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EventsFashion & BeautyLifestyle

Novara Celebrates World Kindness Day in NYC

by Lenique Vincent
written by Lenique Vincent

Nestled into the candle lit, lower level of Champers Social Club NYC; Novara founder, Reshona Jessamy, hosted an intimate dinner to celebrate World Kindness Day on November 15.

Saved by acts of kindness during her own struggles with depression, and while overcoming a suicide attempt, Jessamy dedicates her skincare line to paying it forward. For this reason, each Novara product is packaged with affirmations.

“We created thousands of unique messages,” the gracious Jessamy noted before dinner commenced. “Those messages are really meant to spread kindness, and to uplift and inspire women.”

“Often times when we think about kindness, we think that it’s just about being nice, but kindness is more than that,” she continued. “It’s uplifting one another, it’s generosity, it’s compassion and it’s self care. So first, I implore you to be kind to yourself.”

Providing consumers with an opportunity to show themselves kindness, Novara, so far, consists of six key products know as the Waterfall Collection. The collection consists of: the soft cream Purifying Cleanser, an Illuminating Serum, their oil free Hydrating Cream; not to be confused with the Ultra Hydrating Cream, a Resurfacing Serum for texture improvement and lastly, the micro-exfoliating Revitalizing Essence treatment. Beyond gaining the benefits of each product, supporting Novara is an act of advocacy for suicide prevention since 20% of profits are donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Linking beauty and mental health as a mother, career woman, wife and entrepreneur, Jessamy continues to walk in her purpose as she uses her platform to show others why it’s important for them to do the same.

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Lifestyle

Taco Bell Unveils: Nacho Fries Lover’s Pass and Grilled Cheese Nacho Fries!

by Claire Kay Hernandez
written by Claire Kay Hernandez

Prepare to embark on a taste adventure as Taco Bell introduces two mouthwatering additions to its menu. If you’ve been craving the return of the beloved Nacho Fries, Taco Bell has answered your prayers and taken it a step further with the Nacho Fries Lover’s Pass and the irresistible Grilled Cheese Nacho Fries.

Nacho Fries Lover’s Pass: A Fan’s Dream Come True

Starting November 14th, Taco Bell Rewards Members can snag the exclusive Nacho Fries Lover’s Pass for just $10, available through the Taco Bell app until December 4th. This pass is no ordinary ticket to flavor town—it grants members the joy of indulging in a regular Nacho Fries order every day for a glorious 30 consecutive days. It’s a golden opportunity for fries enthusiasts to savor the crispy perfection of Taco Bell’s iconic Nacho Fries.

Grilled Cheese Nacho Fries: Fusion of Flavor

On November 16th, brace yourselves for the collision of two culinary powerhouses—Nacho Fries and Grilled Cheese. For $4.99, Taco Bell is unleashing the Grilled Cheese Nacho Fries nationwide, available for a limited time. Picture this: crispy, golden potatoes fried to perfection, topped with a grilled, bubbly blend of mozzarella, monterey pepper jack, and cheddar cheeses. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there—these golden delights are garnished with marinated and grilled steak, Taco Bell’s signature Nacho Cheese, and a kick of Chipotle sauces. It’s a flavor explosion that promises to satisfy even the most adventurous taste buds.

Taco Bell has once again proven that innovation knows no bounds, and the Nacho Fries Lover’s Pass and Grilled Cheese Nacho Fries are poised to become the next fan favorites. Don’t miss out on the fiesta of flavors – it’s a Taco Bell experience you won’t want to skip!

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EntertainmentEventsUncategorized

ESSENCE Girls United Summit 2023: Atlanta’s Celebration of the Black Experience in the Era of Disruption

by Chantell Hayden
written by Chantell Hayden

On Saturday, Nov. 11. the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit returned to Atlanta, offering a vibrant celebration of the diverse facets of the black experience. With the support of Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, attendees of all ages gathered for a day filled with panels, beauty, and music.

Throughout the lively event, trays of complimentary McDonald’s French Fries circulated the venue while guests engaged in various activities including photo-booths, crafting flower crowns, and more.

Essence Ventures President & CEO Caroline Wanga kicked off the event with her ‘Disrupt or Be Disrupted’ panel. A thought-provoking episode of the podcast ‘If Not for My Girls’ featured comedian and actress Pretty Vee, rapper BIA, and singer-songwriter Muni Long discussing walking in one’s purpose and aspiring for more.

Girls United Co-Founders Rechelle and Sophia Dennis joined sisters Jordyn and Jodie Wood for a heartfelt conversation on the joys of sisterhood and how they’ve learned eachother. Despite their age gaps, the sisters displayed a genuine closeness that made the panel feel more like a relaxed chat between life-long friends.

Jordyn and Jodie Woods, despite their undeniable impact across social media, have solidified themselves as more than just influencers. Jodie has emerged as an inspiration for the new Gen Z, while Jordyn has continued to establish her brand with her newly launched clothing line, Woods by Jordyn.

