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5aa2951fa278be49776de52316033fbb | https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2019/08/14/how-one-renowned-us-nonprofit-is-becoming-a-global-force-for-positive-change/ | How One Renowned U.S. Nonprofit Is Becoming A Global Force For Positive Change | How One Renowned U.S. Nonprofit Is Becoming A Global Force For Positive Change
Part of the series “Today’s True Leadership”
Collaboration to build a better community Getty Images/iStockphoto
As a mission-driven nonprofit, Omega Institute for Holistic Studies based in Rhinebeck, NY, has provided lifelong learning opportunities for over 40 years. From teaching and modeling environmental conservation, to supporting veterans, women leaders, and nonprofit organizations, to bringing yoga, mindfulness, and other wellness practices to an ever-widening international community of people, Omega’s integrated approach to social, cultural, and environmental challenges brings a fresh perspective to some of today’s most pressing matters.
Carla Goldstein, JD, was a trailblazer in women's leadership with over 20 years of public policy experience when she joined Omega in 2005 to head external affairs. Recently promoted to the new role of President, she helps Omega connect its work to change-making efforts around the world. In 2012, Goldstein also co-founded the Omega Women's Leadership Center, a hub for convening, inspiring and training women to Do Power Differently.
Here’s what Goldstein shares about the new focus of the Omega Institute:
Kathy Caprino: You’ve now spent close to 15 years at Omega Institute for Holistic Studies. What’s changed? What remains the same?
Carla Goldstein: Omega has grown into an institute of influence way beyond the founders early imaginings. Omega was originally set up in 1977 as a seasonal, educational retreat center, open for only a few weeks a year, with a few hundred participants. Since then, we’ve seen more than one million people come through our doors, about 23,000 annually. Today, we are a leading nonprofit in New York’s Hudson Valley region, a nexus for thought leaders and social visionaries, and an international destination for lifelong learning, whether in-person or online.
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When I came to Omega it was coming up on its 30th anniversary and like many nonprofits we were grappling with how to ensure we had a viable and impactful future. Every year our costs rise—from serving regionally grown farm-to-table food, to rising energy and health care costs, and also maintaining our 250-acre campus.
But, like all businesses, we’ve had to adapt to the changing times and technology to stay viable and relevant. Social media and digital advertising have completely changed how businesses market themselves, and have given nonprofits additional ways to reach new audiences, and potential donors. Yet it can never replace the importance of face-to-face contact and human connection. So today for us, it’s really a “both and” approach.
Since our founding, Omega has offered an integrated approach to personal growth and social change. We believe that the well-being of every individual is deeply connected to the well-being of all living things. It’s the “me-to-we concept,” and as a human family we need to create solutions that lift everybody.
Through our workshops and trainings, we help people have the courage, the inspiration, and the clarity to figure out what it is they care about and how they can get involved in their sphere of influence, whatever that might be. We're not in a position of saying, 'Here's the answer.' We're in a position of saying, 'Hey, it matters. It really matters that you're not only involved in developing yourself as a person, but that you as a person are deeply connected to your community, and to the rest of the world.'
Caprino: Omega addresses a variety of social change issues through its nonprofit work. Is there a unifying principle for the kind of change you’d like to see, and the path you’ve defined with your strategic plan?
Goldstein: We believe that personal change and social change are inherently connected. At a time when our world faces monumental challenges, from our climate crisis, to social injustices to political polarization, we want to help create a climate for positive change – helping people remember we are all in this together – part of the same human family. We are creating programs that can offer people the kinds of information and skills to solve some of the biggest issues we face, like drawing carbon out of the atmosphere, creating greater social and economic equity, and addressing systemic injustices.
When we say “climate for positive change,” we mean helping people bring compassion and care into their personal lives, their work lives, and their communities. The same way you nurture and care for a garden, you have to work at having conscious communication, and solutions-focused dialogue, and not be afraid to have the difficult conversations, whether they are at the dinner table or in the board room. And that is where the tools Omega embraces like mindfulness and self-awareness can really help.
Another really important program we’ve built over the last fifteen years is designed to strengthen the non-profit sector by offering grants to organizations so that they can carve out time for reflection and strategic planning. These kinds of activities are often the first to go when budgets are tight. The program provides our nonprofit peers cost-free facilities, housing, and meals to conduct working retreats on our campus.
To date we have hosted more than 350 nonprofits, and seen about 5,000 dedicated people come through the program, including staff, board members, volunteers, and constituents. It’s very inspiring for us to be able to take care of the people who work on the front line of their communities taking care of everyone else.
Caprino: You were recently appointed as Omega’s President. Tell us what you will be doing in your new role.
Goldstein: We’re about two years into our 5-year strategic plan, which is really aimed at enriching learning experiences and scaling up our engagement as a global force for change. We’re investing in online learning to make our curriculum more accessible, enhancing our campus as a model for the holistic principles we teach, and engaging a global community of learners in the issues that matter in their communities.
The plan is ambitious, and will take significant fundraising to fulfill. To that end, our CEO Robert “Skip” Backus has charged me with leading the development of our first-ever comprehensive campaign in the role of President. I will also continue to lead Omega’s external affairs efforts, and continue in my cofounder role with the Omega Women’s Leadership Center. So it’s a big challenge but truly an honor to be able to advance our mission of ‘awakening the best in the human spirit.’
For more information, visit Omega Institute for Holistic Studies.
For hands-on support from Kathy Caprino to build your most rewarding and thrilling career, visit her Coaching programs and her Amazing Career Project course.
Gallery: America's Top Charities 2018 26 images View gallery
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df367c5b0352bf19e2c5c4f960fda3b0 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2019/10/19/3-things-that-people-who-achieve-their-biggest-dreams-do-differently/ | 3 Things That People Who Achieve Their Biggest Dreams Do Differently | 3 Things That People Who Achieve Their Biggest Dreams Do Differently
Part of the series “Accessing The Most Powerful Version of You”
Achieving your big dreams in work that matters Getty Images/iStockphoto
During the last years of my corporate life when I was most unhappy and chronically ill, a colleague shared with me that she saw a future in which I was writing books, doing fulfilling work I loved and making a positive difference to people in a way that mattered to me. I thought she was crazy, or that she was talking about someone else. I simply couldn’t imagine a way out of this career I’d built that felt like a trap. And I certainly couldn’t imagine achieving my biggest dreams of being a published writer and doing work that could help others. That was 20 years ago, and a lot has changed.
Now, in interviewing and meeting people who are making a big, beautiful impact in the world, and are overcoming huge odds (and often devastating trauma) to do successful work that’s a calling for them, it’s clear that people who are shining their lights brightly and achieving their biggest dreams behave differently from others in a number of key ways.
On the flip side, so many people who are not achieving their dreams are experiencing what I call the 7 most damaging power gaps that keep them from working and living as they want to. In my recent Power Gap survey, the single most pressing gap that people report experiencing is Power Gap #6: Losing Sight Of Your Thrilling Dream.
This gap crushes people down and leaves them feeling demoralized and hopeless. 98% of the respondents indicate experiencing at least one of these 7 gaps, and 75% are having 3 or more at the same time. In terms of this particular challenge–losing sight of your thrilling dream–73% indicated “Yes” or “Maybe” to experiencing it and 25% feel it’s the one gap that resonates most for them.
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There are three critical actions that separate those who reach their biggest dreams from those who get to midlife and beyond failing to create or achieve what they’ve longed to.
The three essential actions of those who achieve their biggest dreams are:
#1: They stop ceaselessly wondering if they’re good or worthy enough to do great things.
Coaching professionals from around the world, I have a window into people’s deepest fears, anxieties and insecurities. For so many, they stay stuck in an endless cycle of thinking they’re not “good” (or smart, talented, young, experienced, educated, worthy, etc.) enough to achieve what they long to. Their confidence has been rocked and now they are so entrenched in believing they don’t deserve to achieve their dreams that they fulfill their own prophecy of inadequacy. They perpetuate their negative reality by sabotaging their own growth and success, or failing to do the work to move beyond this negative state.
Tip: Stop wondering if you’re good or worthy enough. Just stop. If you have a dream, then you’re meant to pursue it in some way, to become more of who you already are. You are worthy, but you have to believe that and start being the person you want to be.
#2: They commit to brave action every day that propels them forward towards their highest visions, and they keep going and learning.
I believe there isn’t one person whom you deeply admire for doing something great that just popped out of the gate doing it. It’s been a long journey for them, and usually a rocky and challenging one at that. They tried hard, they fell down miserably, they picked themselves up again and they kept going. They may have pivoted to a new direction entirely, but they kept growing. And they turned their embarrassing failures and lowest points into exciting, new successes because of what they learned and applied through that failure.
Commitment to brave action that moves you forward emerges from what Dr. Carol Dweck explains is a “growth mindset.” Stanford University psychologist and author of the bestselling book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Dweck shares:
“Believing that your qualities are carved in stone— the fixed mindset— creates an urgency to prove yourself over and over. If you have only a certain amount of intelligence, a certain personality, and a certain moral character—well, then you’d better prove that you have a healthy dose of them. It simply wouldn’t do to look or feel deficient in these most basic characteristics...
There’s another mindset in which these traits are not simply a hand you’re dealt and have to live with, always trying to convince yourself and others that you have a royal flush when you’re secretly worried it’s a pair of tens. In this mindset, the hand you’re dealt is just the starting point for development. This growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every which way—in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments—everyone can change and grow through application and experience.”
Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) shares a wonderful story that reveals his own growth mindset, about how his devastating failure being cut as a pro football player and never making it to the NFL paved the way to the big career he now loves. He says:
“Sometimes the goal we've worked our ass off for years is never achieved. Then years later we look back and realize, it's the best thing that NEVER happened.”
Tip: You can’t achieve (or recognize) your biggest dreams if you never do anything that will help you live, learn and grow in a larger way. Adopt a growth mindset, and understand that big dream you end up fulfilling may be one you never even considered. But you’ll never get to that big dream if you do nothing in your life to commit to expanding and experiencing yourself in a new and bigger way. Make a brave step this week to move toward (in a small way) a dream of yours that won’t die and watch what you learn.
#3: They understand they can’t do it alone, and they don’t want to. They connect from their hearts and souls with people who uplift and support them on the path to their dreams.
I see this one challenge over and over in many people I work with who want a bigger, juicier life: They are trying to hack it out alone and in a vacuum. They don’t understand the need for support, and that we all need people in our lives who can uplift and teach us. You cannot have an amazing career or life that fulfills your biggest dreams without the help of others–it’s just not possible.
People who are achieving their most thrilling visions have realized that fact, and embrace it. They don’t need to prove that they’re good or tough enough alone or that they don’t need anybody. They know that powerful support, including mentors, sponsors, and ambassadors who believe in them are an essential ingredient to big success.
Tip: Start building a larger, more supportive community and network of people who inspire you today. Don’t stay stuck in your own bubble of aloneness. There are amazing people out there in the world right now who are waiting in the wings to help you soar and rise to your highest potential. All you have to do is ask.
As Richie Norton, bestselling author of the book The Power of Starting Something Stupid and one of the world’s top 100 business coaches (named by Dr. Marshall Goldsmith), shared with me in our recent Finding Brave podcast interview,
If you’re thinking that it’s not possible to do these things you dream to, then it’s not possible. But if you open your mind to the possibilities, it will become possible. Richie Norton
To reach your highest potential and your biggest dreams, work with Kathy Caprino in a Career Breakthrough program and tune into her weekly Finding Brave podcast.
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6211c14857412a0216fef2b5d286c375 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2019/11/25/strengthen-this-one-thing-before-you-quit-your-job-or-change-careers/ | Strengthen This One Thing Before You Quit Your Job Or Change Careers | Strengthen This One Thing Before You Quit Your Job Or Change Careers
Part of the series “Accessing the Most Powerful Version of You”
Considering a job or career change? Don't do it until you address this one thing. Getty Images/iStockphoto
As my career coaching work has evolved over the years, I’ve trained my focus on helping mid- to high-level professionals who are at a decisive crossroads in their jobs or careers, and are committed to making the best next move. Most often, these men and women know something critical has to change in their work, but they’re confused as to exactly what needs modification. There’s so much going wrong that it’s hard for them to identify one thing to address first.
I’ve seen continually that when we’re deeply unhappy in our work, and experiencing pain, mistreatment, disillusionment and regret about the focus of our careers and the people we’re working with, we often want to run away as far as we can from the pain, to the opposite end of the working world.
For example, an HR executive who’s fed up with their toxic leadership desperately wants to chuck it all and start an online lifestyle business. Or a Finance VP wants to stop obsessing about the bottom line and turn to working in the non-profit arena to feel he’s making a meaningful difference in the world, and so on.
While these might be the best moves for these individuals, thousands of times it’s not. Instead, unhappy professionals are engaging in what I call the “Pendulum Effect”–knee-jerking from the pain and trying to escape their chronic career problems. That often leads them to chuck everything they’ve built and start over completely.
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I’ve seen (in my own life and hundreds of others) that running away to an entirely new career often doesn’t address or fix the real problem–and that is who you are when you are working. This includes your boundaries, your ego, your way of communicating, how you handle stress, your decision-making process, how you relate to others, how you deal with critique and challenge and so much more.
Those elements of your approach to living and working don’t change just because you’ve quit your job or career. They’ll show up again in the new field or job, unless you do the inner and outer work to become someone who is more confident, self-respecting, powerful and impactful and able to stand up calmly and resolutely for yourself.
Before you make any changes in your job or your career, it’s critical to address this one thing before you make any moves: the way you are operating in the world.
When you do the work to strengthen and grow personally, you elevate yourself and ensure that your career will become more satisfying and aligned with your values. The degree to which you are able to grow and expand yourself to operate at the highest level is what will ensure that you can experience more reward and success in your jobs and professional endeavors.
This strengthening process involves closing the seven damaging power gaps that keep professionals from thriving. And elevating yourself to the highest level involves honing what I’ve seen are the nine essential skills for success and happiness in your career. They all involve strengthening who you are and how you show up in the world.
You simply cannot have a happy, rewarding and successful career if you are seriously lacking in these skills:
Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence Communication Skill Building Strong Relationships Decision Making Leadership Advocating and Negotiating Work-Life Balance Boundary Enforcement Career Planning and Management
(Here’s more about three of those.)
How can we tell if we’re deficient in these skills and need more development to thrive? Below are some prime indicators that these skills need improvement now:
Top 9 Skills for Success - Recognizing The Need for Development Kathy Caprino
If you review this list and feel a bit overwhelmed because you feel many of these skills need development, that’s ok, and there’s good news. It means you have the self-awareness to understand that in order to be happier and more successful, some growth is required.
Choose one or two skills from the list above that you feel need the most development, and take proactive measures this month to build these skills. You can do this in many ways, whether it’s taking a leadership training course, working with a coach on your communication style, seeking help from a therapist to address your emotional pain from the past, prioritizing your life outside of work more highly, or deciding how and when you want to negotiate your next raise or promotion. Don’t wait. Take concrete steps now to change how you see yourself and how you interact with the world.
This one small step on the path to your growth and expansion can change everything for you.
To build a happier, more rewarding career, take Kathy Caprino’s Amazing Career Project training course and her new webinar The Most Powerful You: Close Your Power Gaps and Rock Your Career.
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5f80e4cce7eb98d1e2609a11165dded6 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2019/12/21/the-top-3-reasons-new-years-resolutions-fail-and-how-yours-can-succeed/?sh=51dc0baf6992 | The Top 3 Reasons New Year’s Resolutions Fail And How Yours Can Succeed | The Top 3 Reasons New Year’s Resolutions Fail And How Yours Can Succeed
Part of the series “Accessing the Most Powerful Version of You”
How to succeed in your New Year's Resolutions iStock
This week, I had the pleasure of joining my friend Nancy Berk for a recording on her podcast Entertaining Insights about why New Year’s Resolutions so often fail and how to change that in your own life. It got me thinking again about why so many of these resolutions peter out, as most do before the end of February. Studies have shown that approximately 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail and many of people over the years (including myself) have written about new approaches needed to achieving our big goals and resolutions, including naming them differently, approaching them differently and viewing them differently.
Personally, I don’t engage in making New Year’s “resolutions” per se because there’s so much hype and pressure around them that I find they rarely work. I choose to approach it more like a year-end review of what’s gone very well and what has not, and what has exceeded my expectations, both in my business and my personal life. I then make some key decisions on what I want to expand on regarding my focus, energy, time and financial investment, for the next year. I think of it more like answering this critical question: What are the key themes that I want to expand on and bring into focus next year, and for what desired outcomes? Then I create a concrete plan with steps and milestones for achieving what I believe will generate more happiness and reward. And I get outside help when I need it, to continually assess these plans and steps. This is the approach that works best for me.
That said, over the past 15 years in my therapy and career coaching work, I’ve seen that most of us simply can’t bring about significant change in our lives if one key thing is missing—understanding at a deep level why you operate the way you do, and recognizing what keeps you locked in specific “negative,” self-sabotaging, or self-limiting behaviors that resist change. Once you understand more intimately your mindsets, values, beliefs, habits and greatest fears, you will begin to realize why certain goals are going to be very hard for you to achieve, and even harder to sustain, unless you commit to a deeper level of change.
What’s going on at a deeper level that makes New Year’s resolutions fail and what are the top 3 reasons they die on the vine?
This is what I’ve seen:
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#1: It’s your consciousness that needs to change before your behavior can change
Einstein once said: “We cannot solve a problem on the level of consciousness that created it.” This is so true. As an example, let’s say you’re in a job that you hate, and you’re being mistreated by your boss on a regular basis. And this isn’t the first time you’ve been in a horrible job. You say at year end, “That’s it. I’ve had it! Next year I’ll find a new role with a great boss, doing work I love.”
While that’s a fabulous goal, it most likely won’t happen unless you change aspects of yourself first, so that you will be able to attract—and sustain—positive treatment in your life and your work. So often, people who are chronically mistreated at work have been mistreated throughout their lives. It’s typically a problem that’s very old for them. This chronic condition can emerge from childhood, where our boundaries were violated in some core way and we were never able to speak up and stand up for ourselves because it was not safe to do it.
In these cases, especially where there was narcissism in one or both parents, people grow and develop in ways that make their tolerance for mistreatment greater than those who were raised in a healthy, nurturing manner. My therapist friend and colleague, Janneta Bohlander, has shared that in these cases, “their picker is broken.” These individuals often continue to “pick” or move toward (unconsciously, of course) the wrong people, work cultures, bosses and jobs that are damaging and replicate the same type of dysfunction they grew up in. Sadly, until we are able to heal what has hurt us from the past, we’ll continue to perpetuate the very challenges that we most want to run from.
#2: You don’t have an accountability structure to help you sustain change
Big changes and important goals don’t just happen. They require sustained action (and a different kind of action than you’re used to) that can move you forward towards the goal despite the challenges, struggles and pushback. That sustained action is difficult to achieve on our own because it stretches us way out of our comfort zone and out of our habitual ways of dealing with life. While some people can hold themselves accountable on their own, I’ve seen that the bigger the goal, the more it is necessary to have outside accountability help, especially over time as the initial juice and excitement of the goal fades and the going gets rougher.
Whether your goal is to be happier, healthier, wealthier, stronger, more successful or more fulfilled, to achieve those goals require you to become someone who is different from who you are today. To do that, outside support is so helpful. The right kind of helper (versus the wrong kind), encourages you to see what you cannot about yourself and to connect with the highest version of who you are and can be, and also where you’re sabotaging your own growth.
The right accountability partner believes in you and your big goal before it’s “hatched,” and serves as an honest and true mirror that reflects back to you how you’re currently approaching things. The right accountability partner helps you expand your toolbox and capabilities so you can react to challenges differently, and in more intentional, empowered way.
We don’t generally make big change alone or in a vacuum. Most of us need some great outside help and an ongoing accountability structure to keep going towards our highest growth just when we want to bail.
#3: You are actually scared of, and completely resistant to, achieving this big goal and you won’t let yourself
You may consciously want to achieve a particular goal, but if you’re internally scared to death to bring this goal to fruition, you just won’t let yourself do it.
Years ago, I read Gay Hendricks’ great book, The Big Leap, and learned so much about our “upper limit problem” and the four barriers to achieving what we consciously think we want. I’ve since interviewed Hendricks numerous times (both on this blog and in my Finding Brave podcast) and I continue to learn more about these four hidden barriers, which are:
Hidden Barrier #1: Feeling Fundamentally Flawed
The biggest and most widely-shared fear is that many of us feel there is something fundamentally wrong with us and that we’re undeserving of great success and happiness. This fear causes us to hold ourselves back from fulfilling our ultimate potential because we feel we inherently don’t deserve it.
Hidden Barrier #2: Disloyalty and Abandonment
Another widely-held fear is of being disloyal to or leaving behind people who have been there for us in the past. We pull back from greater success because we fear we’ll end up all alone, abandon our roots, and leave behind people whom we love or care for.
Hidden Barrier #3: A Belief That More Success Brings a Bigger Burden
A third fear is of being a burden; some people unconsciously believe that more success will bring greater burdens, to ourselves and to others.
Hidden Barrier #4: The Fear of Outshining
Common among gifted and talented people, this fear often emerges from a strong subliminal message they received as children from their families that if you shine too much, you’ll make others feel bad or look bad.
I’ve lived each and every one of these hidden barriers, and know firsthand how challenging it can be to revise these beliefs and overcome these deep fears.
As Hendricks shares, most of us have internal upper limits to the degree of success, love, wealth, kindness, health, etc. that we’ll allow into our lives. I believe that this is one of the core reasons, for instance, that those who win the lottery are more likely to declare bankruptcy within three to five years than the average American, and that 70% of lottery winners end up broke. There are all sorts of outer, behavioral reasons for this phenomenon, certainly, but in my work as a therapist then coach, I’ve observed that the internal reasons are more potent. In this case, holding and sustaining immense wealth can be extremely challenging for those who haven’t built the fortitude, boundaries, actions, and belief systems that allow them to sustain a high level of wealth.
In the end, it’s an internal job that’s required to sustain your definition of great happiness and success. We can take all the well-advised steps in the world, but without cultivating the positive and empowered beliefs and behaviors that build a solid foundation for success, it will remain very difficult to reach your most thrilling goals.
Do you want to make an exciting New Year’s resolution that you can actually achieve in the new year?
The best step to take to achieve a big stretch goal is to understand very deeply why you want this goal and what motivates you to achieve sustained progress, and then address proactively your greatest fears about reaching this goal. Figure out now what’s in the way of believing: 1) you are truly worthy of it, 2) that you actually deserve it, and 3) you will be able to handle other people’s reactions when you finally achieve what you long to.
To achieve your highest, most rewarding goals, work with Kathy Caprino in her Career Breakthrough Programs and take her Amazing Career Project career growth training program.
Gallery: How to Create Strong Financial New Year’s Resolutions 16 images View gallery
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bd386bb644e64b71eb97a83159e8c43b | https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2020/01/30/the-most-pressing-question-potential-career-changers-struggle-to-answer/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=career&cdlcid=5cbf27901802c8c524ad5cad | The Most Pressing Question Potential Career Changers Struggle To Answer | The Most Pressing Question Potential Career Changers Struggle To Answer
Part of the series “Accessing the Most Powerful Version of You”
A key question thousands of potential career changers struggle to answer Getty Images/iStockphoto
When I was deeply engaged in the process of building my corporate career in marketing and product development, the first years were exciting because I felt I was learning a great deal and moving towards something bigger. But as I hit my early 30’s, that excitement waned and was replaced by the confusion and disillusionment.
“Is this all I’m going to be doing with my professional life? Is this all there is?” I asked myself frequently. The work outcomes I focused on just didn’t hold the meaning or “juice” I was longing for, and left me feeling empty, especially after dedicating so many hours, days and weeks on endeavors that I felt lacked contributive value in the world. And deep down, I felt there was some greater purpose to my life that I just couldn’t put my finger on, nor could I figure out what work I could pivot to without losing everything I’d strived so hard for.
Now, after 15 years of serving as as career and leadership coach, I’ve observed that this question—“What is my purpose here in this life, and what work can I do that will help me fulfill this purpose?” is one of (if not the) most important yet baffling questions potential career changers struggle to answer. Yet if they don’t effectively address this question, the result is that many stay stuck in quiet desperation—locked in unhappy, stressful and unrewarding careers because they can’t figure out a next move that might get them closer to the answer.
How can we address this all-important question of finding purpose and meaning in our work and careers, of fulfilling the dream we once had of who we could be?
Professionals typically stay stuck in career pain because they feel they have no avenue for doing work that feels meaningful without chucking everything they’ve given so much of themselves to create and achieve. They stay stuck too because there are legitimate financial, health or other serious needs that keep them locked into believing that the only way to fulfill those obligations is to stay in jobs and work cultures they intensely dislike.
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This is an experience I refer to as one of the 7 damaging power gaps that 98% of professionals are facing today that keep them from reaching their highest and most rewarding potential. This particular experience is Gap #6: Losing Sight of Your Thrilling Dream, an experience that more than 75% of the respondents to my recent Power Gap Survey indicated they are facing now, in which the dream they once had of who they could be in the world and what they could offer has vanished and they don’t know how to get it back.
To overcome this gap, we need to find a way to stop letting our obligations or fears block our ability to see and explore potential possibilities for our lives. And we need to understand that we don’t have to give up forever on our dreams of doing rewarding, exciting work so we can meet our obligations. Despite what so many entrepreneurial, business and financial “gurus” tell us, recognizing and honoring your purpose in the world is not a pie-in-the-sky endeavor. Earning great money and doing purpose-driven work are not mutually exclusive.
Are some people more susceptible to this power gap than others?
The answer is “yes.” I’ve seen in coaching professionals around the world that those who’ve experienced the following situations tend to be more likely to bail on the dreams they had when they were young and stay stuck in unhappy careers wondering what their purpose is:
Their authority figures strongly pressured them to take a path that wasn’t right for them They grew up feeling and seeing that money was very scarce and it was devastating not having it. Watching their family’s hardships and struggle with money was frightening to them Lack of a sense of worthiness–their childhood or other experiences taught them they weren’t worthy or valuable enough to have a thrilling career and life Their role models bailed on their big dreams, and they didn’t believe that purpose, meaning and success could realistically co-exist in a career There were told that they were stupid and they’d lose everything if they didn’t take the “safe” route
In the end, they didn’t learn that the only constant in life is change, and jobs and careers change constantly too. Nothing remains stable forever—external things shift and morph. So investing in yourself and pursuing what you care about most and what brings meaning to your life can be the one stabilizing force that gives you great positive power and strength over the arch of your life.
It’s in the act of nurturing your own unique, special skills and talents and finding exciting ways to apply those talents in service of others that you will finally experience the meaning and purpose you crave.
How can you identify your purpose and explore work that fits this purpose? Ask yourself these 10 questions as a start:
What do you read, watch, listen to, follow that captivates you like nothing else? What angers and upsets you in the world that compels you to do something to address it? Who are the people who inspire and uplift you and make you feel more alive? What are they focused on? If you could take one course or program for free on anything at all, what would it be? What have you always found easy and exciting to do but thought, “I could never make a living at this?” What deep struggles and challenges have you overcome that you’d like to help others deal with more effectively in their lives? What skills or talents do you love to use that makes others say, “WOW! You’re amazing at that!” What area do you secretly fantasize about being involved in but feel ridiculous to say out loud? If you knew you couldn’t fail and it would all work out beautifully (financially and otherwise), what would you try to do, and why? Finally, what (or who) do you allow to hold you back today from pursuing what excites you most?
Answer these questions honestly, and then take just one step this week that honors what is calling to you. That step can be anything that gets you out of your stuckness and into action.
For instance, you can:
Have one conversation with someone who is doing something you deeply admire Stand up and push back on the naysayers and skeptics in your life who say “do the safe thing and forget this ‘passion’ nonsense!” Research an affordable way to get more training in the direction that calls to your heart Connect with professionals, influencers and experts on social media and people in your local community who are doing work that you think would be thrilling to explore Shadow and interview 3 professionals doing work you think you’d love Ask 5 friends and colleagues what they think your most amazing talent is, and ask them for their thoughts about how you could use your talents differently, in ways that matter to you.
The key is to get moving out of your inertia, and allow in the belief that your talents and skills are of great value to the world in ways that will be meaningful to pursue. It’s your job to discover how.
To build a more rewarding career, take Kathy Caprino’s webinar “Boost and Transform Your Career in 5 Simple Steps” and stay tuned for her upcoming book The Most Powerful You.
Gallery: Emerging CEOs Make 7 Bold Predictions On Worklife Of The Future 8 images View gallery
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648b279b7edccf58b40e34857ae3eb42 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2020/03/07/venus-williams-shares-powerful-advice-for-women-on-achieving-their-ultimate-visions/ | Venus Williams Shares Powerful Advice For Women On Achieving Their Ultimate Visions | Venus Williams Shares Powerful Advice For Women On Achieving Their Ultimate Visions
Part of the series “Women, Leadership and Vision”
Venus Williams Photo: Zebe Haupt
As a former competitive tennis player and in my current work in entrepreneurship, and career and leadership coaching for professional women, I’ve deeply admired Venus Williams, not only for her great tennis ability, but also for her pioneering work in the equal pay space especially for women and women of color in sport, and her fight for equal prize money at Wimbledon. In honor of International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8, I was thrilled to catch up with Williams this week to learn more about what motivates her in sports and in her entrepreneurial and entertainment ventures, and her big visions for the future.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is #EachforEqual. And the IWD organization shares this:
“An equal world is an enabled world. Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions—all day, every day. We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender equal world.” Let's all be #EachforEqual.”
In my view, Williams embodies these themes. With seven Grand Slam titles, five Wimbledon championships and four Olympic gold medals, tennis champion Venus Williams is arguably one of the most accomplished and inspiring women in the history of sports. Not only is Williams a force on the court but she is also a successful entrepreneur, having founded full-service commercial and residential interior design firm V Starr and fashion-forward activewear line EleVen. Throughout her career, Williams has been a strong advocate for equality and in 2007 it was her unwavering fight that led Wimbledon to award women players the same pay as their male counterparts.
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EleVen is a lifestyle of fashion-forward activewear, created by Williams, celebrating individuality, success, and style with a touch of attitude. V Starr is a full-service commercial and residential interior design firm whose high-profile clients such as InterContinental Hotels, Midtown Athletic Club and The Hotel at Midtown, Curio by Hilton, and Howard University, among others, have turned to V Starr to translate their vision into reality.
This year, Williams will executive produce and star in “Game On!,” a sports comedy entertainment show from CBS based on “A League of Their Own,” James Corden’s’ BAFTA-winning U.K. series. The U.S. version will be hosted by Keegan-Michael Key with Williams and New England Patriots Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski starring as team captains.
Here’s what Venus shares about her visions, goals and support for other women who wish to make an impact:
Kathy Caprino: As a leader on the court and in business, how do you define success?
Venus Williams: Success for me is being able to look back on my life and see that I lived it fully with no regrets. It’s about continuing to strive for your best, no matter the arena. I don’t measure success by wins or losses because I try to give my best in all aspects of my life, whether it’s on the court or in business with my companies, EleVen and V Starr.
Both the fashion and design spaces were new territories for me, but I pushed myself to learn as much as I could, immersed myself in every element of building a business and a strong team to help it grow and continue to adapt to the evolving industry. I’ve been fortunate enough to accomplish many personal and professional goals in my life so I’d like to now put a focus on giving back and supporting other entrepreneurs, especially up-and-comers or those that might not necessarily have the means and support to get their idea off the ground.
Developing and running my companies has been a really fulfilling aspect of my life so if I can help future generations meet their goals and achieve greatness, I will feel successful. I am so lucky to be doing what I love, on the court and off the court in business.
Caprino: What advice would you give to young girls who dream of being a professional athlete, a business executive and anything in between?
Williams: Have confidence! At the end of the day, you need to be your biggest cheerleader and believe in yourself. It is definitely a challenge and doesn’t happen overnight, but confidence can be learned–fake it ‘til you make it! From a young age my parents worked to instill confidence in me and show the importance of having a strong sense of self-worth.
There are going to be a lot of moments where you don’t feel confident and others will challenge your self-worth, but you can train your mind to overcome that negativity and doubt. It’s something I have always practiced in my daily life, and it has made me a stronger person overall. Eventually you will fully believe you are capable of whatever you set your mind to. No matter what your passion is, there is nothing as incredible as living your dreams, so be sure to enjoy it. That’s why I always say dream big!
Caprino: You famously advocated for equal prize money for women at Wimbledon and consequently for equal pay for women in sports. What motivated you to take a stance?
Williams: For me it was simple and clear; it was about standing up for what I believed was right. Tennis has given me so much opportunity in life, including a platform, so when the opportunity came to fight for women across the sport it was an easy decision. I spoke up for both myself and people everywhere who were facing, or will face, the same kind of injustice in their lives.
I’m glad it was able to create a ripple effect and set a precedent. So much positive change has happened since then, and so much positive change is still needed, but I’m happy I was able to do my part and will continue to do so until it doesn’t need to be a conversation anymore.
Caprino: Given International Women’s Day (IWD) tomorrow, can you reflect on the progress that has been made since your equal pay win in 2007 and can you share what you hope will progress in terms of pay parity in sports, business and beyond?
Williams: It’s incredible to see how the conversations around equal pay have evolved over the years—it’s a global issue that has finally become a global movement. But the fact that it is still even a conversation means there is still work to be done. Pay disparity is just one element of the overarching issue of inequality, which so many people are too familiar with. I will be really happy when the differences between men and women don’t have to be a discussion anymore and everyone is loved and respected for the person they are.
Caprino: What inspired you to expand your business profile and pioneer your two businesses, V Starr and EleVen? Why, in particular, were the design and fashion spaces important for you to venture?
Williams: Growing up, my dad taught us to be independent. He had an entrepreneurial mindset that was ingrained in us early. My mom also encouraged us to be creative so for me it was never an option to just play tennis. I’ve always loved fashion and design so going to school and getting a degree in those areas was really fulfilling.
V Starr and EleVen definitely keep me busy, but I love what I do and the challenge of it so it doesn’t really feel like work to me—it’s just my life. I like to dream big and set goals for myself, but I also follow my gut instinct which keeps me grounded and able to balance everything. Being able to have other projects outside tennis has allowed me to stay interested and passionate about the sport, and I’m a better player for it. Whether I’m on or off the court, putting in the work and seeing results is the best part.
Caprino: What messages are you trying to communicate through your EleVen designs and what’s next for you?
Williams: My EleVen designs are more than just a color or a print—they’re representative of an overall lifestyle. I want women wearing my line to have the confidence to be unapologetically themselves and feel empowered to make positive change to achieve their best life.
EleVen’s designs are made with confidence and performance in mind. My most recent collection was the Glam Activewear Collection and the pieces are so cool. They are bold and powerful, just like the women that wear them. My favorite piece and cult favorite in the collection is our Gold Jacket.
As for what’s next, I’m really excited to be expanding more into the beauty space–particularly clean beauty. Beauty is a big part of wellness and I’m passionate about encouraging people to actively take care of themselves, so it just made sense to venture into that world. I love serving as Chief Brand Officer at Asutra–their products are amazing, but their values are also aligned with mine, so it was an easy fit. I have a big beauty project launching this Spring, and I can’t wait to share more with everyone soon!
For more information, visit https:/elevenbyvenuswilliams.com.
To build a rewarding career of impact, work with Kathy Caprino in her Career Breakthrough programs and check out her upcoming book The Most Powerful You: 7 Bravery-Boosting Paths to Career Bliss.
Gallery: Venus Williams - old, not entity 63 images View gallery
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10f7c5135d580b040a5497a3967cbf50 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2020/03/24/how-to-make-working-from-home-easier-and-more-successful/ | How To Make Working From Home Easier And More Successful | How To Make Working From Home Easier And More Successful
Part of the series “Supporting Today’s Workforce”
Finding your groove working from home Getty Images
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, life as we know it has been severely disrupted and most likely, irrevocably changed. Among many of the required shifts, we’re now seeing millions of professionals adjusting to working remotely from their homes. For some, it’s a relief to be near their loved ones and they’ve found ways to build new work-from-home habits and structures that help them execute their functions and balance their time with family without too much struggle. But for most professionals I’ve heard from, it’s an enormous emotional and behavioral adjustment that has turned their worlds upside down. They’re finding this new way of work confusing and challenging at best, without the technology, support and connection they’ve come to rely on.
I’ve worked from a home office for many years now since I left corporate life after the tragedies of 9/11, and I can honestly say that it took quite some time to find my groove. But once I figured it out, I’ve absolutely loved it and I’m far more productive, effective and balanced now than I ever could have been if I stayed working full-time in a corporate setting. I’m a huge fan of it.
To learn more about how we can speed this adjustment process along and work from home more successfully, I caught up with Dr. Ivan Misner who is a master at managing and leading large, successful initiatives and teams while working from home.
Dr. Ivan Misner is a bestselling author, founder of a global company, and a highly experienced work-from-homer who has been working from home on and off for over 30 years. In that time, he built the largest business networking organization in the world, BNI.com, which last year alone facilitated over 10 billion dollars’ worth of referrals for its members. He's also written several New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling books, as well as started the BNI Charitable Foundation, for which he was named “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Red Cross. If there's one thing Misner knows how to do, it's how to be productive in a home office setting.
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Here’s what he shares to help us become more productive and effective and experience more reward working from home:
Kathy Caprino: What are some of the top things people are struggling with right now as millions have begun working from home due to the health crisis?
Ivan Misner: One thing I’ve learned over the years is that fear paralyzes most people. We don’t make good decisions based on fear. So don’t let fear paralyze you— let it provoke you. Provoke you to take action.
But how can you take action to connect with people when you can’t get out into the world and meet people face-to-face? The virus is serious, but panic is optional, so create a plan. Now more than ever, you need to activate your network. What I love about technology is that it flattens the communication hierarchy. It allows us to communicate with one another in ways that just didn’t exist when I started the BNI network in 1985.
Here are some things you can do right now to maintain a powerful personal network:
Set up appointments to talk to people in your network. Connect with them on Zoom, Skype, GoToMeeting or another online platform. Hey, get crazy and call them on one of those 21st century versions of what Alexander Graham Bell invented. Yes, call people on your phone. Some of my kids think they are just to do social media on, but you can do a lot more. It’s not the same as face-to-face but it will do in a pinch. Be there for your networking friends. Find out if there are ways you can help them. Ask for help. It’s OK to ask your network for help. Seriously, that’s why they are part of your network—to help each other.
Caprino: What's are the three biggest surprises for people who've never tried working remotely before? Are they finding that it’s not as amazing as they thought it would be?
Misner: Thirty five years ago I started my business in my home. I learned that it was certainly convenient but there were things that I needed to do to also be productive.
Here are three:
Establish a dedicated area as your workspace
It could be a room or just a table. But that is your workspace. Don’t use that space for personal activities if at all possible. That is now officially, your “office” and needs to kept that way as much as possible.
Focus
Don’t get distracted. Since this space is now your office, treat your workspace like your office. Structure your day like you would in an office. Don’t get sidetracked by funny cat videos (or the hourly health report on the news). Focus on your business.
Plan your day
Schedule your work on your calendar, hour by hour. This will help you stay focused and on track. If you are doing phone calls or online calls, schedule them. Create a list and check off the contacts on your list as you make a connection with them.
Caprino: For parents trying to work from home with kids, please share about boundary-setting and other essential actions that help us thrive at home.
Misner: Communicate your expectations and ground rules with anyone else that may be at home with you (toddlers and younger ones may be an exception). Know that we are all basically in the same boat, so that big client won’t be shocked when one of your little ones shows up on screen behind you while you’re talking to them. It’s OK. Remain calm and let the family know you’ll be there as soon as you can.
Then, it is really important that you be fully present for the family as soon as you can. Working from home is a bit of a balancing act. Take a deep breath. You can do this.
Caprino: What are some of the traps (or bad habits) that people fall into when working from home?
Misner: Technology is great, but stay off social media unless it is directly work-related. Make sure to take breaks but no longer than you would normally take. Don’t make working from home your excuse for a two-hour lunch watching TV! Many people say to dress as you would to go to the office—I don’t. Hey, it’s really casual Friday every day of the week while you’re working from home.
I have a little secret (don’t tell anyone)—I have dress shirts that I keep handy and put on when I have online meetings. Just don’t ask me to stand–I’ll be wearing my sweatpants. Let’s keep that to ourselves though.
Caprino: What are some ways to make working from home more productive and satisfying? Any tips to share?
Misner: There are many benefits from working at home. When you work from home, you are at your desk in moments. Your schedule may be more flexible. You have no office distractions from other people. You can be more productive if you’re good at focusing. And hey, remember the sweatpants? There’s a lot to be said for comfort.
Remember to take breaks away from your “workspace” and hang out with the family, walk the dog, go to the park or yes, go watch some TV. One bit of advice, don’t obsess over the news. You’ve got this. Your safely ensconced in your home. You have a plan and you are working your plan. Again, don’t let fear paralyze you, and stay connected with others any way you can.
Caprino: How long does it take to get into a groove?
Misner: If someone consciously creates the space and a plan they will execute, they can get into the working from home groove very quickly. In fact, you are likely to find that you are more productive than you have ever been before. I know I am.
*****
One final word of advice I’d love to offer, that comes from my inspiring friend and colleague Vivian Lee-Shiue—who is masterful at working from home with two young children—as we connected today via text from our home offices: Try to avoid extremes, of working 15 hours straight a day because you’re home, or not working at all because you’re totally distracted by everything.
Find your best balance and breathe. You’ll make this work.
For more information, visit https://www.bni.com.
For more from Kathy Caprino about working from home and networking powerfully, take her Amazing Career Project video training and Career Breakthrough programs.
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cf239daf679619e5facefe57b5accaee | https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2020/06/28/four-powerful-steps-that-will-boost-your-career-during-this-pandemic/ | Four Powerful Steps That Will Boost Your Career During This Pandemic | Four Powerful Steps That Will Boost Your Career During This Pandemic
Part of Kathy Caprino’s series “The Most Powerful You”
It's a perfect time to engage more powerfully in networking and building your support community to ... [+] pursue your highest visions Getty Images
During these past four months, I’ve heard from many more professionals than usual on LinkedIn and privately—particularly those who have decided to use this unprecedented time to rethink their lives and careers. For so many, what was intolerable in their work before has become more glaringly so, and the hopes and dreams they had for their lives are now even more pressing. In fact, according to my recent Power Gap survey, 76% of the close to 1,000 women around the globe who completed the survey indicated that they’ve lost sight of their thrilling dream for their future, and 25% feel this is the most pressing of all the power gaps. Many are finally ready to do something about it.
During this time, when millions no longer have to physically commute and have extra time available to them, people have decided that now’s the time to take action and change what isn't working in their careers. And I’ve seen this phenomenon occur every time there's a major crisis in the world. It happened to me and so many others after the tragedies of 9/11, where suddenly we realized that so much that we've taken for granted simply cannot be counted on. And we’ve seen that life is much more precarious than when recognized before the crisis, which bring with it a sense of urgency and agency.
Personally speaking, after a brutal layoff in the days following 9/11, I finally left my 18-year corporate career to go out on my own, and became a marriage and family therapist, and later, a career coach and writer. It was the powerful catalyst I needed to pursue a new career that aligned much more closely with who I am and what I care most about in the world.
