Tuesday, July 28, 2020

HGTV's "Martha Knows Best" Debuting Friday, July 31 With Two Episodes at 10pm and 10:30pm.

By Laura Medina


Premiering on Friday, July 31 at 10|9c and 10:30|9:30c, Martha Knows Best will follow the trusted lifestyle expert as she completes a variety of beautiful outdoor projects at her Bedford, New York, farm. Throughout the series, Martha’s superfans — as well as a few of her famous friends, including Jay Leno, Snoop Dogg, Richard Gere, Lupita Nyong’o, Antoni Porowski, Zac Posen, Daniel Boulud, Sunny Hostin and Hailey Baldwin Bieber — will virtually pop in to chat with her and get advice on their own home projects. From planting vegetable and perennial gardens, to building stunning walkways and choosing plants for novice gardeners, Martha will offer her expert tips, ideas and secrets to help everyone create a blissful, inviting and functional outdoor space that meets their family’s needs.
“It was so much fun to shoot episodes of Martha Knows Best at my home and with some great friends and guests,” said Martha Stewart. “I hope people will feel inspired to go outside and try some gardening projects of their own this summer.”
During the premiere episode, Martha will explore the world of container gardens and lend advice on herb gardening to her longtime pal Snoop Dogg. Future projects include building a stone pathway for her muster of peacocks and chatting with Lupita Nyong’o about how to choose the best stems for do-it-yourself floral arrangements.
But outside of her usual day-to-day, Martha also filmed an all-new TV show for HGTV! That’s right, the Emmy® Award-winning television personality, trusted lifestyle expert and The New York Times bestselling author of more than 96 titles (!!!), is ready to bring her gardening and culinary star power directly to HGTV *and* Food Network this year. Martha Knows Best, the new HGTV series, is tentatively scheduled to air in 2020 and will feature Martha as she completes outdoor projects on the to-do list for her Bedford farm. Over on Food Network, planning is underway for Martha to return to the Chopped judges’ table as well as headline a holiday-themed series.
“I am thrilled to be partnering with HGTV on Martha Knows Best and sharing everything I have been working on at my home during quarantine,” said Martha Stewart. “The show focuses on many aspects of everyday living and home keeping with the goal to teach and inspire viewers to incorporate what works for them into their own homes.”
So tune in Friday, July 31 starting at 10|9c for two back-to-back episodes of Martha Knows Best!

Monday, July 27, 2020

Have a Virtual BBQ Concert with Kane Brown on Pandora's Virtual Concert on Tuesday, July 28th, 2020 8pm ET, With Grilling Recipes.

By Laura Medina




This pandemic quarantine has been a boon for home bodies, introverts, and burnt-out social butterflies.  But the true test of evolution is how anything adapts, evolves, or pivots.

Pandora Live is bringing the new, real face of country music, Kane Brown into your favorite device tomorrow, Tuesday, July 28th at 7:45pm.  With Kingsford Charcoal, Pandora even encourages to grill your own BBQ, along with Kane Brown, including grilling recipes, https://www.kingsford.com/recipes/

That's what this fun-loving scribe loves about music. No musician turns down food and there's always a party, virtual or in-person.

Pandora Live and Kingsford Charcoal even included a Chicken Kabob recipe for Kane's virtual concert, https://www.kingsford.com/how-to/chicken-kabobs/


Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
  • Zucchini
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Red bell peppers
  • Prep time: 45 minutes
  • Cook time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 12
Skewers of tender marinated chicken and fresh vegetables cooked on a charcoal grill is a treat in cultures all over the world. The key to getting it right every time: a two-zone fire. For these chicken skewers, you can use the lighter white meat from the chicken breast or the more flavorful, juicy meat from the chicken thigh. Either works well—but it’s best not to combine the two different meats on a single skewer, as they cook at different rates. Here’s how to make the perfect chicken kabobs in just seven steps.
  1. KFD_SKEWER-0025
    1

    Soak your bamboo skewers in water.

    Bamboo skewers are cheap and readily available. But because they are made of thin pieces of bamboo, they are flammable and will catch fire during grilling. To prevent this, soak your skewers in water for at least one hour prior to assembling your kabobs.
  2. KFD_Sidebyside_CHICKEN_KEBAB
    2

    Marinate the chicken and cut your vegetables.