Notable personalities such as Aliyah’s Interlude, Yung BBQ, TM Twins, Karma Bridges, Anisa Brenee, and DJ Tootz were also in attendance.

The summit offered diverse interactive experiences, from speed mentorship sessions to a beauty makeover station. In front of a massive photo wall featuring the season 5 cast of ‘If Not for My Girls’—BIA, Muni Long, and Pretty Vee—attendees enjoyed Coca-Cola mocktails at a mocktail bar and explored a Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar photo activation.

Guests personalized airbrushed tote bags and pouches and indulged in some light shopping at the Soko Marketplace, featuring a range of products from jewelry to haircare.

The day concluded with an electrifying performance by Mariah The Scientist, singing her hit songs, including the fan-favorite “Spread Thin.”

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EntertainmentEventsLifestyleUncategorized

ElewaTv Host Their 3rd Annual Creative Chat Link-Up at Black Gotham Space in NYC

by Branda Ayo
written by Branda Ayo

ElewaTv, a full service Black women owned creative agency and multi-media platform founded by Abisola Sanya, hosted its 3rd annual Creative Chat Link Up at the Black Gotham Space in South Street Seaport NYC earlier this November. With a vision of becoming Africa’s largest creative network. The women run team of makeup artists, hair stylists, set designers, PR  and creative directors are all passionate about seeing ElewaTv become a platform that builds community around emerging talent and the competitive creative industry.  

Panelist included Jean Paul Dia, Sadin Moore, Noel Camacho, Fatama Kamara, & Kobina De Graft-Johnson with host Ariel Laura facilitating questions. Each creative got the opportunity to discuss how they navigated the industry, setting boundaries, centering their faiths and community in their work, and leaning into their authentic selves to set them apart. Event sponsors included George’s Sparking Drinks and Sugarcane Restaurant in Brooklyn.

ElewaTv founder Abisola Sanya

Launched in September of 2019 Elewa, deriving its name from the Yoruba word for beauty has persisted even in the face of COVID-19 restrictions. . ElewaTv illustrates a concept needed more of in the media, fashion, and beauty industry. Historically, Black individuals have been marginalized, their beauty standards often overshadowed by prevailing norms that primarily celebrate white women. This discrepancy is particularly evident in modeling agencies, which have a deep-rooted history of favoring specific models characterized by predetermined body types and a particular skin complexion.

In response to these entrenched biases, the industry is undergoing a transformative shift with heightened awareness. There is a concerted effort to challenge and overcome issues like colorism, texturism, and body shaming. ElewaTv stands at the forefront of this movement, actively working to be more inclusive and challenge the traditional norms and perceptions surrounding beauty. By fostering a community-driven ethos, ElewaTv seeks to redefine the standards of beauty, emphasizing authenticity, diversity, and the celebration of all forms of beauty, irrespective of societal stereotypes.

Back in 2021, ElewaTv started a crowdfunding campaign Called Creatives Alike on Seed & Spark to fundraise for their 24/7 docuseries that would platform creatives across the diaspora. ElewaTv premiered episodes of the 24/7 Daily Show shot during Covid at the Creative Chat Link Up featuring Dotun Abeshinbioka, Fatamata Kamara , Clint Catul  and others. 

The resounding message echoing from the event was a call to honor oneself, nurture personal dreams, and safeguard one’s beliefs. In an industry often characterized by pressure to conform, the emphasis remained on staying true to one’s identity, embracing authenticity, and leading with unwavering faith. The panel of creatives, many of whom shared a Christian background, underscored the significance of faith as a foundational force. This grounding element serves as a compass during the unpredictable journey of the creative industry, providing clarity and resilience amid challenges that might otherwise seem overwhelming. The acknowledgment of something greater than themselves enables these creatives to maintain a broader perspective and persevere on their paths of self-determination.

When delving into the challenges creatives encounter at the outset of their journey, a recurring theme emerges. Fundamentally, the hurdles revolve around securing funding, garnering support, and finding meaningful work opportunities. This creates a sort of catch-22 scenario, where one essential element is often required to fulfill another. As the panelists highlighted, navigating this challenge may involve thinking creatively about how you engage with the space you aspire to be a part of. This might include avenues such as interning, volunteering, or even initiating your own projects to kickstart your journey. The creatives on the panel shared insights from their non-traditional paths, serving as a reminder to the audience to consistently believe in themselves and their vision.

Check out out ElewaTv’s 24/7 Daily Episodes on Youtube and a  recap of  the Creative Chat Link Up below!

 

 

 

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Lifestyle

Restaurant Review: Cloves Indian Cuisine

by Ethan Singh
written by Ethan Singh

Nomad is slowly becoming a hotbed of quality Indian food. Saravanaa Bhavan has been the quintessential Dosa place for some time and has become something of a taste of home for many South Asian transplants. Recently, another interesting place has opened in the area: Cloves Indian Cuisine. And to cut the story short, it’s definitely a welcome addition.