What people begin to see in times like these is that no job or career is truly "safe and secure." The only constant is change. Once that dawns on us, it often motivates us to take the reins on our lives and careers and finally pursue that new job, career or field, or get on the path to starting that new venture we've been dreaming about for years, because we see that there truly is no time like the present.
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But during these uncertain times, and always, we need to be very strategic and intentional in our efforts if we want to land plum roles or claim new opportunities that will be a great fit with our values, needs and desires.
Here are four key steps you can take starting today (yes, even during this pandemic) to make the most of this time and make the changes you want in your job and career:
Stop focusing only on applying online
First and foremost, it's important to understand that more than 80% of jobs are NOT achieved through applying online and 70% of jobs aren’t even publicly listed. If we are engaging only in applying online and sending out our resumes, we're missing the boat completely. It's effective and powerful networking that is what is needed now, and that includes numerous ways of "bringing yourself to market" and also connecting with mentors, sponsors and "ambassadors" who can open key doors for us that we can't open on our own.
Summer—and during these months of the pandemic—is a critical time to cultivate those relationships. Job seekers need to overcome what I've seen is a key "power gap" of Isolating From Influential Support (Gap #4 of the 7 most damaging power gaps that professional women face today), and start taking more empowered action to build these support relationships.
Get in the right room, finally
My friend and colleague Judy Robinett, author of How To Be a Power Connector and Crack The Funding Code, shared with me that women are so often “in the wrong room” in their networking, meaning that they stay stuck associating with people at their same level but fail to reach higher and connect with people of influence who can make things happen for us that we can’t achieve on our own. Women are often networking at the wrong level for their goals.
In her book Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor and her research, Sylvia Ann Hewlett revealed that women on average have three times as many mentors as men—but men have twice as many sponsors (sponsors are high-level, influential people who can help elevate you and connect you with new opportunities that you can’t access on your own).
It’s time to get intentional and do the work to build an influential support community that will help you elevate and stretch beyond your current level. The fact is we simply cannot manifest our most thrilling dreams by trying to hack it out alone and in a vacuum. We need others who’ve already achieved great success and impact who can uplift and support us and advance our causes by opening doors for us while we’re not in the room. And we need to stop feeling ashamed, humiliated and “less than” because we’re not where we want to be.
It’s been exactly those times that I finally openly admitted to influential supporters and advisors that things weren’t going well in my career or business that allowed my problems to shift and be solved. When we muster the bravery to admit—and take accountability for—addressing our core problems and challenges head on, then we will experience the growth we’re needing.
Find new ways to be of service and demonstrate your potential to your influential supporters
Once you start building a powerful network, support those in your network. Ask how you can help your ambassadors and supporters. What do they need that you can offer and provide? What introductions can you make for them? What skill do you have that may be helpful to them?
Maybe you’re a fantastic writer and can help your sponsor or mentor by rewriting their bio or polishing up their Linkedin profile. Or maybe you’re a wizard using Canva and can help your advisor create some beautiful new images and quotes to share on Instagram.
Don’t focus your efforts solely on you and how you want to make more money or build more success. Think about important ways you can help the people in your network to thrive and grow. It feels enlivening to be of service and use your talents and gifts in ways that help others. Secondly, it is highly generative and creates more growth for all involved. As your supporters grow and flourish, so will you.
Speak up more bravely and confidently about the new work you’re thinking you want to do (even if you don’t have it all nailed down yet)
So many professionals tell me that they have an idea of what they want to do in the next juncture of their career, but because they’re not 100% clear about it, they don’t feel comfortable talking about it or sharing the vision with anyone else. That’s a big mistake.
You can’t move forward with your idea or vision for the next chapter if you won’t talk about it. People are very resistant to share about their new ideas or potential new directions for three key reasons: 1) they’re afraid that their current circle of colleagues and friends may think the idea is silly or that they’ll get negative pushback, 2) they fear their ideas aren’t good or sound enough, or 3) they fear that if they don’t have a clear idea of how to execute on their vision, or what the new direction is with absolutely clarity, that it’s not worthy of being discussed. These are faulty reasons for staying quiet.
Yes, in certain circumstances you might want to keep your innovative career or business ideas to yourself until a specific point along the development path where you’ve vetting them more fully. But in general, if you won’t talk about what you’re thinking about and hoping to create, you can’t build support for it. And we need a great deal of powerful support if we’re to achieve the biggest, most thrilling dreams and visions we have for our lives.
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During this pandemic—when you may have more time to think and evaluate where you are today and where you want to be in the future, take empowered steps that will help you gain more control over your future. This is a perfect opportunity to put yourself first, finally, and decide what you want for your life and make the changes you need, to achieve those thrilling goals and visions.
As Viktor Frankl shared in his groundbreaking book Man’s Search for Meaning:
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.”
To achieve more bravery, power and success in your career, read Kathy Caprino’s new book The Most Powerful You: 7 Bravery-Boosting Paths to Career Bliss.
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eac77ff44dfc5bf83e7ea62d85403803 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2020/07/13/how-the-pandemic-is-negatively-impacting-women-more-than-men-and-what-has-to-change/?sh=51b46e7f554b | How The Pandemic Is Negatively Impacting Women More Than Men, And What Has To Change | How The Pandemic Is Negatively Impacting Women More Than Men, And What Has To Change
Part of Kathy Caprino’s series “Today’s True Leadership”
Women have been more negatively impacted by the pandemic than men, and here's what has to change Getty Images
The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted millions of lives around the world, leading us to rethink so much of what we’ve taken for granted in our lives and work in the past decades, and also what we’ve tolerated and accepted that needs revision and change. Crisis times such as these often uncover ways in which our society and culture—and its biases, imbalances and injustices—cause certain groups to be negatively and dramatically impacted through the crisis in ways that other groups are not.
To learn more about how women have been negatively impacted by the pandemic in ways that men have not, I caught up with Lori Sokol, PhD, a veteran journalist and trained psychologist who currently serves as the Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief of Women's eNews, an award-winning, non-profit news organization covering the most crucial issues impacting women and girls throughout the world. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, it has over 2.5 million readers.
In Sokol’s new book She Is Me: How Women Will Save The World, Sokol takes readers into the hearts and minds of thirty women who have shaped her, and shaped this world, as warriors for peace, humanity and equality, and have done so by successfully using qualities that are in stark contrast to what patriarchal cultures have taught us to believe are most effective.
Here’s what Dr. Sokol shares:
Kathy Caprino: Lori, from your perspective and from the research that’s coming out now, how is the pandemic particularly impacting women and girls?
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Lori Sokol: According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, women accounted for 55% of the 20.5 million workers who became unemployed in April, compared to a 13% unemployment rate for men. There are a number of reasons why this has occurred including that women comprise a majority of primary caregivers and workers in the service industry, two areas that have been most impacted by Covid-19. But the financial impact is only half the story.
Since a majority of frontline health workers are also women, they have been more apt to contract the virus, and suffer its health consequences.
Caprino: Many of us have read the reports and new information emerging that domestic violence in homes has become more frequent, severe and dangerous due to the restrictions in movement. What is contributing to the marked increase in domestic violence we're seeing throughout the US, and around the world, at this time?
Sokol: The world is witnessing an increasing amount of sexual exploitation, forced marriage, domestic violence and pregnancy. Yet, at the same time, abortion services are being reduced as many clinics are being forced to close with extremists citing the women’s safety from the pandemic as an excuse.
The global increase in domestic violence cases that have been reported is strongly due to growing unemployment and mounting financial stress in families. Abusers often resort to increasing consumption of alcohol or drugs during stressful times, and women are now finding themselves behind closed doors with their partners on lockdown. This eliminates opportunities for support from family and friends, as well as requesting other resources to stay safe. An increasing number of victims are now finding themselves isolated in violent homes, and these are only the cases that are reported.
Further, rape crises centers and other professional organizations dedicated to assisting female victims of domestic violence are now understaffed, due to the coronavirus, and therefore are of little help. In normal times, deaths from domestic violence rarely make the news. But due to the coronavirus, domestic violence is now deemed newsworthy.
It is important to note, however, that when the media reports on the increasing violence women are experiencing at home, it is not the coronavirus that is responsible, but the abuser.
Caprino: With women comprising a majority of the 'essential workers,' what issues has the pandemic exposed? (for instance, unequal pay, unequal opportunity, etc.)
Sokol: Women make up the majority of frontline healthcare workers, primary caregivers, and workers in the service industry. As a result, they have been, and continue to be, at the forefront of exposure to the pandemic.
In a recent survey of 104 countries, women were found to provide an average 67% of the health workforce, including 80% of nursing staff. Still, women earn only a fraction of the income that men earn for the same work. Therefore, not only does women’s work put their lives under greater threat to their health, but they are paid less for doing so.
This is exacerbated by the fact that most personal protection equipment is not made to fit women properly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is critical that PPE fit properly to ensure proper protection, including the wearing of gowns, gloves and goggles. Yet a 2016 survey of 3,086 women conducted by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers Support Network found that just 29% of the PPEs were designed to fit women correctly.
Caprino: How have stay-at-home orders impacted the traditional roles of husband/wife and father/mother?
Sokol: Unfortunately, mothers are still shouldering the bulk of the caregiving, even though most fathers are now at home full time. As unpaid caregivers, women are still performing 76.2% of total hours of unpaid care work, more than three times as much as men, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Almost half of fathers with children under the age of 12, however, have contended in a recent survey that they are spending more time on childcare than their spouses. Yet, only 3% of wives reported that their spouses are doing more.
Fortunately, the pandemic has now elevated the role of childcare as an essential service. In a recent op-ed, NYS Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul shared that when she asked the CEOs of two large corporations—one in upstate and one downstate, “What’s the biggest barrier to rebuilding New York in the aftermath of the pandemic?” independently, and with neither missing a beat, they both responded, “Childcare.”
As co-chair of New York State's Child Care Availability Task Force, Hochul announced $65 million in federal CARES Act funding available for childcare providers statewide through the New York Forward Child Care Expansion Incentive program. This adds to $30 million in federal funding announced in April to provide childcare scholarships to all essential workers.
Caprino: How is the pandemic particularly impacting the mental health of women and girls?
Sokol: UNESCO estimates that over 89% of school-age children are out of school, which represents 1.54 billion children including nearly 743 million girls. Over 111 million of these girls are living in extreme poverty and where gender disparities in education are highest. For most of these girls, their only way out of poverty is through education, which is now unavailable to them. This leads to feeling sadness, depression, and hopelessness.
It has also been found that Covid-19 has had a greater impact on the mental health of women than men. Of the women who responded to a recent survey, 53% said that Covid-related stress has had a negative impact on their mental health, compared to only 37% of men, and that difference rises to 25% when comparing mothers of children under 18 to fathers (57% vs. 32%).
This is another example of how the pandemic is bringing issues that have long been ignored to the surface. There is a new understanding of how ‘women’s work’ is being undervalued, and how challenging it is for a parent to effectively juggle career and family responsibilities.
Caprino: Finally, how is the pandemic influencing pregnancy, childbirth, and the use of midwives or doulas?
Sokol: The pandemic has further restricted access to contraception, and it is projected that there will be over seven million unplanned pregnancies in low- and middle-income countries throughout the world.
Further, for every three months that the lockdown continues, the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates that an additional two million women will be not be able to access contraceptives.
Additionally, with hospitals around the country filled with Covid-19 patients, more pregnant women are choosing to give birth at home, and the advantages of doing so are becoming more apparent. By giving birth in one’s home instead of a hospital, family members can be present during childbirth, thereby avoiding visitor or guest restrictions that have been existent in hospitals during the pandemic.
Concurrently, the virus has shed new light on many other benefits of using midwives and doulas during childbirth. In a 2013 study, it was shown that expectant mothers who were matched with a doula had better birth outcomes.
Doula-assisted mothers were four times less likely to have a low birth weight (LBW) baby, two times less likely to experience a birth complication involving themselves or their baby, and significantly more likely to initiate breastfeeding.
One of the reasons cited for the success includes better communication and encouragement from the doula throughout the pregnancy. This has shown to be particularly true for pregnant women from disadvantaged communities, particularly if they experienced language or cultural barriers.
“A skilled doula empowers a woman to communicate her needs and perceptions and actualize her dream of a healthy, positive birth experience.”
Caprino: Can you offer any last words of hope or inspiration for women around the world?
Sokol: Most of our hope for a safe and secure future lies in the people who are most affected by the pandemic, and most apt to survive: women.
As my book has shown, and as the pandemic has exposed, women in leadership roles have proven to be most successful at minimizing the impact of Covid-19 in the countries they lead. Look at New Zealand, Iceland, Finland, Denmark, Taiwan and Germany— each country home to female leaders.
They have been most effective at minimizing their countries’ death toll, as well as the pandemic’s impact on their economies.
Yet, in patriarchal-run countries, like the United States, the number of cases, deaths and economic impact continue to be staggeringly high. The US Coronavirus Task Force, for example,includes only two females of its 27 members.
Further, only 10 of the 31 members and advisers of the World Health Organization's Emergency Committee on Covid-19 are women. It has been proven time and time again that women are doing a much more effective job at home, on the frontlines of the pandemic, and as heads of states.
As the November elections bloom, it is crucially important for Americans to vote, and vote for the candidates who are committed to putting people’s safety and welfare before profits, and who understand clearly the value and positive economic impact of supporting mental health as much as physical health, and putting the needs of women in equal balance with those of men.
Only then can we shift away from policies, laws, mores and rules that jeopardize the health and growth of women, families, and the economy.
For more information, visit She is Me: How Women Will Save The World.
To build a more powerful and impactful career, read Kathy Caprino’s new book The Most Powerful You: 7 Bravery-Boosting Paths to Career Bliss.
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ea43df73bb7d1cf4924af6e5a731833e | https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2020/09/30/poor-mental-health-for-executives-isnt-just-a-work-life-balance-issue/?sh=7448d31d6251 | Poor Mental Health For Executives Isn’t Just A Work-Life Balance Issue | Poor Mental Health For Executives Isn’t Just A Work-Life Balance Issue
Part of Kathy Caprino’s series “Supporting Today’s Workforce”
Work-life balance has become even more elusive today Getty Images/iStockphoto
As we’ve read in so many headlines in the past several months, the mental health of professionals and executives has taken a strong hit since the pandemic began. In one recent study by health insurer Bupa Global, for instance, nearly eight out of 10 corporate executives have experienced poor mental health during the coronavirus crisis, prompting a number of them to re-evaluate and improve work-life balance.
But is work-life imbalance alone that the culprit? In my career, executive and leadership coaching work, I am seeing so many professionals who are struggling emotionally, physically and mentally in new ways that they are unsure how to address. While some of these challenges are indeed related to work-life balance difficulties, much of what is being experienced emotionally is about more than “balance.” It’s about fear, uncertainty, sadness, experiencing a loss of control, social isolation, giving up joyful activities that were meaningful, fearing for the health of their loved ones, dealing with the rage, division and instability we’re seeing in our country, and more.
Whether we’re struggling with true work-life imbalance, or other emotional issues that make us exhausted, drained or anxious, how can we process those feelings in a way that will be helpful? And how can we grab control of our lives and find new ways to juggle everything we’re dealing with? First, we need to understand what work-life balance is and isn’t.
What is work-life balance really?
Each of us needs to define work-life balance in the way that helps us achieve basic wholeness, health, authenticity, wellness, self-nurturing, and sense of satisfaction and reward and fulfillment with what we’re doing and how we’re doing it.
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I’ve seen that for so many women, work-life balance is extremely difficult to achieve, even in non-pandemic times, but right now, women are being negatively impacted to a far greater degree than men. Work-life balance has been a challenge for women for many years, given how they are conditioned from an early age to not put themselves first and honor (or even identify) their own needs and wants, let alone speak up about them.
We live in a patriarchal world that has shaped this dynamic and in this type of system, girls and women face serious societal and cultural pressure to be pleasing, vulnerable, emotional, accommodating and malleable, as opposed to the “masculine” stereotypic ideal of being strong, assertive, confident, dominant and invulnerable. From an early age, girls and young women are discouraged from being assertive, speaking up powerfully, and from putting their needs in front of others’. This often leads women to develop weaker boundaries that make it difficult to say “no” to what they don’t want or no longer want to tolerate or accept.
My research over 10 years has revealed that there are 7 damaging power gaps that 98% of professional women face today, and one of the top gaps is Gap #3: Reluctance to Ask for What You Deserve. Of the over 1,000 women I’ve surveyed, a full 77% indicate experiencing this gap. When we feel we can’t ask for what we want and deserve, our ability to balance our lives, responsibilities and desires will suffer.
For many women I work with, work-life balance represents these things:
1) I have control over what I say “yes” and “no” to, at work and at home
2) I feel good about my choices and I’m not over-ridden with guilt, confusion, and resentment over what I’m doing or not doing
3) I’ve stopped “perfectionistic over-functioning” – doing more than healthy, appropriate and necessary and trying to get an A+ in all of it
4) I’m conscious and intentional about what motivates me to act as I do, and I’m good with those motivations
5) I’ve overcome my addiction to working myself to the bone and trying to please everyone but myself
6) I’m clear about how my behavior impacts others and I feel I’m a positive role model for my partner, family, children, and others
7) I’m open to constructive feedback about my behavior from those I trust, and I modify appropriately when the need for more balance, wholeness and wellness emerges in my life.
When people can say “yes” to the above statements with surety and clarity, it often means that their life is unfolding in a way that makes space for the following positive outcomes:
- I’m dealing head-on with my responsibilities in an empowered way
- I’m doing what’s necessary to keep me feeling well, nourished, respected, in control and able to handle my challenges in a proactive way
- I’m coping well with my stress and I nurture and restore myself as a regular practice
- I’m open about when I need help
- I’m doing what I need to to stay afloat, but also planting the seeds for my future self
- My personal life, work life and family life are, overall, satisfying and rewarding
Without strong boundaries and the ability to shape how you work and how you manage your life outside of work, your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health suffer. In working with thousands of people, I’ve had a special lens into the top regrets of mid-career professionals. One of the most damaging regrets is “I wish I hadn’t worked so hard and missed out on so much.”
So many men and women in mid-life share that they regret missing out on being in the fabric of their children’s lives. Or they missed the chance to have children. They missed the opportunity to build true intimacy and closeness with their spouses, family and friends. They missed experiencing adventure, travel, enjoyment, vitality, learning, spiritual growth – not having the chance to stop and relish life, nature, good health, peace, or relaxation. They sacrificed so much to pursue work goals that now feel meaningless and empty.
I’ve seen that too that when people get to the end of their lives—in their 80s and 90s—they’re not thinking at all about the work goals they strived so hard to achieve. They’re thinking about love and family, about the people that matter deeply to them, and how they made a difference to these people. And they deeply regret what they didn’t do with and for these loved ones.
How is the current pandemic affecting our work-life balance?
Unfortunately, mothers are still shouldering the bulk of the caregiving, even though most fathers are now at home full time. As unpaid caregivers, women are still performing 76.2% of total hours of unpaid care work, more than three times as much as men, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Almost half of fathers with children under the age of 12, however, have contended in a recent survey that they are spending more time on childcare than their spouses. Yet, only 3% of wives reported that their spouses are doing more.
To actively create more work-life balance and emotional health, below are several key strategies:
Start standing up and speaking up about what you need
Research shows that women still assume the lion’s share of domestic responsibilities, even if they work, and even when they are the primary breadwinners. This overload is extremely difficult to thrive through.
We have the personal power to change this dynamic. It boils down to prioritizing with courage and conviction what matters most to you, then building the sufficient boundaries to shift your focus away from what matters less. Shed the need to do it all perfectly and embrace help from all those who will give it. And learn to trust that you aren't meant to handle everything yourself, and live two or more lives within your one.
Identify where you can take action to ask and empower others—your spouse, children, colleagues, subordinates, etc.—to take on more responsibility, wherever possible and appropriate. An essential corollary to this is freeing yourself from guilt and shame about needing and wanting help and remembering that getting help is a way of saying "yes" to what matters most.
If you find this shift in attitude and behavior challenging, it's helpful to examine why you may believe you’re the only one who can do all that you’re doing. Get support from someone you trust and respect, to see what may be holding you hostage, keeping you chained to your need to do it all, and perfectly.
This type of honest self-exploration often leads to discovering past traumas and subconscious beliefs that no longer serve you. Perhaps your childhood was insecure, and your parents weren’t reliable or there for you, leaving you feeling frightened and alone. Maybe your authority figures or teachers demanded perfection, withholding acceptance or love unless you showed them evidence of your perfection. Or perhaps your self-esteem was beaten down so that being in control or perfect was the only way you knew how to survive.
Address what you fear most
While fear sometimes motivates us to make positive change, it can also keep us stuck. In my past, I had deep fears that bad things would happen if I didn't control everything at home, and those fears kept me angry, resentful and worn out.
We all have fears. They're a necessary and helpful component of human existence. But the more locked away your fears are from our conscious thought, the more they drive you to behave in unsatisfying, self-destructive, and limiting ways—without your awareness or consent.
If you're finding it impossible to enjoy your life and figure out your top life priorities (let alone honor them), I'd take a look at your deepest fears. How are they driving and limiting you, and wearing you out?
What do you fear most? Death, rejection, success, pain, exposure, vulnerability, sadness, separation? Bring this fear into your awareness and talk to it. Get to know it and live with it. Confront what frightens you the most and embrace it as a friend. Only when we face our fears directly, with open hearts and minds, and the willingness to feel our vulnerability, can we deal with them more effectively.
Get help from others
Receiving help from other people in your life is essential. We can't do what we dream of and live happy, rewarding lives without support. If managing everything on your plate is overwhelming, reach out and ask for help.
I love the concept I learned in my training as a therapist: "Never do for others what they can do for themselves." When we overdo for others, we rob them—our children, spouses, or colleagues, friends, and employees—of precious opportunities to directly experience their own competence and power. To create new balance and wholeness in your life and work, ask for (insist on) the help you need and deserve.
Make joy and fulfillment the barometer
If how you felt every moment of every single day was your barometer for "success," how would you be doing? Is all this crazy running around, exhausting yourself and driving yourself to distraction, bringing any peace, joy, or fulfillment at all? Can you even be present in the lives of your children or loved ones if you're driven and obsessed?
The obvious answer is "No." If experiencing the world in a fully present, alert, and alive way, and feeling joy using your abundant natural talents could become your measure for a life well lived, what would you need to do differently? This month, make joy, fulfillment and well-being your measure of success, and observe how you operate differently in doing so.
Close your power gaps
As so many men and women are facing the 7 damaging power gaps I mentioned above, identify which gap(s) are impacting you most today. Then, take one microstep this week—one small, doable step—to address this gap.
Briefly, here are the 7 gaps:
#1: Not recognizing your special talents, abilities and accomplishments
#2: Communicating from fear, not strength
#3: Reluctance to ask for what you deserve
#4: Isolating from influential support
#5: Acquiescing instead of saying “STOP!” to mistreatment
#6: Losing sight of your thrilling dream for your life
#7: Allowing past trauma to define you
Decide once and for all that you deserve to live a joyful, fulfilling and balanced life, and commit to doing what’s necessary to become the most powerful, impactful and healthy version of you. Then get on the brave pathway to becoming that most powerful you, every single day, even (and especially) during this pandemic.
Kathy Caprino is the author of The Most Powerful You: 7 Bravery-Boosting Paths to Career Bliss. She helps professional women build their leadership and career success in her Career & Leadership Breakthrough programs.
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4ea5b667a44ff37b900ae8f79cc74ed1 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2020/11/17/former-nfl-athlete-turned-ceo-offers-leadership-and-work-life-balance-solutions-that-help-teams-thrive/ | Former NFL Athlete Turned CEO Offers Leadership And Work-Life Balance Solutions That Help Teams Thrive | Former NFL Athlete Turned CEO Offers Leadership And Work-Life Balance Solutions That Help Teams Thrive
Part of Kathy Caprino’s series “Helping Today’s Workforce Thrive”
Work-life balance has become even more challenging today. Getty Images/iStockphoto
During the past months of the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been thousands of articles published about the new challenges employees are facing regarding work-life balance and juggling all that has been added to their plates. And many of us have directly experienced the physical and emotional toll it is taking.
As a career and leadership coach, I’m speaking virtually every day with clients and course members who are struggling to get everything done that needs to be accomplished, including keeping: 1) their families afloat, 2) their children’s remote schooling on track, 3) their financial situation stable, 4) their elderly parents’ care effective, and 5) their own jobs secure.
Unfortunately, many of the strategies and recommendations we hear from corporate leaders are just too little too late and too superficial, unable to make a real difference in supporting professionals’ emotional and physical well-being during these unprecedented times.
To learn more about what leaders and managers can do differently to effectively increase employees’ work-life balance and wellness, I caught up with Mike Morini, former NFL athlete and current CEO of WorkForce Software which was recently named as a top (rated #15) work-life balance organization in Comparably’s List of Top 100 Companies for Work-Life Balance.
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Morini is a 30+ year software veteran experienced in scaling enterprise software companies. He has helped shape and guide multiple fast-growth companies in the cloud arena including holding previous CEO, President and COO positions at SAP, Aria Systems, OutlookSoft, InterWorld, and Verbind.
WorkForce Software is a leading global provider of cloud-based workforce management solutions with a solution that adapts organizations’ needs, aimed to deliver breakthrough employee experiences no matter how unique the organizations’ pay rules, labor regulations, schedules, and employee self-service needs are.
Here’s what Morini shares:
Kathy Caprino: Mike, you came from a career in the NFL and then led several companies before stepping into the role of CEO at WorkForce Software. What are the most valuable leadership lessons you’ve learned from those experiences?
Mike Morini: Some of the most important lessons I’ve gleaned from my NFL career and my corporate roles include:
Teamwork
Competitive sports teach you that you have to rely on a team to win. You can’t do it on your own. In business, you don’t always manage the resources you need to work with to be successful. You need to demonstrate leadership qualities and lead by example so people will want to follow you and support you in your work.
Preparedness
Athletes run plays over and over until they get them right and you need to be just as prepared in business. Did you do your homework before the customer meeting? Did you do at least one dry run of your proposal or demo? Did you assemble and analyze all the facts to back up your recommendations before you presented them to your boss? I am always prepared before I walk into any customer meeting or board meeting and I expect the same from my team.
Flexibility and agility
Things are always changing. In football, you can run a play many different ways depending on how your opponent reacts. You need to have that same flexibility in business. Be prepared for all possible scenarios and ready to pivot as needed. Don’t get stuck because you are convinced you have the right approach or you have already invested a lot of time.
Key lessons from failure
No matter how well prepared you are and how well you execute, you still might lose. Take the time to review mistakes and understand what went wrong. You will always learn more from your failures than your wins.
Caprino: A company is only as strong as its people but finding strong talent can be a challenge. What are the qualities you look for most in candidates for new roles or promotions?
Morini: The #1 thing I look for is a self-starter. Candidates need to demonstrate initiative, but they also need to be team players. You have to be willing to collaborate and work with a team to get things done.
There is one question I ask in every interview, “Do you hate losing more than you love winning or do you love winning more than you hate losing”?
I believe that someone who hates losing more than they love winning will work harder to make sure they don’t lose. They don’t take winning for granted, they know what it takes to win, and they are more likely to learn from their losses.
I also believe in celebrating success, and it is one of the core values I prioritize at WorkForce Software. We don’t want to be so wrapped up in trying not to lose that we don’t celebrate our wins.
Caprino: A strong corporate culture has become a priority for many employees and leaders alike. What are the steps that you suggest leaders take to build a strong, positive culture? Conversely, how can employees help foster a great work environment?
Morini: Transparency is the most important thing a leader can do to foster a good corporate culture; communicate openly and frequently. People need to know what is going on in the business—the good, the bad, and the ugly—so they know that you are all in it together.
When employees don’t know what is happening or why decisions are being made, you can lose their trust. If your team doesn’t trust you, they won’t do their best work, and everyone loses. But with transparency comes accountability. When everyone knows what you are doing, you have to follow through and make it happen.
Leaders also need to lead with empathy, especially now that our work and personal lives are more blended than ever. What is going on in employees’ lives greatly impacts their work. Leaders should give people flexibility to manage all of the new responsibilities and stressors that 2020 created. When your team knows you are encouraging them to take time to re-charge, they will be loyal and work harder for you.
Also, it’s important to take full advantage of video calls. You can really see what is going on with people when you are meeting face-to-face, and since we can’t meet in person, video is the next best thing. Meeting face-to-face helps build that trust and transparency with my team. We are a causal company, so if someone shows up in a hoodie and hat after a workout, that works for me.
Overall, my advice for employees is the same. Stay engaged. Communicate and be transparent with your manager and with your team. Don’t disappear. If your manager has put trust in you, show them that you deserve their trust. If you are not happy about something, speak up. Let your manager know and get it out on the table and talk about it. If you let things fester or complain without trying to resolve the issue, things won’t get better. Sometimes companies are doing the best they can for their employees, but everything still isn’t perfect. Focus on the positive and your experience will be much better.
Caprino: What are the most valuable lessons you have learned from your key mentors, and how are you passing those on to the other people you work with?
Morini: My football coach Fred Dunlap was one of my first mentors. He clearly communicated what he expected from the team and if someone put in the work, he gave them the opportunity to succeed.
Larry McTavish, whom I worked for about 20 years ago, was another strong mentor. He was the first boss who ever told me to slow down and took the time to give me feedback. I had good instincts and was a strong sales guy, but I was emotional, moved quickly, and didn’t always have data to back up my decisions. We were about to make some big pivots in the business and Larry could see that my style was not going to keep working. He took the time to sit with me and guided me on where I needed to improve.
Both of those mentors taught me that transparency and clear expectations are critical leadership skills. I also learned from Larry that it’s important to make data-driven decisions. People who work for me know where they stand. When I like what you are doing, you know it and when I don't like what you're doing, you know it. If you set clear expectations as a leader, it is easier to explain exactly why things are or are not working.
Caprino: With remote work, everyone is facing new and different challenges as they balance their professional responsibilities with family and other obligations. As a CEO, how are you leading WorkForce Software to support its team during these challenging times?
Morini: People are juggling a lot right now and the lines between work and personal life are getting blurred. We know how hard this can be on everyone’s mental health. Some people are juggling childcare and home schooling and others are working more than they should because they aren’t able to go out and socialize.
Some of the key strategies we’ve implemented to support our employees include:
Unlimited vacation
At WorkForce, we encourage people to take the time off they need, as long as they are still accountable to get their jobs done. It’s sometimes hard to remember to take time off when you can’t leave your home, but everyone needs to re-charge so they can do their best work.
Flex time to take care of families
We realize that people might have to adjust their schedules to take care of their families, and we encourage them to take the time they need to put their families first. We ask people to make sure they aren’t abandoning a critical customer situation and are getting their jobs done, but they can make it work on their time. I bring this up at every company meeting and make sure all leaders are sending the same message.
Story-time program for families
This summer, we implemented a weekly story-time program, where an executive reads a story to our employees’ families (remotely) to give them a break in their day. It was a huge hit and our employees appreciated the personal connection with our leadership team.
Charity partnerships that infuse excitement and meaning
We later expanded the program to include one of our charity partners Merging Vets and Players (MVP). This involved bringing in professional athletes from the MVP program to read some stories as surprise guests, which made the story time even more special.
WorkForce really wanted to show our hardworking team the support they deserve and empathize with the situation many are facing.
Fitness reimbursement for equipment and gym memberships
As a former athlete, working out is still a big part of my life and it’s important for everyone to stay healthy to help manage their stress. We have a fitness reimbursement program that has been used primarily for gym memberships. We expanded the program to include at home fitness equipment this year so employees could keep up their fitness routines at home.
We are so proud of being rated #15 on Comparably’s list of Top 100 Companies for Work-Balance, because it shows that our investment in benefits like unlimited time off, fitness reimbursements, and the flexibility and trust we have built into our culture are appreciated by our employees and help them achieve their work-life balance.
For more information, visi www.workforcesoftware.com.
Kathy Caprino is a career and executive coach, speaker, and author of The Most Powerful You. She helps professionals build their best careers through her Career & Leadership Breakthrough programs and Finding Brave podcast.
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edd59c7e62c0a500793b67353f7f1ea2 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2021/01/07/how-ai-can-remove-bias-from-the-hiring-process-and-promote-diversity-and-inclusion/?sh=5cdfa8d64ec5 | How AI Can Remove Bias From The Hiring Process And Promote Diversity And Inclusion | How AI Can Remove Bias From The Hiring Process And Promote Diversity And Inclusion
Part of Kathy Caprino’s series “Supporting Today’s Workforce”
Keeping the interview and hiring process free from bias is an essential task Getty Images
In recent years, diversity and inclusion (D&I) have emerged as a critically important issue and focus to ensure the success of work cultures and organizations large and small around the world. This summer, it was highlighted to an even greater degree as racial inequality and injustice came to the forefront.
Companies have been struggling with how to mitigate and reduce biases of all kinds in their hiring practices, while attempting to promote diversity and inclusion in their cultures and ecosystems, to help their organizations and employees thrive at the highest levels. But conscious and unconscious biases remain, and some tools that have been used to address bias, even AI ones, have been criticized as ineffective at best and counterproductive and deceptive at worst.
To learn more about how organizations can address and remove racial, gender, disability and other biases in their hiring processes and practices, I caught up recently with Mike Hudy, Chief Science Officer at Modern Hire.
Modern Hire is an AI-powered enterprise hiring platform, used by 47 of the Fortune 100 companies including Amazon, Walmart and CVS Health, to hire smarter virtually. Modern Hire enables organizations to continuously improve hiring results through more personalized, data-driven experiences for candidates, recruiters and hiring managers. CognitIOn, the nucleus of Modern Hire's platform, merges expertise in industrial-organizational psychology, talent selection science, advanced analytics, candidate experience, employment law, data science and the practical application of ethical AI.
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Mike Hudy, Chief Science Officer at Modern Hire, is an industry expert in predictive modeling using human capital data with more than two decades of experience in experiment design and talent analytics. Hudy has expertise in deciphering the complexities and ambiguities of talent acquisition to create the practical and effective solutions clients and candidates are seeking. Hudy’s prior experience includes serving as Executive Vice President of Science at Shaker International, of which he was also a founder. He also was Senior Consultant at CEB/SHL and Training Evaluation Analyst at Nationwide insurance.
Here’s what Hudy shares:
Kathy Caprino: Mike, from your view, why is it so important right now for companies to have a diverse and inclusive hiring program, and how is technology helping?
Mike Hudy: Diversity and inclusion have been brought to the forefront of issues companies are tackling after a summer where racial inequality took center stage. Now, more than ever, companies are realizing the responsibility they have to not only attract and hire diverse talent, but to create an inclusive company culture that allows them to retain a diverse set of employees, and the immense value that this brings to their organization. Increased diversity in the workplace leads to a more productive, creative and higher-performing workforce with less turnover. Employees that can offer unique viewpoints and skills help drive success, and in turn strengthen the company on a global scale.
In order to hire diverse talent, it is important for recruiters to reduce and even eliminate unconscious bias from the hiring process. But that is easier said than done, considering that as humans, we’re so prone to unconscious bias that we often don’t realize our decisions are being influenced by them.
Science and technology, when applied appropriately, can help. Using proven, ethical AI in the hiring process can serve to provide objective information to hiring teams so that they focus on what really matters during the hiring process: characteristics of a candidate that are relevant to success in the job. By using only job relevant data as the foundation of decisions, companies can more effectively remove bias from hiring, ultimately better equipping hiring managers and recruiters to prioritize improving diversity and creating a more inclusive hiring process within their organizations.
Caprino: How common is bias in AI today and what leads to bias in the technology? What are the consequences of bias in AI for candidates?
Hudy: Just recently, Google let go of respected AI ethics researcher Timnit Gebru, after she voiced exasperation over the company’s response to efforts to increase minority hiring. This incident, among others, shows just how prevalent bias is in the hiring processes of some of the world’s largest enterprises. When companies are not using ethical, transparent AI, they are at risk of letting bias into the hiring process and creating a potentially negative experience for candidates and all employees within their organization.
Bias in AI mainly comes from the data that is used to train the models. Using data that is convenient and readily available rather than data that is highly job relevant is often where bias starts. For instance, many models are based on resume or job application data. This data is experience-based, which tends to be inherently biased and our research shows, not a great predictor of ultimate success. Other hiring, interviewing and assessment technology providers sometimes employ unethical and unfair solutions such as facial recognition, which has been shown to discriminate against minorities and those with disabilities.
Another flaw with facial recognition, and with much of the AI that is out there, is that candidates receive no insight into how the machine evaluates them. It's a complete black box and they don’t know whether they said the wrong thing, if they didn’t smile enough and so on. It’s important for companies to choose AI that does not utilize facial recognition and evaluates candidates on job-relevant qualities to give candidates a fair chance during the hiring process and ensure a diverse and inclusive work environment is prioritized.
Caprino: How does the use of AI in hiring help to address and mitigate unconscious bias and enhance diversity and inclusion?
Hudy: Each second, an individual receives approximately 11 million pieces of information, but the human brain can only consciously process about 40 pieces per second. To cope with this information overload during the interview process, hiring managers make many decisions without even consciously thinking about them. These quick judgements are influenced by background, culture, environment and personal experience, which can introduce unconscious bias into the hiring process.
Science-informed hiring has the ability to eliminate that unconscious bias that may unintentionally exist while vetting candidates during the hiring process. Science-based hiring begins with an understanding of what drives success in the job and constructing measurement systems to identify those job relevant characteristics in candidates.
AI and advanced analytics can be applied to this data to create models that optimize the prediction of success while also maximizing the diversity of the qualified candidate pool. When this technology is used correctly and ethically, it provides visibility into how data is collected and used, so recruiting teams can understand and explain how their selection process reduces or eliminates any bias or discrimination. Furthermore, models can be monitored and adjusted over time to ensure the hiring process is yielding a highly diverse pool of qualified candidates.
Caprino: You mentioned that in order to be unbiased, AI must only use job-relevant information. How can technology keep interviews and assessments “blind” so that candidates are judged solely on their merits?
Hudy: Helping to ensure that candidates are reviewed based on the content of their response and not on other non-job-relevant criteria begins with how the technology is set up. Making sure that AI models and scoring algorithms are created by being blind to anything that is not relevant to the job, and then validated to ensure that the models are predictive, fair and do not create adverse impact, is crucial.
An example of this is our Automated Interview Scoring, or the AI that we use to do just that. We take a candidate’s response that can be video, audio, or text-based, and use natural language processing (NLP) to evaluate the content of the response against the key competencies required for success on the job. In evaluating the response, the AI is completely blind to the person’s name, what they look like or even what they sound like. Rather it is focused on a transcription of what the person has said.
When we present our evaluation and associated recommendation, we also show the recruiter and hiring manager the same set of behavioral anchored rating scales our models were trained on and use to evaluate the interview question. The reviewer can then use that information, along with the recommendation from our AI to make the final decision on how to rate the candidate. This entire process helps ensure we are putting unbiased information into the hands of decision makers.
Caprino: There are reports that AI can actually lead to more bias in the hiring process. How is Modern Hire’s approach and technology different?
Hudy: Since our inception in 2002, the Modern Hire team has been devoted to the collection of meaningful candidate and organizational data and the study of how that information fairly predicts job fit and performance. Rather than focusing on masks that can temporarily remove group membership information from hiring manager awareness, Modern Hire simply designs scientific and fair hiring tools, and rigorously monitors candidate scoring (how technology-enabled interviews are evaluated and rated during the review process) to ensure that bias is eliminated. And again, it all begins with using data that is job relevant as opposed to readily available.
Caprino: Tell us more about how an audit of AI systems would work. What kinds of regulations and system checks can be imposed on AI?
Hudy: Like other tools in the hiring process, AI tools need to be continuously audited to ensure they’re accurate, fair and free of bias. We’ve been developing algorithms used to support the hiring process for almost 20 years and this is part and parcel to our approach. Once the algorithms are put in place, we gather data and conduct analyses to ensure the tools are fair and related to success on the job.
One way an organization can show their users they are serious about eliminating bias and creating a fair experience for candidates is by establishing a clear, concise, and transparent record of how they are using AI within their organization.
As AI continues to fundamentally transform all aspects of the enterprise, it’s important to set public expectations across all stakeholders. By coming forward and being transparent about the technology used, organizations and employees can hold themselves accountable as AI and its applications continue to grow and develop.
For more information, visit www.modernhire.com.
Kathy Caprino is a career and leadership coach, speaker, trainer and author of The Most Powerful You: 7 Bravery-Boosting Paths to Career Bliss. She helps professional women build their best careers through her Career & Leadership Breakthrough programs and Finding Brave podcast.
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0293b3a671e7193aaa5d69cf62be945d | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiasavchuk/2014/10/30/why-a-conservative-billionaire-wants-to-reduce-sentences-for-drug-and-theft-crimes-in-california/ | Why A Conservative Billionaire Is Backing Criminal Justice Reform In California | Why A Conservative Billionaire Is Backing Criminal Justice Reform In California
Malibu billionaire B. Wayne Hughes, Jr., loves Ronald Reagan, is building an evangelical camp for kids, and has given nearly $40,000 to elect Republicans to Congress this year.
He’s also one of the top backers of Proposition 47, a California ballot measure that would reduce penalties for most minor drug and property crimes. Hundreds of millions of dollars in expected annual savings – money currently spent on convicted criminals in prisons and jails – would flow into treatment programs, truancy prevention and victim services.
Hughes says he never expected to become political bedfellows with the law’s other top supporters, which include the American Civil Liberties Union, liberal billionaires George Soros and Nicholas Pritzker, and Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, also a Democrat.
“I think God has a sense of humor,” Hughes said. “Most things we wouldn’t agree on, but at the end of the day it’s about the lives of the men and women that this issue is going to affect.”
Hughes, one of the measure's earliest backers, has given nearly $1.3 million to help get it passed. On Wednesday he published an op-ed with Rand Paul in the Orange County Register urging other Republicans to vote for the initiative. Last month he teamed up with Newt Gingrich to promote it in the Los Angeles Times.
Hughes’ reasons for supporting the measure, which if passed will reduce California’s high incarceration rates, are both fiscal and ethical. “It’s common-sense reform,” he said. “We’re misallocating our resources, we’re creating a class of our citizenry that are touching the criminal justice system, and we’re losing whole communities. If you find yourself in a hole, quit digging.”
Hughes first got engaged in criminal justice issues in 2010, when he met the late Chuck Colson at a fundraiser at the Ronald Reagan library. Colson, President Nixon’s “hatchet man,” founded a Christian prison ministry in 1976 after serving seven months in prison for his attempts to discredit whistle-blower Daniel Ellsberg.
Inspired by Colson and the stories he heard, Hughes founded a nonprofit called Serving California last year to help inmates, crime victims and veterans. The Christian-based group has invested more than $5 million in its programs, which include a ranch Hughes runs for military families dealing with PTSD.
Hughes got involved with Proposition 47 when he was approached by “some of my friends on the left” who’d heard of his prison work. “I didn’t know I had any friends on the left,” he said. Turned out that these friends included Lenore Anderson, who heads Californians for Safety and Justice, a nonprofit advocating criminal justice reform. He agreed to give an initial $250,000 to get signatures for the ballot measure.
“At the end of the day, for me it’s a matter of the heart. You can look at the economics, but it’s only because I went to prison [to visit inmates] and saw the fallout of over-incarceration that I realized we can’t just keep doing the same thing,” he said.