    Whether using white chicken breast meat or dark meat from the thigh, it’s important to not cut the chicken into chunks that are too small, or else they will dry out quickly on the grill. Larger chunks of 1 to 1½ inches are ideal. Add them to a dish and pour on your favorite marinade. A marinade with a high oil content will not only flavor the chicken, it will also help keep the chicken from drying out on the grill. Then cut your vegetables into chunks that match the size of your chicken chunks, 1 to 1½ inches. You can go with classic vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, or add fruit like pineapple or peaches. If you want to marinate the vegetables, do so in a separate container from the chicken.
  3. KFD_CHICKEN_KEBAB_ASSEMBLE-0029
    3

    Build the kabobs.

    Start threading the chicken chunks and vegetables on the kabobs. It’s important not to pack the skewers too tight or too loose. If the chicken and vegetables are too snug, the skewer will take too long to cook. If too loose, the chicken and vegetables may overcook. Ideally, the chicken and vegetables will touch each other but not be too crowded.
  4. KFD_2-ZONE_FIRE-0015
    4

    Build a two-zone fire.

    Light your coals and configure your grill for a two-zone fire. Pile all the lit coals onto one side of the grill, and keep the other side empty. This way you can sear the skewers over high heat, and move to the cooler side in case of a flare-up.

  5. 5

    Sear the kabobs and rotate.

    Place a few of your chicken kabobs directly over the coals. Let the chicken and vegetables sear and get some color. Rotate the skewers to brown all of the sides. You’ll find this requires some attention and time, so don’t try to cook too many at once—work in batches. If the fire flares up or the skewers catch fire, move them to the cool side of the grill.
  6. KFD_CHICKEN_KEBAB_FINISH_ON_COOL_SIDE-0023
    6

    Finish on the cool side.

    When the chicken and vegetables have browned on all sides, move to the cooler side to finish cooking through. It will take about eight minutes total if you’re using white meat, about nine minutes if using dark meat. Chicken is done at 165°F. A good instant-read digital thermometer will make it easier to check for doneness.
  7. KFD_CHICKEN_KEBAB_HERO-0016
    7

    Serve immediately.

    Your chicken kabobs are ready to serve hot off the grill, no need to rest before serving. They pair nicely with just about anything.

Caitlyn Jenner and Deepak Chopra Open Up on Serena DC's "Hollywood Disclosure."

By Laura Medina


Better than gossip, truer than heresay, Serena DC's "Hollywood Disclosure" is where celebrities let down their guard then open up, by getting real and honest, dispelling rumors with hard-won experiences and advice.

Caitlyn Jenner and Deepak Chopra were the latest interviews to be aired on Saturday, July 18th, a week after the show premiered with an emotional testimonial against the entertainment industry from Corey Feldman and a hilarious and lighthearted conversation on love and monogamy with Hollywood heartthrob Daniel Goddard. 

“There are so many people out there, right now, not living their life the way they want to. Instead they are living the life that society says they should”, opens Serena on the show's third episode before interviewing the perfect person to carry on this conversation, the courageous and captivating Caitlyn Jenner. 

Caitlyn immediately shows humility as she downplays her experiences with transitioning on such a public stage. “Everybody’s got stuff”, Caitlyn states with a smirk. Caitlyn then responds to Serena’s point by expressing how emotionally taxing it was to not be able to be herself for most her life. “Did I build up Bruce so big that I’m stuck with him for the rest of my life?” 

Fortunately for everyone, we know that Caitlyn was finally able to free herself and find happiness through authenticity. The episode is loaded with never before told stories that are both heart-wrenching and heart-warming, giving its viewers an intimate and personalized peek into the life of Caitlyn. 


The show’s fourth episode also talks about love as the legendary alternative medicine advocate Deepak Chopra shares his views on love, relationships, and infidelity. “Most people’s relationships last about as long as this program”, jokes Deepak, before he goes in deep, sharing some of the most incredible and enlightening thoughts and opinions on love ever seen on TV. 

“Those who you are attracted to, in a sense mirrors who you are”, states Deepak when delving into attraction, the 1st step in achieving true love. 

The conversation continues to escalate before coming to an unsuspected climax, where Serena asks Deepak what his thoughts on infidelity are. 

Deepak explains that people cheat when their needs aren’t fulfilled by their partner and in the case of infidelity, one can either fix themselves to accommodate their partner, or they can part ways. Definitely not the most popular opinion, but Deepak makes a valid argument. Interesting…

If you want to learn about being human, keep on watching Serena DC's "Hollywood Disclosure."

Monday, July 20, 2020

Verdant Summer with Bare Minerals Gen Nude Natural Oasis Eyeshadow Palette.

By Laura Medina




Verdant in rainforest colors of deep green and rich purple and bronze, balanced with sand tones, Bare Minerals' Gen Nude Natural Oasis Eyeshadow Palette is swimming in a sea of rainforest green.