This restaurant is the latest from restaurateur Syed Haider, an accomplished figure in the industry who has worked in the Indian culinary world for several decades. In the late 80s, Haider moved to NYC, beginning his culinary career at the acclaimed Bombay Palace, owned by his mentor Sant Singh Chatwal. After his tenure at Bombay Place, he assumed the role of general manager at Sapphire Indian Restaurant, expanding his knowledge of restaurant management and menu and wine list development. With this extensive experience, Haider then launched his first restaurant, Jaz in Hell’s Kitchen, followed by the fast-casual Forest Hills Indian Cuisine.

To bring his vison for Cloves Indian Cuisine to life, Haider has partner with Co-Owner Abdul Rocky and Consulting Chef Vijay Bhargava, previously Executive Chef at Raga Indian Restaurant Midtown, who received a 3 Star review from New York Times critic Mimi Sheraton. Ashish Negi will serve as Chef de Cuisine, formerly of Utsav and will execute the extensive menu of Northern Indian fare and beloved Indian favorites.

My experience there was lovely. I began the meal with a couple of samosas. Thanks to tiktok, I had been craving some all week and this was just what the doctor ordered. They came beautifully plated with a flower nestled between two plump samosas and garnished throughout with tiny chips of bell pepper that resembled confetti. The outside of the samosas were crisp while the interior was soft and heartily stuffed. They also came paired with a good mint sauce and a surprisingly authentic tamarind sauce. All it all it was a great way to start the meal.

To continue, I had the chicken vindaloo while my girlfriend who accompanied me had the Lamb Madras. We got a side of rice and garlic naan to go with the meal. Oftentimes with Indian food, the sauce does all of the heavy lifting and the same is true here. For both the chicken and the lamb the sauce was wonderfully done and left me wanting more, even though I was near bursting at the seams. The lamb was done to absolute perfection. The rice was light and fluffy and served as a perfect compliment to the chicken and the lamb dishes. My only real complaint as someone from Caribbean and Indian descent is that the food was not spicy enough. However, to the average restaurant goer, that may be a solid green flag that this is what you’re looking for.

Finding an Indian restaurant that’s not nestled in a strange corner of town or stuck in the no man’s land of New Jersey is tough. It’s tougher still to find one where you can order as a new comer to this genre of food. Cloves is both a perfect introduction and a wonderful experience to undertake. The management is overwhelming nice and attentive. You can tell they put their care into what they do and it’s a welcome sight. It’s easy, simple, and a place I want to eat at again in the future. I certainly recommend a visit to this spot.

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LifestyleThe Latest

Sipping Stories: Hilary Sheinbaum’s Book Launch at The New Bar for “A Journal for Bad Days”

by Ashley Lopez
written by Ashley Lopez

Venice Beach, CA — The New Bar at 1821 South Lincoln Blvd. was the place to be at to kick start the the lively book launch party for Hilary Sheinbaum’s latest work, “A Journal for Bad Days” on the evening of Thursday, November 16.

As the sun began to set over Venice Beach, the bar buzzed with anticipation. Guests were welcomed to an intimate gathering promising good vibes, a chance to indulge in delectable non-alcoholic sips, and an exclusive Q&A session with the author herself.

The evening kicked off with a casual mingling session, where attendees enjoyed the refreshing NA sips provided by The Free Spirits Company, Surely (wines), and Grüvi (beer). The atmosphere was infused with excitement as guests approached the bar to order the drinks of their choice. From cocktails to drinks by the glass there were a variety of selections to choose from.

Author Hilary Sheinbaum, a beacon of warmth and enthusiasm, personally welcomed guests to the event as they made their way inside of the bar. As the mingling continued, the air was filled with the delightful aroma of snacks courtesy of Methodology, adding a culinary touch to pair along this stimulating environment.

The highlight of the evening unfolded as Hilary invited guests to participate in a unique Q&A session. Attendees eagerly submitted their burning questions into the designated bowl. Hilary, embodying the spirit of her book, randomly selected five questions and shared her insights, creating a direct and personal connection with her audience.

The questions ranged from the inspiration behind “A Journal for Bad Days” to Hilary’s writing process and the book’s overarching themes. The Q&A not only provided a deeper understanding of the author’s journey but also allowed guests to feel actively involved in the literary discourse.

The mingling resumed after what was such an enlightening Q&A. This allowed the setting for conversations to flourish within the author and guests. As the night drew to a close, guests were handed thoughtfully curated goodie bags, as a token of appreciation for their presence and participation in the celebration. The bags contained surprises that mirrored the essence of “A Journal for Bad Days,” leaving attendees with a tangible reminder of the magical evening.

Hilary Sheinbaum’s book launch party for “A Journal for Bad Days” was not just an event; it was a vibrant tapestry woven with literary passion, insightful discussions, and coastal camaraderie. The New Bar in Venice Beach served as the perfect canvas for this literary masterpiece to unfold, offering attendees an unforgettable experience to remember.

“A Journal for Bad Days” by Hilary Sheinbaum is now available for purchase, inviting readers to embark on a journey through its pages of resilience and reflection.

Here is a reel to recap the night!

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