Hughes says he’s never met or spoken with Soros, whose Open Society Policy Center gave nearly $1.5 million to back the proposition. Pritzker and Hastings each donated around $250,000. Other top supporters include Molly Munger, daughter of billionaire Charles Munger – Warren Buffett’s right-hand man – and Cari Tuna, wife of Facebook billionaire Dustin Moskovitz.
Hughes spent nearly 20 years working with his father, billionaire B. Wayne Hughes, Sr., who founded Public Storage , the country’s largest publicly traded self-storage company. In 2005 he left to start American Commercial Equities, a real-estate firm in Malibu. Forbes estimates that his net worth is $1.1 billion — not quite enough to join his dad on The Forbes 400 this year.
Hughes says his father, who’s also politically conservative, has praised him for his efforts on Proposition 47.
“I think he’s supportive of it, but he hasn’t said anything about it lately,” he said.
Follow me on Twitter @katiasav.
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fd58c2d3c99f48097c51ad39e0df3282 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiasavchuk/2014/12/09/risk-taking-silicon-valley-developer-scores-tech-tenants-emerges-as-billionaire/ | Risk-taking Silicon Valley Developer Scores Tech Tenants, Emerges As Billionaire | Risk-taking Silicon Valley Developer Scores Tech Tenants, Emerges As Billionaire
Although his buildings serve as homes for world-famous companies like Microsoft, Amazon and Google, Jay Paul is virtually unknown. Over the past 40 years the publicity-shy San Francisco-based builder has quietly amassed an estimated $1.5 billion net worth by satiating the desire for high-end office space among Silicon Valley's top tech firms.
Google , which already leases 1.2 million square feet from his privately held Jay Paul Co., recently signed on for another 1.9 million square feet at Moffett Place, a Sunnyvale development in progress. Paul's first project in San Francisco proper, which broke ground in November, will reshape the city's skyline with the 56-story 181 Fremont, the tallest mixed-use tower west of the Mississippi.
Now 67, Paul grew up in Rhode Island and followed his father into the savings-and-loan business before getting into real estate. He started building offices in Silicon Valley in the early 1980s with partners. These days he builds alone; his firm owns nearly 4 million square feet of office space, plus a smattering of retail, with an equal amount under development. Paul and his company declined to comment on his net worth.
The firm's current portfolio includes more than 15 office towers in Sunnyvale, three buildings in Palo Alto occupied by AOL , a mixed-use office and retail property in Santa Cruz, and offices leased to Nokia and Hewlett-Packard in San Diego. He's also developing office buildings at Moffett Gateway in Sunnyvale, Harbor View Place in Redwood City and Summit Rancho Bernardo in San Diego.
Observers say Paul's success stems from his willingness to invest in high-quality construction, his early realization that highway-facing signage would be attractive to firms and his focus on unified corporate campuses. As important was his knack for opportune risks. Most of Paul’s recent projects were built before tenants were lined up, and the bets paid off big-time.
“He’s had very good market timing. He’s taken risks that others wouldn’t take, but he’s by no means foolhardy,” says Phil Mahoney, Paul’s longtime broker at Newmark Cornish & Carey. "He's as keen an investor as I've seen in 30-plus years in Silicon Valley."
Paul, who is divorced and has no children, lives in San Francisco's affluent Pacific Heights neighborhood and owns two yachts. He also has a stake in a private jet.
Despite his success, he's shunned public attention.
"He's just a private person who doesn't want a lot of fanfare," Mahoney says. "He doesn't want to waste a lot of time on anything that's not productive."
With Google alone looking to add several thousand new workers per year in the Bay Area, Paul seems well positioned for further growth — and the spotlight will surely get harder to evade.
Follow me on Twitter @katiasav.
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4c1fa873d4588b1b5c633911a0ddb288 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiasavchuk/2015/05/27/young-and-rich-these-self-made-women-are-just-getting-started/ | Young And Rich: These Self-Made Women Are Just Getting Started | Young And Rich: These Self-Made Women Are Just Getting Started
Last year, Elizabeth Holmes made headlines for becoming a billionaire at just 30 years old. Today, the founder and CEO of blood testing firm Theranos is still both the youngest and richest woman in the world to build her own fortune, worth an estimated $4.5 billion.
She’s among nine of America’s 50 richest self-made women to become multimillionaires – or billionaires – before the age 50. These entrepreneurs and executives hit the jackpot in everything from entertainment to fashion to translation services.
Pop star Beyoncé Knowles is the second-youngest on the list, with an estimated net worth of $250 million at age 33. She’s grossed more than $500 million since going solo, and her On The Run tour with husband Jay Z last summer pulled in nearly $100 million.
Joining Holmes in the 10-digit ranks are 45-year-old Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, 48-year-old fashion designer Tory Burch ($1 billion) and 44-year-old Spanx inventor Sara Blakely ($1 billion).
“I did not have the most experience in the industry or the most money,” Blakely said of her trying early years, addressing the audience at Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Summit in October 2014. “But I cared the most.”
Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, who is 40, and YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, who is 46, owe their multimillion-dollar fortunes to being among the first employees to join Google in the late 1990s. Another young tech CEO, 42-year-old Houzz cofounder Adi Tatarko, caught up with the Google veterans despite being a relative newcomer. She started the home design website with her husband, Alon Cohen, in 2009 and now has an estimated $300 million to her name thanks to the company's $2-billion-plus valuation.
Gallery: Youngest Of The Richest Self-Made Women 9 images View gallery
Follow me on Twitter @katiasav.
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7897d98f1a252017a5ea26d73ceb6abe | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiasavchuk/2016/06/15/serena-williams-katy-perry-women-entrepreneurs-to-watch-self-made/ | From Serena Williams to Katy Perry: Eight Women Entrepreneurs To Watch | From Serena Williams to Katy Perry: Eight Women Entrepreneurs To Watch
Tennis star Serena Williams has an estimated net worth of $150 million. (Photo credit: Dennis... [+] Grombkowski/Getty Images)
A version of this story appears in the June 21, 2016 issue of Forbes. Subscribe
Who will next join FORBES' list of America's Richest Self-Made Women? Keep an eye on these eight up-and-comers. These entrepreneurs have boldly broken rules and upended industries on their way to fame and fortune. And most are barely in their thirties. From pop stars and athletes, to CEOs reinventing fashion and fitness, these women are just getting started.
The youngest in the group is Katy Perry, 31, one of the world's highest-earning celebrities. From June 2014 to June 2015, she pulled in $135 million pretax by playing 124 concerts during her Prismatic World Tour. She has also scored endorsement deals with Coty , Claire's and Covergirl, bringing her estimated net worth to $125 million. "I'm an entrepreneur. ... I don't want to shy away from it. I actually want to kind of grab it by its balls," she told FORBES last year.
Another star on the roster is former teen pop singer Jessica Simpson, 35, who built her $170 million fortune through the eponymous clothing and accessories brand she founded in 2005. Tennis legend Serena Williams, 34, with an estimated net worth of $150 million, also capitalized on her fame by adding endorsement deals and appearance fees to her winnings on the court. Williams was the world’s highest-paid female athlete over the past year, unseating Maria Sharapova, who had held the title for the past 11 years.
Other rising stars, including the founders of Stella & Dot, Stitch Fix and Rent the Runway, are using technology to change the way women buy clothing and accessories. Payal Kadakia, 33, is doing the same for fitness classes through ClassPass, now valued at around $400 million.
Gallery: 8 Women Entrepreneurs To Watch in 2016 7 images View gallery
Here are more details on all eight women entrepreneurs we're keeping tabs on this year: Jessica Simpson $170 million Age: 35. Residence: Los Angeles Former teen pop singer turned reality TV star, Simpson reinvented herself in 2005 with the launch of the Jessica Simpson Collection, her range of midpriced clothes, shoes and accessories sold at Macy's, Dillard's and the like. Last year she sold a 62.5% stake in the now $1 billion (annual retail sales) licensing business for $120 million. She chalks up her brand's appeal to her relatable image: "I have been every size on the planet. ... I understand Middle America and their mind-set." Serena Williams $150 million Age: 34 Residence: Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.During her two-decade tennis career, Williams has earned $76.5 million in prize money, twice as much as any other female athlete. She's banked more than twice as much off the court from appearance fees and endorsements with brands like Nike , Wilson, Gatorade , Chase and IBM . Williams also has equity deals with the Home Shopping Network and Mission Athletecare, and a small stake in the NFL's Miami Dolphins. Jessica Herrin $135 million Age: 43. Residence: Hillsborough, Calif. Herrin dropped out of Stanford business school at age 24 to found a wedding-gift registry site, which later merged with WeddingChannel.com. She then started Stella & Dot, which now sells $300 million a year in trendy jewelry through direct sales. The firm says it has paid some $300 million in commissions to more than 50,000 jewelry "stylists." Katy Perry $125 million Age: 31. Residence: Los Angeles First put on the map by her surprise hit "I Kissed a Girl" in 2008, Perry has pulled in more than $350 million pretax in the past seven years. From June 2014 to June 2015, she earned $135 million, playing 124 concerts in 27 countries. Up next: a film career? Perry made a cameo in this year's Ben Stiller flick Zoolander 2 . Jennifer Fleiss $80 million Age: 32. Residence: New York City Jennifer Hyman $80 million Age: 35. Residence: New York City Harvard Business School grads cofounded Rent the Runway in 2009. This year it's set to cross $100 million in revenues thanks to its new Unlimited subscription. Members can rent as many of its 100,000-plus pieces of clothing, bags and jewelry as they want for just under $1,700 a year. The startup is also now the nation's biggest dry cleaner, with a 160,000-square-foot facility. Hyman is CEO, and Fleiss heads up business development. The firm was valued at $600 million in 2014; each owns 13%. Payal Kadakia $50 million Age: 33. Residence: New York City Classically trained Indian dancer and MIT grad wasted hours searching online for the right New York City dance class in 2010 and realized she had an idea for a startup. The original company folded, but ClassPass, a monthly membership service that gives subscribers access to a wide range of fitness classes for a flat rate, is growing quickly across the U.S. and overseas and has estimated sales of $60 million. In November 2015 ClassPass raised $30 million in a deal that valued the business at some $400 million. Katrina Lake At least $50 million Age: 33. Residence: San Francisco She launched her online personal shopping startup, now known as Stitch Fix, while at Harvard Business School in 2011. FORBES estimates that the San Francisco-based retailer brought in $250 million in revenues last year. The company has nearly tripled its workforce over the past two years, now employing 2,900 mostly part-time stylists and more than 1,000 warehouse workers. Investors valued the company at around $300 million during its most recent funding round in mid-2014, but at least one financier has already marked that up to $730 million. Follow @katiasav
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1c7c799c36b16318995cb2f5eb344f96 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiasavchuk/2016/06/27/jessica-herrin-stella-dot-ceo/ | Why Stella & Dot CEO Jessica Herrin Stopped Trying To Do It All | Why Stella & Dot CEO Jessica Herrin Stopped Trying To Do It All
Stella & Dot founder and CEO Jessica Herrin
The way Jessica Herrin puts it, she nearly “died alone on I-Can-Do-It-All-Island.” When she started Stella & Dot, a direct-sales accessories company, 13 years ago, it was a side business while she worked full-time as a marketing manager at Dell and was pregnant with her first child.
Herrin already had one company under belt. At age 24, she had dropped out of Stanford Business School to cofound a wedding-gift registry site, which later merged with WeddingChannel.com. Five years after Herrin left the company, it sold to The Knot in a deal worth $78 million.
Soon after Herrin's first daughter was born, the baby was diagnosed with a heart condition (she is now perfectly healthy). Two years later, a second daughter came along. Even as Herrin handled everything at home, she continued to work to get her business off the ground. In her second round as an entrepreneur, she knew something had to change.
Today, as CEO of the Brisbane, Calif.-based Stella & Dot, Herrin, 43, has grown the company to a profitable enterprise with $300 million in revenues. It has paid some $300 million in commissions to more than 50,000 stylists, who keep up to 35% of the value of sales they make.
Last year the company expanded beyond trendy accessories to two new brands: KEEP Collective, a line of keepsake jewelry, and EVER Skincare. Herrin has an estimated net worth of $135 million, making her one of FORBES' self-made women to watch in 2016 and well on her way to joining the rankings of America's Richest Self-Made Women. Her daughters are 10 and 12 years old.
Gallery: America's Richest Self-Made Women 60 images View gallery
Herrin talked with FORBES about bootstrapping a multimillionaire company, renegotiating her marriage contract and managing guilt as a working mother.
What lessons did you learn from founding your first company, Della & James?
I learned that you can be commercially successful and not soulfully fulfilled. I started the business with my head. After building it for four long, hard years, I felt a sense of completion. But next time I wanted to start a business that was more ambitious. I wanted to start a life—one that allowed me to be a wife and a mother at the same time as a business owner and leader, and one in which I felt soulfully connected to what I did. For me that was about changing the workforce for women and allowing more would-be entrepreneurs a chance to thrive.
By the time Della & James merged with WeddingChannel.com in 2000, you had $120 million in combined investment. Stella & Dot has only taken in $37 million in venture capital, from Sequoia in 2011, at a valuation of $370 million. Why did you take a different approach?
When you're in business school, you think of getting venture capital as a big milestone of success. But that’s really just the beginning step to creating success—it’s a financing strategy. When I started my second business, I was adamant that I wanted to bootstrap it, and I wanted to do it on my own terms. When you have a lot of investors, there are many different interests around the table. I was more interested in managing the business for the mission than for the quarter, and I didn’t want to sell. I also knew that I needed to keep control of my life. But Stella & Dot became an amazing hyper-growth story, even though I have always kept my family first and paced it around my life.
You’re still pretty busy. What advice do you have for balancing work with your personal life?
My greatest challenge in starting this business wasn’t how to create the product or deal with the technology, but how to manage my own guilt as a working mother. I had to unshackle myself from the unrealistic expectations I had put on myself as a modern working woman. I don’t know who told me I had to make the baby food—it was all self-inflicted. Women today are a transition generation. When you go to build something transformative in the business world, there’s still that little voice in your head that says, “What are you doing?” So you feel like you’re failing. I really worked on managing guilt, because it’s a terrible waste of time and energy.
Was there a turning point for you in learning that lesson?
When my daughters were 2 and 4, we went on a family vacation to San Diego. I was planning to have a business meeting there. I told my husband, Chad, “You can just fly home with the kids, I’ll go to the meeting, and I’ll fly home later that night.” He said, “No way—that’s too hard. You take the kids to your work meeting, and I’ll fly home by myself.”
I married the nicest man in the world, but I’d created a monster by doing everything. I finally realized I can’t make organic baby food, cook you a gourmet dinner, run the company and do it all without anyone seeing me sweat. I realized I needed to create an equal partnership with my husband, and that’s not what we defaulted into. I told him, “I’m going to be a great mother, but I’m not going to be supermom. We can both take turns being heroes.” It took a real journey, but we radically changed and have been together now 21 years and married for 17. I want other women to realize, “Hold on, I’m not going to get what I don’t ask for.”
How did you come up with the idea for Stella & Dot?
When I was at Della & James, a lot of women reached out to me and asked how they could start a business too. I didn’t have a good answer, so I asked: What if you could democratize entrepreneurship? When I researched the options out there for flexible businesses, it felt like something built for the 1950’s housewife, not for the modern woman. Now it needed to lead with product, be customer-obsessed, leverage technology and allow professional women to earn high dollars per hour.
But direct sales sometimes gets a bad rap.
For good reason. When I started, I had a huge “ick” factor associated with the industry. I would see companies that really didn’t sell to customers, but to distributors that bought things and felt locked in. The key is to have profit programs and safety checks in place to prevent someone from losing money. Our revenue comes from our customers, and our sellers earn commissions. They’re not allowed to buy inventory, and if they do, they get kicked out. Stylists also earn credit towards next season’s samples if they sell, so the profits stay in your pocket. There are no quotas or territories. Our business will attract people who just like to dabble, so there are people only earning a little because they’re only working a little.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
It was my dad’s living example. He raised me as a single dad and reinvented his career many times. Whenever he wanted something, he never thought he was going to get an invitation to make it happen. He would always just crack a book, teach himself and do it. As an entrepreneur, you have to see yourself as the creator of your destiny, and I learned that from him.
You published a book called Find Your Extraordinary in May. Why did you decide to write it?
There just aren’t enough success stories of women in the world. There’s not just the wage gap, C-suite gap and STEM gap, there’s also the confidence gap and the happiness gap. More choices are hands-down a good thing, but we have to be thoughtful about addressing self-confidence and guilt at the same time. I wanted to give people a framework for creating true success in their lives on their own terms.
Follow @katiasav
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30a5888b3fc0c3c38672e169a6d5c38d | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebaron/2018/12/04/halal-branding-new-book-probes-the-sticky-intersections-between-retail-religion-pop-culture/ | Halal Branding: New Book Probes The Sticky Intersections Between Retail, Religion & Pop Culture | Halal Branding: New Book Probes The Sticky Intersections Between Retail, Religion & Pop Culture
New book Halal Branding / FKA Twigs in a "stylised minimalist Arab 'battoulah' face mask that the... [+] book's author describes as a modern urban tribal fusion. (Credit: Jonathan Wilson). Professor Jonathan Wilson
It’ll probably be of little surprise that the author of a book that kicks off with the question, “What the Halal is going on?” and follow-up statements including “Muslims are the new exotica” may be a slightly colorful character. An accessible mélange of urban-erudite-flamboyant, Professor Jonathan Wilson is a globe-trotting academic who prides himself on bleeding his past/other lives directly into his work as an award-winning branding expert and trainer; lives that include years sweating it out in bands in Britain’s Hip Hop, Asian Underground and Indie scenes (chunks of rap lighten up the book’s more complex hypotheses), ensconced in martial arts and a critical conversion from a quietly Christian Caribbean-Scottish upbringing to Islam shortly after the millennium. As one of only approximately 100 BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) professors in 20,000 in the UK, he’s long warmed to the buzz of underdog status - devoted to finding alternative ways to review, frame and predict the movements of brand land and its affiliated pop cultural phenomena, even when they’re emerging at lightning speed.
Such is the pace of this digitally interspliced world, combined with Wilson’s personal sensitivity towards faith-connected consumption, that Halal Branding (Halal meaning what is permissible according to traditional Islamic law) should be considered less a tome of silver bullets for those wanting to instantly infiltrate Muslim consumers’ actions/wallets and more a prescient manual for re-thinking branding in general, at a time when traditional marketing wisdom is still largely affixed to a Western perspective . As Wilson says in the book, “Because the vast majority of top brands, scholars and literature hail from or are educated in the (Christian) West and use terms such as icons we therefore tend to view branding through a Western Christian lens.”
To put the need for a rethink into perspective, here are some stats on the religion or the culture (as Wilson prefers to contextualize it for a branding debate) in hand: 25% of world’s population is now Muslim, a figure expected to increase 35%+ in the next 20 years, with spending power of $3trn forecast by 2023. Food, drink, clothing, entertainment, travel, and pharmaceuticals and cosmetics are the key sectors, in that order. By 2070 it looks destined to be the world’s largest religion. If that weren't enough, right now half the Muslim population is under 25 years old - a white-hot indicator of where global brands across the spectrum should be training a respectful gaze.
A shot from Nike's What Will They Say About You? campaign (2017) (Credit: Nike Middle East). Nike Middle East
But it’s about far more than a sheer numbers game. There are, suggests Wilson, attitudinal traits with increasing cross-cultural resonance creating what he describes as the “Halal X-Factor”; Gen Z, let’s not forget, is increasingly described as Gen Sensible - a group notably shorter on vices and keener on discipline than the relatively ambivalent Gen Y and downright hedonistic Gen X. Therefore, systems, including branding, that reinforce the satisfaction that can come with perimeters - especially if there’s an obvious connection between mind, body and spirit - are big on provenance, accountability, community values and/or move away from the high sensationalism of mindless marketing may all appeal.
“I think the desire for a system involving such scrutiny of products and practices and services combined with an appetite for rigor or enlightenment in some way is growing in the West simply because people want an alternative perspective, the possibility of a new way of doing or looking at things and which is based in day-to-day life and so feels accessible. Therefore, the notion of Halal, as a cool byword for ‘this is okay’ just as Kosher was used before it, is effectively fulfilling another cultural remit. And that’s why it’s starting to permeate wider culture.”
As evidence of that filtration he cites American pop star Cardi B singing the lyrics, “Eating a Halal, driving a Lam[borghini]” to her song I Like It (2018) to which Twitter , it seems, largely rejoiced.
Cardi B's 2018 song I Like It features the lyrics, Eating a Halal, Driving a Lam (Credit: Cardi B /... [+] Atlantic Records). Cardi B / Atlantic Records
Of course, it must be noted that it’s not a directly transferrable appeal because Halal criteria does not inherently conflate with, for example, those looking for generalized eco-ethical regulations. The pursuit of purity on which Halal is based is specific to Islam and not a co-opt-able brand component, but the overlaps are likely to build. Consider truth tech tools such as blockchain - an immutable ledger system that shows exactly what processes and even businesses are involved in every type of brand activity. While it will be extremely useful to Muslim-centric brands, especially those involving clear cut ingredients such as food or beauty, the universal rise of risk aversion will unite and intertwine numerous groups.
Intertwining is something Wilson says is imperative for brands dealing with Muslim audiences now, as the borders between pop culture, ethnicity and religion become increasingly blurred, rendering lazy classification a loser’s game ; “I’m seeing split identities everywhere, people behaving conservatively at home but being a wildcat in the club, appreciating and appropriating more than ever. In many ways it’s a sense of dual cool.” For brands that means treading a line that delivers cultural respect and inclusivity but dodges the kind of cheesy one-model-to-represent-each-nation tokenism that smacks of a consumer land-grab.
Versace's 2018 campaign shown in Kuala Lumpur, demonstrative of blended identities (Credit:... [+] Versace). Versace
Wilson cites an A/W18 Versace campaign spotted in Kuala Lumpur that subtly plays with varying degrees of modest fashion (a sector where spending is scheduled to rise from $243bn in 2015 to $368bn by 2021) that aren’t even labelled as such, as opposed to pitching a non-Muslim model next to her Modest mate or the ‘one girl for one persona’ marketing beloved of so many brands trying to hit all the right inclusive marks. Reminiscent of the ‘80s London label Bodymap - famous for being the first to use Lycra to create catwalk-to-club ready fashion worn by those bigger than sample sizes - the imagery shows one model in mini skirt, neck-shielding headscarf and beret; another in a headscarf, jacket and frayed bottom skirt that could conceivably be considered modest if worn with opaque tights; a borderline genderless model in a tuxedo and red beret and another in full bodycon. It’s a pick-and-mix for mutable identities:
“While not strictly modest wear, it’s tapping into the idea of inclusivity, fitting in, aspiration and status,” says Wilson. “Muslims don’t want to be aliens, they want to be themselves, and accepted on their terms. It’s a nod to the fact that you’re acknowledged and part of the gang. It’s effectively a way of co-branding.” Nike ’s focus on New Jersey-native Ibtihaj Muhammad, the female Olympic fencer for whom it created an elite sports suitable hijab, is another example of such blended inclusivity.
US Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad in elite sports Nike hijab (Credit: Nike). Nike
Being part of a gang, specifically shifting focus from a solo megastar to a coterie of talent, connects to another area of Islamic philosophy that Wilson believes will slide into wider branding perspectives. According to Wilson, for a culture that forbids the worship of additional icons it will be more palatable for brands to present multiple voices including grass roots role models. He points to Adidas ’ use of street football in brand campaigns albeit, it must be said, alongside deity-like global superstars such as Lionel Messi, which makes for a slightly shaky analogy. However, in an era where vlogging has to an extent democratized communications and younger consumers are beginning to exchange the super social networks of Facebook for more private, smaller communication groups there is a logical ring to the potential progression.
It nods to the growth of modesty as a more expansive concept, something else Wilson believes will experience a renaissance, citing Japanese brand Muji (the name itself is derived from the words Mujirushi Ryōhin meaning No Brand Quality Goods) and Uniqlo , another Japanese brand that's softly promoted a modest fashion range that was launched in Malaysia but also sells on London’s Oxford Street. Alternatively, consider the white lab coats worn by the staff of French fashion brand Maison Margiela - a carefully engineered symbol of the power of anonymity.
The Maison Margiela lab coats synonymous used to symbolise the power in anonymity. (Credit: Maison... [+] Margiela). Maison Margiela
Other areas of Islamic culture that Wilson points to as a space he believes will impact a wider consumer mindset is the fascinating premise of going beyond After-Sales Service into Customer After-Lifetime Value , a topic Wilson has previously published a paper on. In short, this means expecting brands to assist you (your family) in their duty of care after post-mortem, cultivating a brand-consumer relationship of relatively extreme depths: “If you believe in the afterlife it makes sense that you expect brands and businesses to be linked to accountability forever (this life and the hereafter),” says Wilson. While this may sound wild it is already happening; Denver-based luxury travel provider Exclusive Resorts offers five- to 30-year travel packages, enabling its clientele to visit up to 40 destinations within that time period. Clients can opt to leave memberships to children in their wills.
Any other tricks that may have be being missed? Apparently, there is one: “If you believe in a higher being why be so competitive in such an ugly and essentially deceitful way?” asks Wilson. It’s an idea which markedly extends beyond the naked ambition of gun-for-hire style collaborations such as Louis Vuitton partnering with skate brand Supreme into supposed frenemy territory: “For instance, you have Samsung in the backroom developing screens for Apple ’s iPhones. Why not have an Apple/Samsung phone at some stage? Halal exists as a phenomenon, in fact a noumenon, regardless of what labels people put on things so this isn’t about trivializing or ruthlessly capitalizing on religion, it’s about considering its role in the brand world to see what positives can come of it.”
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e4fb2c1e164e2e573ca58db2c7ec0354 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebaron/2020/01/06/retail-futures-9-trends-strategies--innovation-opportunities-to-set-2020-alight/ | Retail Futures: 9 Trends, Strategies And Innovation Opportunities To Set 2020 Alight | Retail Futures: 9 Trends, Strategies And Innovation Opportunities To Set 2020 Alight
Side-stepping the painfully familiar conference topics of consumer-centricity (when wasn’t that imperative?) and digital disruption (now practically a default setting across the board) here’s nine key bigger picture trends, innovations and strategies for 2020 success.
From unleashing the unreal to capturing the (eco-smart) post-purchase opportunity, regard the forerunner brands and opportunities to get ahead of the pack:
1. Unleash the Unreal, Cash-In on Phygital Life
The world's first piece of bespoke digital couture, which sold for $9500 The Fabricant / Dapper Labs / Johanna Jaskowska
2020 will thrive on illusion. From gaming culture’s mainstream maneuvering (see 2019’s inaugural Fortnite World Cup) to selfie-editor app Facetune boomeranging back into the top paid app slot of 2019 living your best IRL experience is an increasingly digitally manipulatable past-time and the ramifications for retail are manifold:
Firstly, there’s digital clothing–blossoming via the appetite for avatars and in-game spending, a rumoured $50 billion sector. After Gucci’s digitization of 200 pieces for messaging app Genies, where users clothe mini clones of themselves for online LOLZ, 2019 saw a piece of bespoke digital couture (co-created by Johanna Jaskowska, author of cult face filter Beauty3000, The Fabricant and Dapper Labs) sell for $9500. Not forgetting Louis Vuitton’s virtual collection for League of Legends, mirrored by real-life garments. It’s a trend that transcends luxe: Danish brand Carling’s phygital protest tee co-opts Facebook’s Spark AR face filter software, allows fans to reboot a Carlings t-shirt design, when seen on Instagram, as often as the brand dictates.
Secondly, look to physical spaces selling digital stuff. A Hot Second, a proto-flagship for digi-fashion in London (coming soon to Berlin, with blockchain-buyable items) reported huge interest in accessing pieces unattainable IRL. Anticipate illusory brand environments in which to wear/use digital items to follow with the best mainlining traits surrounding community and exploration so richly ingrained in gaming; Gucci’s forthcoming social media accessible scenescapes present some clues.
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Thirdly, deepfake tech teases massive bottom-line benefits for e-commerce. See the Fashion Innovation Agency’s ‘digital doubles’ work with technologists Proactive Reality or ‘face-swapping’ app Superpersonal, which allows users to convincingly morph themselves into models – a triumph of AI-meets-animation as narcissistically seductive as it is practical (for virtual fit).
2. Go Live to Harness Hype
H&M brand Monki began live-stream selling fashion in December 2019. Monki
Live commerce will deliver increasingly emphatically for brands in 2020, driven by the craving for direct connections and the thrill of perishable moments. Hype is the common denominator, but it’s as applicable to food as fashion.
Testament to its power, next-gen TV-retail app NTWRK’s collaboration with Nike and US fashion designer Jeff Staple sold 20,000 units in just 10 seconds last summer while H&M brand Monki’s new partnership with Swedish live stream start-up Bambuser professionalizes the haul video. Monki staff present, fans can buy as they watch near instantaneously. The genre is eco-valuable, too – see Chinese live-streaming e-tailer, Mogu which only produces the products that pique consumer interest – while Youtube and Instagram have just added AR trialling to shoppable beauty videos, amplifying the value of tutorials.
While low-fi may seem appealing, look higher. According to Jenny Quigley-Jones, managing director of U.K. YouTube influencer marketing agency Digital Voices: “Brands are missing out by thinking that things need to be all hype or utterly 'authentic'. What young people actually want is well-constructed content. They'll happily watch for a long time if it's well produced.”
3. Shake-Up Service: Upskilling Vs. Delegation
John Lewis' new service strategies combine the allure of connoisseur-style knowledge with the ... [+] promise of personal up-skilling. John Lewis
Winning service strategies will fall into two camps for 2020. Firstly, personalized up-skilling combining connoisseurship with experiential satisfaction. For the high street, see British department store John Lewis’ beauty and menswear revamps: associates, who consumers choose from online bios, become brand-agnostic tour guides. Or Adidas’ customisation spaces for citizen creators. For luxury, regard Italian house Ferragamo’s partnership with German camera expert Leica on ‘workshops by foot’ guided by an ‘internationally renowned photographer’.
For others, high maintenance and low patience is the mantra to manage – making retail services that facilitate outsourcing tasks key (even better if they make consumers a little money on the side). Ikea’s partnership with TaskRabbit, connecting DIY-averse consumers with amateur furniture builders (via Ikea’s website) kick-started the trend. Now, look to concierge concepts like Canadian fashion site Boro, which lets fashionistas lend their clothes to others; for a commission it curates an edit, arranges cleaning and makes the exchange.
4. Advocate for Introverts
Advocating for introverts, Brown's app includes a feature allowing fashion fans to message ... [+] associates when in-store, swerving spoken language barriers or the traditional luxury up-sell. Browns / Farfetch
Service in 2020 must also realign with a booming self-service mindset, evidenced by the surge of positive social media feedback last year when Sephora offered different coloured baskets to shoppers depending on their appetite for intrusion.
Sports brands have game: Adidas’ geo-smart app lets visitors to its new London flagship scan products to check stock, request sizes and buy without staff piercing their personal browsing bubble, while Brown’s East has developed an in-app feature that lets fashion shoppers message staff while in-store–to swerve spoken language barriers, or leap-frog the luxury upsell. Also see Chanel’s Atelier Beauté, NYC, for a largely app-controlled, experience-logging brand space that lets the uninitiated play while aficionados assert control.
5. Power Up Sustainability with Post-Purchase Opps
Carlings phydgital t-shirt, an homage to making topical statements at speed, exemplifies a future of ... [+] monetising access (here, to new designs) over things. Carlings
Not a trend but a paradigm shift, eco-ethical credentials will define 2020’s winners, with post-purchase initiatives providing big opportunities.
Repair will become a core sales revenue (see the Restory renovation specialists work with department store Harvey Nichols) while special kudos will go to brands who actively discourage bulk purchasing. Beyond superior style, London’s denim label Blackhorse Lane Atelier is elevating itself to cult status via lifetime repair guarantees, jean-creation workshops and a discretionary ban on buying more than two pairs at once.
Digital innovation will drive vast change. Carlings aforementioned digital t-shirt, an homage to making topical statements at speed, exemplifies a future of monetising access (here, to new designs) over things. Or resales, where advanced authentication tech is pumping legitimacy into a once-shadowy sector – powering a full-scale revolution.
Also look to digital wardrobe-monitoring concepts. Save Your Wardrobe–fashion’s brand-integrated answer to Fitbit, which adds old clothes (via photos) and new purchases (via receipts) into one virtual closet connected to repair, donations and resales –busts out of beta in 2020. Here, eco adds rocket-fuel to enterprise–such circular systems will give brands unprecedented visibility on the full spectrum of consumer behaviours.
6. Support the Brand of Self
Exemplifying 'Brand of Self' strategizing e-tailer Beautonomy gives fan the opportunity to turn ... [+] themselves into micro-brands. Beautonomy
Brand support/enablement will be commercial gold in 2020, especially for those with a youth-centric gaze; agile and ambitious yet intensely security-seeking in comparison to their ultrapreneur predecessors, Gen Z clamour for cold hard reassurance when it comes to their side hustles or professional prowess (as well as personal and social pressures).
It’s underpinned the exponential success of Depop, where users can create small-scale resale e-shops in just a few clicks–its stores in LA and NY include a photo/production studio delivering technical and creative support to improve fans microsites. See also the glowing rebirth of America’s Ulta Beauty, which last year partnered with U.S. magazine Essence on an industry-cracking mentorship scheme for young girls.
It’s a halo of help with unlimited roadmaps for brands but which will certainly alter the complexion of collaborations, a landscape where visual representation alone already feels flat. Take a look at British e-tailer Beautonomy; aside standard shopping it invites fans to create their own ranges–micro brands if you will, to whom success means commission.
7. Bond Via Biometrics
Biometric brandscapes will be key to creating more personalized, perceptive forms of brand ... [+] engagement - as per SK-II ultra-individualized diagnostic spaces. SK-II
The consumer pursuit for more meaningful, individualized, perceptive forms brand connection/communication will raise another bar in 2020, as they demand more bang for their buck for using their data, and to be seen as clients rather than targets. Enter: biometric tech, capable of boosting everything from payments (think palm-vein reading ID tools) to store spaces (consider the sentient supermarket) to at-home experiences (enriched by bespoke sensory VR).
Already in play in the beauty sector (see SK-II’s Future X Tokyo pop-up, which used advanced facial recognition to create skin diagnostic e-profiles for visitors) travel is now also getting on board—British Airways is already exploring seats containing biometric scanners to analyse travellers’ physical and nutritional wellbeing, with the aim of delivering on them while still in-transit.
Wellbeing is the salient sector; such transformational tech will accelerate both self-care and personal performance. Vicki Dobbs, executive director of ILMxLab–the immersive entertainment division of Disney’s Lucasfilm–reveals it’s toying with mind-steering technology such as Healium, created by U.S. brain-computer-interface specialists StoryUp. According to Dobbs, “learning to control your heart rate or brain patterns will unlock certain experiences within the VR scenario”–a concept transferrable sports flagships where amateurs want to test their edge.
8. Reinvent Heritage via Next-Gen Archive Culture
Virgil Abloh's Figures of Speech, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago. Virgil Alboh / MCA (Chicago)
Luxury brands, fearing for their pole positions in an era rife with hierarchical shake-ups , exhibited more than a marginal penchant for digging into their archives (elite and pop cultural) in 2019 to reassert authority. In 2020 expect such legacy-based retailing to kick into top gear.
Sustainability will help propel the trend (those buying less will prize the extra investment value such context affords), but cleverly framed, unusual connections and initiatives promoting creative opportunity diversity will be key to finding full buoyancy – see Virgil Abloh’s many projects toying with high-low cultural overlaps/overhauls (via Louis Vuitton) and Maison Margiela’s temporary NY flagship featuring a rotation of artist-in-retail-residencies.
Consider, too Gucci’s new @guccibeauty Instagram account–a marketing exercise-meets-history lesson, revealing the (supposedly) decadent references fuelling contemporary trends.
9. Recalibrating Community: Scenes, Sources & Special Access
Alexander McQueen’s collaboration with British experimental fashion film platform SHOWstudio – a ... [+] downloadable pattern from the brand’s SS20 collection spearheading a redefinition of modern education. SHOWStudio / Alexander McQueen
Community and scene-making will also be a make-or-break mission in 2020, as commerce shapeshifts to accommodate a new cultural climate and sensitivities.
Mirroring the trend for support, access will be a hot topic, as illustrated by American womenswear brand Universal Standard’s new NY apartment flagship that customers can borrow to host their own events. Or Alexander McQueen’s collaboration with British experimental fashion film platform SHOWstudio, whom creative director Sarah Burton recently gifted a downloadable pattern from the brand’s SS20 collection – a formerly inconceivable gesture of design-community inclusivity redefining modern education.
It’s a new vision of more ethical marriages of collaboration, kinship and commerce also being observed in next-gen lifestyle festivals such as SOLE DXB (an operation using brand culture to reclaim identity for geographical underdogs) and hybrid brand spaces such as Lululemon’s new Chicago flagship that can switch to operating solely as a gym, no merch required.
2020 will also see a re-examination of fandoms–how to mobilise, infiltrate and support them, spurring new agencies along the way; see Duel, a new British business that’s moving the dial from influencer agency to ‘advocacy’ management.
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43d2c5421f0ef4879ace7ed23506fa44 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebaron/2020/04/01/business-as-unusual-brand-strategies-for-navigating-covid-19s-new-abnormal/ | Business As Unusual: Enduring Brand Strategies For Navigating Covid-19’s New Abnormal | Business As Unusual: Enduring Brand Strategies For Navigating Covid-19’s New Abnormal
It would be premature to predict the legacy of the Covid-19 lockdown regarding consumer behaviours (as psychologists tell us, it takes roughly 66 days to create a new habit, and the trials of distancing are still delivering a rollercoaster of emotions), but key signals emerging from the eye of the storm reveal not just the smartest brand responses to the current situation, but those likely to have legs when regeneration proper begins:
1 . Purpose Gets Real: Care Culture & The Knowledge Premium
LVMH repurposes the production might of its scent & cosmetics business to battle Covid-19 chaos. LVMH
Echoing the backlash against ‘brand purpose’ as little more than marketing fodder have been a handful of reactions filling deep municipal holes with legitimate dynamism. “This will be the stake in the heart of brand purpose [as a marketing message]. It’s clearly about action now,” says British consumer psychologist Paul Marsden.
Those already walking the walk include Boots, which has stepped up into a surrogate national health service, issuing daily videos on its social platforms (presented by its chief medics) answering commonly-asked Covid-19 questions; and fellow British retailer M&S with its budget-stretching ‘Stuff You Can Freeze’ video, although not without criticism (some consumers have deemed it an incitement to stockpiling).
In a shrewd piece of responsive repurposing Lego has shone a fresh spotlight on its #ExplainedWithLego videos (initially launched in autumn 2019) in support of parents facing the abject terror of home-schooling during the crisis. Subjects range from ‘Amazing Animals Facts?’ to the slightly more ambitious ‘How Do Genetics Work?’
Such authoritative advice feeds another trait of ‘corona-culture’ pinpointed by Marsden as being pandemic transcendent: the value of survivalist smarts: “We’re going to look to peoples’ self-reliance, tenacity and intelligence. Knowing what to do will be at a premium after this.” As it is with individuals, so it is with brands; see the redirection of skills from megabrands including LVMH (scent & cosmetic factories making hand gel for hospitals) and Scottish beer giant Brewdog, whose distilleries are now making hand sanitiser.
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Localism is flourishing here, too, as community support seems indelibly linked to personal survival. Supermarkets Coles, M&S and Waitrose have established empathy via special shopping hours for the elderly or extra-deserving, while Carrefour’s new phone-based subscription service delivers staples the same time every week.
A lasting aspect of this ‘care culture’, where performance conflates with purpose and generosity deemed a new brand metric, will be the pausing formerly inflexible commitments – from banking to beauty subscriptions.
2. Unpausing Identity Via the Passion Economy
Ganni's WFH campaign offers isolated brand fans a hand out of creative despair. Ganni
As lives are put on pause, plugging into up-skilling or the ‘passion economy’ (making a living from what you love doing) will swell in value, too – nourishing those unexpectedly saddled with extra leisure time not only with entertainment, but also sanity-saving purpose.
A trend with special relevance to the side-hustling ‘brand of me’ consumers that define Gen Z, Danish fashion brand Ganni’s new social campaign #GANNIWFH invites those at home to get creative on its platform. Asking ‘Are you at home these days?’ ‘Feeling the urge to express yourself? Fans are tasked with creating an original artwork based on the theme ‘home is where the heart is’, on a promise of hard cash and an appearance in Ganni’s pop-up exhibition in Copenhagen in August 2020 – a shrewd profile-lifting projection into the comfortingly near-term future.
Similarly plying a WFH angle, Anglo-Spanish shoe brand Miista’s Instagram Live partnership with long-time collaborator, British shoe designer, DJ and female drag queen Georgie Bee suggestively invites fans to ‘tune in’ and help at-home nudist Georgie dress for a WFH video call, with the capacity to ask questions and even appear in the video themselves. A little light relief via some decadent distraction was the original name of the game, but the brand reveals the live conversations have served a deeper purpose: allowing fans “to share normal thoughts” around the reality of their situation.
With digital dexterity likely to soar as consumers find time to dabble in ‘DIY digital’ within social media and gaming, what may have seemed like small-fry titbits of fan appreciation now have major implications for current and post-Covid-19 community building.
3. Digging Distance: Uncompromising Control
Boots stores temporarily pivoted into contactless environments. Boots / Dalziel & Pow
The value of reclaiming control (actual or perceived), is massive mid-pandemic and will continue to rocket on the other side. Allusions to freedom matched by safety – a critical sentiment that’ll be harder to shake the longer lockdowns persist – will be key.
While most physical stores are now temporarily closed, no-touch environments are worth holding onto as social distancing measures flex; Boots and British beauty brand SpaceNK both switched to zero-touching guidance, showing how super sanitised is trumping the appeal of hands-on (handmade is also taking a nosedive), while curb side deliveries are also gaining serious kudos.
American cannabis brand Curaleaf has introduced WaitListMe – an app used mostly for restaurant waitlist management, so customers can wait in cars rather than queue for service, while Chinese e-tail goliath JD.Com is using autonomous vehicles to deliver medical supplies and groceries in Wuhan.
As shown in tools such as luxury fashion boutique Brown’s East’s in-app feature that lets shoppers message staff while in-store themselves (to swerve spoken language barriers or an intimidating up-sell) distance is already a burgeoning indulgence, plugging into what Marsden says is a rising Me, Myself & I mentality: “A major likely outcome of this situation is that we’ll compromise less, having a shared space will be difficult for a lot of people, for example.”
4. Hyper Sensory Persuasion
Sennheiser's #dontstopthemusiccampaign distributing sensory good vibes during lockdown. Sennheiser
With most of us ‘doing time’ indoors, sensory deprivation is a defining factor of the coronavirus brand experience, propelling pleasure stratospheric, now and in the aftermath; unsurprisingly the e-spending growth has been dominated by vices – alcohol, cannabis and sex, annexed only by food and fitness.
According to London-based consumer psychologist Kate Nightingale: “Some people are ‘need-for-touch’ only when buying, while others are ‘high autotelics’, exhibiting a much greater need to experience haptic sensations – things but also their surroundings, for whom now much of their pleasure is of course forbidden. For them, but all of us to a degree, sensorial experiences will become much more important post-Covid-19. Right now, even online experiences can be doing a far better job via the intimations of language.”