Green is a given for redheads.  What about switching it up for brunettes?


When you do get bored with the same ole black eyeliner, give a jolt of verdant, deep, rich green by rimming the eyes in Agave The Beauty of Nature Lasting Line Eyeliner.


Here is a rare, deep berry and vivid carnation pinks from Bare Minerals' 

MINERALIST HYDRA-SMOOTHING LIPSTICK, Hydrating Vegan Lipstick.





To ground and centralize the whole collection of verdant greens, deep berries, and vibrant pinks, is this peachy-pink THE BEAUTY OF NATURE GEN NUDE® POWDER BLUSH in "Call Me Blush."



Tuesday, July 14, 2020

The Eyes Have It..With Face Masks, Accent Them with LUXIE New Premium Eye Brush Sets From LUXIE.

By Laura Medina



When You Wear a Mask, the Eyes Are Everything - Make Them Shine with New Premium Eye Brush Sets From LUXIE, Featuring FREE Brush Cleaning Wipes For All July Orders 

The vegan, cruelty-free beauty brand introduces the Essential Eye Brush Set and Smokey Eye Brush Set, designed for a summer that’s all about eyes.

Eyes are everything. With COVID-19 mask-wearing regulations sweeping the country, eyes are our only point of connection. Make them shine with a selection of all-new eye brush sets from LUXIE. Created by a makeup lover for makeup loversLUXIE offers a complete cruelty-free collection of sustainably crafted, high-performing cosmetic tools. Their entirely vegan, hypoallergenic makeup brush is adored by fans around the world, featuring ultra-soft, synthetic bristles designed to outperform the top-tier animal hair varieties. Now, discover two brand new editions - the Essential Eye Brush Set and the Smokey Eye Brush Set - ideal for creating all of the season’s hottest looks, complete with a free pack of brush wipes for all July orders!

Bring your inner artist to life with the must-have LUXIE Eye Essential Brush Set in signature Rose Gold. Perfect for winged eyeliner, flawless shading, and everything in-between, this versatile kit is limited only by the imagination. Set features:

● The Luxie 207 Medium Angled Shading Eye Brush- define the crease or blend out the outer corners
● The Luxie 215 Small Angle Eye Brush- a firm, dense brush for cream or powder eye shadow, winged liner, and to fill in the brows
● The Luxie 221 Flat Definer Brush- smudge out bottom and top lash lines with powder or cream products
● The Luxie 231 Small Tapered Blending Brush- create depth and definition in crease and outer corners while blending out harsh lines
● The Luxie 235 Eye Blending Brush- apply and blend out cream or powder shadows in the eye crease
Plus, get everything necessary to master the smokey eye, cut crease, and winged liner with the LUXIE Smokey Eye Brush Set, also in signature Rose Gold. Featuring the company’s coveted premium soft, synthetic bristle brushes, this kit is a functional and beautiful addition to any bathroom vanity. Set includes:
● The Luxie 205 Tapered Blending Brush- a fluffy brush that pairs perfectly with powder or cream eyeshadow to blend your crease or transition colors around the edges
● The Luxie 215 Small Angle Brush- a firm, dense brush to smoothly line or wing the eye with cream or powder eyeshadow, or to fill in brows with your favorite powder or pomade
● The Luxie 213 Eye Shading Brush- a dense brush for applying cream, liquid, or powder eyeshadows
● The Luxie 217 Pencil Brush- a pointed-tip brush to smudge out cream or powder eyeshadows along the top and bottom lash lines for a gorgeous, smokey look
Discover why a fast-growing list of both celebrities and influencers turn to LUXIE for the vegan, cruelty-free beauty tools to create their favorite looks for the runway and every day. Shop the LUXIE Eye Essential Brush Set ($45) and Smokey Eye Brush Set ($35) online or at top US retailers like Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom, and Revolve. Order during the month of July and receive a pack of FREE brush cleaning wipes to help prioritize your health. Learn more about the company that believes “when you look good and do good, you feel good” at LuxieBeauty.com, and follow LUXIE on Instagram @LuxieBeauty for the latest makeup tutorials and product releases, plus top lifestyle and beauty inspo. 

