alice + olivia X Basquiat

alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is proud to announce that the late Neo-expressionist artist and frequent Andy Warhol collaborator Jean-Michel Basquiat has been selected, through the Basquiat Estate, as the partner for the second capsule collection that will help support the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s efforts to promote young talent. The collection, shown as part of the alice + olivia Resort 2017 season, will land in stores and online in November 2016.

Must-Eat Summer Yummies!

It is no secret that I am a heavy snacker. I would go as far as to say that I am serious about my snacks, which are usually as unhealthy as they come. We are talking about sodium-packed chips and high fructose candy. As silly as it may sound, I did not think that a healthy snack could taste good. Then I was introduced to these delectable goodies. 

Pistachio Chewy Bites are a yummy collaboration of pistachios and cranberries. It has healthy fat and proteins, but perhaps most importantly, it tastes really good. It satisfied the craving that I have in the middle of the day for something sweet and the great part is is that, after eating it, I didn't feel gross. 

"Gluten-free" is one of those buzz phrases that health-conscious people are always using. I am not completely sure why gluten is so horrible, outside of the allergies that some people have in regards to it, but for some reason, I just didn't think a cookie should be without it. I was sooo wrong! I really couldn't taste the difference between a Simply Shari's Gluten Free Cookie a the fatty cookies I get from the store. They come in five flavors ( I love the shortbread) and they are tiny bites of sweet joy. 

Learn more about these snacks at Simply Shari's Gluten Free Cookies and Pistachio Chewy Bites here. 

Tote Crush: MCM Milla Tote

Heidi Klum is a style icon that always looks camera-ready whenever she is caught by the paparazzi. Her skin is always flawless. Her outfit is always designer. I mean, come on, it's Heidi Klum! However, something that caught my eye in one of her recent pics is this adorable yellow tote from MCMWorldwide.com. 

The Milla Tate is the perfect on-the-go bag for summer. It's adorable, it's a good size, and it adds a fun pop of color to your summer ensemble. It comes in four additional colors, and if you can afford the $920 a pop, I would suggest you get them in every shade to get you through the season. If this bag isn't quite your style, visit MCMWorldwide.com to see all the cool bags that MCM Worldwide has to offer. 

Summer Sips: Sparkling Ice Drinks for Ice Cream Soda Day

June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day! Beat the heat with these recipes using Sparkling Ice  drinks.

Sparkling Cherry Fro-Yo Float 

Ingredients:

Float

• 1 bottle (17 oz.) Sparkling ice Cherry Limeade
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 pack (0.13 oz.) fruit-flavored powdered drink mix
• 3 cups ice
• 2 cups frozen vanilla yogurt

Garnish

• Whipped topping
• Fresh cherry or lime slice

Instructions:

1. In blender, combine Sparkling Ice Cherry Limeade, sugar, powdered drink mix and ice; Blend thoroughly until slushy
2. Divide slushy mixture between 4 glasses, about 3/4 cup each, and add 1/2 cup frozen yogurt to each glass
3. Top with whipped topping and fresh cherry or lime slice
4. Serve immediately with a straw

Coconut Pineapple Sorbet Bellini Mocktail 

Ingredients:

Pineapple Sorbet

• 1/2 cup Sparkling Ice Coconut Pineapple
• 1/2 sugar
• 2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into chunks

Sorbet Bellini Mocktail

• 1 1/2 cups Sparkling Ice Coconut Pineapple
• 2/3 cup pineapple sorbet

Garnish

• Fresh pineapple wedges
• Coconut flakes

Instructions:

Pineapple Sorbet

• In blender, puree pineapple chunks with sugar and Sparkling Ice Coconut Pineapple until smooth
• Chill pineapple mixture in refrigerator for 1 hour
• Freeze in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Store in tightly covered in freezer until ready to use

Sorbet Bellini Mocktail

• In two 12-oz. glasses, add 3/4 cup Sparkling Ice Coconut Pineapple
• Using small ice cream scoop, add 1/3 cup pineapple sorbet to each glass
• Garnish with fresh pineapple wedge and coconut flakes

The Chew Gives Us More Recipes to Nibble On

So many people tune into to ABC's "The Chew" for their witty banter and mouthwatering recipes. In their fourth cookbook The Chew: An Essential Guide to Cooking and Entertaining, "The Chew" hosts give us some of their favorite recipes that are perfect for entertaining. Within the five chapters of the book, you will find recipes for yummy dishes such as Chicken Meatballs Marsala, Fried Chicken Reuben, and Pecan Pie Pudding. 

Readers are also treated to: 

·      Answers to viewer questions that give you added details and insights from The Chew hosts

·      Delicious favorites handed down from the hosts’ families to yours

·      Mouthwatering meals that can be made ahead of time or in a slow cooker

·      Several innovative ways to put a new spin on a favorite recipe

·      A wide range of recipes from breakfast to dessert, from the lighter side to guilty pleasures, and everything in between 

 You can purchase the book The Chew: An Essential Guide to Cooking and Entertaining $19.99 at your local bookstore. 

Sally Hansen launches "Royal Splendor" Miracle Gel Collection

The Sally Hansen Miracle Gel colors have taken off this year, allowing mani and pedi lovers to get a gel color look without needing to use UV light. This summer, they are quenching our thirsts for hot colors for the season with their "Royal Splendor" Miracle Gel Collection. This array of nudes, reds, and a delicious mint are guaranteed to brighten up your look.  

The Miracle Gel™ Royal Splendor Collection, SRP $9.99 each, hits shelves beginning July 2016.

Taraji P. Henson is coming to Summer Sizzle BVI!

Star of hit Fox TV show "Empire" Taraji P. Henson is set to make a guest appearance at the hottest fashion event of the season, Summer Sizzle BVI. The event is to take place July 13- 18 in the breathtaking British Virgin Islands. The Academy Award nominee will compliment the events official host renowned fashion photographer Nigel Barker for a weekend of travel excursions, cultural cuisine, and international fashions.  For more info on Summer Sizzle BVI, visit www.summersizzlebvi.com.