Clearly an ideal time to get busy with ASMR branding, there are some socially-oriented sensory concepts semi stumping up the required stimuli. JD.com’s livestreamed club experience – weekly three-hour ‘sets’ on its e-commerce streaming platform JD Live, partnering with Budweiser, Rémy Martin, Carlsberg and Pernod Ricard to boost alcohol sales amid quarantining. Viewers are encouraged to buy drinks while watching, which they have been in droves; sales hikes of 40% on beer and 70% on one of the liquor brands compared to the same time period on the previous day, green-lighting its run post-quarantining.
German audio brand Sennheiser’s website is currently hosts music videos and live and ‘immersive recordings’ (bearing living-room-esque, low-fi sounds) from jazz clubs and electro sets to create an affinity with Covid-19’s stay-at-home audience.
5. Live, Direct & Ultra-Dynamic
Credo Live, part of the new wave of live commerce being leveraged in lockdown. Credo Beauty
As retail’s ultimate antidote to enforced isolation, live commerce has found its (gigantic) groove during the pandemic. From tele-health to beauty, it’s a plug-in and play world of instant thrills and virtual consultations offering equal parts distraction, community and connection.
Chanel has rebooted its Atelier Beauté store in NYC with virtual beauty chats with its ‘Master Artists’ and ‘Beauty Guides’ (services are complimentary), while American ‘clean’ beauty retailer Credo has seen sales via its Credo Live feature soar. The software, which lets fans on its e-commerce site connect to sales associates in-store for 30-second chats (during which they can digitally chaperone customers onto specifically recommended product pages) saw a 34% increase in chats mid-March, spurring a 10% increase in conversion through the channel.
US medi-retail brands such as Ro and American Well are already offering e-assessments, stemming low-risk patients blocking more serious cases, while the opportunity for sports is rife: Under Armour and Lululemon have both rolled out expert-led livestreamed exercise classes via Instagram TV (neither monetised as yet), with the latter’s first 15-minute HIIT class already viewed 380,000+ times. A little more left-field, Outdoor Voices existing collaborator, under-the-radar American dance instructor Joeli Villa Cedeno is leading weekly ‘recess’ dance breaks from his kitchen.
Even sample sales are subject to the live treatment: London sample sale venue The Box has just transferred its physical sample sales onto Instagram Stories, needing nothing more than its DM’s to make money.
6. The Validation of Virtual Style
Robhau virtual fashion capitalises on the appreciation of digital dexterity to be found during ... [+] social distancing. Rohhau
While sartorial-based spending may seem low-priority or even irrelevant in the leisurewear-dominated hole of lockdown, the need for self-expression (see no. 2) – style as a form of succour – is keeping fashion’s hopes alive. Particularly when connected to the generally booming discipline of digital design.
Based between London and Berlin, brand new streetwear company Rohbau has just released a digital hoodie conceived to service those seeking virtual escapism. Echoing Danish brand Carlings digital t-shirt last December (‘a project giving virtual fashion the accessible vibe brand land had been waiting for’) the digital-only, logo-emblazoned unisex hoodie can be superimposed over images of house-bound consumers in a bespoke service, for a cost of just €40 ($42.66).
The concept follows the announcement that WWD China and Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo are to launch the world’s first digital-only fashion weeks in April –globally live streamed events conceived to pioneer a new era of sustainable fashion summits; a Covid-19 spurred sea-change revealing the legacy of lockdown may yet be a suite of powerful, positive long-term changes.
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fd0e61798e2029e71c26c5a7d95355c7 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebaron/2020/05/26/meet-ada-the-new-fashion-game-smashing-down-the-door-to-democratized-luxe/ | Meet ADA: The New Fashion Game Smashing Down The Door To Democratized Luxe | Meet ADA: The New Fashion Game Smashing Down The Door To Democratized Luxe
Very few things are likely to get a fashion CEO as hot under the collar right now as the promise of a prime slot in front of a famously gaming-hungry (e-comm fatigued) Gen Z audience, especially with most pandemic-hit stores and IRL activations still languishing on ice.
Since gaming officially became the apogee of the entertainment world, eclipsing movies and music combined (the record still stands with Grand Theft Auto’s first 24hr sales of $800m in 2013 vs. Avengers: Infinity War’s $257.5m in 2018) canny luxury fashion brands have been aching to infiltrate its tasty triple threat of product discovery, fan addiction and spending. US rapper Travis Scott’s virtual appearance in Fortnite last month, which pulled in a record-annihilating 12.3m viewers (live), proved definitively that if you can’t beat ‘em you really should join ‘em.
There are three routes in: either via outfits a.k.a. ‘skins’ in existing games (see Louis Vuitton and League of Legends); the burgeoning metaverse – SimCity style shared virtual landscapes where people can interact with each other and brands – such as Nintendo’s wildly popular Animal Crossing; or purpose-built fashion-meets-gaming platforms. The latter shouts retail gold, but most fall short on visual seduction, real-time connectivity to their commercial ecosystems and risk savaging the halo of rarity inherent to the luxury glow. New platform ADA, by Singaporean-based group Unmatereality, which launched earlier this month in China in partnership with the Sina Corp (expect a global release late summer 2020) is an amalgam of routes two and three and plans to raise the stakes on all fronts.
ADA's virtual replication of a Moncler show piece, as seen in-game Unmatereality / Moncler
The Man Behind the Mission
Key to the ADA story is the man driving the mission: Andy Ku is a Korean social media and games publishing entrepreneur with rather prescient previous in this creative-commercial sweet spot. A graduate of both Cornell and Harvard university prior to pivoting into tech in the early noughties (with degrees in architecture and urban planning, respectively) in 2007 he launched MStar, a 3D-avatar based fashion game, generating a then-unprecedented average of $83 per month per user selling virtual fashion.
In 2012 he sold Mstar’s parent business Nurien Soft to Korean gaming monolith Netmarble Corp before founding Seoul-based mobile media and education company BlueArk Global – which partners with Nickleodean, XIX Entertainment and the Cartoon Network among others to birth their famous creations as games. There have also been collaborations with industry giants including David Jones, creator of Grand Theft Auto.
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“The next big market for fashion isn’t China, it’s virtual commerce,” says Ku. As an early indicator of the buzz, ADA had approximately 20,000 beta testers on launch day.
Next Level Tech Mix Envisions a Neo Social Media
Umatereality wants no less than to transform the world of luxury e-commerce via a breed of gamification in which a tantalising mix of consumer-creation, social networking, addiction-building gaming mechanics, cinematic level 3D visuals and the small matter of real-time e-commerce connections (making it possible to wish-list or buy items in-game) will transcend most challengers.
While it almost certainly won’t satisfy those craving the parallel dimension of a Second Life scenario, it is likely to be a dream for fashion fans seeking a more immersive, resumable iteration of social media with amplified opportunities to flex a fantasy persona. According to Ku: “ADA is different [to its competitors] because it’s a combination of 3D gaming components and engines, and a 2D web-based social media functionality, which is an extremely rare thing. Think of it as an ongoing fantasy-driven platform or narrative, not a single play game.”
An ADA avatar, street style Unmatereality
How It Works
Armed with an extensive customization toolkit, players swiftly create avatars that inhabit personal rooms they can decorate themselves. Within these rooms they can view and virtually try on reams of fashion from participating brands within a virtual closet, all of which are replications of physical garments that can be bought in-app. Everything is a status symbol in-waiting; the rooms are upgradable (for a cost) and the next phases of the game are likely to see collaborations with furniture brands, electronics companies, and even automotive manufacturers. Individuality is the platform’s ultimate currency. As Ku states: “This is about total lifestyle”.
Echoing the privacy mechanics of Instagram players can visit one another in their rooms, talking via a chat-based function. They’ll also be able to wander the network like a legion of tiny virtual voyeurs through a vast virtual hotel, checking out their fellow players, unless they’ve chosen to lock their rooms. AI-fed algorithms and advanced data mining will surface players with similar tastes, potentially birthing micro fashion communities (“or clans, as we say in gaming,” says Ku).
Democratized Luxe
The gaming factor and thus the typical in-game hierarchy or ranking system kicks in via daily styling challenges set around themes or brands, fueling/feeding off gamers’ creative vanity. But there are also ‘mission boxes’ that dish out virtual money to use in-game for potentially doing nothing more strenuous that visiting a brand’s pop-up store (more on these below).
These are modes of incentivization – both nudges and opportunities that the brands hope will blossom into advocacy, as well as increased eyeballs on products and deeper layers of behavioral analytics – that form a core part of Ku’s core motivation: “You can earn enough points via these activities that the game will effectively subsidize your eventual cash purchase. Some people can just buy the garments direct, others will need to earn them via game-play. We’re trying to democratize the luxury experience. ADA is for people who love fashion but have not had any real opportunity to access or explore it in any form yet.”
But In-Built Rarity Keeps Luxury Values Alive
This may be a virtual world, but that doesn’t mean an endless supply of luxury garms. Ku seems acutely aware that while this is a playground for hungry young enthusiasts, sanctioning excessive exposure could take some brands a few short seasons away from irrelevance.
While for a $1000 item the in-game version will cost just $1, as in the real-world there will be a limited number of pieces available, accessible on a first come first-served basis. Incentivising play, high-ranking players (for instance, those whom the system and/or fellow players deem to creating the best looks or undertaking the most tasks) will even be able to pre-order some pieces.
Redefining The Digital Flagship
Not only can brands drop items into gamers’ virtual closets they can also commission virtual pop-up stores, or any virtual space including showrooms and catwalk presentations, which in future may even include fully conversant virtual sales associates. At a time when apps already constitute 40% of mobile spending, it’s a sea-change that’s already spurring shrewd brands to dramatically reimagine the flagship and its service capabilities.
Brands can also populate ADA with avatars of their ambassadors, pure fantasy figures or living people, with whom players can interact. Hyper-advanced visually (just imagine the colossal celeb sign-off process) this week alone has seen Unmatereality scan the perfectly groomed head of Balmain’s very own Olivier Rousteing, while supermodel Natalia Vodianova (who is also an investor) was an early otherworld specimen.
Vodianova exemplifies the premise of ADA as bridge between worlds; at ground level her avatar provides an in-game photo opp for the social media equivalent of autograph hunters, with automated, bot-style responses engaging with fans. But she can, and apparently sometimes will, wander the maze communicating directly, a little like David Bowie with his prescient Bowienet in the early noughties – an alternative reality, avatar-based chat system which he would often enter, like a mystery shopper, and have conversations with his fans.
Natalia Vodianova's bespoke ADA avatar Unmatereality / Natalia Vodianova
User-Generated Content: Fan-Consumer Creation
Consumer creation/fan-made content is the other cherry in ADA’s virtual confection; there’s barely an inch of gaming space not primed to be gamer-manipulated, and for good reason. While it’s possible to attribute the boredom of lockdown to the soaring user rates for platforms built on user generated content, a.k.a. UCG (TikTok’s viewing figures have shot by 15%) a 2020 study by Australian UGC specialists Stackla reveals 79% of people are highly influenced by UGC when making purchasing decisions, rating it as six times more influential than brand-created content.
Aside their own avatars and styling themselves and their rooms, gamers can also create look-books (shareable instantly on social media, of course) and will in future, thanks to 5G, be able to stream and download motion content on screens within their virtual quarters. Ku even intimates they’ll be an opportunity to co-create 3D designs and upload them in-game. So far, so meta.
The Brands Benefitting from Superior Immersion
Less than a month in and the 35 or so launch brands is impressive. The currently mostly Western rundown includes heavyweights Armani, Dior and Prada while more avant-garde attractions include cult players such as American menswear brand Thom Browne, Japanese streetwear label Sacai and the LVMH 2017 young prize winner Marine Serre.
The renderings will be key. With every digital construction house worth its pixels currently flexing serious lifestyle muscle, from Dutch ‘digital fashion house’ The Fabricant (which co-created the first piece of commercially sold digital couture) to young pretenders like Robhau – a Berlin-London brand with the chutzpah to launch during lockdown – fan/consumer expectation is extremely high.
Next up? Virtual Only Collections & Transferable Avatars
Indeed, Ku’s goal is that in future collaborating brands will product virtual-only collections (“we want to be the biggest library of virtual goods in the world”) while he also speculates that, “it will be possible to take your avatar from ADA into another online space, including another game”. This Ku concludes, “will be an ever-evolving service.”
Hyper fantasy in fashion gaming from Unmatereality Unmatereality
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e0e5b714365b20f63dcfc1aa7163ee2d | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebaron/2020/06/26/hoka-one-one-the-anatomy-of-sports-fastest-growing-crisis-proof-sneaker-star/ | HOKA ONE ONE: The Anatomy Of Sports Fastest Growing (Crisis-Proof) Sneaker Star | HOKA ONE ONE: The Anatomy Of Sports Fastest Growing (Crisis-Proof) Sneaker Star
Disruptor brand is usually shorthand for a nifty D2C upstart that’s flown in from nowhere on the wings of vast VC funding and self-aggrandizing entrepreneurial bravado. But occasionally a disruptor comes up on the inside track with a long game where a perfect storm of rebel DNA, high performance product and a vision of community in full possession of the (equality-demanding, de-stereotyped) consumer mood, plus some luck in the style stakes, will raise its game exponentially and potentially leave an entire field in the dust.
HOKA ONE ONE is just over a decade old and currently still the minnow in the running pack (annual revenues of $353m to Nike’s $24.2bn) but poised to offer just that quadruple threat. The fastest growing running brand in the world, in 2019 it made Footwear News’ top 10 best-selling running brands globally alongside the usual megabrand suspects, while recently claiming the top spot in Esquire’s 2020 list of style stars.
Even more compellingly, it’s just defied a Covid-19-induced US industry slump; answering a 65% decline in athletic footwear sales with a whopping Q4 uplift of 52%, and a 58% rise on its 2019 sales figures, without even boasting physical stores of its own (yet). Under the circumstances, billing itself as ‘the crisis-proof running brand’ seems a wholly acceptable brag.
HOKA Clifton Edge HOKA
How’s it doing it? Alongside shoes that have accrued a hardcore fanbase of runners (it’s remarkably hard to find a poor review online) it’s by foregrounding women – uncoincidentally its president is American Wendy Yang, the first female president of a running brand; an ethos of inclusivity that includes marrying elite athleticism with back-of-the-pack effort and ultra-human narratives; and stellar timing in terms of tapping the fashion trend for ‘high integrity’ ugly sneakers. With the brand on the cusp of launching its virtual Ekiden (long distance relay race) in collaboration with fitness tracker app Strava, here’s the full strategic lowdown:
The Original Running Rebel
It’s got outlier-ship in its genetics. HOKA was born in France in 2009 as a high-performance footwear riposte to the then raging barefoot running craze. Its ‘maximal’ running shoes are famous for their engorged silhouette thanks to stabilizing oversized outsoles designed to suit all terrains, from road to trail routes.
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It was fully acquired by the Deckers Outdoor Corporation in 2013 and came under the stewardship of industry force Wendy Yang in 2015. A former professional tennis player with previous leadership roles at Timberland, Reebok and New Balance, Yang is now president of Decker’s entire Performance Lifestyle Group and has overseen HOKA’s revenues soar from $70m, to the $353m of March 2020. Unsurprisingly, she’s unequivocal about its potential:
“We’re a 10-year-old brand that started from ground zero and has accelerated year on year in a seemingly irrepressible trajectory. We’re so much smaller than our other competitors, but we’re growing so much quicker. If we can continue doing what we’re doing, we can get to half a billion dollars per year.”
Female Community Focus Powers Purpose-Led Culture
At the core of the brand’s rise is a 360° focus on female fanbases (multiple) that others have failed to connect with authentically on numerous levels. A major advocate for female empowerment, Yang, who established the first Women’s Leadership Summit at Deckers in 2018, reveals, “we have very conscientiously focused on women over the last five years, in a sector that was predominantly very white and very male, shifting the fanbase from 60% male to 50%+ female and into a far more racially diverse space.”
Engaging women, says Yang, creates a critical ripple effect of appreciation: “Bringing women in is key because of the communities that follow them. But action is more definitive than words, everyone will tell you that they’re purpose-driven.”
These communities are central to the brand’s wider stance on equality, supporting a purpose-led narrative that pre-dates and transcends the copious virtue signaling from brands that has arisen in the wake of both the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests across the globe. “Long pre-George Floyd’s death we had already been telling stories about our Black ambassadors,” says Yang.
HOKA X LA-based hiking group Black Girls Trekkin’ HOKA X Black Girls Trekkin’
Alternative Idols: Elite Athletics Meets Back-of-the-Pack Effort
In a consumer climate where the dizzying success of larger-than-life sporting deities is increasingly the exact thing that prevents them connecting with grassroots fans, those suffering setbacks or, more pertinently, those that don’t fit the conventional stereotype of sporting prowess, HOKA is also digging into alternative narratives and ambassadorships that reflect the more contemporary nature of performance, improvement and active outdoor living.
“We’re fundamentally grounded in performance, we aren’t just about the boy and girl next door approach, but because we’ve always considered that our purpose is to propel people forward whether you’re an elite runner or a casual enthusiast we’re more and more interested in athletes with a back-story,” states Yang.
She cites Kenyan-born American runner, Aliphine Chepkerker Tuliamuk, professional runner for HOKA ONE ONE NAZ Elite, 2020 US Olympic Trial’s Marathon Champion, and 10-time US National Champion, who’d taken up crocheting while working her way back to fitness – probably not the kind of ambassador you’re likely to see on Adidas’ homepage. Also, Latoya Shauntay Snell, an ultramarathon runner, HOKA Global Athlete Ambassador and a self-proclaimed “back of the pack” runner, a.k.a. Running Fat Chef, a ‘fit, fat, athlete’. Snell’s not a superstar in the traditional sense, but nor is she anywhere near novice status.
Latoya Shauntay Snell, HOKA Global Athlete Ambassador a.k.a. Running Fat Chef, a ‘fit, fat, ... [+] athlete’. Latoya Shauntay Snell
Julie Moss is a 61-year-old triathlete, while Pattie Gonia, the drag queen alter ego of photographer Wyn Wiley, is an environmental activist uniting the Queer community with the great outdoors. There’s also Alison Désir, founder of aforementioned Run 4 All Women and Harlem Run, whose nationwide (US) Meaning Thru Movement tour (2020) promoting fitness and health will be sponsored by the brand.
Key ‘affinity’ groups with which its working to help dispel ‘outdoor consumer’ stereotypes include LA hiking group Black Girls Trekkin’; Native Women’s Wilderness – a non-profit organization conceived to get more women and girls outside while highlighting indigenous ancestry; and NYC-based organization Run 4 All Women devoted to empowering women via fitness including fundraising events that supports groups such as the beleaguered sexual healthcare institution, Planned Parenthood.
HOKA X Native Women’s Wilderness HOKA
Cult Kicks, for The Ugly Style Latitude
Style, too, has been a major part of the last half decade of the brand’s ascendance. Sneakers have always been the subject of slavish aficionado-dom (Sotheby’s latest collectibles auction, a pair of early ‘70’s waffle spike Nikes handmade by the brand’s cofounder Bill Bowerman, is expected to sell for $130k) but the street style trend for ugly footwear that’s been simmering since roughly 2017 fits HOKA’s exaggerated proportions and overt technical features like the proverbial glove.
High integrity ‘ugly style’ is now a wildly lucrative business, as the hype attached to style-negligent Patagonia products attests. Born from the pursuit of that most elusive of aforementioned brand traits – authenticity – hardcore product performance and (ironically) a lack of posturing is currently deemed the ultimate currency; a more classically beautiful aesthetic now resolutely basic (see Gucci’s 2019 lipstick ads featuring gnarly teeth for further reading).
Hannah Swelim, London-based trends expert and sneakerhead describes them as “the trainer person’s trainer. I got into them because they felt quite niche, a bit more in-the-know, among a saturated marketplace; with more authenticity and integrity including vegan options. Swelim also cites the appeal of ungendered design directions, further recognition of a female-focused playbook: “It’s unisex approach means it doesn’t compromise on colorways and styles like lots of other brands have done when it comes to women’s sizes, such as Nike, which has too often had a ‘shrink it and pink it approach’.”
HOKA X Opening Ceremony HOKA X Opening Ceremony
The Unusually Credible Collaborations
That authenticity has also fed core collaborations, too-often a cringeworthy minefield of gun-for-hire endorsements. In 2018, it partnered with US athleisure brand Outdoor Voices (OV) on a unisex capsule collection featuring HOKA’s popular Clifton 4 shoe, an early acknowledgement of its increasingly crossover kudos that OV said, in homage to HOKA’s success, would ‘finally allow its fans to wear OV head to toe’
More avant-garde, last year it worked with Engineered Garments, the NY-based brand of Japanese menswear designer (and aficionado of deconstructed Americana sportwear) Daiki Suzuki who recreated its Bondi B style with an inimitable hunting-inspired aesthetic. Most recently, in January 2020, a hook-up with the eternally idiosyncratic cult NY brand Opening Ceremony recalibrated the Clifton with fresh verve.
HOKA X Engineered Garments HOKA X Engineered Garments
Virtual Community Matters
As the collaborations underscore, reinvention is the mother of a cult brand enterprise. And there’s no better time to reinvent than mid-crisis. This month, HOKA will launch its virtual Ekiden relay challenge substituting a host of IRL events originally conceived to launch its Clifton Edge shoe. Entrants connect via the Strava fitness tracker app and “can run the relay as a team, with peers from all over the world, or as an individual.” At 5k each week across 4 weeks it’s far from arduous, symbolic of the mantra for accessible performance.
Yang refers to it as, “a Covid-19 specific pivot to digital” that will supersede a 2019 event that supported the launch of the Project Carbon X racing shoe – a live-streamed US showcase of athleticism in Folsom, California centring on a world record attempt. It resulted in two accolades including a 10x10k mixed gender relay (at a time of 5:45:51) and a challenge for mere mortals with Strava, enticing over 54k+ runners.
With the main event racking up 450k+ views and counting, it’s not hard to see why HOKA is betting on a new virtual showdown, but this time featuring thirteen countries. At the time of publishing, almost the numbers are teetering on almost 96,000 participants (pre-official sign-up).
Far from an ersatz initiative, Yang believes it may serve as a catalyst for the brand’s core community MO. “We understand that the consumer still wants to be led, and that engaging communities of all kinds leads to a very positive message.”
HOKA X Strava Ekiden Challenge, 2020 HOKA X Strava Ekiden Challenge, 2020
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f0182d61229a64ab83bcdde83b37c861 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebaron/2020/08/04/the-fabric-of-reality-finally-an-immersive-xr-brand-experience-worth-the-hype/?sh=15a76ff6765f | The Fabric Of Reality: Finally, An Immersive (XR) Brand Experience Worth The Hype | The Fabric Of Reality: Finally, An Immersive (XR) Brand Experience Worth The Hype
High fashion is rupturing at the seams thanks to the shockwaves of Covid-19, the pressures of sustainability and a new era of virtual appetites and innovations that are throwing much of the sector’s tired-looking hierarchies and processes into disarray. Just over a month out from the usually-sanctified September Fashion Weeks and mid-way through a mostly scrappy summer of digital substitute events, how to handle the catwalk show (Do we still need them? If so, in what formats? And who’s the audience/s now anyway?) has underscored much of the wrangling. It’s made last week’s immersive ‘Fabric of Reality’ XR initiative – three interactive ‘rooms’ within an individually navigable virtual museum, experienced simultaneously by 150 people in VR and 100k+ more via live-stream – a potentially landmark event.
My own in-VR avatar, experiencing the Fabric of Reality by RYOT, Fashion Innovation Agency and the ... [+] Museum of Other Realities. RYOT
Not solely a virtual salve to traditional catwalk shortcomings (although it was conceived in sympathy to pandemic-hit brands preparing for their physical shows to hit the skids) it offers a vista onto new-era retail and communications culture for brands of any lifestyle bent. According to Sam Field, Head of Creative Technology EMEA at RYOT, the immersive content creation/entertainment arm of media and technology giant Verizon Media spearheading the project: “The point was never to make a catwalk show in VR. Our focus is on shared [virtual] experiences that are real-time, live and immersive – a reimagining not a replication.”
For those there on the night in full VR mode (myself included) the welcome, ultra-escapist, break in lockdown malaise flagged a feast of omni-channel opportunities as ripe with transactional promise as brand profile boosts. Here’s how and why:
Core Premise, Key Players
Alongside RYOT the initiative was a collaboration between London College of Fashion’s Fashion Innovation Agency (FIA) – experts in helping to conceive and then facilitate future-gazing fashion-tech projects; Museum of Other Realities (MOR) – a virtual media platform powered by the Unity gaming platform that’s hosting the experiences (only six months old it’s already been the venue for the XR version of Cannes Lions); and Kaleidoscope – a funding and networking platform for immersive art & entertainment and a kind of de facto talent agency for VR artists, a genre of creatives already circling superstardom.
The latter should not be overlooked: virtual fanboying was rife on the night, with remote participants clustering around their XR idols throughout.
As Burberry’s Chief Digital Officer Mark Morris asserted at the Decoded Future innovation summit in June 2020, “Using virtual technologies in brand worlds is about the core creativity that you bring to bear on the environment. Can you do it better? That’s the key brand question now.”
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The fashion designers, all with previous as regards dabbling in digital, and their pioneering XR conspirators were: Charli Cohen, an exponent of high-performance technical clothing within high fashion alongside animation illustrator Anand Duncan and John Orion Young (aka JOY) whose VR sculptures are currently being bought and sold in the playgrounds of the metaverse (shared virtual spaces) via blockchain; recent LCF graduate Damara Inglês – a new breed of fashion innovator self-described as a, ‘fashion media practitioner and curator of digital’ with VR comic artist Stuart Campbell (or Sutu); and sustainability-centric Sabinna Rachimova with VR developer and artist Vladimir Ilic, better known as VRHuman.
The Experiences: Storytelling in Deeper Dimensions
Pushing fashion’s long-standing raison d’être as an agent for wider cultural communication and a fulcrum for trans-industry collaboration all three ‘spaces’, explorable as 360° parallel realities, were experientially worlds apart. Cohen’s centers on the Gudetama ‘lazy egg’ character of Japanese brand Sanrio (the ultimate purveyor of all things ‘kawaii’ cute – see stablemate Hello Kitty) and invited visitors into a cartoon stadium DJ experience, including a back-stage room featuring virtual racks of her collection – a more subdued area symbolizing the introvert vs. extrovert duality of mental health.
The most product-centric of the three, it was also possible to ‘click into’ a showcase dress in-VR, wearable until released. “For me, fashion is a means to tell important stories and in VR, the way I can translate these stories are pretty much limitless,” says Cohen.
Trippiest of the lot and intensely beautiful, entering into Inglês’ bubble style portal was tantamount to experiencing an oceanic-esque rave in innumerable visceral dimensions, not least thanks to her powerful central character striding and rising up like a psychedelic, ethereal deity. A narrative rooted in the extremely apt fluidity of contemporary identity, it features a commanding voiceover by Inglês’ herself (produced by electronic music producer Tobacoo Rat) and a more relaxing soundtrack around the peripheries designed by Em from sound designers A Shell in a Pit.
Rachimova’s world was a sanctuary in homage to nature, via a palette cleansing virtual tunnel of lights before a calming space. Conception to event night was eight weeks, a powerful indicator of both the agility of even highly complex digital and what could be done with longer lead-times.
All the experiences will remain in MOR for the next twelve months, as persistent worlds that can be re-entered and updated, as desired.
The powerful virtual world of Damara Inglês & SUTU RYOT / Damara Inglês / SUTU
From Voyeur to Player: Virtual Communal Storyworlds Reinvent Brand Spectacle
Beyond the immersive visual artistry, the most significant departure from a traditional show experience was the honing of interactive communal virtualization. It will upend the watcher vs. watched dynamic that’s always been the bedrock of the traditional catwalk spectacle, creating instead a dialogue-based landscape primed for the kind of personal engagement.
All guests within the MOR space are embodied within almost anonymous avatars composed of geometric shapes (there’s just a name above their head – an MOR construct to offer a space lacking in IRL preconceptions) which float around like virtual ghosts. Hand controllers used in conjunction with headsets such as Vive Cosmos or the Oculus Rift allowed participants to float or teleport (jump) towards each other, while the audio tools afford normal conversations supportive of standard schmoozing. It’s possible to invite others into your space or ban them, should their otherworld banter not appeal.
Echoing the way in which the designers inhabited their own ‘rooms’ during the event, talking ‘in-person’ to visitors, so too could brands populate their virtual spaces (shows, flagships or pop-up equivalents) with remotely engaged associates. Strategically speaking, it’s a relatively small jump from the kind of virtual video-chat/messaging consultation tools that have flourished during lockdown on the back of temporary store closures, and a vital nod to embracing fans unable or unwilling to travel to traditional brand spaces.
Presence is the game-changer: As Moin Roberts-Islam, Technology Development Manager at FIA says: “What’s often been missing from these types of fashion experiences is that they are largely video-based and still feel very 2D, lacking interaction or presence. Here, you’re totally immersed, it’s a very visceral and powerful method of communicating with an audience.”
Social profile of SUTU, one of the Fabric of Reality's VR superstars, a new breed of artists brands ... [+] need to be aware of. SUTU / Instagram
Self Meets Synthetic: Forking Narratives + Addictive Details
The Fabric of Reality also boasts core subtleties that reveal an eye on mastering the ‘human tech interlace’ – a cohesive blend of the self and the synthetic to illicit a more compelling, intimate and personal brand experience, devoid (for those who like it that way) of standard gaming bombast. For instance, every avatar generates shadows as it moves, while voices quieten or grow louder as avatars move closer or away from one another – emulating the small huddles or whispered conversations of real life.
Personal mannerisms are also keenly observed, affording connection amid the decreed anonymity, while mirrors in a handful of the rooms allow participants to witness themselves in avatar form, recognizing themselves in the ‘other’. Ultra meta, it’s even possible to take selfies within the VR space via a simple two-hand gesture that snaps the view at that moment, accessible later.
Creating ‘forking narratives’ will also add more personal flavors. Field reveals suggests that the future integration of advanced AI will also visitors to tailor their experiences in more detail, potentially choosing not just specific rooms but different ‘story’ options, akin to immersive theater.
Avatars on the cusp of interaction RYOT
In Prep for the 5G Power play
Also essential to the Fabric of Reality narrative is it’s nod to 5G, eyeing up a world segueing into digital immersion at a speed faster than most would have predicted this time last year. As 5G enters the brand fray, such experiences will become eminently more feasible to those in-store and at-home, quicker and smoother and cheaper (cloud computing will drastically reduce the size needed for devices and their prohibitive cost) taking them from nice-to-have to essential for brands. “The connectivity of 5G will democratize these experiences. What you experienced was the beginning of the road to that destination,” says Field.
It’s evidenced by media monoliths recent spending sprees: in May 2020 Verizon itself bought video conferencing company BlueJeans for $500m as part of its overall focus on creating a 5G-ready ecosystem, while Facebook acquired London-based computer vision startup Scape Technologies in February – a tech initially with the capacity to enable any machine with a camera to be fully cognizant of environment, a ‘tool’ relevant to everything from gaming to robotics to, of course, creating much richer brand experiences.
Omni-Channel Capabilities
In terms of where this could go next, according to Field, there is every possibility of integrating an omni-channel element, elevating such spaces from profile-raising exercises to a tangible tenet of the shopping experience. For instance, creating connections between the virtual content and a brand’s operational e-commerce infrastructure that would allow for visitors to these virtual domains to wish-list the digital products, engage conversationally with associates (‘real’ and remote or via conversant AI) request they’re reserved in a physical store or even buy them on the spot outright.
The virtual Charlie Cohen dress into which participants could slip into during the Fabric of Reality ... [+] XR showcase. RYOT / Charlie Cohen
Digital Twinning & Blockchain-Backed Individuality
Blockchain tech, too, may help replicate the elements of retail needed to sustain a holistic brand universe when wild experiences, entertainment, supreme service and the capacity to spend all wrapped into one. During a previous project called Find Unlimited with Vodafone in which fans hunted down individual objects (Pokémon Go Style) to win prizes, each object was imbued with an individual identity logged via blockchain, baking a sense of uniqueness into each piece and authenticating its value.
It’s another element RYOT is already looking into, reveals Field: “We believe every event and indeed physical experience has the capacity to have a digital or hybrid twin.”
Sabinna's eco-focussed XR storyworld RYOT / Sabinna
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393713207cb0dc872a28385f1510bd86 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebaron/2020/12/07/digital-storytelling-evolves-eco-innovators-pangaia-push-the-envelope-for-online-immersion/ | Digital Storytelling Evolves: Eco-Innovators Pangaia Push The Envelope For Online Immersion | Digital Storytelling Evolves: Eco-Innovators Pangaia Push The Envelope For Online Immersion
The era of online immersion is almost upon us. By which, I don’t just mean we’re about to finally disappear up the back side of the Zoomternet (there’s no fighting that one), but that the frequently underwhelming world of digital brand experiences, and the attendant ecommerce, is on the cusp of becoming infinitely more compelling – regardless of whether you own any VR kit or live to noodle around on Fortnite.
Primed for a 2021 in which the acceleration of digital commerce will subject weak e-experiences to scrutiny unlike ever before (fashion e-tail alone may increase to a whopping 35-55% of total sales in key sectors by next year) and gaming worlds will become a social media norm, today sees the unveiling of a new collaboration uniting a trio of forces: London College of Fashion’s future-gazing Fashion Innovation Agency (FIA); virtual immersive e-commerce specialists, AnamXR (an XR-focused company at the intersection of gaming, architecture and cinematic quality visual design); and Pangaia – a pioneering collective of sustainable materials innovators working under the alluring umbrella ethos of “high-tech naturalism”.
Acutely aware of how eco-ethical brands have too-often failed to seduce consumers beyond an ardent (already converted) fanbase, the initiative focuses on Pangaia’s much-vaunted FLWRDWN puffer jackets – an extraordinary ethical alternative to traditional goose and duck down jackets created using a biodegradable composite of natural wild flowers and a biopolymer, infused with an aerogel for high product performance.
Pangaia's digital storytelling platform created by AnamXR and the Fashion Innovation Agency. Pangaia / AnamXR
The concept? A self-exploratory virtual experience that dives into Pangaia’s philosophical headspace surrounding the FLWRDWN range, accessible via the most democratic of tools: the desktop/mobile.
Here’s what happened, what really worked, and the incoming tools the team are incubating to harness next generation digital brand storytelling:
The entrance to Pangaia's immersive online experience allowing users to dive deeper into the world ... [+] of it's pioneering FLWRDWN collection. Pangaia / AnamXR
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Delivering the Desktop Atmospherics
‘Desktop virtual’ tends to lean towards the comedic; cardboard cut-out ambassador-avatars hawking haute merch like QVC QVCA never happened. The Pangaia experience transcends these by far, trading on atmospherics that evolve what’s arguably still the best precursor to this breed of low-fi immersion: Kenzo’s Grace to the Nth Power back in 2014 – a mobile-first virtual gallery experience that also made great use of what was then advanced 3D modelling and in-experience video.
Using a rich combination of 3D modelling, animation & rendering applications plus dynamic cloth simulation software built into a gaming engine (Unreal), ‘visitors’ enter a virtual scenescape modelled on Antarctica, supported by precise and enchanting movement-mirroring sounds of snow crunching underfoot and whistling wind. A color system loosely guides explorers through the space to each virtual garment. Moving the cursors or a trackpad gearstick showcases panoramic views of the landscape as far as the digital eye can see, smoothly shifting in line with even with tiniest incremental nudges. Everything is self-steered.
Such free-roaming atmospherics are far from the icing on the cake. According to Dr. Amanda Parkes, an acclaimed bio-media designer (she’s a visiting scientist at the MIT Media Lab), fashion technologist and Pangaia’s chief innovation officer, “We’re doing this to create a visual but also metaphorical connection to the products [and their holistic discovery], because people have become extremely disconnected to the source of their garments. As the scientific adage goes, you don’t teach a lesson, you set up the conditions to elicit a meaningful experience. There has to be a degree of self-discovery.”
A broader sense of discovery will be advanced in future versions, including potentially switching up ... [+] the virtual environment. Pangaia / AnamXR
Open World Experiences & Rallying Around Real-Time
A broader sense of discovery will be advanced in future versions, including potentially switching up the virtual environment. According to AnamXR’s cofounders, Irene-Marie Seelig & Matthew Pril (CEO and CTO respectively), because the virtual space is built using a gaming engine it can be updated near-constantly, offering the exhilarating promise of ever-changing user experiences: “There’s a big focus in fashion at the moment on creating fixed digital assets [products, environments] but we were very conscious of not creating assets that would effectively ‘die’ or become stagnant. Our technology and environments are living, evolving virtual spaces.”
It’s a sentiment deeply applicable to adding spontaneity, including allowing users to stray beyond the designated portal points where they engage with specific garments (something extremely limited in the present version). Matthew Drinkwater, head of the FIA and a global expert in emergent technologies reveals they’ve discussed dabbling in what’s known in gaming terms as the Easter Egg approach (i.e. including an unexpected or undocumented feature in a piece of computer software, effectively adding a joke or a bonus) and in-experience mechanics that prioritise freestyling over completing tasks.
The mindset echoes a wider sea-change in gaming culture shown in things like No-Man’s Sky that’s rooted in ‘infinite generation’. Drinkwater even cites Red Dead Redemption 2 as an (his) inspiration point – “by which I’m referring to the open-world mechanics that allow you to free roam and simply explore the beauty that surrounds you. These things are enormously engaging. It will be fascinating to see how storytelling within fashion and retail will evolve in similar platforms, as brand storytelling shifts into ‘story living’.”
Maria Srivastava, chief communications officer at Pangaia confirms that “we’re already looking at how we can build this into a sequence of potentially micro experiences.”
Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption 2, a game whose 'open-world' mechanics inspired some of the ... [+] Pangaia experience. Rockstar Games
UX to Centralize & Stabilize the Visitor
While peripatetic engagement may be coming soon, Pril describes the value of creating a stabilizing ambience: “It’s very important understanding of how, visually, the environment unfolds, moment to moment, and how light directs the viewer throughout a space. When building the Pangaia project we looked at how natural elements interact with designed structures to help frame products and develop interesting compositions. Our ‘wagon wheel’ inspired central layout has been used throughout history including in the city development of Paris, France as well as the creation of Walt Disney’s Disneyland – allowing the user to understand their central position without ever feeling lost.”
Perusing the Virtual Product
Getting up close to the product is a satisfying process, too. The individual garments are rendered in ultra-photo-realistic 3D visuals that can be shown in close-up, flipped into a new colorway or spun 360°.
An accompanying video next to each garment’s station (and this is where it gets really meta) contains animated 3D materials, providing another opportunity to leap into a micro rabbit hole of virtual storytelling connected to the garment. The aim is not to tell the story in a way that makes visitors feel strong-armed into observing the sustainable narrative, but to allow them to indulge in a far more enticing world of creative innovation.
Garments can seen up-close, rotated and be instantly morphed into a different colour. Pangaia / AnamXR
Commercial Clunk
As yet, the user experience somewhat awkwardly separates the inspiration from the sell. While that’s sometimes laudable, with such a focus on hero products it’s a frustrating barrier not to be able to click on the product info to buy, share or save for later. To buy in the beta version a ‘Shop Now’ button redirects users back to the brand’s main e-commerce page, breaking that critical atmospheric spell. But it’s not far off: Seelig confirms that the capacity to buy and wish-list directly will be available within the web-based experience by the beginning of Q2 2021, commercializing the curiosity in full.
Digi-Lonely? Hello Squad Shopping & Virtual Reality Guidance
As is probably fair enough, being that the experience is based in Antarctica, this version of a journey into the Pangaia universe has some fairly lonely moments. But it’s an issue common to many virtual experiences still grappling with how to bring the buzz of the best flagship or even far subtler, more poignant experiential moments into a virtual scenario. The current rise of audio-based social networks such as TTYL and Clubhouse are already setting a compelling precedent.
According to Seelig, this is also very much on their radar: “We’re looking at introducing multiplayer possibilities, or ‘squad shopping’ so you could see and engage with someone else in the virtual space as an avatar or ‘spry’ (light or dot), invite other people into your space or be guided, if you wish, via an audio or voice tool – connected to an expert or other form of brand ambassador. Presently, it’s very consciously been devised as a solo experience, so we can observe users’ reactions, but there will be ways to break out of that.” ‘Squad shopping’ and guided VR is slated to be introduced to the experience by the beginning of Q2 2021also.
Platform Agnostic: Added-Value Full VR
While part of the brilliance of the current concept is its capacity to hit mainstream audiences, according to Drinkwater it’s also “completely platform agnostic – transferrable across mobile, desktop and wearables,” so those who do have the full VR set-up can immerse themselves to an even deeper level.
In any instance it’s a micro taste of the metaverse – a world where gaming meets brand land beyond the schmaltz of straightforward sponsorship – that all e-brands need heed for 2021.
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a973ff32a26c7e7b94093b3a5a92b763 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebaron/2021/01/04/from-silver-bullets-to-strategic-overhauls-9-retail-trends-tactics--innovations-for-success-in-2021-/?sh=2aedc3bfd3bd | From Silver Bullets To Strategic Overhauls: 9 Retail Trends, Tactics & Innovations For Success In 2021 | From Silver Bullets To Strategic Overhauls: 9 Retail Trends, Tactics & Innovations For Success In 2021
Nobody needs reminding that 2020 has wreaked havoc on retail and brand culture, just like everything else. But the seismic shake-up has also triggered invaluable epiphanies, accelerated platforms and allegiances formerly seen as gimmicks or slow burners and given rise/credibility to trends, tactics and innovations that may make 2021 a uniquely groundbreaking year.
From embracing ‘insperiences’ and taking XR to heart, to making moves on the metaverse, lubricating localism and versions of positive impact purchasing with far more clout than ever before, here are 9 need-to-know narratives with which to hit the new year running:
1: Refresh Phygital (Contact-Lite, Sensory Heavy)
Showfield's Magic Wand app for a contactless store experience. Showfields
Still nowhere near post-Covid, consumers’ continuing need for reassurance will make 2021 the optimum year to back omni-channel, contact-lite experiences that soothe by offering a sense of control without killing off style or experience. Acknowledging high service no longer means high touch, they’ll also expose just how ambient tech is already a force to be reckoned with.
Look to next-gen department store Showfield’s Magic Wand app where users scan products for info or add to a digital cart, collecting their booty duty-free style on exit. Also, Amazon’s new Fresh store format where Alexa stations offer voice assistance and smart trolleys ‘read’ visitors’ shopping lists (navigating accordingly), while simultaneously detecting what’s placed inside so there’s no need to risk standing in line. Sexier is Burberry’s content-connected swing tags in its Shenzhen flagship; scan a label to view related content and exactly how the item looks on a model.
This new gentler-touch landscape and next-gen interfaces will open the floodgates to richer sensory branding, via tech that can satisfy the cravings for physical stimulation suppressed during distancing without ditching the halo of safety. Leading the pack is Ultraleap whose USP – precision gesture tracking + ultra-haptics – is already allowing people to experience physical sensations (pushing a button, moving a knob, the touch of a rough surface) while they view or move content, heralding a new era of haptic branding.
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2: Live & Unchained: Lean into the Art of E-Persuasion
Hero's take on live video consultations, a genre of retail adding intimacy to digital comms. Hero
2020’s uptick in e-commerce (global e-tail sales have roughly stabilized at 7% higher than a year ago) will put the art of e-persuasion at a serious premium, raising the stock of brands able to create more intimate, personalized digital spaces.