Since 2014, LUXIE has grown from an indie brand to a global phenomenon beloved by top US influencers and beauty lovers alike. Sourcing the best components from around the world, the female-founded company developed one of the first high-performing, cruelty-free, and 100% vegan makeup brushes. Today, their complete collection features a wide array of multi-use beauty tools that combine sleek design with problem-solving functionality, including signature brushes made with premium soft, synthetic bristles. Headquartered in San Jose, California, LUXIE is available in retail stores across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Led by CEO Conor Riley and CFO Claudia Poccia - known for her work with Shiseido, Bare Escentuals, Stila, and Laura Mercier - the LUXIE team is constantly innovating in a non-stop effort to deliver flawless perfection. They strive to partner with exceptional retailers, influencers, and industry leaders who share their core environmental and community values, along with an authentic passion for next-generation beauty products. Learn more at LuxieBeauty.com and follow on Instagram @LuxieBeauty.

Twist & Click, Minnie by Olika Hydrating Hand Sanitizers.

By Laura Medina



With a simple twist to the right to squirt, then a twist to the left to close, OLIKA Hydrating Hand Sanitizer is a cute way to sanitizer your hands while hydrating.

The fragrance-free limited edition hand sanitizer is available in two lush colors: Pink Marshmallow and Purple Thistle and is:
  • CDC APPROVED - Made with 65% ethyl alcohol, OLIKA removes 99.9% of germs from hands while hydrating skin for up to 24 hours.
  • BETTER-FOR-YOU – Made with alcohol, water, glycerin, and aloe vera - yup, that's it!
  • SPREADING LOVE, NOT GERMS – Due to high demand we are limiting the number of bird packs one can order at one time to help as many people as possible get hand sanitizer. Combined with a no price-gouging guarantee and 50¢ shipping, it’s just one more way we’re putting more love into the world. Good news? With 500+ sprays or 250 uses, Minnie replaces 15+ bottles of gel-based alternatives. 
Small enough to fit in the palm of your hands.  Small to tote in your purse or duffle bag.

Friday, July 10, 2020

Serena DC, Lifestyle Boss Babe & Host of FYI Network's "Hollywood Disclosure" & of GEL BAE.

By Laura Medina

Boss Babe entrepreneur from Australia, Serena DC, knows her lifestyle audience/demographic.

They like Hollywood celebrities and the accompanying lifestyle, a complete package.

Debuting on Saturday, July 11th at 10:30am, you can spend a light eye-candy brunch with her "Hollywood Disclosure," https://www.fyi.tv/shows/hollywood-disclosure-with-serena-dc  where she up close and personal with Caitlyn Jenner, Corey Feldman, Deepak Chopra, Colin Eggelsfield, and Tara Reid.  On her talk show, it's less talk show, more of a deep documentary, where celebrities really do open, as in Caitlin Jenner discussed it's harder to parent than it is transitioning.


It can't be all deep.  Serena can lighten up with her GEL BAE POLY GEL glue-on manicures.

Taking as little as 20 minutes to apply a full set, the kit has been perfectly designed for self application and includes everything you need to get that picture perfect look. 

Gel Bae Poly Gel material is non-toxic and safer to use than the typical acrylic you might find in a salon. The nails are also a non-leveling product which does not require you to file down your nails, avoiding potential unnecessary damage. Gel Bae Poly Gel Nails will typically give you two to three weeks of exceptional nails before having to be replaced.
 
Serena has never been more excited about one of her product ranges before. "I have always been so obsessed with having amazing nails! I designed this range over in Los Angeles consulting with my stylists, make up artists, nail tech and some of the biggest names in Hollywood. I wanted to create an on trend range of colours and sparkle that every woman would fall in love with. That's why it is called Gel "bae". Because I absolutely LOVE Gel Nails!"
 
You can purchase a starter kit easily from the website http://www.gelbae.com/

The kits come in an array of different colors and styles, each with a wonderfully affordable price tag, that won’t break your budget. The website includes easy to follow tutorial videos that explain step by step how to apply and remove your beautiful nails safely. 
 
In the past it was almost impossible to apply Gel Nails to yourself as the process required skill, intricacy and a very steady hand, however that has now changed with the introduction of our easy to use "Nail Casts". This new system allows you to mould your nails prior to attaching them allowing you to easily create your dream nails. “One of the things I hated most about going to a salon is the damage the salons did to my nails whilst removing the gel or acrylic” says Serena, “So I designed Gel Bae to be easy to remove and gentle on your nails”

If California was a stand-alone country, it would be Australia.


Serena DC spends her time between Los Angeles and Melbourne. Serena DC is a multi-hyphenate Entrepreneur, Beauty Mogul and TV Personality. As well as owning several successful companies and starring in the Netflix show Instant Hotel, she is the host of a brand new celebrity interview series called Hollywood Disclosure which will premier in July on the FYI network, and the lead in the new reality series Dream Life which will be out later this year.

Serena DC is a lifestyle Boss Babe.
 



Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Michael Des Barres' "Anarchy In The UK" Offers Peace, Love, Kindness, & Compassion for Social Justice, During These COVID-19 Times.

By Laura Medina


Legendary rocker and actor (he was the original "Murdoc" in the original eighties' "MacGyver" then returned to today's revamped "MacGyver" as "Nicholas Helman"), Michael Des Barres had no idea that his softer, more soulful, ballad take on the Sex Pistol's punk rock classic would fit in, just so, during COVID-19 virus, pandemic, and the accompanying quarantine then the social justice protests and the following riots and lootings. 

"I recorded this before the pandemic, before the quarantine."

"I've experienced making hits and having hits in the past."  He's not interested in making hits now, "I'm not Billie Eilish."  His songs welcome anybody.

He recorded this song for anyone, whether it be "two people or 2,000 people."
"Not aiming to anyone."

“I wanted to record the song as if it was a warning that we live in dangerous times and the only thing to negate that danger is loving and being there for each other. It’s an opportunity to understand that love conquers all, especially now." 
Michael is more interested in making the world a better place.

"Belief in something."  

"Make music to mean something."

It's about embracing more understanding about ourselves, "Who the f*ck gonna love you when you can't love yourself?!"

He was kind enough to being interviewed during his break from hosting three hours of Little Steven's Garage Rock's "Underground Garage" on Sirius XM's Radio Channel 21, https://www.siriusxm.ca/hosts/michael-des-barres/, takes him eight hours to curate, edit, and produce.

Michael,..

"What we need is more love, kindness, compassion, and understanding."

He quoted that all these social revolutions is like a warning to the environment and society.

He, also, commented in this age of social media, secrets are being revealed.  There are no secrets.

"With COVID-19, it only emphasize society needs more humanity, love, kindness, and compassion."

As for remaking the manic "Anarchy In The UK," into a ballad, for him to perform it literally, he wouldn't be an artist, "It's up to the artist to remake it into something new. If you don't do that, you're not an artist."

“I have reinterpreted it in my own way to reflect the times we live in.”

“I think doing cover songs is a very good way to show audiences who you like and, for young bands, to learn how to write a great song,” he considers. “Listen to the greats, but never copy them.”

Since he's been a rocker since 1972, he mentioned that "Anarchy In The UK" was written by and about working-class kids with no jobs (similar to what's happening in today's quarantine's economy).  The Sex Pistol's Steve Jones and John Lydon wrote it.  Before Michael released his version recently, he played his ballad version, to Steve Jones.

“I’m a huge fan of the Sex Pistols — Steve Jones, who I was in a band with in the 80s (Chequered Past), is one of the greatest guitarists rock n’ roll has ever experienced and I love him dearly,” he continues. “And I think John Lydon created a masterpiece lyrically."

His "Anarchy In The UK" ballad is observational, "What's happening in the world. More of a warning."  For him, it's about social justice.

One percent of the profits from "Anarchy In The UK," will be donated to https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/


What's Michael Des Barres is passionate about is homelessness and tent cities, especially when they're being exposed to COVID-19.

100% of the proceeds from the release will be donated to the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival in an effort to confront the interlocking evils of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, militarism and the war economy, and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism,” Des Barres shares. 

For him, it's all about social justice.  An organization championing humanity.

If you wait towards the end of his video, you'll read and learn about https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/

Regarding social justice, again, he commented there no secrets.  They're being revealed.

As a working actor, Michael also noted that the pandemic ground film and TV production to the halt.  "No one is working. No movies (production) since March. Business shut down."

No worries for this entertainment veteran and rock legend.

He's doing fine now a days.

While being stay safe and healthy from the pandemic, he has an home gym; and he's quite busy on radio.

These days, he can be heard DJ-ing on SiriusXM, including Little Steven’s Underground Garage, https://www.siriusxm.ca/hosts/michael-des-barres/and continuously releasing new music through rocker (E Street Band) and actor (The Sopranos) Steven Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records.

“Working with Steven producing has been the highlight of my musical career,” he says.

The love is mutual: “Michael continues to evolve, evoke, and provoke,” Van Zandt adds. “As he extends his streak of his new work being his best work, he proves once again that virtually everyone from the Rock Era has made the very concept of chronological time totally irrelevant!”

“We’re not here to impress, we’re here to learn and entertain,” he offers. “I’ve never been interested in technical ability, I’m interested in what an artist is feeling. It’s why I say to only write music to please yourself, never write what you think you should be writing.

Michael suggests while being positive and righting social injustices, "You should wear spectacular clothing while you're doing it!," being the rocker that he is.
“Regret nothing. Just be kind, be cool, and be courageous!”