cami is 7 now and our dog Jacob prior to her got washed a lot more. He was all white and we lived in New York City. Being brown merle, you never really know how dirty Cami is!

    The Aquapaw® Pro is designed with larger dogs with thicker coats in mind to be the easiest and most efficient way to bathe your pet at home. The combination of silicone sprayer and scrubber-in-one allows you to brush and rinse your pet’s coat simultaneously.  The innovative 2-stage button mechanism allows you to ‘Click’ the sprayer to LOW, HIGH, and OFF entirely with one hand so you’re never fumbling to adjust the water flow and can keep your pet calm.

    • 2-Settings: Gentle and Strong• 8ft/2.5m Heavy Duty Hose• 100% Silicone Body (FDA Grade)• Shower Adapter and Garden Hose Adapter included • Patent Pending

    May be an image of dog, hair brush and text

    May be an image of dog

    This tool is awesome and can attach to most shower heads easily at home! They even provide a lifetime warranty so it’s a must have for all dog owners. Find out more info here https://www.aquapaw.com/products/aquapaw-pro-grooming-tool

  • Eco,  Fashion

    The Willow Knit Adventures

    My mom is one of the most energetic people I know. She raised my sister and me in the aerobics, Jane Fonda era and has always stayed active. She never went to a gym regularly and starve herself but she definitely looks fabulous now in her 70’s. She is also very fashionable and one of the hardest people to shop for. My mom often complains about style, comfort, design and price point of what’s out there. There is a huge gap in the fashion market for 40+ we believe. We can’t wear things we use to because of what we are doing day to day. And most of the priorities have changed in what we spend our money on. We jumped at the chance review the greenReActives brand – eco-friendly footwear that’s part shoe, part slipper.  These super-comfy, versatile, indoor-outdoor shoes are easy to slide onto your feet to run the kids to school or slip into an overnight bag for a summer adventure. The soft, knit uppers are made with recycled plastic bottles, recycled moisture-wicking lining, and a shock-absorbing footbed produced with compostable, sugarcane-based EVA. Not only are greenReActives comfortable and supportive, but also they don’t compromise style, with all sorts of clogs, lace-ups, and ankle boots that convert to clogs in flyknit, suede, berber and more.

    I challenged her to check out Green ReActives, a company that boasts of 3 styles of sleek, cool-looking casual shoes that deliver all the comfort of our slippers. Shoes that feel great whether you’re relaxing at home, or getting active – running out to meet friends or pick up dinner. Relaxed and active in the same shoe.

    She choose the Willow Knit Ankle Boot greenReActives® and we had a day of adventure testing them out! Not only did this style catch her eye, but it was also everything it promised. We enjoyed the day at the Calgary zoo and beautiful weather.