It’s been served up brilliantly by the one-to-one virtual consultation tools of companies like Hero and Go In-Store (video-based concepts that allow brand ambassador/associates to see from anywhere that works, flexing to brands’ now faster-moving agendas), and the consciously unscripted chat apps of clienteling specialists such as Proximity Insights whose scalable, WhatsApp-aping forms of conversational commerce generated major success.
Affluence is no barrier to success: see Threads Styling, an e-commerce app which communicates with its “very peripatetic” young customers solely via the informality of messaging platforms and is regularly selling pieces of jewelry for $30k and far more.
3: Make Moves on the Metaverse (& Blended Realities)
Balenciaga's micro-dive into the metaverse in late 2020, a new frontier for brand land set to blow ... [+] up in 2021. Balenciaga
Gaming worlds were a mega, Hollywood-dwarfing, sector pre-pandemic. But two key things mean they’re no longer a tangential influence: their transition into mainstream social venues during distancing (see Animal Crossing and rapper Travis Scott’s record-annihilating performance in Fortnite as two pivotal playmakers) and the use of gaming engines (primarily Unity or Unreal), 3D artistry and audience-seducing gaming mechanics within online brand experiences.
The metaverse – think of it as an evolved version of the internet involving collective, interactive virtual spaces – is already transforming formerly marketing-only playscapes into transaction-capable brand territories. Frontrunners include social-gaming-meets-luxury-fashion e-commerce platform ADA and the wildly creative, catwalk-presentation-reimagining environments of The Fabric of Reality VR experience by Ryot (Verizon Media’s immersive content division) in which avatar-upped VR users could talk with one another as they would IRL, explore designers’ worlds across diverse room/club settings and try virtual garments.
The best currently come in (at least) two forms – VR headset-enabled for full immersion vs. browser-based fun to avoid alienating those with basic access. See pioneering eco-materials brand/fashion label’s Pangaia’s virtual window onto Antarctica with AnamXR and the Fashion Innovation Agency (visitors can wish-list or buy items from this by spring 2021) and Balenciaga’s Afterworld: The Age of Tomorrow – a high production, desktop-accessible love letter to Gen Z by way of some unnerving urban dystopia, nineties-inflected rave scenes and an avatar-centric look book allowing fans to digest the outfits in detail.
Note also the incoming era of blended experiences, evidenced by Complexcon’s virtual guise, ComplexLand, for 2020 (created by Canadian agency Jam3). The ultimate streetwear festival for diehard hypebeasts, visitors entered as avatars, bought from branded in-game shops, attended live gigs and ordered street food for real-world delivery.
A nascent genre tethered to a new era of chameleonic online identities, there are many big ideas that will need to be considered. How will visitors connect with brands, and one another? Via whose viewpoint? And how do these fantasy worlds of digitized alter personas affect users IRL behaviors, health and societal prosperity? Look to collectives like the Institute of Digital Fashion – a collaborative band of inspired digital creators looking to “build a new inclusive, diverse and sustainable IRL x URL reality” – for a key group mining this critical vein with sensitivity and depth.
4: Take XR, Especially AR, to Heart
Škoda's AR visualization app. Škoda
Affirmed by both gaming’s storming of mainstream pop culture and the appetite for contactless connections, XR – extended reality tech (virtual, augmented and mixed – VR, AR, MR) will become an essential power play.
AR in particular, the most accessible of the lot and downplayed for too long, will be instant commercial gold, and the gateway to ballsier blended experiences. Take creative technologist Holition’s concept for Coty. Mirror-like store screens conduct instant face scanning, overlaying make-up looks onto fans’ faces in AR – styles transferrable to a smartphones via ‘hand-off’ tech, to review or buy from later. For packaging see Lush’s AI app-based visual recognition tool – Lush Lens – that surfaces relevant info as AR interface via one simple scan. In-app purchasing currently in development.
For fit tech it’s a no-brainer: technologists Wannaby has worked with both Farfetch and Gucci in the last year to enable instant virtual try-ones for sneakers (its software detects users’ feet, generating a 3D overlay simulating how they’ll look on foot) while in early 2020 Burberry collaborated with Google Search on a tool that shows an AR version of the product at scale against other objects in their vicinity.
Car brands from Škoda to Porsche have all worked around showroom shutdowns with contextualizing apps where would-be owners visualize vehicles in their driveways, while Verizon’s WebAR tech delivers AR ad formats to online publishers – letting fans view a car, scaled to fit their surroundings, by simply launching it from the on-page advert itself.
5: Embrace Insperiences
FAO Schwarz's Academy of Wonder epitomises a new era of credible insperiences. FAO Schwarz
‘Insperiences’ may sound like one of the most pretentious pieces of pandemic speak to emerge since Covid hit, but it’s a booming economy (88% of British retailers alone have registered demand for them this year) set to outlive a year of zoom-enabled naffness.
Fitness is a shoe-in to cash-in, with Lululemon’s $500m acquisition of MIRROR (live-stream screen tech that can ‘turn any space into a personal fitness studio’) proof of the direction. It’s yet to confirm how it’ll be deployed beyond “strengthening our community, loyalty and our relationship with our guests and memberships” (chief executive Calvin McDonald) but super gym Equinox offers one likely template: instructors on its members-only fitness app wear clothing from its store, tagged with e-commerce links for post-class shopping.
But it’s a space ripe for food and kids, too. For the former, everyone from mainstream players (Wagamama) to Michelin-starred gastro gods (Massimo Bottura) have been getting involved with live-streamed cook-a-longs to upsell their culinary connections. For the latter, 2020’s hamstrung Holiday season offers inspiration; FAO Schwarz’ Academy of Wonder microsite hosted virtual magic or science class centered on its STEM and magic toys, guided by a ‘professor’ or ‘magician’. At $60 a pop (toys included) it exemplifies the rising power of the product + (remote) experience brand package.
6: Frenemize Your Way to Success
Burger King Finland's 'frenemizing' with nemesis McDonald's for Gay Pride, Helsinki. Burger King Finland
Collaborative enterprise, specifically ‘co-opetition’, is another positive symptom of the pandemic with frenemy concepts – rival brands partnering up for a greater good – witnessing a welcome revival for a solidarity-appreciating consumer mindset in 2021.
Answering the swelling desire for brands that can step up to numerous eco-ethical marks (far beyond virtue signaling) it’s most overt in ads. In November 2020, a Burger King UK ad featured the provocative call-to-action ‘Order from McDonalds’ (plus numerous other fast food brands in the smaller print) as a rallying cry to support Europe’s beleaguered hospitality industry. Just a few months earlier its Finnish division had unveiled a poster to celebrate the Helsinki edition of Gay Pride featuring the two adversaries’ male mascots kissing, creating a heart-shaped silhouette above the mantra ‘Love Conquers All’. Notably, both brands are in US teens’ top five fast-food choices.
It’s reflective of a deep-seated desire for more kindness also illustrated in Netflix Brazil’s April (tweet) recommendation of content from competitors for locked down viewers running out of Netflix options, but it’s far from a one poster/social post salve. It’s also becomingly increasingly critical to the sustainability mission; H&M and Adidas recently jettisoned old grievances to join the New Cotton Project global consortium (a multinational group straddling waste management, recycling, retail, manufacturing and academia) in a three-year project to create a trial at the scale needed to catalyze major change.
7: Lubricate Localism
Foot Locker's 'hometown hero' Compton flagship featuring artworks by Mel Depaz and AngelOnce. Foot Locker
Driven by homeworking, travel curbs and a more survivalist desire to support the immediate community, local retail has soared on the back of the pandemic, as has a fresh affinity with regionality thanks to a boom in ‘micropolitanism’ (a big city exodus) that was already in motion pre-pandemic.
It’s cementing the creep towards decentralized brand culture, of which there are multiple strands. There’s regional resonance (since broadcasting from its ‘dark’ stores during lockdown Brazilian footwear brand Melissa has seen major sales hikes from localized commissioning and scheduling); hometown heroism – flagships from Nike, Foot Locker and Carhartt among others that give back to the locales that raised them (via sponsoring creative collectives, localized employment and more) and even concepts giving kudos to the charms of suburbia; see the Fred Perry X Raf Simons collaboration – an e-store mimicking a Google Street View of an unspecified Dutch neighborhood. Created by Random Studio 30,000 product views in week one alone can’t be wrong.
Brand-backed, smart city-style digital networks will be another backbone of this change, allowing consumers to connect and brands play the empowering facilitators. While Nike’s been building out its local store network to flex a hyper-targeted phygital muscle (it’s Live and Rise formats both pull from real-time local data to ensure consumer relevance) there’s a key role here for the everyday brands. Look to Walmart’s partnership with vastly popular social exchange-based app Nextdoor (25% of all US households already use it) so quarantining individuals could request help from Walmart-going neighbors, via the app or Nextdoor.com. Think: e-tail meets Neighborhood Watch to leverage the lucrative new high-tech localism.
8: Pump up Purpose – Eco, Ethical & Social
Tracksmith's new creative fellowship is designed to nurture the creative talent within it's running ... [+] community. Tracksmith
Where brands taking a stand was once considered a risky agenda, the turmoil of 2020 has pulled it closer to an imperative. The demand for quantifiable allyship regarding diversity, and inclusivity is already skyrocketing, making 2021 the year where brand rhetoric will need to align with long-lasting action, often to the tune of systemic change.
Key to this will be brand-backed initiatives that unlock access to skills, education and even intercommunity connections. Neo-education and incubators are one example. Take The Face magazine’s Future Academy with Moncler – a ‘360° crash course into the world of media and design’ providing paid opportunities to underrepresented individuals, from ‘neuro-diverse’ people to those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Or Best Buy’s beefing up of its decade-old Tech Tech Centers – after-school spaces where teens can kick-start tech careers – with another 35 hubs next year (venues the brand hope’s also will diversify its employee pipeline).
Vans needs mentioning here, too, as a long-time advocate of levelling up with authenticity. It’s most recent creativity-championing ad campaign for its Off the Wall series allies with The Skate Witches – an American zine by and for women, trans and non-binary skateboarders – to help fans create their own skate content, from videography to zine writing. Meanwhile, ‘elite amateur’ running-gear brand Tracksmith is offering fellowships to emerging creatives who are also runners, dispelling hackneyed assumptions about the running community itself (see HOKA ONE ONE for another brand doing this excellently).
Sustainability, clearly no trend, must also be addressed at a whole new level – public and personal. From eco-impact light brand spaces to self-auditing tracker (as relevant to supermarkets as fashion – see digital closet app Save Your Wardrobe as a prime example) the message is this: allow people to witness their own often imperceptible behaviors and make better alternative choices.
9: Democratize Luxury & Harness Prestige Prosumers
Drest exemplifies a new generation of creative competitor communities satisfying luxury prosumers. Drest
For the luxury brands, seducing a new generation of consumers without tarnishing the shine, exclusivity will be key amid the sector’s slimmer pickings of 2021 – making it prime time to focus on building out fandoms.
Prosumers (consumers that are also creators) and a seductive sense of democracy will form the crux of success here, especially via competitor communities where fans can make a personal mark: the aforementioned ADA is a prime example – a gamified online space where users can create look-books in game, shareable on social media (while sampling digital looks inaccessible to their wallets IRL), while Drest let users play at being a pro stylist or creative director via a painstakingly recreated virtual array of luxury goods from 200+ brands. At a time with so much of life having been interrupted, the desire to see but also be seen has never been more critical.
As the market for digital fashion matures (check out just-birthed The Dematerialised – a blockchain-backed platform allowing fans to acquire digital garments they can carry into numerous other digital spaces) the gameplay, and opportunities, will multiply exponentially.
Also look to apps like THE LIST. Originally launched 2018 but updated last month with a powerful new marketing-scraping algorithm, it releases in-demand products from luxury brands in small quantities, and specific times, for a limited period. Prices, which always start low (allowing any early birds to catch a worm) fluctuate according to real-time demand, cultivating a fabulously seductive sense of fairness. Booming in popularity, it also exposes how increasing numbers of brand-promiscous consumers chase individual items, not brands or collections – a key mindset shift, capable of revealing lucrative in-app micro-communities.
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f787a3f23bafa72731d7077eb22d7e54 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2012/08/15/from-tsars-to-rap-starsthe-story-behind-cristal-champagne/ | From Tsars to Rap Stars,The Story Behind Cristal Champagne | From Tsars to Rap Stars,The Story Behind Cristal Champagne
Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon, winemaker for Cristal Champagne
Louis Roederer’s Cristal Champagne has a long and storied history featuring everything from paranoid monarchs to extravagant hip hop and rap artists. Originally crafted at the behest of Tsar Alexander II of Russia, it has also enjoyed intense popularity as the beverage of choice for rap stars and other musical luminaries. Cristal is one of the oddest looking bottles on the market with its clear bottle, flat bottom and cellophane wrapping. But all of those oddities have a purpose dating back to 1876. The Champagne’s original promoter, Tsar Alexander, rightly feared assassination attempts. To better enjoy his Champagne and quell his fears the Tsar asked specifically for a clear bottle so he could detect any poison. The flat bottom was also a requirement because the Russian royal was worried someone might hide something lethal inside the ‘punt’ (the large indentation at the bottom of a wine bottle). These two customizations also gave Tsar Alexander assurance that the wine was coming from his cellar. Of course the wine had to have excellent taste as well and the Roederer family obliged, sourcing only 100% estate grown fruit from the oldest vines growing in the chalkiest soil. The style was to be elegant, concentrated and fine---ideal for a royal palate.
Today Cristal is still sourced from the estate’s oldest vines, (they must be at least 25 to 30 years old minimum, some vines are as old as 60 years). And, if you’re wondering, the cellophane wrapping is a modern addition designed to protect the wine from light. As one of the most expensive bottles of Champagne in the world, (prices range from $189 -$200 a bottle)Cristal has a lot to prove. The burden of that proof generally rides on cellar master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon’s shoulders. The Champagne house is preparing to release the 2005 vintage of Cristal so I asked Lécaillon to take a break from his fast-paced life managing the vineyards and cellars of Roederer (which range from Bordeaux to California) to talk about Cristal and what it takes to make such a wine.
Why is the wine so expensive?
The grapes are primarily sourced from older low yielding vines in selected estate vineyards and mainly grand cru designated property. We crop them at the beginning and perform traditional tilling of soil using no herbicide at all. Some parts are plowed by horse. The grapes require an enormous amount of work and craftsmanship in the vineyards. In the winery we ferment all blocks separately and at final blending we decide on a vision of the wines we want to produce from vineyard. A great wine comes from an assembly of myriad details.
Talk about the 2005 vintage—what can we expect from this wine?
It’s an interesting vintage. In Champagne we had two problems: heat and moisture. Those two things can mean diluted berries (grapes) and rot. We had to be extremely careful in the vineyard using fastidious canopy management to avoid rot and early picking to get clean fruit. It was a difficult year, some decided not to declare it as a vintage because they had so many grapes rot. We like this vintage. When everything is perfect one tends to be lazy and everyone makes great wine. In the difficult years you see and taste the hard work of great terroir and great winemakers.
What should we be enjoying with Cristal?
2005 is a very aromatically open vintage with richness and concentration but at the same time the fine long acidity that comes from our chalky soils. I would drink this with lobster. The texture of lobster paired with our wine is a compelling pairing. You might also try scallops or even some white meat, possibly chicken.
If you weren’t cellar master and making wine, what would you be doing?
I would fly around the world and see different things and learn from all the experiences of winemaking…understanding the techniques and experiences in different countries. Or, work in some way with something involving philosophy. Maybe it’s my age now; I’m at an age where philosophy is important.
Cristal
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74f45e898e56d4b1e4f1e0eaaba14d3a | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2013/06/17/the-steve-jobs-of-wine-winemaker-paul-hobbs/ | The Steve Jobs Of Wine: Winemaker Paul Hobbs | The Steve Jobs Of Wine: Winemaker Paul Hobbs
Paul Hobbs, photo courtesy of Mitch Tobias
The Steve Jobs of Wine is an apt metaphor to describe the ardent exactitude of winemaker and consultant Paul Hobbs. He’s a quality fanatic. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, Hobbs was first hired by Robert Mondavi for his expertise in oak aging, he then moved on to Opus One and later Simi Winery. Hobbs is also credited with recognizing, despite the skeptics, the winemaking potential in Argentina, (while we were all distracted and busy swooning over California). His efforts helped bring that region into global focus. Now he’s busy running Paul Hobbs Winery and Vina Cobos in Argentina. He's also consulting, sharing his knack for finding good dirt with winemakers across the globe. Given his global perspective I was curious to hear his thoughts on the business of wine today, the role of critics and where he sees new frontiers.
What’s the biggest hurdle for the wine business today?
We need to be good at development and helping people understand and appreciate wine and better educate them about the benefits of wine, especially the benefits of wine with food. I am excited about the opportunities I see in Asia and Russia. I think it’s our hurdle; helping people understand how wine can add to the enrichment of life, much like good theatre, a good movie, or a beautiful work of art.
What’s exciting for the wine business today?
Interestingly, our biggest hurdle also happens to be the biggest opportunity. I think there are older regions opening back up and offering indigenous varietals. All the new wine regions, the new drinkers from places such as Asia, present an opportunity for us to grow in the right direction.
Where do you see the trend of over-ripe, high alcohol massive wines headed? Is that style of wine still what people want?
The most unintentional, driving factor…and its extraordinary to pin this all on one man… was Robert Parker and the score-chasers. Everyone thought big powerful wines were the way to get high scores and everyone was in a rush to create wines to please Parker, get a good score and raise prices. I think Parker was mis-read to some degree, he liked finesse too, but that was lost.
It was frustrating, and many of us got caught up in it; I am somewhat guilty as well. His influence was enormous. Parker brought new drinkers to the table and many liked the style of wine he liked. The big robust wines are easy to love and at some point that style developed its own energy. Today, people are burned out on those wines. I think that story has been written, its fading now.
What are some of the new frontiers in wine regions? What should we all be looking out for?
I only see a small percentage of what’s going on out there, but from what I do see, there is there is a lot of development within Argentina and Eastern Europe. There are many regions that have been forgotten with time that we are seeing in a new light. Armenia is one where I am working; Armenia has varieties I can’t even pronounce, so we are starting from scratch there
I also see potential in Patagonia---we are making progress there but the weather is extreme. We are learning to work with it: wind, frost, and heat with driving winds; it’s like a blast furnace and yet it can be wonderful as well. It’s a matter of good vineyard management.
Which varietals are we overlooking these days?
Syrah---for some reason it suffers what happened to Merlot, and no one will buy it, unless it’s from France. Merlot is under-rated today as well. Both varietals were damaged by industry abuse, with so many poorly made versions, and the damage was done.
What is it like to make wine in Armenia?
Right now the challenge is finding and training people, at least in Argentina there was a winemaking culture. I can assure you, finding and training people is far more challenging than the terroir. Armenia is like going to the Dark Ages for winemaking, we have logistics issues as well as expertise and supply concerns. We just went ahead and built our own fermentation tanks---they don’t exist over there, nor is there anyone there who even knows how to make such a thing.
That’s the joy, solving the problems, taking the risks, finding the people and figuring out how to work with what you’ve got!
If you weren’t making wine, what would you be doing?
I like anything that requires high degree of detail and complexity, I would enjoy being a surgeon or a watchmaker but I could not be stuck in one place, so winemaking is the best fit.
What do you do with your free time? Do you have any free time?
I am all about enjoying anything that is going for quality, I admire things that are well done, a fine painting, a quality car, a well-executed meal, I enjoy quality, skill, expertise.
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81289b98e0900ae232e77abdb3653cf6 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2013/06/24/worlds-toughest-test-the-master-sommelier-diploma-exam/ | World's Toughest Test? The Master Sommelier Diploma Exam | World's Toughest Test? The Master Sommelier Diploma Exam
From left, Brian McClintic, Ian Cauble and Dustin Wilson in the documentary "Somm." (Samuel Goldwyn... [+] Films)
Recently the Court of Master Sommeliers welcomed four new members; A mighty number when you consider the grueling fact that only 200 people have passed since the exam’s inception 40 years ago in the UK. The Master Sommelier’s Diploma exam is the world’s most challenging wine examination, period.
On average candidates sit for the exam two to three times, some take it as many as six times. Newly minted Master Sommelier Christopher Bates, owner and winemaker of Element Winery (Arkport, NY) and sommelier at Hotel Fauchere (Milford, PA), estimates he invested well over $30,000 in testing fees and travel alone. “Just taking the exam is about three or four thousand bucks with travel costs and time off of work, but that does not include the thousands of dollars spent on wine for ongoing blind tastings prior to the test,” says Bates. “I started on this track 12 years ago; it’s taken so much to get here.”
The exam is broken down into three sections: theory, service and blind tasting. Candidates might pass the first two, only to stumble on the third, which means returning a year later to re-test on the missed section. Some argue that the process of testing and preparing for entry into the Court of Master Sommeliers is on par with studying for a medical degree. Notes Bates, “You have three years to pass all three parts. If you don’t succeed within three years you have to start over again with all three sections.” The candidates are strictly forbidden to discuss actual test questions, but they can discuss preparation. Emily Pickral-Papach of Chappelet Vineyards in Napa, passed on her second attempt. She describes the preparation as the biggest challenge. “Preparation takes so much out of you and you really have to put everything in your life on hold; especially family life and career.”
It’s not enough to know every wine region, village and district in the world, candidates also need to know which years were better than others for each region. The blind tasting of six wines requires not only identifying the grape varietal, but the region it came from and the year it was made. That’s merely scratching the testing surface though; during the service portion examinees have to recall facts about sake, spirits, distilling methods, apertifs and of course ideal food pairings.
For Bates it came down to a lifetime of knowledge. “While many questions may seem simple taken on their own, it is really about the amount of information needed to correctly answer one question. For example, if a question was asked about the location of a village in Germany, knowing where that one village is located is a very small part of the preparation for that question. To be sure to get that one question correct, I had to learn every major wine producing village in Germany, broken down by region, in order from north to south and west to east, with 2 or 3 of the most important villages in each. In order to be able to recall that information on demand, I had to learn to draw a map from memory of every wine growing region in the country. All that for the sake of be able to answer one or two questions that, out of context, may not have been all that hard.
Bates, who graduated from an Ivy League school in less than four years, argues that failure best prepared him for the exam. “The first time I failed I was stunned. I’d never failed before.” He passed on his fourth attempt. Pickral-Papach advises anyone thinking about the process to be sure they are tremendous self-starters. “You have to know how to study alone; the desire to want to do it has to come from within because it takes so much work and effort, you’ll sacrifice a lot in your life.”
Tonight, raise a glass to hard work. For more on the preparation experience check out the movie: Somm, in theatres now.
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Gallery: The Savoir-Faire Of Eating And Drinking In Paris 8 images View gallery
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6ddb5221d02c74bb024c90e827aebe2e | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2013/09/03/are-you-drinking-too-much-the-myth-of-moderation/ | Are You Drinking Too Much? The Myth Of Moderation | Are You Drinking Too Much? The Myth Of Moderation
Not long ago wine, or any form of alcohol, was considered a preventative beverage. Before we had sanitary drinking water, wine was the safest bet in town. Good mothers ensured their children enjoyed a morning cup of some fermented beverage for calories as well as for prevention of infection. In the 1930's my father contracted tuberculosis and he was prescribed a common Irish cure: a Guinness a day. Even the sage Benjamin Franklin believed that wine was a phenomenal preservative.
It was quite simple then, drinking was critical for survival. Today, it’s easier to solve a trigonometry problem in your head than to get a straight answer about how much we should be drinking each day. I’ve been conducting a very anecdotal survey over the past several months, asking friends what they have been told by doctors about drinking. One friend was counseled to limit her intake to three glasses a day. My doctor advised me to adhere to the 1-2-3 rule (one drink a day, no more that two at one time, no more than three days a week). Another friend remarked that her doctor just told her "in moderation". Well, one man’s moderation is another man’s bacchanal.
"Bacchus" by Caravaggio. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
As a wine writer I constantly try to puzzle out the meaning of moderation. Often I’ll open 10 to 15 bottles at once for comparative tastings. I pour, sip and spit each one out, (I think my children are starting to believe that this must be the way to enjoy wine: sip, then spit). I rarely indulge in a whole glass after this scenario because, despite all the spitting, we can be sure I’ve absorbed my share of alcohol.
Organizations nationwide offer their official guidelines on the matter, but I suffer from a well-oiled skepticism of "official" guidelines--- lest ye forget—these well-intentioned organizations are the same ones that preached the gospel of margarine decades ago, telling us it was a more heart-healthy substance than butter. Then, they discovered the toxic effects of trans-fats; now the once touted margarine is a health-risk.
Presently (note I say presently, because we can all be sure the guidelines will change again) this is what we are told is safe, healthful consumption of alcohol:
The Department of Agriculture and Department of Health & Human Services: 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men.
National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: men should not exceed 4 drinks per day or a total of 14 per week and women should not to exceed 3 drinks a day or a total of 7 per week.
American Heart Association: men should not exceed 2 units/day and women should not to exceed 1 unit/day.
These are just the American guidelines, the range in global opinion on the matter is staggering.
In the UK, their Department of Health states that men should limit consumption to no more than 3-4 units/day and women to no more than 2-3 units/day…but take note, their unit is only 8 grams, and an American unit is 14 grams. Overall though, the UK guidelines allow for a bit more flexibility. The French Ministry of Health and Sports suggests no more than 30 grams (roughly 3 drinks) per day for men and women alike.
We’d all probably really like Spanish doctors from the Basque region, where the Department of Health & Social Security counsels men and women to no more than 70 grams a day, or roughly seven drinks a day. Chicago-based attorney (and my sister), Alice Kelly, wryly noted when I shared the international disparities with her, “I just find it funny that drinking guidelines correlate to founding fathers. Basques have their bodega bags, the French enjoy "bon vivant", Aussie convicts "party on mate", while the prim Puritan Americans are only allowed one."
Read all of the guidelines across the globe HERE. (created by the International Center for Alcohol Policies)
As if this isn’t all confusing enough, we have to consider the subjective factors floating out there:
Alcohol content (a big fat red wine weighing in at 15.5% alcohol is not the same as a light-bodied glass of Pinot Grigio at 12.5%, ditto an 8.9% Belgian beer and a 4% lager). Portion size (you glass fillers know who you are---if your wine is lapping at the rim, you’re too full). Standard portions include: 12-ounces of beer, 8-ounces of malt liquor, 5-ounces of wine and 1.5-ounces or a “shot” of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor. During my research on this story I even came across a moderation glass. Gender: Women have less body water than men and hence retain a higher blood-alcohol concentration than men from a single drink. Food: an empty stomach speeds up alcohol absorption. Food slows absorption rates in men and women.
Let’s not forget the sketchy accuracy in alcohol content on wine labels. Wineries have flexibility of 1 to 1.5% when labeling for alcohol content. So a 15% wine might really be 16%, that’s a quantum leap when we are talking about two glasses (shoot, I can enjoy three glasses of Alsatian Riesling for roughly the same overall content). Although, to be fair, based on random industry testing it does appear that alcohol wine labeling has become more accurate. Read Dave McIntyre's recent post about wine labeling here.
Here’s something else to bear in mind: if you never drink during the week, but like to celebrate on Friday with several rounds of cocktails or a bottle of wine, you are likely doing more harm to your body than if you enjoyed a single glass every night (with one night off). Weekend drinkers consider their consumption moderate but often unwittingly exceed the guidelines. Better to sip a glass every night with dinner than blow it out on Friday.
How much wine should you limit yourself to each day…should you even drink wine every day? The answers seem to change depending on who you ask. And, hey why should you care? Well, unfortunately, alcohol is one of those "fine line" substances; once you start to get out of balance, trouble awaits: alcoholism, cirrhosis of the liver, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract and colon and cognitive impairment. And, there is genuine cause for anxiety about some emerging correlations between breast cancer and alcohol consumption. I’m not keen on being in that group of women that they study later and say, “Yep, this finally proves our theory, booze and boobs are a cancerous combination.”
This is where my frustration comes in---just after scaring the wits out of me, almost in the same breath, the guidelines state: moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Moderate alcohol consumption also is associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older adults and may help to keep cognitive function intact with age. What is a wine lover to do?
Wine, more so than other forms of alcohol, has added perks. Moderate consumption can yield positive effects on overall heart health. Some argue the polyphenols in wine can ward off bacterial infections. Of course there is my own personal favorite: Champagne and sparkling wine can improve memory and slow aging.
Wine is as old as dirt. Jesus and his disciples even enjoyed some at the Last Supper, and possibly that should be the guiding light (no pun intended dear reader): enjoy some, not a lot, every day with food.
Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, said that about eating. We all spend far too much time obsessing about how to enjoy food and how to enjoy alcohol. Allow yourself indulgences; so what if every now and then you stay up late into the evening with friends and the wine keeps flowing, enjoy it, just don’t do it every night.
We all intuitively know the difference between moderate and not moderate. Alcohol, as anyone who has been affected by alcoholism will tell you, has a dark side; there should be no shame in your enjoyment. At its heart the libation is meant to be a shared experience, a tonic to celebrate food, gathering and togetherness…of course, in moderation.
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2e453533c6d2136f18f96f2dcb44c501 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2013/11/01/the-coolest-wine-labels-of-2013-part-ii/ | The Coolest Wine Labels Of 2013: Part II | The Coolest Wine Labels Of 2013: Part II
Gallery: Coolest Wine Labels Part Two 15 images View gallery
With over 150,000 different bottles of wine out there for us to discover, the parade of beautiful, curious and just plain odd wine labels continues to amaze. Here's the latest in label couture, and please comment with your own suggestions. So many labels, so little time.
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690416bd03642b27158585f7eef2bcb4 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2013/12/02/ten-special-wines-to-impress-the-wine-lover-in-your-life/ | Ten Special Wines To Impress The Wine Lover In Your Life | Ten Special Wines To Impress The Wine Lover In Your Life
Scenario: your boss, client, sister, brother, etc., is really into wine and you want to give them a bottle that they’ll appreciate but you have no idea where to begin. It’s time for the Annual Holiday Wine Follies---a chaotic last-minute, mad dash to figure out what bottle of wine you should buy as a gift---which often ends up being something expensive and ordinary. This year I decided to keep a year-long list of great wines that are both unique and available. The highly-allocated Premiere Cru and cult wines are always an easy choice but most of the collectors have snatched them up already. If you do find such a bottle you’ll have to pay a mighty sum as well. Alas, there is a world of interesting wine out there that deserves a home for the holidays. If the wines below are not sold in your market (or just a bit too expensive) browse my 20 Wines Under 20 Bucks gallery for other ideas or my story on the Best, Coolest Gifts For Wine Lovers. Here’s to hoping the lucky recipient is so elated with your gift that he/she invites you to open the bottle and share a glass.
2010 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, $52. Chappellet offers wine lovers a cult wine connection without the high price. Adjacent to the much ballyhooed cult wine, Colgin Estate, the vines that make up Chappellet offer similar complexity and richness for 1/3 of the price. Indeed, this age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon remains one of the best values in Napa. It’s worth noting that Chappellet, which is still family run, was the first winery on Pritchard Hill and the first to concentrate on high-elevation hillside planting.
2010 Château Faizeau Montagne Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, FR, $34.99. This rich, nicely structured red is 100% Merlot with notes of violet, blackberry, black cherry and warm spices. Vines for this wine grow on the highest point of the soft, rolling hills in the Montagne Saint-Emilion appellation---elevation does matter, even a small amount, lending concentration and finesse to the wine.
2010 Francois LeClerc, Gevrey Chambertin, Burgundy, FR, $65. Francois is the son of respected winemaker Renee LeClerc, and we can assume that some wise fatherly input went into the final product. Indeed, Burgundy's next generation shows great promise---this wine is soft, with marvelous structure and velvety edges; it has a mouth-watering, tart cherry aspect.
2009 Kenneth Volk Mourvedre, Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley, CA, $36. Volk, the former owner and founder of Wild Horse Winery, takes pride in quirky varietals. This Mourvedre is from vines planted in 1895, one of the oldest plantings in California. Adjacent to a lime quarry and dry farmed, the terroir is just exquisite. The wine is light on its feet but packs a complex punch with layers of dark fruit. A thoroughly intriguing wine.
2009 La Prohibicion, Spain. $55. A unique, slightly exotic wine comprised of 100% garnacha tintorera Grown in the Bierzo region of Spain, this wine is simultaneously powerful and elegant. The rich nose of dark black fruits, coffee, dried roses, spices and smoked cedar is followed by a sultry texture on the palate. A great choice for the wine experimenter in your life.
2011 Marcel Servin Chablis, Burgundy, FR, $25. This extraordinary Chardonnay hails from terroir that was classified as a Premiere Cru vineyard prior to World War I. During the war, the vines were decimated, hence the government had nothing left to classify. The vines grew back, but the classification was lost, which means we enjoy premium fruit without paying the price. Classically styled with precise, crisp fruit and aromas of lemon cream, textured with bright acidity, a delight.
2010 Nottingham Micro Lot Reserve, Livermore Valley, $48. This wine has all the buzzwords we like: hand-crafted, boutique and family-owned still has to taste good. Sourced from specialty growers in Livermore Valley just south of San Francisco Bay, this wine’s hallmark is its lingering tart cherry finish. A sophisticated wine with structure, rich fruit and balance, the tannins strike a perfect chord. Winemaker Collin Cranor, a mere 27 years-old, is the youngest award-winning wine maker in the Livermore Valley.
2008 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red Wine, Napa Valley, CA, $125. Very well structured with firm tannins and layers of complexity. This one reminds me of a teenager—don’t wake it up (open it) too early or you’ll be sorry…give it a few years. The powerful structure, dark espresso and spice notes and firm tannins need some time to come together.
2011 Sandhi Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir, CA, $36. The Sandhi wines are a joint venture between famed sommelier Raj Paar, award-winning winemaker Sashi Moorman and former Screaming Eagle owner Charles Banks. This triple crown of wine genius yields elegant, beautifully balanced wines –the Pinot is lovely (all raspberry, wild strawberry cinnamon and earth) but don’t overlook the Sandhi Chardonnays. Great values.
2009 Sequoia Grove Cambium, Napa Valley, CA, $140. This is a limited quantity wine from one of Napa’s iconic producers. Grapes for the blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot) are selected from the best lots. Dense with blackberry, black cherry and spice, full-bodied with some vanilla, eucalyptus and cigar box notes. Winery notes that the wine can be cellared for 15 years.
Other great ideas:
Grand Cru Alsace (for white wine lovers) Any Bordeaux Superior or Cru wine from the 2005 vintage Madeira 2011 Vintage Port Barolo or Brunello
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7a48929356258237f843bea68cddd50d | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2014/02/11/six-exciting-wine-regions-to-explore-in-2014/ | Six Exciting Wine Regions To Explore In 2014 | Six Exciting Wine Regions To Explore In 2014
The wine world continues to improve and refine its offerings; even centuries-old regions are trying new things. These six regions are garnering praise for balanced, elegant wines that tend towards lower alcohol and food-friendliness. Some, such as Beaujolais, have been misunderstood. Others have been ignored and some are just now emerging as regions of distinction. The word is getting out so make some time to explore them now… before they become famous.
Gallery: Six Exciting Wine Regions To Explore In 2014 6 images View gallery
1.Cru Beaujolais
Why: Beaujolais’ gamay grape is often overlooked and hence underpriced, which can make Cru Beaujolais a terrific value. Cru Beaujolais, which is located within France’s Burgundy region, is comprised of ten special villages. The wines from these areas are light-bodied, elegant, earthy and refined with soft tannins, bright fruits and aging potential. They are superior food wines as well. Some to look for: Moulin-à-Vent, Morgon, Brouilly, Fleurie.
Try: 2011 Domaine Marcel Lapierre Morgon. Silky tannins and mouthfeel, layers of earth and cherry notes, fine structure.
2.Franciacorta, Italy
Why: This northeastern region offers an Italian spin on the beauty and elegance of Champagne with its metodo classico wines. Crafted from chardonnay and pinot nero grapes, Franciacorta offers a flattering imitation of the Champagne style---and typically at a better price point.
Try: 2007 Bellavista Franciacorta, Gran Cuvee. Rich and elegant, drinks like a much pricier Champagne with pearly threads of bubbles, rich mousse texture and a fine mineral crispness at the finish. Wow.
3. Western Sonoma Coast, California
Why: Cooler climate wines are the new popular kids in town and Sonoma’s far western edge dishes up cool like no other region. Many vineyards sit in view of the Pacific Ocean, at the mercy of fog, wind and chill throughout the growing season. Syrah, pinot noir and chardonnay do best here. Expect wines with vivid acidity, layers of complexity and precise balance.
Try: 2011 Peay Les Titans Sonoma Coast Syrah. Vines grow just 4 miles from the Pacific and are flanked on one side by towering redwood trees. This wine fairly quivers with tension; its sophisticated structure and soft, high-toned fruits belie the acidity and length.
2011 Freeman Akiko's Cuvée Pinot Noir. Layers of dark forest floor, raspberry, pomegranate, and cardamom. I love the wild strawberry and purity from clean, precise acidity. Cerebral and refined, a wine to drink over dinner.
4.Virginia
Why: The wine world’s foremost enologist, Eric Boissenot, who consults for all four Médoc first-growths in Bordeaux, lends his legendary expertise to Virginia’s RdV Vineyards because of the promise he sees in the wines. Virginia’s calling card is red blends and crisp, elegant whites, but it is still a region in development so you’ll have to look hard for the wines. Wineries to look for include RdV, Barboursville, Glen Manor and Linden.
Try: 2006 Barboursville Cabernet Franc Reserve. Supple tannins, rich black cherry notes and some cinnamon. The floral, slightly rose-petal note on each sip is complimented by beautiful structure. Virginia wows with this wine.
5. Anderson Valley, California
Why: Located about 120 miles north of San Francisco in Mendocino, the Anderson Valley’s cold, foggy, dry and windy climate offers prime growing conditions for pinot noir and chardonnay. Smart winemakers have been experimenting with the terroir over the past 10 to 15 years and the results are elegant, finely tuned wines with soft fruit notes and complex structure. Look for wines from Cakebread (Two Creeks), Jackson Family Wine Estates,(Wind Racer) and even Roederer Estate’s sparkling wines.
Try: 2011 Fulcrum Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. Fulcrum delivers layers of cherry, violets and cinnamon over dark earth notes. A nice kick of spice at the finish keeps things interesting.
6. Horse Heaven Hills, Washington
Why: Washington is earning much-deserved praise for its red blends. Horse Heaven Hills is the state’s largest grape growing region, home to the likes of Columbia Crest and Hogue Cellars. The dry, sunny and windy conditions yield prime growing conditions for everything from mourvedre to cabernet sauvignon. Currently four of Washington’s 100 point Wine Spectator rated wines are grown in this AVA, but great values are easy to find, at least for now.
Try: 2010 Alder Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon. Blue fruits and coffee-chocolate notes are rounded out with smooth tannins and good structure.
2010 McKinley Springs Chenin Blanc: Brilliant color with crisp citrusy notes, perfect for seafood, especially oysters. Dry, not sweet.
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5538008d194d8c381f3c7150cb117a20 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2015/03/13/flying-in-luxury-on-the-new-virgin-atlantic-787-dreamliner/ | Flying In Luxury On The New Virgin Atlantic 787 Dreamliner | Flying In Luxury On The New Virgin Atlantic 787 Dreamliner
The words barefoot, beleaguered and body-searched best describe how air travel feels anymore, but Richard Branson and his team of red-uniformed Virgin Atlantic employees are doing their darndest to bring back the glory days with the help of several new 787 Dreamliners.
“This aircraft is a game changer for us; it’s the most cutting edge plane out there,” explains Nik Lusardi, design manager for the airline. He’s right about that; the Dreamliner boasts larger windows, spacious “vaulted” ceilings, better cabin humidity and a seriously quieter ride. This plane is the Mercedes of the airways right now and Lusardi’s team gave it a distinctly Virgin spin with clever solutions to the problem of fixed space.
Indeed, the interior is an impressive stylistic and space achievement. Consider the ordinary seat pocket--reimagined into a softer, more expandable item for more give to keep knees from rubbing against it during flight. With all of the small tweaks, Lusardi’s team was ultimately able to squeeze in 1 ½ inches of more legroom per seat without removing anything—no minor achievement. Lusardi admits they ruffled some feathers along the way, “The manufacturers get really tired of us because we were always asking for special modifications,"---such as the built in neck pillow for each seat and a better seat cushion for maximum padding.
The Upper Class Bar on Virgin Atlantic's new Dreamliner
Economy seating on the Virgin Dreamliner.
Boarding the Dreamliner is its own glamorous moment. The entire plane is bathed in a relaxing lilac and orange glow---part of a special lighting system that took Lusardi and his team seven weeks to perfect. They designed lighting for arrival, take-off, nighttime and work time. They even managed to develop a special window dimmer (no shades on this aircraft) so that natural light can be tuned to body clocks. The TV screen, (each passenger gets a screen ranging from 9” to 11” wide) is thinner, and all of the trims and finishes are swanky, with rich dark browns and red tones. “We made sure we expressed the Virgin DNA throughout,” says Lusardi. The plane is also one of the first to have international Wi-Fi as well as new technology such as InSeat Chat, which allows you to send messages to other passengers during the flight, and USB ports in each seat.
Upper Class flat-bed seating
In the Upper Class cabin, the trademark Virgin bar positively glows because of special mica added to the textured Corian surface. It’s all a bit dazzling as flight attendants circle around taking drink orders. Both the Upper Class bar and the Premium Economy “Wander Wall” (a dedicated area with self-serve snacks and drinks) were designed to promote customer interaction. “Our fliers want to be social. Having these spaces is important to us as a brand,” says Lusardi. He admits the design process was a huge challenge, but he notes, “It would be boring if it wasn’t a challenge.”
If a Dreamliner isn’t on your preferred route, take heart, they expect delivery of 21 by 2018. Currently the planes are flying from Newark, Washington and Boston--with JFK set for launch on March 26, 2015.
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8d556bdb6bbf7645488bc62790a731ec | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2015/11/13/a-selection-of-best-wines-for-every-thanksgiving-dish/ | A Selection Of Best Wines For Every Thanksgiving Dish | A Selection Of Best Wines For Every Thanksgiving Dish
The Thanksgiving meal is not just about turkey—if it were the wine pairings would be far easier to suggest. At most houses it’s a hybrid feast featuring everything from Aunt Irma’s Jell-O mold to your cousin Fred's “best ever sweet potato pie.” Somewhere in all the culinary madness you need to open a bottle or two of wine. This year’s Thanksgiving wine selections are categorized according to different dishes. Of course, what is more likely to happen is this: all of the wines will be opened, tasted and poured throughout the evening without any concern for what pairs best with what. I plan for this scenario every year hence, you can be sure that every wine on this list is as food-friendly as it is people-pleasing. Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving. The Beginning:
(Budget Bubbly)---Gruet Brut Rose NV—100% Pinot Noir sparkling wine from grapes grown at high altitude in New Mexico—and what bubbly it is. Crisp, notes of strawberry and citrus. Playful and pleasing. Cheap enough to pour liberally. ($14 -$17)
(Splurge Bubbly)--- Champagne Taittinger Brut La Française---If you are going to splurge, bubbles are the way to go. This is a rich, complex, ever-so-French Champagne with robust bubbles and decadent toasty and floral notes of peach and vanilla. Just delicious. ($59.99)
The Universal Turkey Reds:
2011 Marques de Riscal Tinto Reserva, Rioja---This is always a happy wine to serve guests with notes of spice and black cherries. Silky tannins and a nice long finish make it a splendid choice for roasted turkey. ($15 -$20)
2012 David Hill Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR. Made from 30 year-old pinot noir vines, this wine shows elegance and purity with threads of spice (cardamom) and notes of black cherry/raspberry. A very nicely priced, beautifully-made wine ($35)
2013 Vietti “Tre Vigne” Barbera d’Asti---President of Dalla Terra Importers, Brian Larky, suggests Barbera for Thanksgiving because of its food-friendly acidity. “It is bright with pretty fruit and no heavy tannins, doesn’t need age, stands up to Turkey fare; the wine is there to compliment and elevate, it’s not there to show off.” ($17) Great with cranberry sauce too!
For the Veggies
2012 Le Petit Coquerel Sauvignon Blanc --- Located in northern Napa, this winery retained Sauvignon Blanc expert, Christine Barbe to help craft a vibrant yet rich wine. Think grapefruit and lemon cream and you get the idea. ($22)
Rosé, Rosé, Rosé ---Any dry Rosé from Provence will pair nicely, but for a wine that goes the distance from the beginning to the end of the meal I prefer the elegant rose of Pinot Noir from Oregon, look for producers such as Stoller, Ponzi and J.K. Carriere.
The Pecan Pie
Churchill’s 10 year Tawny Port: A tawny port from Portugal will shines through at dessert. This one shows nutty notes with spices, orange peel and dried fruits. ($34) They also sell a “Port Experience” set that includes a dry white port, tawny and reserve port selections in smaller 187ml sizes. ($38) It’s a smart assemblage if you want to experiment with different dessert wines.
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37626dbdc3f70143dd8687ee2ee68504 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2016/03/21/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-best-meal-kit-delivery-services/ | The Ultimate Guide To The Best Meal Kit Delivery Services | The Ultimate Guide To The Best Meal Kit Delivery Services
Meal kit delivery services are reinventing the dinner ritual a very good way. Working couples, singles, and busy families who care about eating fresh, home-cooked meals are flocking to the concept of a freshly prepped meal-in-a-box and the market is lighting up with a flurry of new offerings. For this story I only tested national delivery services: Plated, Blue Apron, PeachDish, Chef’D, Purple Carrot, HelloFresh, Terra's Kitchen and the newest, Home Chef--to be added next week.
Each service did a terrific job of delivering amazingly fresh ingredients and offering a variety of dishes and easy-to-read recipes. My family personally loved the meals from HelloFresh and PeachDish best of all. We even invited another couple over to have a meal kit cook-off (this is what 50+ adults do for fun). Every single meal turned out as expected and given the potential for user-error in my house, that is an impressive statistic. These are my five take-aways from the experience:
1. You will most certainly improve your culinary skills and repertoire.
2. It is SO much fun, and never gets old opening the box to see what’s for dinner.
3. You will surprise yourself--preparing recipes you might otherwise gloss over in a magazine or cookbook.
4. The ingredients are, for the most part, fresher, higher-quality and generally better than you might find at your average chain grocery store.
5. Your children will get engaged with the process—because, see item #2, you are opening a box and it is like Christmas at dinner time.
Purple Carrot's Roasted root veggies over creamy couscous with herb sauce.
The recipes from each service were printed in full color on heavy card stock sheets with step-by step instructions and the only ingredients I needed to provide were cooking oil, salt and pepper. Most offer free shipping, but read the fine print. I would also absolutely order up these meals to be delivered to the beach during family vacation—instead of wasting your precious vacation time shopping and stocking the pantry, just cook from the kit. Bon Appetit.
PeachDish: This was my favorite service largely because each meal included a main, side and vegetable (a very southern kind of plate to be honest). Many of the other services delivered one-dish meals which are great, but the veggies tend to get lost in meals like that. I also loved the creative simplicity in the PeachDish recipes –consider the chopped celery salad with shaved parmesan, such an easy, fresh delightful way to make something green into something delicious in less than three minutes. Ingredients for each dish come in individual organza bags (very cute and fun to re-use) however, our box was missing the recipe instructions, but we found them easily online when we notified them. While the protein portions were technically appropriate (a palm-sized chicken breast), they were not large enough for my teenage boys. The Tex-Mex black bean and blue corn tortilla soup and the smothered chicken with herb grits and celery salad were overall top dishes amongst the many we sampled. Pricing: Price starts at $12.50 per person per meal. Customers can subscribe or order week by week.
HelloFresh: HelloFresh’s dishes were also some of our favorites and the recipes had slightly fewer steps than other clubs. They do a nice job of juggling the right amount of flavor and complexity with the busy-life factor (I often only have bandwidth for a meal that requires just a squeeze of this and a dash of that). The company also partners with celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver. His dishes are some of the more complex and intriguing on offer and I suggest making sure you order at least one of his meals in your delivery. Overall, the portions were appropriate. We prepared chili roasted shrimp with spinach, white bean sauté, feta and mint (this was my fave dish), also included was mozzarella crusted chicken (kids’ favorite, duh) and Jamie Oliver’s Alo Gobhi (a spicy potato and cauliflower dish). Pricing: A classic box with 3 meals for 2 people is $69 per box and the same size in the veggie box is $59.
Plated: Plated meals are a bit more complex, requiring more dicing, chopping and various other cooking techniques (searing, roasting, etc.) than some of the other plans. There were definitely a lot of things happening when I made my pork tacos al pastor---warming the tortillas, marinating the pork, searing the pork, reducing the sauce, and prepping the taco topping. If you have three kids who all need homework help this might be too many things to manage but, then again, maybe you need something sophisticated and civilized in your day and this is just the ticket. I quizzed a big Plated user, Blake Palmer, Treasury Management Sales Consultant for Wells-Fargo, who said they can be tough to reach when there is a problem (which is not often he says). Palmer was quick to add though that “The meals have been very fresh and delicious, and have really been a great date option!” Pricing: 2 dinners for 2 people: $48/week (+$6 shipping); 3 dinners for 2 people: $72/week (free shipping).
Blue Apron: Much like Plated, these dishes had several steps to the recipe and preparation time tended to average 30 to 45 minutes. The box arrived with the proteins over ice and the remaining ingredients, or “knick knacks” as they call them, are packed in individual paper bags. You also get a single full-color information sheet about an ingredient (in my case it was the story of the bay leaf, interesting). My triple pork mazeman looked like an amazing dish but required almost 40 minutes to roast an individual garlic bulb (not what I wanted to read at 6:45pm when everyone was starving), but it also came with fresh ramen noodles which were a real treat. The other dishes: seared salmon with spinach and walnut pesto and adobo styled chicken were equally tasty—and complex. Blue Apron is also offering a wine club in conjunction with the meals—so they aren’t just making pairing suggestions—now you can actually have them send you wines that work with the meals and each wine comes with a card full of tasting notes and detailed info about the wine. Pricing: 2 people (three meals a week) $59.94 or Family Plan (serves 4) 2 meals per week, $69.92
Terra's Kitchen: This service scored major points with the clever way they solved the packaging waste problem--- by shipping your meals in something akin to a plastic miniature refrigerator (they call it a vessel). Your box arrives, you pop the “locks,” open the door to the box and slid out your different ingredients. After unloading, lock the box back up, peel off the shipping sticker which reveals the return sticker beneath, leave the box on the front porch and the shipper picks it up the next day. Everything in this kit was very simple. Veggies were pre-chopped and sauces and seasonings were packaged (all you need to do is cut and squeeze). For the person who loves the art of preparation, Terra might be too easy, but for the busy family or couple, this is a service that delivers a fresh, home cooked meal that you assemble. We loved the barbecue chicken with roasted sweet potato and spinach salad (a tasty combination I would never think of). They also made wine pairing suggestions. Pricing: Meals start at $9.99 per person.
Chef’D: Chef’D meals also involved more prep time and cooking techniques. The company partners with a wide range of accomplished chefs so complexity can vary but, without a doubt, these were some of the tastiest recipes we tried. For the delicious verde chicken and calabacitas with spinach garlic rice dish there was considerable chopping and dicing and I needed a blender for the salsa-- at least the poblano arrived pre-roasted for me. My only issue was with the recipe directions, which were at times confusing (i.e. does “use half of the onions, tomatillos, jalapeno and 2 garlic cloves” mean half of all of those, or just half of the onions?) After a few read-throughs I sorted it out. Each recipe offers a skill level rating, and beer and wine paring suggestions. Dinner for 2 averages $24 to $30. Free shipping if you spend over $40.
Purple Carrot: This meal delivery was also a favorite of mine because each dish taught me something new. Mark Bittman, food columnist for the New York Times, creates the recipes, and this is the only all-vegan service I researched that delivers nationally. Confession, the recipes were totally out of my comfort zone—largely because I have never worked with ingredients such as chayote and jackfruit. Yet, everything I prepared survived my JV cooking skills, which is testament to the clarity of the recipe writing. Our jackfruit enfrijoladas with coconut crema were astonishingly delicious, ditto the North African orzo risotto with raw fennel salad. The recipes are not for the meek—dishes took 45 minutes to prepare and several different steps—but the thrill of working with ingredients that are so good for you is worth the time investment. If you have ever wanted to learn more about vegan cuisine, this is the tastiest way to educate yourself. The meals easily serve two people with some leftover. Pricing: $68 for 2 people, 3 meals a week; $74 for 4 pple two meals a week.
Home Chef: Our dinner of mozzarella stuffed meatballs sliders was a hit, as expected. The recipe was easy-to-follow and the ingredients were fresh. I would describe Home Chef as a well-priced choice for the individual who isn’t committed to organic, free-range, non-GMO ingredients. I ordered the meatball dinner and a crispy rice salmon dish. The salmon (which was sealed in airtight plastic bags) in my shipment did not survive being compressed between two large freezer packs and arrived rough shape. There was no information on what kind of salmon (farm-raised or wild?) or where it came from. Some people really don’t care, but I shop very intentionally and like to know where my food comes from. Home Chef is probably one of the more basic plans in terms of pricing—almost every meal is $9.95, at $40 you get free shipping.
Green Chef: This newest player in the game is the only, for the moment, USDA-certified organic meal kit delivery company. The service offers Paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian, omnivore, carnivore and most recently--vegan--options. Everything, and I mean everything, is organic, right down to the two tablespoons of organic balsamic vinaigrette dressing included in my shipment. We loved the harissa romesco steak which provided ample portions of steak over an asparagus and pickled pepper farro. Recipes are complex, with several steps but things like the harissa come ready-made so most of the work is in the chopping, sauteeing and finishing work.We also liked the spinach-herb chicken kiev, but I'd pass on the pesto-ricotta flatbread (essentially pizza)--something I can whip up at home from leftovers, without a delivery fee. All in all, a nice choice if you are seeking 100% organic meals. The Omnivore package includes three meals (veggie, meat and seafood) and starts at $11.99 per person, per meal; shipping is $9 per box.
Takeout Kit: This singular appeal of Takeout Kit is the deliveries can be stored in your pantry until you are ready to use them; nothing perishable is shipped (which means very little packaging waste). Founder Rachael Lake started the company as a way to address the issue of what she refers to as meal kit anxiety--the stress that comes from not being able to cook your meal kits before things expire. She has a good point--and her meal kits can go on the road (great for having dinner ingredients ready-to-go for a quick weekend at the beach). The meals we prepared were tasty, and more or less Asian-influenced (Thai Crab Curry, Korean Soft Tofu Stew, Tikka Masala) and the individual meal boxes stacked nicely in my pantry. My only complaint is regarding the dehydrated vegetables--they just don't deliver the texture and freshness of fresh (duh), so we supplemented wtih our own green beans and such. Kits start at $30 a month for 1 box or $55 a month for 2 boxes.
Terra's Kitchen shipping box (vessel)---with free dog inspection.
Ingredients from Blue Apron.
Plated's Pork al Pastor Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
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a34007f0ac83be1ad459646f0f045f6d | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2016/12/21/six-decadent-must-have-champagnes-for-celebrating-in-2016/ | Six Decadent Must-Have Champagnes For Celebrating In 2016 | Six Decadent Must-Have Champagnes For Celebrating In 2016
Popping a bottle of Champagne on New Year’s Eve is a tradition that deserves to be honored with a gorgeous splurge wine. It is a fine time to be a bubbly lover as sparkling options from all over the world appear on store shelves, but the elegance of Champagne and its distinct terroir cannot be denied. And, while New Year’s is certainly an appropriate time to sip bubbly, I humbly submit that Champagne and all sparkling wines should be enjoyed all year long. Mark Twain once wisely opined, "Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right." Why not open a bottle on Monday? It's the day of the week we most need Champagne---and you can keep it fresh and bubbly for a minimum of three days (here's how). Resolve to bring more bubbly into your world in 2017 and start by tasting these selections below:
Marion-Bosser Brut Tradition, Premier Cru: Crafted by a mother-daughter winemaking team, this bubbly is made with Premiere Cru fruit from the esteemed Hautvillers village (not far from the home of Dom Perignon). Aged for three years on lees, this wine is a blend of chardonnay (60%) and pinot noir (40%). Balanced and refined, with harmonious components of citrus, cream, and biscuit woven together in each gorgeous sip. Average online price: $45
Palmer & CO Brut Reserve NV: This one is a blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. Roughly 50% of the grapes for this blend are sourced from Grand Cru and Premiere Cru vineyards. This bubbly is fresh and crisp with ripe apple and biscuit notes. Average online price: $52
Champagne Forget-Brimnot Brut Premier Cru: Founded in 1978 by Michael Forget, this wine is made exclusively with Premiere Cru and Grand Cru grapes. The result is a wine that is rich, complex and decadent on the palate with loads of citrusy creaminess, brioche notes and a texture that shows roundness and depth. $45
Champagne Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV: Decadent on the nose and palate with ripe fuji apple and lemon cream notes. This one is always one of my go-to bottles. The house was founded in 1776 and they’ve been perfecting their style ever since. This wine uses chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier from 40 different vineyard plots. It pairs nicely with food, but I like it best as a start to the evening. $53.99
J. Lassalle Cuvée Préférence NV: This bottling is referred to as a “Grower Champagne” (meaning it is made by an individual winemaker who cultivates fruit from a single vineyard site). These grower bubblies tend to exhibit the flavors of their distinct terroirs. The Lassalle is no exception, with a combined palate of crisp freshness, depth and richness. Made from 50-year-old vines, this one from Montagne de Reims over-delivers for the price. $39.99
Duval-Leroy Rosé de Prestige Premier Cru Brut NV: This gorgeous salmon-hued Champagne is voluptuous on the palate with notes of spice, brioche and raspberry mousse layered over a distinct chalky minerality. A knockout. $80
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900e087f4fa6d6c9912a6ab71ddadcda | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2017/02/01/a-guide-to-the-best-chocolate-truffles-for-valentines-day-gifting/ | A Guide To The Best Chocolate Truffles for Valentine's Day Gifting | A Guide To The Best Chocolate Truffles for Valentine's Day Gifting
Gallery: Best Artisan Chocolate Truffles For Valentine's Day 19 images View gallery
Artisan, single-origin chocolates are becoming as plentiful as microbrews—so there is simply no excuse for giving your Valentine a box of drugstore chocolates. Each year I scour the international and national chocolate award's lists for up and coming chocolatiers who are doing interesting (but always delicious) things with the cocoa bean. The continued evolution of the chocolate lover’s palate has had a remarkable influence on quality overall. L.A. Burdick Chocolatier Michael Klug is hoping to see continuation of the trend of consumers venturing beyond cocoa percentages and “discovering the beauty and differences of cocoa regions and cocoa varieties throughout the world.” Indeed, he notes that “cocoa percentages are often misleading and say very little about the quality of chocolate in general.” This year we have decadent, memorable truffles being made everywhere, from Belgium to Pasadena, by chocolate artists devoted to the perfect chocolate bite. These are my top tastes for 2017:
L.A. Burdick: Chocolatier Michael Klug does an impressive job of crafting his truffles with dense complex flavors and a playful note of whimsy. We love the fact that the box collections are composed of several smaller bite-sized expressions so each box offers a wide range of tastes and experiences. Leaning on his history as a chef, Klug weaves together incredible taste combinations such as the peaty and decadent Burns Lagavulin (dark chocolate ganache and Lagavulin whisky) or the Honey Truffle (caramelized honey with herbs and vanilla). The whimsy, such as the little chocolate mice with long ribbon tails, in each box is something that makes L.A. Burdick rather special. Klug notes, “the chocolate mice, penguins, bunnies or Halloween ghosts are unique and part of our style.”
Marco Paolo: Based in Pasadena California, Marco Paolo owner and chocolatier Mark Lewis makes stunning hand-painted chocolates with prominent bold flavors. We loved the Sense Venture Assortment—composed of nine gorgeous flavor combinations. Top choices were: Tamarind Tea with Green Cardamom and the Elderberry and Lavender Vanilla, a bewitching blend of dark chocolate ganache, elderberry, vanilla and lavender. In each truffle distinct flavors are called out blending together at the finish for a truly “wow” chocolate moment. Lewis uses chocolate from single origin sources, such as Tanzania, which he describes as “a perfect balance of acidity and intense cocoa bitterness.” He also uses Ecuador’s Cacao Nacional de Arriba, a rare varietal with a “perfumed floral scent and smooth herbal flavor with a nutty finish.”
Fruition: This Woodstock, New York bean-to-bar chocolatier was recently awarded Best in Competition in the 2016 International Chocolate Awards in London. They specialize in bars (the Bourbon Dark Milk is a knockout favorite--always keep one on hand for chocolate emergencies), but they have a good time with truffles too. The cleverly packaged Valentine’s Collection tin box is lined with a specialty bar and topped with ten truffles and a long center bar. We loved the Passion Fruit Caramel and Fresh Mint Fondant but my weakness was for the Milk Chocolate Honey Ganache truffle. Every bite of chocolate from Fruition is dense with flavor. Bryan Graham, Fruition founder, chocolate maker and chocolatier is inspired by “refined simplicity, where I take familiar flavor combinations and make an elevated version of that. We utilize both local flavors and global flavors to create confections that evoke nostalgia or a new experience.”
Luxx Chocolat: Chocolatier Lisa Mecray Rogers wins awards every year for her edgy but luxurious chocolates. The truffles are always delicious but we loved the goodies such as the Love Pop (a heart-shaped dark chocolate lollipop-studded with six superfoods) and the truly decadent salted caramel wafers lacquered in dark chocolate. Best, and certainly most unique, bite truffle was the Dirty Girl, inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow’s favorite martini--an odd but tasty combination of extra dry vermouth, olive brine, olives stuffed with pimento woven into rich white chocolate.
Cacao Art: Award-winning chocolatiers (and sisters) Isabel and Susana Garcia only use fine chocolate from their native country of Venezuela, because, notes Isabel, “We love using chocolate made entirely in Venezuela, not just because it is a taste of home, but also because it really is among the best in the world.” The sisters have also enlisted Susana Nevett, who happens to be their mother, to hand-paint their oversize dark chocolate heart (which lifts apart to reveal a selection of truffles inside). This was undoubtedly the most fetching and beautiful Valentine’s “box” we sampled—a hand-painted box you can eat that is filled with more chocolate is always a winner. The most decadent bite in their collection was the Tupelo Honey and Cardamom bonbon—a charming balance of earthy spice and soft honey notes encased in single-origin Venezuelan chocolate.
William Dean: William Dean’s award-winning chocolates are delicious, but you’ll be dazzled long before your first bite –by the clever packaging. His large 36 piece assortment box kaleidoscopes outward to reveal each layer, and the traditional heart-shaped Valentine’s box lifts open from the center by pulling on velvet cording. Chocolatier William Brown escaped from a job in upper management for a large company and began working in chocolate, says Brown, “It soon took over my life and in a few years I was asked to sell my product at Dean & Deluca so I quit my day job and I haven’t had regret since.” We loved the pure and clean flavor combinations as well as the glossy and colorful selections---especially the Lavender butterfly shaped truffle with dark chocolate ganache, vanilla and a whiff of lavender to keep in interesting.
David Bacco: David Bacco’s chocolates were some of the most dense and rich, almost bordering on fudgy, that we tasted. Bacco spent 18 years perfecting his craft and it shows—he knows how to deliver on chocolate intensity. The Montserrat truffle with Caribbean spices was a big hit, as well as his single origin chocolate bar, The Fortunato No. 4, made of rare Peruvian organic dark chocolate. These truffles and bars are indeed heady chocolate experiences and not for the faint of heart. Bacco loves the challenge in working with chocolate, “I have spent many, many years practicing, refining, and evolving flavors and textures in my truffles, pralines and caramels. To this day, it is continues to be an evolution of flavors, textures, and appearances.”
Bellafina: Based in Kingsport, Tennessee, the extraordinary thing about these delicious and rich truffles is that all net proceeds are donated and benefit children threatened by disease, poverty, abuse or neglect. The personal fave in our house was the Dark Chocolate Moonshine (locally inspired, of course) and the Abingdon (featuring local Virginian olive oil with balsamic vinegar).
Neuhaus: One of Belgium’s oldest chocolatiers, Neuhaus is best known for the chocolate praline (very different than one we know and love from New Orleans), a decadent blend of gently roasted hazelnut or almond, sugar, and dark or milk chocolate. This year’s Valentine’s Collection has a good mix of dark and milk chocolates in an array of textures. We loved the Desir—a blend of dark Peruvian chocolate, crispy nougatine and cream.
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b0ddceed76dfff32e96395f37859d9a5 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2017/07/31/a-pefect-day-of-relaxation-at-the-st-regis-atlanta/ | A Pefect Day Of Relaxation At The St. Regis Atlanta | A Pefect Day Of Relaxation At The St. Regis Atlanta
Peruvian Ceviche Classico The St. Regis Hotel
A perfect day of lounging is best paired with fruity cocktail libations, relaxing spa treatments and fine food, and right now the St. Regis Atlanta has all the trimmings needed to pull it off. Start your day poolside at the hotel’s Pool Piazza and order from the globally inspired ceviche menu recently created by executive chef Jordan Barnett. Each weekend Chef Barnett prepares a new ceviche—we tasted Peruvian Ceviche Mixto brimming with baby shrimp and octopus, corn, chili, cilantro and coconut milk. It was paired with a pisco cocktail featuring ginger beer, angostura bitters, lime and pisco.
Once you’ve set the tone for proper relaxation –and this takes at least an hour of nibbling ceviche and sipping cocktails by the pool’s Italianate fountain—wander to the hotel’s Remède Spa (just inside the pool area) for a custom massage or a custom body polish. Fold in some additional lounging in the spa’s steam and sauna in order to work up an appetite for the pièce de résistance ---dinner at Atlas, the hotel's gorgeous fine dining restaurant.
Poisson Cru ceviche_ The St. Regis Hotel
I suggest letting Executive Chef Christopher Grossman (formerly of the French Laundry in Napa) run the show and ordering the four-course tasting menu with wine pairings. Chef Grossman’s decadent fettucine alfredo is a spiritual experience, ditto his Snake River Farms wagyu calotte. Sommelier Christopher Lodge will spoil you with his wine pairings—he wields the Coravin with ease, pouring exquisite vintages that make each dish sing.
Note: The ceviche menu is only offered on the weekends, from 12 -3pm and runs through August 27th. The line-up includes Spanish Tuna Escabeche, Caribbean Mango Shrimp, Peruvian Crab and Seven Mile Beach Conch. Each ceviche is made with a paired cocktail but guests have gone nuts over the Peach Frosè, comprised of Rose, frozen peach puree, Grapefruit Bacardi Rum, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup. But choose wisely—there are other options as well such as the Cucumber Collins (Hendrick’s Gin, fresh lemon, cucumber, and club soda) and the Pineapple Elyx (Absolut Elyx infused with char-grilled pineapple and fresh-sliced jalapeno served with pineapple and lime in a massive copper pineapple mug).
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3697e94cbf11bff90e3ec9e0a8bd71a1 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2017/08/14/the-coolest-new-thing-in-wine-a-five-course-pinot-noir-tasting-experience/ | The Coolest New Thing In Wine: A Five-Course Pinot Noir Tasting Experience | The Coolest New Thing In Wine: A Five-Course Pinot Noir Tasting Experience
Winemaker Tony Rynders and his Five Courses of Pinot Noir Rynders Wine Cellars
Oregon winemaker Tony Rynders likes to make wines that both surprise and delight people, and at his new winery Tendril Wine Cellars he is doing just that and a good bit more. By the numbers alone Rynders ranks as one of Oregon’s most highly acclaimed winemakers. His tenure as winemaker at Domaine Serene, one of Oregon’s most highly awarded wineries, is littered with 90+ point scores, and Wine and Spirits magazine named Domaine Serene Winery of The Year for five consecutive years with Rynders at the helm.
His winemaking success is without question so it’s a bit surprising to hear him say, “I want to do things differently than they’ve been done in the past. At Tendril I’m not doing what everyone else is doing and I like it that way .”
Rynders is indeed doing things differently and, at times, at the expense of his bottom line. He’s playing with oak and aging his staves longer than accepted norms, he’s requiring his wines to submit to a precise standard each year (or risk being removed from the line-up), and he’s making wine that suits the harvest, not his inventory demands. All that said, he has since created what may be the ultimate expression of Oregon Pinot Noir’s breathtaking range and versatility in the format of a five course tasting. Each bottle is a 'course' and each offers a stylistically unique Pinot Noir. Some are made with partial whole cluster fruit, others are aged longer and some are entirely whole cluster. Tasting through the line-up is a fascinating and hugely informative tasting experience for any wine lover, especially one fond of Pinot Noir. Below he delves more deeply into his approach and what we can expect to come
In my tenure at Domaine Serene I started to form opinions about what I wanted to do as the next step. I wanted my wines to create a regional look at Willamette Valley—it was important to tell the broader story about Pinot Noir in the valley.
Single Vineyard bottlings should not be forced. I launched a single vineyard program for Domaine Serene, but dug my heels in when forcing a single vineyard bottling when it wasn’t appropriate. Single vineyard wines are challenge when we have such profound vintage variation from one year to the next. So if you your goal is to make high quality wine every year you need to have the flexibility and tools to accomplish that task---and a range of vineyard sites is of critical importance. It’s easy to skim the cream; it’s harder to put together an assembly of different offerings that make sense individually and really tell a story.
At Tendril our single vineyard wines have to qualify every year. If the fruit from the site isn’t up to quality one year then we don’t bottle it as a single vineyard. My views with regard to single vineyard wines wavered a bit when I kept finding more similarities than differences. My wines have to qualify because I think they should be special. I’m not going to force anything in a given year just because we need a bottling.
The term ‘reserve’ to describe a wine is also way overdone and means nothing in many cases. Wines should be labeled reserve only if they are indeed special.
Our oak program is different than most wineries. We are allowing the staves to season for an additional year to make the barrels influence more subtle. Then, we can keep the wines in barrel just a bit longer. Right now our wines spend a minimum 15 months in barrel. This allows texture and flavor to better integrate. We also bottle age for the better part of a year, I do this willingly, but my accountant does not agree.
My Five Courses of Pinot Noir can be five individual meals or one big tasting. I am trying to show the range of pinot noir, but each wine is a complete wine in and of itself—they need to show individuality but they make for a nice unit. And, each one of these wines needs to re-qualify for their position in the line-up each year. Some years may not be good for this style depending on what each year brings.
In the Five-Course line up I would start with Pretender. It’s a statement wine—a white pinot noir. Second Course is Extrovert, which is a pure expression of Pinot Noir that shows more on the redder fruit side of spectrum, with a seamless balance between acidity and fruit. The oak is more restrained and we use very little whole cluster; the wine is just floral, fruit and earth.
Third Course is Saffron Fields which is black and blueberry fruited, with bigger proteins in the wine and more structure. It has very interesting flavors and aromatics which remind me of dried orange peel and orange pekoe tea. The finish has a very saffron note.
TightRope is the Fourth Course and it moves into whole cluster (30%),with a darker fruited core, lovely structure and a tannin profile with length. This wine has wide appeal; people this one and I think it’s the whole package.
The Fifth Course is C-Note. This wine is aged in all new oak and 100% whole cluster fermentation. I want the whole clusteriness to be in background; I don’t want you to taste a mouth full of vegetables. You’ll taste smokiness, enticing high toned aromatics, some floral and spicy notes on the palate. There is attenuation on the palate that lasts minutes as opposed to seconds. Serve with the cheese course; it can also stand up to a hearty protein such lamb with rosemary.
And the future? I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested in making sparkling wine. One small challenge is going to be making sure the market can support it. I am looking forward to doing it at some point in time, but waiting for a cooler vintage. Blanc de blanc is my favorite.
Rynders in his Oregon vineyards. Tendril Wine Cellars
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fc231f5704abdcc1238a213bb11e59c1 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2018/01/23/the-chardonnay-of-the-month-and-maybe-the-year/ | The Chardonnay Of The Month, And Maybe The Year | The Chardonnay Of The Month, And Maybe The Year
Dan Goldfield in Rued Vineyard Dutton-Goldfield
Poor chardonnay, it's popular and popularity in the wine world has its pitfalls. In wine, when a varietal or style (merlot, rose...) is wildly popular there are always those who will cut corners, cheapen the process and bottle pure garbage to make a quick buck. And then, there are those who bring glory to the grape. who remind us why we loved it in the first place. I would place winemaker Dan Goldfield of Dutton-Goldfield in the glory-making category. Widely respected for his deft winemaking, Dan intuitively knows the right notes to seek in making a wine into something like an orchestra rather than a cheap ditty. His pinot noirs and chardonnays are profoundly delicious---they keep talking to you long after the last sip. Goldfield, whose love affair with wine started with a tasting of 1969 Burgundies (talk about starting at the top), characterizes his style as “very Burgundian in a sense.” And what exactly does that mean? Says Goldfield, “wonderful wines of personality that express the structure and age-worthiness of many Burgundies, but with the exuberant fruit of California.”
Winemaking experience at Schramsburg and La Crema polished his skills and in 1988 he agreed to start working with longtime friend and colleague, Steve Dutton. Steve, a respected fifth-generation grower, farms over 60 vineyard parcels throughout the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations.
They used to sell fruit to fabled winemakers such as Merry Edwards and Steve Kistler. Indeed, the Rued Vineyard is the cat’s pajamas when it comes to chardonnay and it is the wines from this parcel that I still dream about. Dan describes the taste variations within the vineyard as extraordinary, “I can walk through at harvest time and taste a grape that oozes lemon cream pie and two rows over I’ll find grapes taste like papaya.” And, he notes, “this vineyard hasn’t been watered in 45 years.” When asked his preferred way to enjoy the Rued Chardonnay Dan muses, "I recently opened our newest vintage, the 2015, with my brother Dave (all wine's best with friends and family). We started the bottle watching the sunset on the lake, and continued it with fresh crab meat and lobster - totally awesome! With a little more age, something like lobster bisque is as good as it gets. This is also a wine I love to drink just sitting around in the evening.”
The 2014 Rued Vineyard Chardonnay is bright with tropical notes of pineapple and peach and finishes with zesty lemon-cream. It drinks beautifully today but in five to ten years the edges will soften and more butterscotch and savory lemon meringue pie notes will emerge (such as the with the voluptuous and savory 2007 Rued Vineyard Chardonnay), $55. Dutton-Goldfield Wine Club members can purchase the more recent 2015 Rued Chardonnay now, and the winery will release it to the public in the Spring. If you uncover older vintages of this wine, from 2003 forward, buy them. Retailers such as the Rare Wine Company and of course the winery website are reliable sources for older vintages.
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6d3e8ce6ad09e4d59599eb4846dd8a88 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2018/08/01/the-best-in-low-calorie-and-low-alcohol-cocktails/ | The Best In Low Calorie And Low Alcohol Cocktails | The Best In Low Calorie And Low Alcohol Cocktails
Latin Lover from Clean Cocktails Clean Cocktails
Low calorie and low alcohol cocktails can be as refreshing and decadent as the best pina colada, the trick is knowing which ingredients to use and how to best extract flavor. Consumer interest in clean and healthy cocktails is surging and Beth Nydick and Tara Roscioli, authors of the recently released book, Clean Cocktails: Righteous Recipes for the Modern Mixologist, saw the trend coming. Both Nydick and Roscioli are holistic health coaches and Nydick, who is also a bartender, noted healthy diet-specific dishes were being offered everywhere but on the cocktail menu. “Drinking was not really being addressed,” says Roscioli, “and, for most people abstinence is not a long-term solution. People want cocktail options that won’t throw them overboard.”
Day Drinker Clean Cocktails
In response to the growing demand from their own client base Nydick and Roscioli authored Clean Cocktails. "People wanted alcoholic drink options that wouldn’t upset their efforts in the kitchen and in the gym and we wanted to address that need," says Nydick. The authors kindly shared some user-friendly tips on making cocktails that work for your lifestyle and diet, as well as several recipes (in the gallery).
Violet Beauregard Clean Cocktails
We don’t believe in mixers because they contain all the junk, some even have four different kinds of sugar. You really don’t need a mixer. Instead, pick up lemon, lime and herbs and make low sugar or no-sugar version.
We sweeten with honey quite a bit. We don’t like agave syrup, (it is good for diabetics because it doesn't spike your blood sugar but it's still a processed syrup—like high fructose corn syrup.)
Stevia is an option, but it doesn’t have the best taste. We use honey syrup and coconut syrup. Honey syrup has a great flavor. Just make a batch and keep it in the fridge; it stays in the fridge for a long time too.
Bitters are a great flavor builder and they are not that hard to make. There are many that are great off the shelf. Brands we like to work with include Angoursata and Hella cocktail company; (Hella is amazing, they use organic products and they are careful with ingredient sources.)
Sugar and fat are plentiful in anything poolside on vacation---pina colada, daiquiri, mudslide. The sugar is what gives you that hangover the next day. In general, spirits we avoid (because of added sugar) include amaretto and rum. Amaretto sours and whiskey sours are loaded with sugar. Instead, try a margarita with fresh lime or coconut sugar.
Tonic water is not water, it has lots of sugar (32 grams of sugar per 12 oz bottle). Try your gin with seltzer and some squeezed citrus and herbs….maybe some muddled parsley, rosemary or even cilantro –that would be amazing.
The best flavor builder is citrus. We use it a lot in our cocktails. We muddle fresh herbs with citrus because you get oils out of the skin as well-- add booze and ice and shake.
Recipes: (view more in the gallery)
Day Drinker:
1⁄4 lemon
3 fresh sage leaves, torn in half
1⁄2 teaspoon coconut sugar
2 ounces gin
2 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
Ice
Garnish: Sage leaf and grapefruit wheel. Muddle the lemon quarter, 2 of the sage leaves, and coconut sugar in a cocktail shaker. Add the gin and grapefruit juice and shake for 10 seconds.Strain the contents of the shaker into an ice-filled rocks glass, garnish with the remaining sage leaf and a grapefruit wheel, and serve.
Violet Beauregard
Recommended Barware Rocks glass or Mason jar
1⁄2 cup fresh mint leaves
1⁄3 cup organic unsweetened blueberry juice
2 ounces gin
1⁄2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
Ice
1⁄2 cup seltzer water
Garnish: Blueberries, mint leaves, or lime wheel. Muddle most of the mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. Add the blueberry juice, gin, lime juice, maple syrup, and ice and shake well for 10 seconds. Strain the contents of the shaker into an ice-filled rocks glass or Mason jar and top off with the seltzer.
Your Latin Lover
Recommended Barware Highball glass
2 ounces silver tequila
2 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
1 medium to large lime
1 ounce Jalapeño Syrup
(See below)
Ice
Seltzer water
Garnish: Jalapeño pepper slice and lime wheel. Combine the tequila, grapefruit and lime juices, Jalapeño Syrup, and ice in a highball glass and stir.Top off with the seltzer, garnish with a jalapeño slice and lime wheel, and serve.
Jalapeño Syrup
Makes approximately 1 cup
1⁄2 cup honey
1⁄2 cup filtered water
1 halved jalapeño pepper, seeds removed
One 1-pint Mason jar
Combine all of the ingredients in a medium pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring constantly, until the honey has completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and set aside for 1 hour to allow the syrup to steep.
Gallery: The Best In Low Calorie Low Alcohol Cocktails 7 images View gallery
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2103647352a545a7caae5af9c077ffc5 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2018/10/11/visiting-napa-where-to-drink-wine-and-stay-right-now/ | Visiting Napa: Where To Drink Wine And Stay Right Now | Visiting Napa: Where To Drink Wine And Stay Right Now
The Gardens at Newton Vineyards Newton Vineyards
If you are making the trip to Napa Valley you will most certainly wind your way down Highway 29, the region’s central artery lined with dozens of intriguing tasting rooms. The temptation to stop will be strong, but rather than take the easy right or left turn, commit to getting off the busy beaten path and visiting some of Napa’s special treasures. Your modest efforts will be rewarded with stunning views, idyllic gardens, and behind-the-scenes winery experiences.
The undulating rows of Newton Vineyards. Newton Vineyards
NewtonVineyard:
Newton has been producing wines in Napa Valley since 1977 and the current winemaker, Alberto Bianchi, has his sights trained on rich Burgundian styled Chardonnays and age-worthy single vineyard red wines. The winery is just a short hop off the main road but it feels a world away. It sits high above St. Helena---tucked into Spring Mountain’s many curvaceous and astonishingly steep hillsides. The landscape dips and curves in every direction and views are some of the best in the valley. You’ll also need to spend time wandering Newton’s spectacular gardens where you’ll be hard-pressed to believe you are in Napa and not Tuscany.
Views and landscape aside, you are here for the wine, wine which reflects the dizzying array of terroir and vineyard at Newton. Here, it is not unusual for three unique soils to co-exist within yards of each other. Vines stagger up steep terraces, each row subject to different set of environmental conditions—from temperature and fog to sunshine and shade. It’s all a bit overwhelming but hey, you don’t have to make the wine, or vinify each lot separately, or spend weeks hand-picking grapes. You just have to enjoy. And, Newton makes that just decadently easy. For the full experience book the Single Vineyard Immersion where you’ll get a tour of the gardens and wine caves and a seated tasting of four single vineyard wines (Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Spring Mountain, Yountville and Mt. Veeder).
Newton’s Vineyard Manager Mayacamas Olds is focused on redevelopment of each vineyard to ensure sustainability and ideal fruit maturation. Olds is also driving the winery towards organic and ultimately, biodynamic certification---a project that is, at a minimum, five to ten years in the making. The vineyards and the winemaking are extremely challenging work for the team at Newton, but you can taste this devotion to detail in the wines.
Rolando and Lorena Herrera of Mi Sueno winery. Mi Sueno Winery
Mi Sueño
Winemaker and owner Rolando Herrera’s first job in Napa was washing dishes for Auberge du Soleil. Thirty-three harvests later, after working with winemaking legends such as Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ Warren Winiarski and Paul Hobbs, Herrera is living his great American dream. In 1997 Herrera and his wife Lorena made a few cases of their own wine as a side project, today that side project is celebrating its 20th year. A visit here promises to be a family-like experience. Tucked into a quiet back corner of an office park, the winery is a modest affair turning out some of Napa’s loveliest wines. There is no grand tasting room or stately entrance, rather the tasting room for Mi Sueño is right inside the winery. Here, visitors are greeted with walls covered in framed sports jerseys (a who’s who of athletes from Justin Turner to Adrian Beltre have come through these doors to taste Rolando’s creations and for good reason).
Guests walk through the “hall of fame” and back into the winery where barrels are stacked to the ceiling. A cozy arrangement of lounge chairs and sofas sit right in the heart of the action. Here you’ll taste a selection of wines, several of which have been served at the White House more than once. The Mi Sueño tasting offers a nice overview of everything Rolando is working on, from decadent Chardonnay to Pinot Noir. But, for some of the winery’s best work, opt for the Herrera Tasting—a selection of limited-production wines from premium vineyards. In both tastings, you’ll taste wines that are sold only at the winery.
Two More:
Frank Family Vineyards is a well-known winery in Napa, and on the weekends the tasting room can get hopping. It’s worth a visit for many reasons, but for me the single best reason to pop in is to taste their sparkling wines—some of my favorite bubblies in Napa, and only a select few are sold outside the winery. If you like Champagne or any kind of bubbly, then you must make plans (and a reservation) to taste the sparkling wines (they produce four styles) at Frank Family. My personal fave: Frank Family Brut Rose.
Corison Winery’s winemaker Cathy Corison is widely respected by sommeliers and critics alike for her polished, elegant red wines. The winery’s Collectors Vertical Tasting offers Cabernet lovers a rare opportunity to taste wines from across the span of four decades. Visitors taste four decades of Cabernet--including two of single vineyard estate wines. Indeed, Corison’s Cabernet Sauvignon expressions are some of the most exquisite in Napa Valley.
Where to Stay: Harvest Inn
Vineyard View room at Harvest Inn Harvest Inn
Harvest Inn is a charming classic tucked right into the middle of wine country with spacious rooms, artful brickwork and local art throughout the property. The original owner was a master mason and his influence is everywhere, woven into the over two million bricks that line the pathways, pool areas and wrap around each individual fireplace. Resting underneath a canopy of trees, this destination is a resort-like vibe with sideline views of the vineyards. Request a vineyard view room for the ultimate sense of escape---every happy hour can be on your private terrace overlooking the vines. Despite the private feel, the property is really only three minutes from the shops and dining in the charming downtown St. Helena (my favorite town in Napa). The house car will take you (and pick you up) anywhere within a five-mile radius so driving is more or less optional.
The Inn’s main restaurant, Harvest Table, boasts lovely outdoor patios that overlook their lush verdant gardens. (they are, in my opinion, the best seats in the house). Our dishes of salmon and halibut were perfectly balanced with salt, texture and flavor coming together nicely. Everything was accompanied by a bottle of Frank Family Brut Rose and a side of malt fries—a perfect pairing.
The property consists of 78 rooms, two pools (one for adults only), two hot tubs and ten acres of vineyard views—pretty much all you need for a wine country escape.
Vineyard View room, Harvest Inn Harvest Inn
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8960ed14958343d11bd6509bf81e5f3e | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2019/06/28/the-best-wine-for-celebrating-your-21st-birthday-or-any-milestone/ | The Best Wine For Celebrating Your 21st Birthday, Or Any Milestone | The Best Wine For Celebrating Your 21st Birthday, Or Any Milestone
Vintages of Biondi-Santi Biondi-Santi
When my firstborn celebrated his 21st birthday last year we honored the milestone with a gift I purchased over a decade ago—-a 21 year-old wine. Let’s be clear, not all wines are meant to be consumed 21 years past their vintage date, but some are made precisely for that reason. Finding a wine that improves with 20 or more years of age is not impossible, but why not purchase one that defined winemaking history as well? Biondi-Santi Riserva Brunello di Montalcino is that wine.
Montalcino is a walled medieval village that sits high on a hilltop overlooking Tuscany and Brunello di Montalcino is the defining wine of the region. The wines here are made from Sangiovese Grosso, a clone of Sangiovese, and they tend to be powerful, tannic and spiced when consumed young. With age (20 years is just the beginning), these wines unfold into sophisticated expressions of beauty with evocative notes of cooked cherry, exotic spices, crushed rose petal and soft, supple leather. If you are trying to convert your child into a wine lover, aged Brunello di Montalcino is a good place to start.
The famed 1995 Biondi-Santi Riserva Biondi-Santi
Brunello di Montalcino owes its existence to the Biondi-Santi family. Indeed, this is the estate and the winemaking family where the first Sangiovese Grosso clones were isolated, cultivated and made into wine. In the late 19th century, Ferrucio Biondi-Santi identified a Sangiovese clone (Sangiovese Grosso) that seemed to flourish in the rocky unforgiving soils surrounding the town of Montalcino. Yet, not only did he identify this version of Sangiovese, he did something even more outlandish—he made 100% Sangiovese Grosso wine from it. It may not seem like a risky move today but he did so during a time when Montalcino was famous for its sweet white wines. No one was making a red wine, and no one was making one meant for aging. It was a bold but confident move. Today, these wines last longer than most marriages. They are perfect for cellaring and celebrating 20, 30, 40 even 50 year milestones.
Indeed, as testament to their aging potential the 1995 Biondi-Santi Riserva was named one of the Top wines of the 20th Century by Wine Spectator. One thing to note, drinking a wine that was cultivated and harvested during your birth year is a unique experience and one that demands some shopping forethought. Biondi-Santi Riserva bottlings are only made in superior vintages, and for young parents seeking a birth year bottle you are in luck if your child was born in 2013, 2011 or 2006. The 2011 Riserva, which is the most current vintage, is available in the market now. The 2006 is available in market but will require some good sleuthing, and the 2013 Riserva will release in the spring of 2021. There are many other producers of Brunello di Montalcino who make lovely wines (Tenute Silvio Nardi for example) so other vintage years are certainly available.
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Says the family’s seventh generation Co-Winemaker Tancredi Biondi-Santi, “These wines are where we put all of our efforts, all of our dreams and even all the luck.”
Biondi-Santi Riserva Biondi-Santi
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f6f849f901b40085fdf909d1294b2356 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2019/11/11/holiday-gift-guide-2019-the-best-dark-chocolate-truffles/ | Holiday Gift Guide 2019: The Best Dark Chocolate Truffles | Holiday Gift Guide 2019: The Best Dark Chocolate Truffles
Chocolates from Cacao & Cardamom copyright 2014 Shannon O'Hara
Dark chocolate continues to be in high demand not only because it is infinitely delicious and complex but also because of the reported health benefits. Chocolatiers are taking the dark chocolate experience to a new level with exotic flavors, bean-to-bar expressions, and even wellness offerings, but the truffle remains the mainstay for impressive holiday gifting. Head Chocolatier at Kreuther’s, Angela Borah, senses a movement in chocolate towards the return to nature. Says Borah, "There’s a heightened interest and awareness of where everything originates; from the kind of butter you use, the source of your vanilla, to the terroir makeup of your cocoa beans, etc. Consumers are beginning to treat chocolate like wine - recognizing there are different flavor notes found in each chocolate.” With that in mind use fully-vetted list of award-winning chocolatiers as your shopping guide for the holiday season.
Cacao & Cardamom copyright 2014 Shannon O'Hara
Cacao & Cardamom: Based in Houston, Texas, this chocolatier gets the nod for crafting architecturally stunning truffles. The presentation features a black box that twists open into a spiral of dazzling selections. Shapes run the gamut from trapezoids and pyramids to concentric layers of circles. Best bites include the Cashew Cinnamon pyramid with caramelized cashews, and Vietnamese cinnamon enrobed in dark chocolate or the Chipotle Truffle comprised of 85% Huila chocolate with soft notes of chipotle, ancho and guajillo chili—we loved it’s earthy, seductive character.
Kreuther's Chef's Collection Kreuther's Chocolates
Kreuther Chocolates: These epicurean truffles are the delicious result of a partnership between New York’s Michelin-starred chef Gabriel Kreuther and Pastry Chef Marc Aumont. Their creations build on French techniques—lending each one a singularly silky, decadent mouthfeel. Several of the chocolates won multiple awards at the International Chocolate Salon this year, but for holiday gift giving consider the Chef’s Selection ($70)—a hedonistic chocolate odyssey brimming with seasonally inspired decadence such as the Salted Butter, French Baguette or Tahitian Vanilla truffles.
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Box of truffles from Lesaint Lesaint
LeSaint Chocolates: Stéphane Lesaint focuses on purity, with simple flavors that shine through by using the best ingredients (such as the artisan vintage liquors he sources from France) and, of course, “Organic whenever possible.” Says Lesaint. But what he loves most is boozy chocolate. “I make a Whiskey Truffle using Bulleit Bourbon and a Red Velvet Truffle perfumed with Grande Marnier. “ He makes seven different kinds of classically shaped truffles, all of them with dark chocolate, and all of them rich and decadent. One truffle (which Lesaint insists must be enjoyed at room temperature) goes a long way—best bets include his Saigon Cinnamon, Whiskey and Red Velvet offerings.
Delysia's Spice Lover's Collection Delysia
Delysia Chocolates: This award-winning chocolatier based in Austin, Texas offers a sophisticated riff on traditional chocolates with their knockout spice lover’s gift box. The collection includes Latin-inspired dark chocolate truffles infused with spices such as cayenne, jalapeno and habanero. Best bite is the Mexican Hot Chocolate bark infused with cinnamon, cayenne and ground coffee—all of life’s pleasures in one bite. Ditto the Salt Lick BBQ Dry Rub bar which seduces you with rich dark chocolate notes that come to a crescendo of spice and complexity—we melted this one down and drizzled it over vanilla ice cream, sensational.
Kate Weiser Chocolates Kate Weiser
Kate Weiser Chocolates: Chocolatier Kate Weiser is based in Dallas, but you’ll find her stunningly beautiful hand-painted truffles in Neiman-Marcus stores nationwide. The colorful truffles are almost too pretty to eat, but you’ll get over that pretty quickly. Be sure to try her Red Wine and Berries (dark chocolate, cabernet and berry ganache) or the Mango Habanero with dark chocolate, habanero ganache and mango pate de fruit. The Buttery Popcorn truffle is exactly on point combining white sweet corn ganache with a thread of fleur de sel. Exquisite to look at, decadent to eat. Says Weiser, “Personally, I love to end my day with a glass of red wine paired with my dark chocolate raspberry bonbons. It's the perfect combo and melts the day's stress away.”
Maison du Chocolat Advent Calendar Maison du Chocolat
La Maison du Chocolat: Paris-based Master Chocolatier Nicolas Cloiseau delivers a spin on healthy indulgence with his wellness chocolates like the 15-piece Bien Être collection with five plant-based and dairy and gluten-free ganaches. If you simply want to indulge in traditional dark chocolate truffles your best bet is the La Maison Collection, a silky rich assortment of bite-sized ganaches such as Andalousie (dark chocolate ganache infused with lemon cream and zest from the South of France) or the Akosombo, a serious dark chocolate truffle featuring the spiced cacao notes of single origin chocolate from Ghana. Looking ahead to 2020, Cloiseau wants to “build upon our wellness offering and figure how we can guarantee the featherweight texture of ganache with its silky flavor, while zeroing in on more health-conscious ingredients. Stay tuned!”
Holiday Collection from Christopher Elbow Christopher Elbow Chocolates
Christopher Elbow Chocolates: Based in Kansas City, chocolatier Christopher Elbow has traveled the globe in search of sustainably farmed dark chocolate. Choose from any of his seven single origin handcrafted bars for a dense dark chocolate hit, or opt for one of his festive holiday collections. Sleek, glossy and festive the traditional collection features peppermint, pumpkin pie and gingerbread offerings. Elbow prefers to savor his chocolates with spirits, noting, “I have found pairing some of our chocolates with a dram of fine aged rum to be a fantastic pairing; the molasses and oak flavors that a lot of these rums exhibit works really well with both dark chocolate and the caramel fillings that we incorporate into our chocolates.”
Chocolate ornaments from Garcia Nevett Garcia Nevett
Garcia Nevett Chocolatier de Miami: The dynamic sister duo of Susana and Isabel Garcia Nevett bring an epicurean edge to the Venezuelan dark chocolate offerings. Their Passion Fruit truffle is a sumptuous confection of dark Venezuelan chocolate with passion fruit coulis. The team has been winning awards for years with selections that weave in ingredients such as dulce de leche, coconut, Colombian coffee and even matcha. The Nevett sisters also have wellness in mind with healthful options such as snacks like dark chocolate covered dried fruits and nutty barks that appeal to most everyone.
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2640388ecc5161338e0529bcfea285d8 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2019/11/21/one-womans-amazing-journey-from-refugee-to-most-imaginative-bartender-finalist/ | One Woman’s Amazing Journey From Refugee To Most Imaginative Bartender Finalist | One Woman’s Amazing Journey From Refugee To Most Imaginative Bartender Finalist
Most Imaginative Bartender Finalist, Keyatta Mincey-Parker Bombay Sapphire
At the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Laverstoke, England 12 whip-smart mixologists are sitting in a room, listening intently as Marco Corallo, head bartender at the Langham Hotel’s Artesian Bar, shares his cocktail craft secrets. They scribble furiously, their faces are taut and attentive; indeed this is the most stressed I have ever seen people who work with booze. Their stress is justified as they are the regional finalists in Bombay Sapphire’s 13th annual Most Imaginative Bartender Competition. The finale in Chicago this coming February promises to be intense, especially with a $10,000 cash prize and a $25,000 grant from the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation on the line. Looking around the room I see an intriguing and eclectic group that includes everything from former ballerinas to high school valedictorians but only one, Atlanta-based Keyatta Mincey-Parker, is a mother of two, former model, and a Liberian refugee.
The first time I met Mincey-Parker she was holding a shotgun. We were attempting to shoot clay pigeons at a local resort during one of the off-days of Bombay’s finalist immersion week. At 6’2” she makes for a very diverting image, put a gun in her hands and well, it’s imposing. I was immediately impressed. She confessed she really didn’t like guns but she needed to try shooting one and conquer her fear. I quickly discovered over the course of our stay that taking on challenges is a habit for Mincey-Parker.
Certainly her first challenge in life was escaping the African nation of Liberia with her family. She recalls, “we left so quickly. I was 12 and sure that we would only be gone a short time. There have been wars before they blew over in a few months, but this grew into a 20 year war, and I have not been back.” As she describes it, one afternoon she was at home playing in her backyard when some child soldiers appeared, carrying guns, asking about her father. Later that night it was a mad dash to the airport to get a flight out and get to safety. After a quick stop in London, her parents made the decision to move the family to Atlanta (her mother is originally from LaGrange, Georgia). As a newly-minted refugee, Mincey-Parker enrolled in the most ferocious of American social gauntlets, middle school. She is quick to add it was one of the hardest transitions ever. “When I realized that we weren’t going home I knew I needed to ditch my accent, so I sat in front of the TV watching 90210 and all that stuff. I was already tall, already awkward, didn’t have a perm, didn’t have a body. I sure didn’t need an accent.”
The 12 finalists in The Most Imaginative Bartender Competition at Bombay Sapphire's Laverstoke ... [+] Distillery. Bombay Sapphire
Yet, she argues that life as a refugee makes you feel like you are stronger than you think you are. “You are not confined to a certain destiny because of your past. After high school she started modeling but eventually gravitated to hospitality where her mentor at the now-closed Trois restaurant recognized her creativity, talent and curiosity, pulled her from the hostess stand and put her behind the bar. She embraced the challenge and ultimately took control of the bar program. Today, she’s behind the bar at Bon Ton in Atlanta, and as a Most Imaginative Bartender Finalist she has even greater challenges ahead.
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This year the Bombay Sapphire team has set up an impressive gauntlet for the finalists adding a new “Canvas Challenge” which requires all finalists to bring an original creative idea of any medium to life and explain it in a seven-minute pitch. In addition there is the Botanical Challenge which assigns each mixologist a botanical (in advance) and allows 15 minutes to create a cocktail from a designated pantry based on their botanical.
And finally, each bartender must create a gin-based cocktail that embodies why they are the most imaginative bartender. Mincey-Parker is undaunted, “I’ll put in at least 100 hours on this cocktail. And forget about thinking outside the box, there is no box. I will try everything, if it doesn’t work, I’ll just keep going.”
There are other unique challenges that she acknowledges make the pressure to succeed tremendous. “For me, I have this great opportunity and being African-American and female, taking on the pressure of my race and my gender, can be overwhelming. But during this experience the people I met were great. The atmosphere was very supportive, we all want success for each other.”
The road to the final competition in Chicago is long, but Mincey-Parker is ready. She has seen her share of challenges and stared them down, plus she adds with resolve, “I am serious, I want to win, I am going to win. I have to put the time in to make it happen.” I like her chances. Gin is having a moment, and so is Mincey-Parker.
Keyatta Mincey-Parker's regional winner: Eve's Pot Liquor Bombay Sapphire
Mincey-Parker’s Regional Winner/ Eve’s Pot Liquor
Created by Keyatta Mincey-Parker (Bonton - Atlanta)
1.5 oz Bombay Sapphire
.5 oz Chareau Aloe Liqueur
1 bar spoon of Fernet Branca
.75 oz Lemon
.75 oz Simple
.5 oz collard green juice
1 oz green apple juice
2 drops saline
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203dd7b6c9108679d64c8c5d481b9274 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2020/03/14/the-best-wine-and-booze-delivery-services-to-get-you-through-a-coronavirus-quarantine/?sh=375a2c007053 | The Best Wine And Alcohol Delivery Services To Get You Through A Coronavirus Quarantine | The Best Wine And Alcohol Delivery Services To Get You Through A Coronavirus Quarantine
Drizly at the Door (c) 2017 Flashstock Technology Inc., all rights reserved
The coronavirus stockpiling has been fast and furious and judging by store shelves we all have enough toilet paper—but do you have a proper stash of wine and booze? According to the team at Drizly, an alcohol delivery service, “Drizly was already growing rapidly for the first eight weeks of the year. Typically, New Year’s Eve and Halloween are Drizly’s most popular days. However yesterday, March 12 was Drizly largest day ever for sales.”
It’s worth noting that most every winery in the United States has a wine club of some sort—and they would love to send your their wines. Clubs usually offer really cool selections not seen in retail stores too. Also, many of your local wine retailers have quickly modified their business models to offer home delivery services—it’s worth giving your local shop a call (and keeps them in business during these crazy times). These wine, cocktail, beer and booze delivery clubs/plans are in the business of making sure you drink well, whether it’s under the duress of quarantine or simply a quiet night at home, it’s time to get on a mailing list.
The Acker Wine Club
Range of Offerings: Acker celebrated their 200th year in business past February. They are America’s oldest wine shop (so they’ve seen a pandemic or two) and the world’s largest fine and rare wine auction house.
Cost for Delivery: Their membership comes in four different tier options ranging from the entry-level Reserve ($89 per quarter) membership, perfect for those with an interest and budding passion for great wines to the JK Club ($999 per quarter), an elite level of membership, featuring the most highly coveted wines on Earth. Collectible, incredibly rare, and hand-selected by Chairman, John Kapon.
Delivery Area: Nationwide
ONEHOPEwine.com
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Range of offerings: Their selection of highly-rated (95+ point) wines are made by head winemaker, Mari Wells Coyle, hail from the best wine regions throughout California. The wines start at $20 a bottle and every varietal gives to a charitable cause. For example, every bottle of sparkling helps fund meals for children fighting hunger and every bottle of pinot noir helps fund pet adoptions. Since 2007, this Napa Valley Winery has donated roughly $5 million to charitable causes.
Cost for delivery: $10 flat rate shipping as a Preferred Customer or join the wine club to get free shipping on all 6 & 12 bottle orders.
Delivery area: They ship to 41 states throughout the country. Average shipping is 2-3 business days by ground.
K & L Wine Merchants
Range of Offerings: This site has one of the best online wine selections out there and their club services include six different options as well as a Personal Sommelier Service. According to the site, their longtime industry relationships, bulk purchasing advantages, and frequent worldwide buying trips allow them to offer club members access to a wide variety of truly exceptional wines at value prices.
Cost for Delivery: The Best Buy Wine Club includes two bottles each month for $19.95, plus shipping and tax (no sales tax outside of California).
Delivery Area: Most US states
Drizly
Range of Offerings: Founded in 2012, Drizly is the nation’s first and largest alcohol e-commerce marketplace, delivering on-demand beer, wine and spirits delivery to your doorstep. Consider it the Amazon of libations, delivering whatever booze you crave. Drizly’s offerings, which span beer, wine and spirits, are based on local retailer inventory in each consumer’s market.
Cost for delivery: Prices listed on Drizly are identical to in-store prices. There is a $5 delivery fee in most cities, which stays the same no matter how large the order.
Delivery area: Drizly is available in over 180 cities throughout North America. A full list can be found here:
Membership by the Spire Collection
Range of offerings: The Spire Collection is a global portfolio of wines from family-owned estates across the globe. With origins on California’s classic northern coast, the Spire Collection today encompasses estates in Bordeaux, France; Napa Valley, California; McLaren Vale, Australia; Willamette Valley, Oregon; Tuscany, Italy; Western Cape of South Africa; and Sonoma, Anderson, and Mendocino Counties in California. It is the pinnacle of the Jackson Family Wine portfolio, representing four decades of investment in vineyards and people. Members receive quarterly shipments and gain preferred access to events and concierge services and access to the Spire Collection wineries across the globe.
Cost for delivery: There are three levels of membership: $300 per shipment, $600 per shipment, and $2,000 per shipment. Each level includes four shipments per year.
Delivery area: Shipments available in most states that allow for direct shipping of wine.
Plonk Wine Club:
Range of Offerings: They focus on small production, organic, biodynamic and hidden gem wines from around the globe made of unique indigenous grapes. Detailed tasting notes and recipe pairings for each wine are included in shipments. There are three wine club options: Mixed, All Reds or All Whites.
Cost for Delivery: The 4 bottle package is $110 per month with free shipping and the 12 bottle option is $285 per month or quarter with free shipping.
Delivery Area: Nationwide
Parcelle Wine:
Range of Offerings: Parcelle is a wine shop and the first retail concept from Delicious Hospitality Group, the team behind NYC restaurants Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones, and Legacy Records. You’ll get expert selections of excellent wines at all price points, with a particular focus on every day, ready-to-drink wines.
Cost for delivery: Free 1-hour delivery in Manhattan between 12pm-9pm for orders $50+; $15 flat fee for all orders below $50. Nationwide shipping via USPS (discounted shipping rates)
Delivery area: Manhattan (same-day delivery to other boroughs also available upon request)
Sotheby’s Wine
Range of Offerings: The Sotheby’s wine store in New York City offers a nice selection of world-class wines as well as their new Own Label Collection. The Sotheby’s Own Label includes 13 wines developed by Sotheby’s Wine team of experts through relationships with select producers. The inaugural collection includes Rosé and Champagne, as well as white and red wines at an approachable price range from $16.95 to $39.95. If you really want a project, consider ordering their Instant Cellar option—for $5,000 you’ll get 50 bottles (Average Price: $115) and 25 different selections (two bottles of each wine).
Cost to Deliver: Free ground shipping for all orders over $175, and courier service is also available for those in Manhattan for same-day delivery. For courier services, wines vary depending on store availability and there is a delivery fee of $45 for the first case, and $10 per additional case.
Delivery Area: Nationwide
Dry Farm Wines selections Dry Farm wines
Dry Farm Wines
Range of Offerings: Founded in 2015, Dry Farm Wines is the largest 100% organic, natural wine club in the world, they focus solely on wines that are made without additives —clean, no sugar wines sourced from small, organic vineyards across the globe. The team at Dry Farm lab tests each wine to ensure it meets their standards and that each wine is friendly to every diet, including Paleo, low-carb, Ketogenic.
Cost to Deliver: Free delivery
Delivery Area: National (domestic U.S.)
Cocktail and Booze Delivery:
Shaker & Spoon
Range of Offerings: Founded in 2015 two Brooklyn-based designers (Mike and Anna) this upscale cocktail kit company specializes in delivering just the fancy more complicated components to your door. As they note, “We got tired of buying apricot brandy and cream sherry and not using them again, of needing hard-to-find ingredients at 10 p.m., of trying that complicated cocktail recipe only to be disappointed once it didn’t turn out.” You provide the alcohol and they’ll deliver the rest—-nationwide.
Cost for Delivery: $ 45-$50 per month
Delivery Area: Nationwide
The Spirits Network
Range of Offerings: A club/network offering that delivers exclusive and original content exploring the lifestyle, history, science and culture of spirits featuring celebrities and experts. Available on Apple TV, Apple IOS AppStore, Android and .Com. Members get extraordinary access to rare and unique bottlings—-with easy click-to-by options for on-demand buying. Nick Buzzell, Founder & CEO, says “What’s better than streaming entertainment paired with home liquor delivery and monthly curated bottle service? The Spirits Network is a one stop digital destination enabling consumers to watch, buy and taste. Sip back and relax while watching hundreds of hours of entertainment on your big screen TV with free delivery in 50 cities and drink with the experts and celebrities who guide you through a boozy staycation.”
Cost of Delivery: The Enthusiast Membership is $99 per month and includes one select bottle and a specialty box of items per quarter, as well as access to their network content and free shipping. Same day delivery of curated spirits in most cities under 2 hours
Delivery Area: Options vary based on state laws.
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7718a891cb889b36786b6f35c5f8cbbe | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2020/05/07/top-12-roses-for-the-rooftop-or-wherever-you-practice-social-distancing/ | Top 12 Rosés For The Rooftop, Or Wherever You Practice Social Distancing | Top 12 Rosés For The Rooftop, Or Wherever You Practice Social Distancing
Minuty Rose Chateau Minuty
Rosé is as popular as ever, and now with the world of stress we have found ourselves in, this playful, pretty wine style is the perfect choice for many reasons. Jim Laughren, certified wine educator and author of 50 Ways to Love Wine More, explains, “Rosé is easy to enjoy; no one needs a so-called mature palate. Rosé is a food wine par excellence; no one needs rules or pairing advice. Just chill, pour, and enjoy. And probably … repeat.” In other words, don’t overthink it. We all have enough to think about these days.
There is a world of rosé to choose from and while Provence, France is still the global standard for style, Laughren notes that “now shelves are increasingly stocked with examples from the Loire, the Rhone valley, Spain, Italy, Austria, Chile, Napa, and New York. We’re seeing rosés made of varieties from Malbec to Zweigelt to Negroamaro, and, new to the scene, rosé cider and even rosé beer.”
Here’s what to try now:
STILL/DRY
Santi Infinto Bardolino, Chiaretto, Italy, 2019: Made from corvina and rondinella, and molinara— traditional grapes from Northern Italy’s Veneto region. Citrusy and fresh with a nice richer berry flavor profile, candied cherry and juicy mouthwatering acidity come together for a beautifully balanced expression. $11.99
Raeburn Russian River Valley Rose, California, 2019: Elegant and delightfully feminine with rose petal, wild strawberry, and raspberry notes on the nose. The palate is crisp, clean and fresh—reflective of the cool climate conditions the fruit was grown in. $19.99
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Pratsch Niederosterreich, Austria, 2019: This organic rosé was the fan favorite for its playful watermelon, strawberry, and peach notes and a gentle bit of fizz on the palate. Crisp, dry and playful, like a soft berry popsicle. $12.99
Minuty Prestige Rosé, France, 2019: Château Minuty has been crafting Provencal rosé for over 80 years and this year is the US debut of their Prestige offering—what lucky ducks we are. The color is an exquisite pale pink with just a blush of hue. The palate sings with mineral, rose petal, tart cherry, and citrus; a perfect marriage to a summer salad with strawberries and goat cheese, or an afternoon on the rooftop. $30
Frescobaldi Alìe, Italy, 2019: A perfumed, pretty rose made from whole cluster pressed Syrah and Vermentino (which is picked a bit late to lend weight to the mouthfeel of the wine). Delicate notes of raspberry, peach, rose petal and sage make this a year-round winner. $23.99
Luigi Bosca A Rose Is A Rose, Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina, 2019: Sour cherry and tart cranberry notes just pop in this savory, mouth-watering rosé. Slightly higher elevation, hot days, and cool nights ensure ripe fruit and fresh acidity. $20
La Fête du Rosé, France, 2018: There are many appealing aspects to this juicy and delightful rose—-most certainly the strawberry and melon notes, but you might also appreciate the fact that the company donates a portion of proceeds from every bottle sold to programs for underrepresented youth. A classically styled French rose that gives back is easy to love. $23.99
Decibel Crownthorpe Vineyard Rosé Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, 2019: Winemaker Daniel Brennan makes this lilting, pretty rose from a single vineyard of Pinot Noir. The soft salmon-toned hues, juicy acidity and pretty strawberry-melon fruit make it an ideal pairing with everything from “grilled salmon to Vietnamese Pho,” says Brennan. $16
Argyle Rosé Pinot Noir, Oregon, 2019: A classy, elegant offering from one of the top producers in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. It’s pretty, pale salmon hued and brimming with tart berry fruit and a playful touch of spice. $22.
SPARKLING:
Graham Beck Rosé, NV, South Africa: A classic blend of Pinot Noir and chardonnay made in the Methode Cap Classique (just like Champagne) and brimming with bright berry notes. It’s fresh, creamy and a solid value at $19.99
Gran Moraine Brut Rosé, 2019, Oregon: A delicate beauty, made with fruit from Oregon’s Yamhill-Carlton appellation. The bubbles are fine and abundant, the color is soft, pale shell pink and the palate is a delightful dance of wild strawberry, rose petal and citrusy freshness all folded into a mousse texture. An exquisite example of how American rose sparkling has matured. $50
Valdo Floral Rosé Brut NV, Sicily: A playful blend of Nerello Mascalese, from the slopes of Sicily’s Mt. Etna, and Glera from Italy’s Veneto region. Together these grapes make a sparkling wine that is fruity, fresh and vibrant. Made in the charmat method it drinks more like a Prosecco than Champagne. And, for $15.99 a bottle you can stock up for the season.
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def50ab9cbde85d0e6fe770f025015d1 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2020/06/30/a-socially-distant-golf-road-trip-including-a-haunted-hotel-room/ | A Socially-Distant Golf Road Trip, Including A Haunted Hotel Room | A Socially-Distant Golf Road Trip, Including A Haunted Hotel Room
The Read House Hotel lobby Read House
As the country struggles with how and when to safely re-open many Americans are opting for the a safe, spacious, and sanitized mini-road trip to satisfy the need to escape. Consider a golf junket that begins with 18 holes on an isolated golf course (you can even bring the dog) and ends at a historic hotel with a haunted room. Chattanooga’s Read House hotel is one of the south’s most historic properties but it is most legendary for room 311, which served as Al Capone’s luxury “cell” during his trial and is said to be haunted by the ghost of a guest who was murdered there in the 1920’s. Just 25 miles away, is Sweetens Cove Golf Club, a nine-hole golf course with a cult-following and a team of super-star investors (Peyton Manning and Andy Roddick to name a few). A mere 24 hours is all you need to escape into a quiet, unfussy golf experience followed by a night of 1920’s-era ambiance (with a spooky history) in Chattanooga’s newest luxury hotel.
Indoor/Outdoor Pool, The Read House The Read House
The Hotel
The Read House is much more than just one famous room. The property was built in 1867, atop the ashes of a previous hotel that burned down. History followed with war, floods, epidemics, and a series of owners. Enter Avocet Hospitality Group who purchased the hotel in 2016 and began the process of complete renovation. They worked with a host of historians and architects to recreate the grandeur and glamour of the 1920’s, weaving in exquisite art deco elements and dramatically redesigned spaces that step back in time. Every room and suite has been updated (save for 311, which has been left to look as it would have in the 1920’s) along with the fitness center and pool.
Sweeten's Cove Golf Course, #5 Sweetens Cove
The Golf
Sweetens started as a neglected nine-hole golf course tucked into the hinterlands outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee and today it is rated the 21st-Best Course You Can Play in the United States by Golfweek, and for four years running it has been ranked the #1 course to play in Tennessee. Under the inventive and clever attentions of King-Collins Golf Course Design, Sweetens rightfully earned near-mythic status as a rare gem. People were driving hours to experience the glass-smooth, strategically demanding greens. Golfers are encouraged to bring their dogs and it is customary to do a shot of whiskey before teeing off. There is no clubhouse or tricked out lounge—it’s all about the golf.
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The course only has nine holes but most players make a day of it and repeat the nine. Weekday rates—all day walking—will set you back $90 ($100 on the weekend). For now, under CDC guidelines, carts are not available unless you have a disability.
Spend the day trying to outsmart the greens at Sweetens with the knowledge that a mere 25 minutes away is The Read House’s relaxing indoor/outdoor pool and lounge area and Bridgeman’s Chophouse, a finely turned-out 1920’s era dining room with a focus on steaks (currently, the restaurant is a reduced capacity to adhere to social-distancing guidelines). Guests are always welcome to tour the legendary room 311, but not permitted to spend the night in there. Opt to book a corner room a few more floors up for better views, and frankly, karma.
Tower King room at The Read House The Read House
If time allows, and you want a bit more than golf, consider visiting the Tennessee Aquarium and Maple Street Biscuit for a hard-core southern breakfast—both are a short walk from the hotel. Be sure to check websites for COVID-19 updates on hours and mask requirements.
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80358eb0a79c81d8ffd00021f8523b13 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2020/11/09/these-are-the-best-20-wines-to-serve-with-thanksgiving-dinner/ | These Are The Best 20 Wines To Serve With Thanksgiving Dinner | These Are The Best 20 Wines To Serve With Thanksgiving Dinner
Autumn holiday table decoration.Getty Images) Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Thanksgiving Dinner will look very different this year for most of us but you’ll still want some special wines to go with the meal. Go international with sparkling Chenin Blanc from South Africa, Soave from Italy or Garnacha from Spain. Save the best for the bird with a silky, unforgettable Oregon Pinot Noir or an under-the-radar Napa Cabernet that everyone should know about. The wines on this list come in all price points with one or two splurge bottlings that will make both you and your small gathering remember what’s great about family and forget the woes of 2020.
The Whites:
Pieropan Soave Classico Calvarino Pieropan
Pieropan Soave Classico Calvarino, 2018: Give your chardonnay lovers another option this time. Made from the Garganega grape, grown in northern Italy’s Soave Classico zone, this bottling is a refined, richly textured wine with abundant tropiocal notes and a mouth-watering finish that makes it a great pairing with roasted bird, or even sweet potato casserole. $40
Lievland Old Vine Chenin Blanc, 2017: Chenin Blanc’s tropical richness and intensity get even more complex and richly textured in this bottling—made with old vine chenin from two disntict vineyards. A ripe nose of pineapple, peach and mango ends with an intense minerally fininsh. Savory, rich and delicious. $18.99
Flowers Chardonnay, 2018: Founders Joan and Walt Flowers (today the winery is owned by the Huneas family) were among the first people to grow grapes on Sonoma’s forbidding coast, where the Pacific Ocean has its way with the grapes, slowing down the ripening and teasing out the fruit. This wine is pure, rich and vibrant with a pretty balance of acidity, tropical fruit notes. $44.97
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Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, 2020: This might be the ONLY wine actually from the 2020 vintage on your table—thanks to that southern hemisphere harvest. The team at Cloudy Bay declares this vintage to be spectacular, one of the best in the winery’s 35-year history. Juicy, savory and ripe with red grapefruit and lime zest notes, this is always a crowd-pleaser—and some 2020 good news for a change.
The Reds:
Bonterra Wines/Merlot Bonterra
Château Mercier, Côtes de Bourg, 2015: A blend of mostly Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Winemaker Isabelle Chety has made a wine of silky elegance with ripe luscious notes of black cherry, blackcurrant, warm spices and a touch of earth. Nicely full-bodied yet balanced. $22
Travaglini Gattinara, 2016: Nebbiolo –the very same grape that defines world-class Barolo and Barbaresco—at the hands of this acclaimed winemaking family is delicate, rustic and complex with a beautiful architecture created by a balance of acid and tannin. Elegance does not mean it lacks power, quite the contrary. $33.99 on wine.com
Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Reserva, 2015: Spanish Tempranillo is always such a smart value for red wine lovers and this producer is one of the region’s finest (they’re also celebrating their 50th anniversary this year). This reserva bottling comes with two years of bottle age, supple densely packed fruit and nice vanilla spice notes from oak aging. Rich and velvety on the palate with a nice balance of tannin and freshness, it is a perfect match with roasted bird.
Royal Prince, Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir, 2017: A well-priced beautifully made California Pinot Noir is about as rare as a unicorn, but they do exist, and this is one of them. Vintner David Green and winemaker Maayan Koschitzky joined forces to “democratize deliciousness” by making elegant, decently priced wines. This pinot is silky, balanced and full of pretty strawberry/raspberry notes, warm spice, and a thread of black tea. (And, they make two other Royal Prince wines, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Sonoma Coast Chardonnay). $35
Longboard Merlot, Russian River Valley Dakine Vineyard, 2018: A Sonoma county Merlot (blended with a bit of Malbec) that is lighter in style that most, with nice density of black cherry fruit from a single vineyard estate block. Notes of blackcurrant, black cherry and juicy plum play over medium tannins and good structure. $35
Chateau La Tonnelle, Haut-Médoc, 2016: A nicely concentrated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot from one of Bordeaux’s top appellations. Rich ripe black cherry and blackcurrant notes dominate the palate, and a lingering, fresh finish leave you wanting more. Alcohol content is civilized, so Great Aunt Irma won’t be on the floor after a few or if dinner is running behind. $17
Bonterra Merlot, 2018: A blend of Merlot grown in Mendocino, Paso Robles and Lake County—it’s 100% organic fruit from a range of climates and terroirs across California. Ripe plum and black cherry, juicy on the palate with medium polished tannins, and For $16 a bottle you can afford to stock up on enough to keep the people happy well into the evening. $16
Campo Viejo Rioja, Garnacha, 2018: The price on this wine is nice enough to stock up on a case—and the food-friendly, juicy fruitiness of this wine make it a nice easy pairing with so many dishes. It’s not powerful and dense, but rather soft, juicy and ripe with raspberry and cherry. $10.99
The Splurges:
Cote-Rotie Brune et Blonde de Guigal, 2016: A lovely, richly complex Syrah from the Guigal’s—one of the most respected producer in France’s Northern Rhone. Cote Rotie means ‘roasted slope”—an apt reference to the brilliant sunny exposure of the vineyards. All of that southern French sunshine yields a wine of density and texture redolent with juicy black cherry and ripe raspberry fruit with a trace of meatiness and a bit of spice and smoke. Delicious on its own but marvelous with roasted turkey. $75
Antica Terra Ceras Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2017: The wines of Antica Terra are hard to find—but they are worth the hunt. The vineyards are desperate for soil and mostly planted on rock which lends the wines a vibrating intensity and beautiful depth. Winemaker Maggie Harrison strives to make wines that “are transparently wonderful, pleasurable and beautiful.” This one shows savory red and black fruits, forest floor and a beguiling thread of rose. $110
Sullivan Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2017, ($110): By any measure, the wines of this under-rated and relatively unknown Napa winery are world-class expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon. Jim Sullivan made his wines for friends and family. After his passing in 2004, his children made the decision to sell the winery and now all these estate wines are making their way into the greater wine world. Expect sultry black and red fruit with a focused structure and prominent tannins. And, if you really want to go all-in, look for the Sullivan Rutherford 2013 James O’Neil Cabernet Sauvignon ($270)…this is a wine that Sullivan Managing Partner Juan Pablo Torres Padilla originally fell in love with and was a factor when purchasing the estate.
The Sparkle
MAN Family Wines Sparkling Chenin Blanc Brut NV: it would be wise to stock up on this one—the tropical richness and zesty freshness in this marvelous sparkling wine will be in high demand all evening. With its natural acidity and creamy mouthfeel, Chenin Blanc is a compelling white varietal, there just isn’t much to find on store shelves. Alas, this one comes from Agter-Paarl in South Africa and it’s a crowd-pleasing delicious deal. You’re welcome, $15.99
Riverbench Cork Jumper Cuvee, 2018: Made from estate grown fruit (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier—the classic Champagne grape trilogy) this is a lively and complex expression of tropical fruit, buttery brioche and a zesty thread of lemon curd. Luxurious mouthfeel; it’s a wine that Director of Winemaking, Laura Booras calls, “the ultimate house cuvee for Santa Barbara County sparkling wine.” $52
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12496458e26c2568ed85af7438c821b2 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2020/11/16/holiday-gift-guide-2020-the-best-dark-chocolate-truffles/?sh=320b3c8145da | Holiday Gift Guide 2020: The Best Dark Chocolate Truffles | Holiday Gift Guide 2020: The Best Dark Chocolate Truffles
Selections from Bon Bon Bon Bon Bon Bon
Chocolate should be your go-to gift this holiday season as chocolatiers report a pandemic-driven run on chocolate, especially ones that evoke nostalgia. It’s no surprise that chocolates that inspire warm, positive memories are so popular during such a trying time. Says Wendy Lieu, co-owner of Socola Chocolates, “Taste and smell have a visceral power to transport people to memories when they felt safe, seen, and loved.” She’s right on—transport your loved ones with these sumptuous, silken dark chocolate offerings and one note of advice—if you want them to arrive on time, plan ahead as shipping during COVID times is inherently unpredictable.
Bon Bon Bon, (MI) Despite the pandemic’s effect on her business, chocolatier and owner Alexandra Clark and her team still strive to make chocolate for the good people of the world who, says Clark, “especially need and deserve a good piece of chocolate right now.” She’s doing that with absolute flair. Her retro packaging and clever, utterly delicious bonbons are as entertaining to open as they are to eat. Wrapped in wee individually labeled boxes, each one is a micro-dessert with multiple layers of flavor. Consider Crème Brulee (Madagascar vanilla, bean custard, ganache, brulee sugar) or Scorpio (cherry confiture, devil’s food cake, buttercream ganache) or Bubs (dark chocolate, brut rose, caramel, fizzy sugar—it really does pop in your mouth). Build your own box—because you will want these for yourself as well.
Li-Lac Chocolates Li-Lac Chocolates
Li-Lac Chocolates (NY): This is Manhattan’s oldest chocolate house and there is a reason these silky truffles have stood the test of time in a city of choosy and cultivated palates—they are properly decadent and deeply chocolate. Master Chocolatier Anwar Khoder makes dark chocolate magic with selections that prize the deep soothing flavors of dark chocolate over all else. The Gourmet Ganache Truffle selection is your best bet with Amaretto, Caramel, French Cream, Brandy, Dulce de Leche, Raspberry, Champagne, and Mocha offerings.
Hazelnut Caramel Latte Dragees Michael's Chocolates
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Michael’s Chocolates (CA): Owner and chocolatier, Michael Benner used to be a sommelier so his intuition about flavor pairings shines through in his creations—consider his Whiskey Collection truffles featuring dark chocolate and Old Potreo Rye Whiskey or the Bourbon Caramel Pecan combination. His newest (and seriously addictive) offering, the Hazelnut Caramel Latte Dragee, is a toasted, caramelized hazelnut enrobed in a layer of caramelized white chocolate and dark chocolate and dusted with espresso and cocoa powder. In 2017 Benner entered his Lemon Burst bonbon in the Good Food Awards and won—his first-ever entry.
Milène Jardine truffles Milène Jardine
Milène Jardine , NY: The beautiful wedge shaped truffles in her Live by Love Truffle Collection are big enough to share but you likely won’t want to. They offer compelling flavor combinations such as Sanctuary—a blend of ginger, turmeric, black pepper and silky dark chocolate. The fan favorite in our tasting was Serenity, made with dark chocolate, whiskey and sea salt—homage to her family roots in Cork, Ireland. Jadine takes sourcing seriously too, procuring lemons from Sicily, cocoa beans from Peru and Ecuador, and honey from Upstate New York.
Ginger Elizabeth, CA: Chocolatier Ginger Elizabeth Hahn studied pastry at the Culinary Institute of America. Many of her creations reflect an elegant gastronomic approach with offerings such as Buttermilk Lime or Grapefruit and Fennel Pollen. Yet, in the same box you’ll also get homespun truffles such as the Brown Butter Milk Chocolate Truffle and Peanut Butter and Graham Cracker. She also offers a beautiful selection of macaroons and cookies. Order the 24-piece of mixed milk and dark chocolate truffles for the full experience.
Holiday Cracker Advent Calendar from Maison du Chocolat LAURENT ROUVRAIS
La Maison du Chocolat, France: This famous French chocolate house always delivers on the holiday packaging and chocolate designs, and this year’s Chocolate Cracker Advent Calendar is one of their most creative. It’s certainly clever and pretty but more importantly, the chocolate is rich and flavorful. Master Chocolatier Nicolas Cloiseau is a serious expert as he samples more chocolate in one month than most people eat in a year. For a show-stopping centerpiece consider their Holiday Cracker Tree—and entire tree comprised of individually designed chocolate crackers.
Socola's Little Saigon Box Socola
Socola Chocolatier, CA: Sisters and chocolatiers Wendy and Susan Lieu lean into their Vietnamese heritage with exotically flavored truffles that surprise and delight. This year they created a new set of chocolates that highlights flavors from their homeland, the Little Saigon Box—a four-course Vietnamese meal in chocolates which spans iconic beverages (jasmine tea and Vietnamese coffee), savory foods (pho and sriracha), fruit (passion fruit, durian, lychee and guava), and liquor (a Vietnamese wedding always ends in cognac). As Lieu explains, “It was meant to be a limited edition collection, but it has been so popular that we are including it in our line-up for the Holidays.”
St. Croix's Cocoa Bomb Jennifer Simonson
St. Croix Chocolate Company, MN: Chocolatier and owner Robyn Dochterman is capitalizing on the pandemic-inspired “eatertainment” trend with her fabulous cocoa bombs—hand-painted cocoa filled chocolate balls that melt into a silky, decadent glass of hot cocoa. Dochterman’s addictive and stunning confections weave in the best of fresh and local ingredients so it’s no surprise that she won a Good Food award in 2015 and nabbed the “Best Chocolate″ award in the Twin Cities by City Pages in 2013.
Katherine Anne Confections, IL: Chocolatier Katherine Anne is most excited about playing with new and unexpected (and exotic) flavors, such as her Goat Cheese Walnut truffle (which won a Sofi award in 2019). “It’s been very rewarding for us during the pandemic to see how it affects our customers, and knowing that we can make people’s days a little bit better keeps us motivated to keep doing what we do best and innovating to offer what people want now.” For nostalgia, try the Seven Layer Bar truffle (Kit Kat meets Snickers); the Manhattan truffle has a nice kick especially when blended with ingredients such as Illinois Jersey cream, Illinois wildflower honey, and locally distilled spirits.
Advent Calendar from Delysia Delysia
Delysia Chocolatier: Chocolatier Nicole Patel made this year’s Advent Calendar playfully unique, using distinctly exotic flavors inspired by popular Christmas movie classics. Each box comes with an insert that hints at the movie inspiration—but you’ll have to check the website each day in December to get the official answer. Any guesses about the Spaghetti and Maple Syrup truffle?
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5626f513a6f655404de5f8e2e1d708f9 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiebell/2020/11/30/ten-cool-new-hotels-to-visit-in-2021/ | Ten Cool New Hotels To Visit In 2021 | Ten Cool New Hotels To Visit In 2021
Cielo Lodge Costa Rica Cielo Lodge
These cool new hotel properties have been spending the pandemic getting ready to welcome you, and the future of travel looks brighter each day with positive vaccine news and better testing. If you prefer to stay isolated and socially distant book a stay in Costa Rica’s rainforest canopy, or a suite in Kyoto with your own hot spring. From Chicago and Jackson Hole to Mexico and San Antonio—good things are happening in the travel world and there is much to look forward to. One note—opening dates are moving targets these days, so be sure to contact each property directly for accurate updates.
New Beachfront Pool Suite Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Garden Suite at Mayfair Townhouse Mayfair Townhouse
London: The Mayfair Townhouse: Here we have another inspired property from the team behind the popular Cliveden House and Chewton Glen. Self-described as “Oscar wilde meets Alice in Wonderland,” this Mayfair hotel is a collection of 15 Georgian townhouses merged together to create a single property (172 rooms in all). It shines with sophisticated whimsy which is folded into the entire design experience in clever and brilliant way. Consider the garden suite with a chandelier of leaves, or their 67 inch tall peacock sculpture made out of 25,000 Swarovski crystals. You’ll smile throughout the stay—and boy don’t we need that in 2021.
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, Onsen Suite Marriott
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Japan: Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto: This new hotel enjoys the distinction of being the only luxury hotel in Kyoto’s city center with its own natural spring water source located onsite. Each of the 161 guest rooms is a stylish contemporary riff on a traditional Japanese tea room. Best rooms are the Onsen Suite guest rooms, which include natural outdoor hot spring baths, set in private garden quarters with trees, lanterns, and stonework walls for privacy.
Costa Rica: Cielo Lodge: Make plans to explore this stunning, intimate eco-hideaway (just six suites) set to debut in January 2021. Tucked into the rainforest canopy with sweeping views of the bay and Pacific Ocean, this is as close as you’ll get to nature while still immersed in luxurious surroundings. All six suites are open-air (nice for those of us who want to stay al fresco and socially distant). Amuse yourself with one of their many offerings such as dolphin or mangrove tours and guided waterfall hikes or simply settle into the lush and wild scenery.
New Beachfront Pool Suites at Banyan Tree Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Mexico: Banyan Tree Mayakoba: Admittedly, this Riviera Maya property is not new but after spending several million dollars on a new ocean club, stunning new beachfront pool suites and overwater lagoon villas, they deserve a mention. The spacious new oceanfront suites have an interior patio, outdoor shower and whirlpool bathtub, as well as a private solarium with a heated private plunge pool—and direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. The expansion to their Sands Beach Club includes a larger oceanfront pool, an all-day dining oceanfront fish market, and raw bar. For June look to book the new two-story overwater villas in a crystal-clear lagoon.
Montage Healdsburg's Hazel Hill restaurant Montage Healdsburg
Sonoma: Montage Healdsburg: Wine country visitors will love the new sleek Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired bungalows tucked into the vineyards and framed by natural elements such as stone, wood, copper and floor-to-ceiling windows. Amenities such as patio fire pits and outdoor showers make this a nice place to immerse in nature. Their signature restaurant, Hazel Hill, is almost entirely clad in glass while other dining venues (there are three) offer up locally-inspired garden-to-glass cocktails and Sonoma Coast seafood. Of course there is wine everywhere, and Healdsburg is one of Sonoma’s most vibrant towns for shopping and culture, but save time to indulge in the Montage’s 11,500-square-foot spa and infinity-edge pool.
Guestroom bathroom at The Chloe, New Orleans The Chloe
New Orleans: The Chloe: A gem of a hotel with 14 exquisite rooms designed by local designer Sara Ruffin Costello. The Victorian-era building was originally designed by renowned local architect Thomas Sully and features a front porch with original tiles from the 1860s. It’s an intimate affair—you’ll even be greeted with a signature cocktail when you arrive. Each room casts its own spell with unique design elements (no two are the same) gorgeous soaking tubs, tall ceilings and walls of windows. Of course the dining is tops as well—LeBLANC + SMITH offers up a modern spin on New Orleans classics—think muffaletta egg roll, gumbo z’herbes agnolotti and shrimp etouffee dumplings.
The gold-tipped Pendry Chicago Pendry Hotels
Pendry Chicago: The new luxury brand from Montage International focuses on modern, fresh spin on luxury. This iconic Chicago property is one of the city’s art deco architectural gems. It dates back to 1929 and is famed for its unique Champagne bottle design—right down the 24-karat gold leaf top. The interior keeps pace with the exterior—elegant, sweeping spaces, a rooftop dining experience and rooms designed with an art deco elements tempered with a modern edge. And the location, ta da, right in the heart of Chicago’s Loop—proximate to everything a visitor to the city wants to do.
Guestroom at The Cloudveil, Jackson Hole The Cloudveil
Jackson Hole: The Cloudveil: Contemporary styling with a Western-infused mojo give this downtown Jackson Hole property an upscale ambiance—sure to attract those who seek a solid cocktail program and cool fireplace-lit spaces for gatherings. The rooftop terrace overlooking Jackson's Town Square is sure to become a town fave. You might also opt to retreat to their more tranquil outdoor pool and garden. They built in plenty of meeting space, 7500 square feet to be exact, (those days will come again!) and there’s nothing like the promise of skiing or hiking to attract people to your event.
Thompson San Antonio: Set to open in early 2021 this new destination sits alongside San Antonio’s famed River Walk—a bustling cultural area with dining, shopping and arts. It’s also a short walk to the Alamo and adjacent to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. The property’s rooftop restaurant is the perfect setting to sip a craft cocktail and enjoy the brilliant starry San Antonio nights. Guestrooms have a mid-century-modern-meets-the-west vibe with leather accents, sleek custom furnishings and big views from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
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cf3d193729b75c96d31304d5c921c988 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2016/09/20/how-the-countrys-top-chefs-stay-fit-and-on-track-hint-the-holidays-are-around-the-corner/ | How The Country's Top Chefs Stay Fit And On Track (Hint: The Holidays Are Around the Corner) | How The Country's Top Chefs Stay Fit And On Track (Hint: The Holidays Are Around the Corner)
Chef Edouardo Jordan of Salare in Seattle (Photo credit: Nathan Ma)
You’ve got to give it up for Feast Portland, arguably the country’s coolest culinary festival. Despite the typical drizzly weather last weekend, notable chefs and enthusiastic epicures from all over the country kept spirits (and appetites, of course) high as they mingled, ate, and drank their way through four jam-packed days.
The best part? All this fun and deliciousness is for a very noteworthy cause. In fact, Feast Portland donates the festival’s net proceeds to help end childhood hunger in its community, and raised over $230,000 for Partners For A Hunger-Free Oregon in its first four years.
The only downside? How heavy, sluggish, and out of whack you feel after overindulging one day too many. So, who better to ask how to reset your body and stay fit than some of the country’s top chefs? (Plus: their tips will come in especially handy, with the holidays right around the corner.)
Edouardo Jordan of Salare in Seattle
What foods and drinks help reset your body after overindulging?
Hydration is key. I drink lots of water and coconut water.
How do you stay fit?
I just try to stay active, in general. And, I’m always thinking about what I put in my body.
Chef Chris Cosentino of Cockscomb in San Francisco
Chris Cosentino of Cockscomb in San Francisco
What foods and drinks help reset your body after overindulging?
Ultimately, it's all about balance. During food festivals, it's important to make sure you're not overindulging, but still enjoying your peers' food, and the culinary scene of a different city. I try to make sure I'm always staying active and watching portion sizes. By following that mentality, I usually don't feel the need to cleanse or repent for any sins at the end of a long event.
How do you stay fit?
I love cycling and am frequently participating in races. Right after Feast, I'll be riding for Chefs Cycle to benefit No Kid Hungry. The sport keeps my mind clear and focused and has made a hugely positive impact on my physical health as well.
Rachel Yang of Revel, Joule, and Trove in Seattle
What foods and drinks help reset your body after overindulging?
Okay, this might sound little odd, but it's seaweed soup. Traditionally, it's known to restore energy and to cleanse toxins in your body. Yes, you often hear about that from Korean elders that mothers (after giving birth) would need to be on a seaweed soup diet for at least 30 days.
How do you stay fit?
I personally don't do much exercise, and this question is sort of guilt tripping me. But, my husband/co-chef/co-owner Seif does enough exercise for both of us. He runs, and will often run to work, which is like 14 miles. A little crazy.
Chef Alon Shaya of Shaya in New Orleans (Photo credit: Marianna Massey)
Alon Shaya of Shaya in New Orleans
What foods and drinks help reset your body after overindulging?
I always go to drinking a fresh green juice for breakfast, after long weekends of eating. I puree mango, sunflower sprouts, almond butter, almond milk, banana, spinach and parsley, and stay away from anything rich for a few weeks.
How do you stay fit?
I work out with a trainer a couple of days a week, which helps me stay balanced. It’s hard and I hate it, but I also love it at the same time. I am also into playing tennis a lot. I take lessons every Monday morning, and try to play once or twice more throughout the week. An hour flies by, and I break a sweat trying to get that green ball. When I travel to places with hills, I always look for a good hiking opportunity
Chef Jenn Louis of Lincoln and Sunshine Tavern in Portland
Jenn Louis of Lincoln and Sunshine Tavern and Lincoln in Portland (OR)
What foods and drinks help reset your body after overindulging?
Next spring (2017), I'm debuting my second cookbook, The Book Of Greens. I've been testing so many recipes using leafy and vibrant varieties of greens, from mizuna to tatsoi. I’ve found that eating a lot of greens increases energy levels, digestion, and helps your skin, hair, and nails look brighter. I'll add them in to already healthy recipes. For example, my favorite post-food festival pick-me-up is a mango smoothie, to which I'll add radish greens or kale from my garden.
How do you stay fit?
No matter what, I always make time to work out in the gym. I'm there six days a week (at least) with my trainer. It's how I keep my focus and stay in shape. And it means I can still enjoy the awesome food at Feast.
Bonnie Morales of Kachka in Portland (OR)
What foods and drinks help reset your body after overindulging?
Once or twice a year I will do a 30-day elimination diet (like Whole 30). I like pushing the reset button after overindulging. It feels good, and sharpens my palate. My taste buds become dull to the nuances of taste and without resetting things, I'm thrown off.
How do you stay fit?
I absolutely love hiking, though I don't get out as much as I used to. It's such a holistic form of exercise (for your whole body and mind). It's also a great activity for the whole family. Running a restaurant means that my husband and I aren't home for our kids as much, so combining family time with exercise is really important I also try to do Barre3 classes. The combination of yoga, pilates, and dance really kicks my butt in the best of ways.
Chef Matt Jennings of Townsman in Boston
Matt Jennings of Townsman in Boston
What foods and drinks help reset your body after overindulging?
This summer, I've completely overhauled my health habits. I'm down 70 pounds, and could not be happier and more full of energy; it's been so positive for both my work and family lives. For a reset, I'll make a big glass of turmeric water, or mix the spice into my water bottle for the flight home. The properties in turmeric are said to support cognitive function and mood, which is what I'm looking for after long nights working.
How do you stay fit?
Running around and playing with my sons, Sawyer and Coleman, is the best way to stay fit. They're constantly on the move and are full of energy, so we plan fun games outside from football to tag. I am also a huge fan of Peloton cycling.
Joshua McFadden of Ava Genes and Tusk in Portland (OR)
What foods and drinks help reset your body after overindulging?
Water is number one. And lots and lots of green juice, homemade seed milks, and lots of dried fruits.
How do you stay fit?
Sauna and more sauna. The gym. And, I love hiking! In Portland, we have a Scandinavian-style sauna spot called Loyly. I couldn't do as much as I do without having their sauna to reset my body and mind.
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621480d20dd6f5e8bbacee06f63c38a6 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2017/03/15/9-reasons-why-miamis-hotel-dining-scene-is-hotter-than-ever/ | 9 Reasons Why Miami's Hotel Dining Scene Is Hotter Than Ever | 9 Reasons Why Miami's Hotel Dining Scene Is Hotter Than Ever
It’s tough to imagine a prettier (or more colorful) restaurant in Miami than Byblos. Byblos Miami
If you haven’t heard, the dining and drinking scene in Miami is more sizzling than ever.
Why? Well, the reason is two-fold. First (and thankfully so), long gone are the days when corny, celebrity-backed restaurants and obnoxious, overpriced clubs were the only game in town. Add the fact that hotel restaurants (not only in Miami, but all over the world) have seriously upped their culinary game, in the hopes of keeping their guests on-site, while attracting curious epicureans from beyond.
And in recent years, a mind-boggling number of sophisticated properties have opened, gracing Miami’s shores and downtown, bringing with them seriously buzzy spots to linger over fine food and drink. So here, nine hotel restaurants you can’t miss during your next visit to The Magic City.
What: Byblos Miami
Where: Royal Palm South Beach
Why: It’s tough to imagine a prettier, or more colorful dining room in the city than here. But more than good looks, this offshoot of the wildly popular eatery in Toronto by chef Stuart Cameron turns out the same, faithfully-recreated versions of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern staples such as shakshouka, fattouche, and sweet jeweled rice. No matter what, the crispy artichoke and creamy labneh is a must, for the barbari bread it arrives with. Crusty, substantial, and studded with nuts and seeds, it’s a humble reminder why bread (notably the good stuff) is absolutely worth eating.
Stroll past the chicly-designed lobby and bar of The Plymouth, and you’ll discover Blue Ribbon Sushi... [+] Bar & Grill. Steve Hill
What: Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill
Where: The Plymouth
Why: Stroll past the chicly-designed lobby and bar of The Plymouth in Collins Park, and you’ll discover one of the best new spots to kick back with some proper sushi and sake. Nab a seat by the pool or at the sushi bar, set a price, and go with the omakase. You’ll be rewarded with an artfully-plated assortment of pristine fish, flown in several times weekly from Japan. (My omakase came with some wonderfully under-the-radar finds like mackerel sashimi and raw firefly squid.) But if seafood’s not your beat, you can’t go wrong with the signature fried chicken or oxtail fried rice.
Like dinner theater at its finest, everything at Matador Room by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is... [+] dramatic and delicious. Matador Room
What: Matador Room
Where: The Miami Beach EDITION
Why: Like dinner theater at its finest, everything at this glamorous spot by famed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is dramatic and delicious. The spherical dining area is awash in golden light and made even more handsome with wood paneling, an oversized chandelier, and mid-century furnishings. The friendly, affable servers weave gracefully throughout the space, balancing plates of fancified versions of Latin American fare, including guacamole made with sweet peas, mushroom and mole tacos, and Arroz con Pollo finished with crispy skin and lemon.
As the sister of Parador La Huella, Uruguay’s beloved beachfront restaurant, Quinto La Huella draws... [+] upon the same philosophy – but with a unique East-meets-West twist. Quinto La Huella
What: Quinto La Huella
Where: East, Miami
Why: As the sister of Parador La Huella, Uruguay’s beloved beachfront restaurant, Quinto La Huella draws upon the same philosophy and principles – but with a unique East-meets-West twist. Expect to see a wood-fire parrilla, which is still the focal point of the kitchen. (It’s where the Uruguayan beef and locally-caught fish get their smoky, sultry finish.) But in a nod to the hotel’s East Asian roots, sushi also makes an appearance on the menu. After dinner, zip up the elevator to the 40th floor to Sugar, which offers both dramatic, panoramic views of Miami and equally provocative cocktails.
Employees Only is located in the historic Coral House building at the Washington Park Hotel. Washington Park Hotel South Beach
What: Employees Only
Where: Washington Park Hotel South Beach
Why: The beloved, service-oriented craft cocktail bar in New York City spreads its wings with this location, situated in the charming and historic Coral House building. While you’ll find EO classic cocktails (like the Ginger Smash and West Side) here, there’s also a full menu of snacks and entrees if you’re in the mood for a proper, sit-down dinner. And unlike a lot of its counterparts, Employees Only serves food late into the night – the truffled grilled cheese with parmesan fries is a godsend – until 3:30 a.m. daily.
The menu at Watr at The 1 Rooftop draws inspiration from Hawaii and Japan. 1 Hotel South Beach
What: Watr at The 1 Rooftop
Where: 1 Hotel South Beach
Why: Because the rooftop here can become quite a scene come evening, your best bet is to drop by for a sunny, less hectic lunch. The cuisine takes inspiration from Hawaii and Japan, so expect to find an abundance of fresh seafood and lighter (but deeply satisfying) plates, such as tomato and seaweed salad, poke bowls (the kimchi tuna is especially creative), and sushi rolls. Wash it all down with an original tiki cocktail like the Be My Hula Boy, a zippy potion of aged Ron Zacapa rum, habanero shrub, fresh lime, and smoky pineapple.
Like chef Rainer Becker’s original London hot spot, Zuma Miami puts a sultry spin on traditional... [+] Japanese cuisine. Zuma Miami
What: Zuma
Where: Kimpton EPIC Hotel
Why: Like chef Rainer Becker’s original London hot spot, Zuma Miami puts a sexy, whimsical spin on traditional Japanese cuisine. The vibe is swanky (but not stuffy), and the food is downright delicious. Though dinner is no slouch, it’s the legendary Sunday brunch that can’t be missed. For a set price – it all depends on the type of champagne you’d like to endlessly sip – you can treat yourself to an incredible spread of fresh sushi and sashimi, grilled proteins, salads, and a bounty of other Japanese bites. But regardless of what you eat and drink, you’re guaranteed to leave with a full belly and high spirits.
Nautilus Cabana Club is a casual, all-day eatery specializing in Mediterranean-leaning fare. Nautilus Cabana Club at Nautilus, a SIXTY Hotel
What: Nautilus Cabana Club
Where: Nautilus South Beach, a SIXTY Hotel
Why: This casual, all-day eatery is the perfect spot to linger outdoors over some well-prepared, Mediterranean-leaning fare. The decor is breezy and beachy (think wicker pendant lighting, umbrellas, and a crisp all-white palette), and the food is fresh and approachable. The snapper ceviche and Moroccan-style mussels will satisfy lighter appetites, but if you’re feeling for something heartier, order up the house, double-patty Nauti burger or the sweet and savory braised lamb, which arrives fork tender and with couscous and mint.
The Bazaar by José Andrés South Beach is where the well-heeled and hungry come to get full and get... [+] entertained. The Bazaar by José Andrés South Beach
What: The Bazaar by José Andrés South Beach
Where: SLS South Beach
Why: With a seductive, black-and-white design imagined by Philippe Starck, this lively restaurant by renown chef José Andrés is where the well-heeled and hungry come to get full and get entertained. The culinary concept is wholly original, too. (Just imagine molecular gastronomy and familiar Spanish tapas playfully co-mingling.) No visit, though, would be complete without some of the famous “Some Little Starters.” Among the most popular of the indulgent, bite-sized pleasures are the caviar cones, frozen blue cheese sandwiches, and Jose Tacos (slivers of Iberico ham wrapped around dollops of Ossetra caviar).
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b44d7f440bf815427a8a0b18cc036d9f | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2018/01/10/renown-dermatologist-dr-ronald-moy-on-3-skincare-resolutions-you-should-keep/ | Renowned Dermatologist Dr. Ronald Moy On 3 Skincare Resolutions You Should Keep | Renowned Dermatologist Dr. Ronald Moy On 3 Skincare Resolutions You Should Keep
DNA Renewal Skincare harnesses DNA repair enzymes and plant-based growth factor to delay the signs... [+] of aging and prevent skin cancer. DNA Renewal
Because the world of beauty and grooming can oftentimes be an overwhelming one, we asked renowned Beverly Hills dermatologist of MFA Dermatology and founder of DNA Renewal, Dr. Ronald Moy, to chime in on the three skincare resolutions everyone must make this year – regardless of age, gender, and background.
DNA Renewal Skincare's DNA Defense SPF 50+ boasts broad spectrum protection and DNA repair enzymes. DNA Renewal
Use sunscreen.
While many have gotten into the habit of wearing sunscreen when it’s bright out – think summer and beach days – it’s important to wear it every single day of the year, come rain or shine. But why? According to Moy, “While we may not notice it, sun damage, which translates to DNA damage, occurs every day. For example: while driving in your car, sitting next to a window at the office, or walking the dog.” And because DNA repair occurs mostly while you’re asleep, Moy recommends using a broad spectrum sunscreen – one that protects against both UVA and UVB rays – containing DNA repair enzymes, like DNA Defense SPF 50+. “It's fast-absorbing, non-greasy, and is nourishing because it is infused with antioxidants, vitamins, and marine-derived DNA repair enzymes to repair past sun damage beneath the skin,” says Moy.
Tata Harper’s Restorative Eye Cream packs 26 potent, botanical ingredients into a luxurious, creamy... [+] formula. Tata Harper Skincare
Use eye cream.
Because the skin around the eyes is more delicate than the rest of the face, it’s where you’ll first pick up on signs of aging. “As we get older, that skin begins to thin and can eventually lead to bags and wrinkles,” says Moy. “An eye cream can help prevent the appearance of aging around the eyes. And the sooner you start, the sooner you can slow that aging process.” Tata Harper’s Restorative Eye Cream packs 26 potent, botanical ingredients (including lavender water, mango seed butter, and date seed extract) into a luxurious, creamy formula. Gently pat (never rub) a tiny dab under the eyes and on the eyelids morning and night to perk up even the most weary blinkers – so you’ll always look bright-eyed and alert.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic features an innovative blend of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid. SkinCeuticals
Use a serum.
If there’s one product long considered a workhorse among countless dermatologists and skincare junkies alike, it’s a serum. “It instantly delivers the most powerful ingredients to your skin,” explains Moy. “It’s also typically made up of smaller molecules, so it really penetrates into the skin at a high concentration for an ultra-active boost for what ever you're targeting (like dullness, damage, wrinkles, pigmentation).” Just a few drops of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic – you apply it in the morning after cleansing and before applying sunscreen – covers the entire face, and not only firms and brightens skin, but also provides protection against sun damage and environmental stressors.
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7091e97d46ece209af3238d75aae202c | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2018/02/27/why-the-line-dc-is-the-nations-capitals-hippest-hotel/ | Why The LINE DC Is Washington, D.C.'s Hippest Hotel | Why The LINE DC Is Washington, D.C.'s Hippest Hotel
The LINE DC is housed in a former neoclassical church in Adams Morgan. James Jackson
When I heard that a hotel had opened in the Washington, D.C. neighborhood of Adams Morgan, I thought, “How? Why?”
I lived in the nation’s capital for about eight years, before decamping to Brooklyn in 2005. As with many twenty-somethings, Adams Morgan was my stomping ground. Its streets were tightly packed with dive bars, nondescript restaurants, and bizarre boutiques, and offered a more quirky and rough-around-the-edges feel than, say, Georgetown and Capitol Hill.
Even though the neighborhood has grown up since I’ve left, I still couldn’t vision a hotel (a really chic one, no less) there. But as my car pulled up to The LINE DC – it’s housed in a historic, neoclassical church – perched on the corner of Euclid Street and Columbia Road, and I watched people weave their way up and down the front steps, and cluster around the front doors, I immediately picked up on the fact that this hotel is unlike any other in the area. The suited business travelers, stiff front desk, and staid lobby I am greeted with upon entering a typical D.C. hotel have instead, been swapped out with the local stylish set, laid-back staff, and eye-catching lobby kitted out with a radio station called Full Service Radio.
Like its sister hotel in Los Angeles, The LINE DC melds an aesthetic that pays homage to its... [+] structure and neighborhood, restaurants and bars helmed by local talent, and a super social, community vibe. Gary Williams
The LINE DC is the second LINE by Sydell Group. Like its sister hotel in Los Angeles, it melds an aesthetic that pays homage to its structure and neighborhood, restaurants and bars helmed by local talent, and a super social, community vibe. (Amongst the most standout design features are the provocative spiky chandelier in the front lobby, which was fashioned from the church organ pipes, and the pews, which have been dramatically punched up with midnight blue velvet.)
Brothers and Sisters by chef Erik Bruner-Yang is the lobby’s ever-bustling restaurant and bar. Gary Williams
Eating and drinking well come easily here with five distinct options. At the recently-opened Rake’s Progress and A Rake’s Bar, located on the second level, chef Spike Gjerde doles out hyper-local cuisine (like Rock Hall rockfish and Virginia hams), much of which is fired in a stone hearth. The bar, too, maintains a hyper-local mentality–so much so that verjus, a tart pressed juice of unripened grapes, and various vinegars take the place of lemons and limes. Brothers and Sisters by chef Erik Bruner-Yang is the lobby’s ever-bustling restaurant and bar. Open morning through late night, it serves up an eclectic, globe-trotting menu of crispy chicharrones with french onion dip, eggy knife cut noodles tossed with sausage and cheese, and a requisite burger–Bruner-Yang’s spin is a double-patty, umami-laced creation that packs even more savoriness with its side of bordelaise sauce. (It served especially helpful after an irreverently late night during my visit.) His other restaurant, Spoken English, which is to open next month, draws inspiration from Japanese tachinomiyas, casual, stand-up bars specializing in small, savory bites like yakitori and tempura. Adjacent to the lobby is The Cup We All Race 4, a cheerful coffee bar by chef Spike Gjerde and Corey Polyoka that pours top-notch coffee and purveys grab-and-go sandwiches and pastries.
The accommodations are chicly appointed with brass bed frames, oak desks, and curated local artwork. Adrian Gaut
Like the rest of the hotel, the 220 guest rooms and suites have been thoughtfully designed. But unlike the restaurants, bars, and common areas, which encourage mingling and socializing, the vibe of the accommodations promotes a sense of calm and relaxation. Staying in my room felt like hanging out in someone’s very chic, yet understated studio, and more often than not, I found it hard to leave, despite my work and social obligations. From the brass bed frames to the curated local artwork to the selection of books sourced from nearby Idle Times Books, the considered design elements helped The LINE DC really feel like a cozy home away home–even if I was only there for a couple dreamy nights.
The LINE DC
1770 Euclid Street NW, Washington, D.C.
thelinehotel.com/dc
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2fae930fbb893d2c312395f5f5f599b6 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2018/09/24/top-female-chefs-reveal-whats-missing-in-your-kitchen/?fbclid=IwAR2Lf--peqpyVZEGOr-yNnQGvaKc4K4OXLLNcel-X5cOrHWqys4tTx6uSRg | Top Female Chefs From Feast Portland Reveal What's Missing In Your Kitchen | Top Female Chefs From Feast Portland Reveal What's Missing In Your Kitchen
The seventh annual Feast Portland was held September 13th through 16th, benefitting Partners for a... [+] Hunger-Free Oregon and Urban Gleaners. Cheryl Juetten
Feast Portland, one of the country’s preeminent celebrations of all things delicious, drinkable, and charitable – a portion of the festival’s proceeds benefits Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon and Urban Gleaners – just wrapped on September 16th. And as always, the four-day festival featured a chef and event lineup that was refreshingly diverse and timely. (For example: Zero Proof, a ticketed dinner spotlighting sobriety, sold out in mere minutes.)
Being surrounded by such an exciting crop of talent, especially women, provided a terrific opportunity to tap into their collective culinary know-how. Below, some of the country’s top female chefs reveal one ingredient you need to start cooking with, and why.
Nina Compton is the owner of Compère Lapin in New Orleans. Denny Culbert
Nina Compton of Compère Lapin: “Tamarind. It’s great for sweet and savory applications, and is perfectly tangy. You can use it so many ways, and with so many foods. I use it to make sweet and sour sauce for chicken or fish.”
Rachel Yang is the owner of Seattle's Joule and Portland's Revelry. Rachel Yang
Rachel Yang of Joule and Revelry: “Fermented black beans. They are sweet, salty, earthy, and full of umami. If they are too intense, add a little soy sauce and mirin. You can stir fry them with any protein or vegetable. They're great in fried rice as well.”
Cathy Whims is the owner of Nostrana and Enoteca Nostrana in Portland. John Valls
Cathy Whims of Nostrana and Enoteca Nostrana: “Colatura is the essence of anchovy. It’s made in an ancient way that was started by the Romans, and is very similar to Vietnamese fish sauce. I use it much like one might use good extra virgin olive oil – a few drops drizzled on a dish right before serving for an extra layer of flavor. It can also add rich depth to a simple San Marzano tomato sauce. A few drops are also great in a Bloody Mary.”
Traci Des Jardins is the owner of Jardinière and School Night in San Francisco. Traci Des Jardins
Traci Des Jardins of Jardinière and School Night: “I love working with tomatillos, because they lend brilliant acidity and a complex funk. One really cool way to use them is in a nage, a traditional French way of building a sauce. Typically you cook down a white mirepoix (leeks, shallots, fennel, a lot of white wine) and allow it to reduce. But instead of relying on the wine for acidity, substitute tomatillos. This nage would be beautiful topped on fish.”
Reem Assil is the owner of Reem's California in Oakland. Jung Fitzpatrick
Reem Assil of Reem’s California: “More than one ingredient people should be cooking more with, I think it's about the nature of ingredients and how they're used. People should be cooking more with whole ingredients: like toasting and grinding whole spices to cook sauces and braises; whole vegetables and fresh herbs to make salads and vegetarian dishes. I want to be part of a generation that has a deeper knowledge and connection to food, land, and healing.”
Adrienne Lo is the co-owner of Chicago's Fat Rice. Adrienne Lo
Adrienne Lo of Fat Rice: “Coconut. It's so versatile between coconut oil, milk, and water, and is a great vegan alternative. It’s so creamy and flavorful! We use it ten times more than cream in our restaurant, and no one notices the difference. Fun fact: because of its healthy properties, doctors in WWII in Japan used coconut water in place of intravenous fluids when supplies began running out. This practice is still utilized in remote areas as an emergency replacement.”
Beverly Kim is the co-owner of Parachute in Chicago. Beverly Kim
Beverly Kim of Parachute: “Yuzu Kosho, a fermented Chile paste. It’s super versatile: you can season raw or cooked seafood and meats with this zingy flavor. It can be made from scratch, or you can buy it ready-made. The flavors can range depending on the citrus and chilies you use. Infuse it into a dressing or sauce to add a little zing, citrus, and spice.”
Katy Millard is the owner of Portland's Coquine. Katy Millard
Katy Millard of Coquine: “As a home cook, I’ve been having so much fun working with a naturally leavened bread starter. I like Chad Robertson’s 'Tartine Bread,' Ken Forkish’s 'Flour Water Salt Yeast,' and Maurizio’s food blog The Perfect Loaf. Beyond making delicious bread on a rare day off, I love playing with the starter's byproducts. Instead of discarding everything each time I feed it, I like to use a bit for sourdough pancakes, which I make every Sunday morning with Hugo, my 4-year old son.”
Bonnie Morales is the owner of Kachka and Kachinka in Portland. Carly Diaz
Bonnie Morales of Kachka and Kachinka: “Sunflower oil is greatly under appreciated and valued. A really fresh, virgin-pressed, sunflower oil is as complex and flavorful as the world's best olive oils. It is used extensively throughout Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia (and probably other parts of Eastern Europe). I use unrefined sunflower oil in vinaigrettes, and drizzle it on tomatoes and fresh farmer's cheese. Refined sunflower oils have a high smoke point, and are a very healthy alternative to canola for cooking.”
Johanna Wares is the owner of Portland's Smallwares. Johanna Wares
Johanna Wares of Smallwares: “One of my favorite ingredients is store bought furikake. But you don't cook with it. Instead, you use it as a great crunchy and salty topping for finished dishes. It's traditionally a Japanese seasoning for rice. There are many different variations, and can include crunchy rice balls, tamago, bonito flakes, sesame seeds, dried wasabi, and nori. We top corn on the cob, mac and cheese, wedge salad, and many other things with it.”
Nong Poonsukwattana is the owner of Nong's Khao Man Gai in Portland. Nong Poonsukwattana
Nong Poonsukwattana of Nong's Khao Man Gai: “I think people should use ginger more in their cooking. It’s very good for you, and is loaded with nutrients. I like to put it raw in my smoothie (kale, ginger, orange juice). It’s also great with stuffed in steamed fish.”
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4c5b644e47a5ad2202d20195c4190bc8 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2019/01/11/5-new-beauty-products-missing-from-your-daily-routine/?ss=forbeslife | 5 Innovative New Beauty Products Missing From Your Daily Routine | 5 Innovative New Beauty Products Missing From Your Daily Routine
Kick off 2019 with terrific new products from 8CELLENT, Alpyn Beauty, Omorovicza, and more. Unsplash
While I don’t believe in resolutions, I do believe in making changes this time of year – but in the name of beauty. Why? Well, now that the dust of the manic holiday season has finally settled, it’s easier to prioritize yourself. And since I’ve always equated skincare to self-care – and never vanity, ever – below are five truly innovative, newly-launched products that will elevate your daily routine to great new heights.
There’s little this multi-tasking moisturizer can’t do, and no skin type that can’t benefit from its... [+] potent properties. 8CELLENT
8CELLENT Vitality Complex Cream, $198
There’s little this multi-tasking, day-to-night moisturizer can’t do, and no skin type that can’t benefit from its potent properties. Liza Wong, aesthetician and founder of 8CELLENT – she poured 25 years of experience into developing the brand – explains, “It simultaneously tackles all major complexion concerns: including fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, sagging, discoloration, congestion, stress, and dullness.” The cream is silky yet concentrated, and the benefits are even more deeply penetrated into skin than its counterparts – thanks to a cutting-edge delivery system called X50.
Omorovicza's Daily Vitamin C features a super stable form of the popular skincare ingredient. Omorovicza
Omorovicza Daily Vitamin C, $150
Vitamin C is a powerhouse of a skincare ingredient. It brightens skin, stimulates collagen production, and fights free radicals, but there’s a downside – it’s extremely finicky. (Exposure to light, air, and heat causes oxidation, and reduces potency almost immediately.) To that end, the luxe Hungarian skincare line Omorovicza launched Daily Vitamin C today. “I’m thrilled we’re now able to deliver Vitamin C in its most stable form for unparalleled results,” says founder Stephen de Heinrich. Just a few drops of this silky potion under your moisturizer will help restore a healthy glow to the dullest complexions.
This buttery, all-natural eye balm boasts the powers of a proprietary PlantGenius Complex. Alpyn Beauty
Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm, $62
When Kendra Butler, a former New Yorker and beauty exec decamped to Wyoming a few years ago, it was her pristine natural surroundings – in particular, the pretty yet hardy wildflowers and botanicals – that inspired her to bottle up their goodness. The result of her work is the proprietary PlantGenius Complex, which is packed into every Alpyn Beauty item. But the Eye Balm is a real knockout with its buttery, fluffy texture, which delivers soothing relief for even the most sensitive blinkers. Butler adds, “It also contains the hottest new ingredient of 2019, Bakuchiol: a bio-available retinol substitute that fights aging, but isn't as irritating or harsh.”
SEEN is a luxury haircare line that's always good for the skin. SEEN
SEEN Shampoo ($29) and Conditioner ($26)
Because ingredients commonly featured in haircare for their moisturizing properties (think petroleum, silicone, and various types of oils) can clog pores and trigger acne, dermatologist Dr. Iris Rubin took matters into her own hands and created SEEN. The innovative, three-piece collection of shampoo, conditioner, and blow out styling creme was developed to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic for your skin, yet hydrating and luxurious on your locks. Ultimately, Rubin believes you should have it all: “Why choose between beautiful hair and beautiful skin when you can have both?”
Dr. Garth Fisher, Doc Block is a luxurious sunscreen and daily moisturizer in one. Doc Block
Doc Block Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 55, $44
Even though Beverly Hills-based plastic surgeon Dr. Garth Fisher is renown for tending to some of the most famous faces in the world, he believes in sunscreen first: “It is the most important and effective anti-aging product one can use for the skin, and should be a part of everyone’s daily beauty regimen.” His Doc Block not only provides a high level of broad spectrum sun protection, it absorbs in a snap with no tacky residue – making it easy for even the most sunscreen-averse to use every day. Fisher says, “Think of it as a daily luxury moisturizer with anti-aging qualities that helps fight free radicals, too!”
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eb1f48d2e92d27ead58ac23b9d2caad8 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2019/07/10/the-best-hotels-in-portland/ | The Best Hotels In Portland | The Best Hotels In Portland
This story was written in collaboration with Forbes Finds. Forbes Finds covers products and experiences we think you’ll love. Featured products are independently selected and linked to for your convenience. If you buy something using a link on this page, Forbes may receive a small share of that sale.
Downtown Portland Oregon from the Willamette River. Getty
There’s many reasons why Portland is among the most popular destinations in the country. The weather is temperate year round, with four distinct seasons and no harsh extremes. Also, the dining scene is truly world-class. From local institutions to the next big food trend, you’ll find what you’re craving for here. And if you’re an oenophile, there are exceptional Pinot Noirs to be discovered in nearby wine country.
Here are the best hotels in the City of Roses:
The Hoxton
The Hoxton, Portland
Located in historic Chinatown, this is the second U.S. property for the hip, London-based hospitality brand. And while social lobby spaces are the norm nowadays, the Hoxton’s goes the extra mile with ample desks with outlets, blazing-fast Wi-Fi and a cafe. For finer dining, there’s Neta, a contemporary Mexican restaurant envisioned by the team behind two other Portland hot spots, Tusk and Ava Gene’s. Though the rooms err on the snug side, there are thoughtful touches, like the complimentary breakfast bags and art curated by local gallery Upfor. And the rooftop restaurant, Tope, is the place to be for sunset views and nighttime revelry.
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Woodlark
Woodlark
Spanning two historic structures, The Woodlark is the newest addition to the city. And it’s a knockout. The lobby has plenty of space to work or chill out, and there’s two terrific restaurants to cater to every appetite. Bullard by Doug Adams offers up hearty, Southern-inspired cooking—the fried chicken on Sunday is a must—while Abigail Hall is a positively pretty lounge for spirited cocktails and retro snacks. The 150 rooms are minimally dressed but handsome (think emerald green headboards, brass accents and botanical wallpaper), but book a corner suite—the two levels are connected by a spiral staircase—for the coziest vibes.
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Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel
Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel
Overlooking the Willamette River, this 85-room hotel feels like staying in a really chic lodge. And its location couldn’t be more appealing—within easy walking distance of downtown, but free of the usual noise and crowds. Rustic touches abound, from the lobby’s crackling stone fireplace, to the front porch’s rocking chairs, to the room’s Pendleton Woolen Mills pillows. And in true Kimpton fashion, you’ll have access to complimentary perks galore, including a daily wine hour, bike rentals and in-room yoga mats. Plus, the famed Bedtime Butler rolls around several nights a week with treats, ranging from cookies to nightcaps, to ensure a pleasant slumber.
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The Heathman Hotel
The Heathman Hotel
Opened in 1927, this legendary downtown hotel is Portland’s grande dame. And to keep things fresh, while staying true to its refined reputation, it underwent a sweeping, $13 million renovation last fall. Now, the property’s 3,000-book collection (all signed by the authors) makes a dazzling impression in the lobby, while the accommodations sport a soothing white and blue decor. Headwaters, the all-day eatery, turns out refined cuisine sourced from local farms and purveyors, but not to be missed is the weekend Russian Tea service. Inspired by chef Vitaly Paley’s Russian roots, it’s a lavish, bountiful spread of traditional snacks.
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The Nines
The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland
Zip up to the eighth floor of the former Meier & Frank department store to get to The Nines, one of Portland’s most sophisticated hotels. But good looks aside, it’s also LEED-certified, and helps the environment by utilizing energy-saving thermostats and LED bulbs, recycling as much as possible and donating leftover food to shelters. Decompressing is a breeze in the glamorous rooms, thanks to the chic beige and aqua palette, beaded chandeliers and tufted white beds. And as the name implies, Departure on the top floor is a scenic getaway—chef Gregory Gourdet’s pan-Asian food is spot on—from the hustle and bustle of the city down below.
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Ace Hotel Portland
Ace Hotel Portland
It’s impossible to discuss Portland hotels without mentioning the Ace. True, the first one’s based in Seattle, but this one cemented the City of Roses' reputation as a bonafide hip destination. Why? It’s got everything you need for the quintessential Portland experience: minimally appointed (but stylish) accommodations, an ever-lively common area, a bracing coffee bar, topnotch all-day dining and a sleek subterranean cocktail den. So once you check in, you might not want to (or really need to) leave.
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70cd79455f45407927577ea838e5a745 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2019/11/26/holiday-gift-guide-2019-the-best-health-and-wellness-supplements-for-travelers/?sh=2b39221a6e5e | Holiday Gift Guide 2019: The Best Health and Wellness Supplements | Holiday Gift Guide 2019: The Best Health and Wellness Supplements
There’s no doubt about it: traveling takes a toll on everyone, even the most mindful and health-conscious. So, why not give something that’ll naturally restore your loved one’s body and mind? Here, ten innovative supplements whose benefits will last long after the holidays have passed.
Antara
Antara Dharana Focus & Energy Brain Food
After burning out as a corporate lawyer in New York, and discovering her father’s diagnosis of early onset dementia, Caroline Rasmussen quit her job and decamped to Thailand to research holistic brain health. Thus, Antara was born. Swap out your regular caffeine with this nootropic supplement – for the uninitiated, nootropics reportedly enhance brain performance – that boosts mental clarity and productivity.
Takamichi Beauty Room
Bicol Labs Something For a Mini Rehab
To ward off those painful mornings that follow the rowdiest of nights, pop two of these capsules before downing those drinks. Chock full of botanicals that buffer a liver in overdrive (think artichoke, milk thistle, and rosemary), they’ll help you get back on your feet (and off the couch) sooner than later.
The Nue Co.
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The Nue Co. Debloat Food + Probiotic
Since it’s more than easy to overindulge during the holiday season, always keep this bestseller from The New Co. handy. Anti-inflammatories like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon, Debloat Food alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort, while the prebiotic inulin supports the friendly bacteria in your gut.
Jet Set Natural
Jet Set Natural
For even the most experienced travelers, jet lag can be a real, well, drag. To that end, Eric Gentry, MD, and his son developed this innovative treatment taken in two steps (called Jet and Set) to gently reset your circadian rhythm and feel like your very best self, no matter where in the world you land.
Lord Jones
Lord Jones CBD Holiday Gumdrops
Elegantly packaged for memorable gift-giving, these limited-edition gumdrops are dosed with 20 milligrams of broad-spectrum CBD, to help even the most stressed slip into a chill state of mind. The Sugarplum flavor recalls the nostalgia of your youth, while Mango Chili brings on a sweet heat with ancho chili.
True Botanicals
True Botanicals Aromatherapy Trio
Proof positive that not all supplements need to be ingested. To enjoy the benefits of this trio of targeted aromatherapy oils, just roll on and breathe in. Plagued with tight knots? Try the Muscle Release. Feeling a bit run down? Then swipe some Immune Boost. And to wind down in a flash, inhale some Stress Relief.
Bio-Kult
Bio-Kult Migréa
Recently, more attention has been paid to the relationship between your gut and brain. (There’s a reason why anxiety and nausea often go hand-in-hand.) In addition to 14 perfectly-balanced probiotic strains, these capsules also feature Magnesium Citrate and Vitamin B6, which support a healthy nervous system. And unlike other probiotics, these don’t require refrigeration.
8Greens
8Greens
It’s easy for good eating habits to fall by the wayside this time of year. And that’s when 8 Greens comes to the rescue. Powered by real spinach, spirulina, kale, and five other greens (hence the name), each tablet creates a citrusy fizzy beverage loaded with vitamins and minerals for a convenient and healthful pick-me-up anytime of day.
JS Health Vitamins
JSHealth Vitamins Metabolism + Sugar Support
The brainchild of Australian nutritionist Jessica Sepel, JSHealth Vitamins targets a wide range of everyday concerns. But since sweets seem to pop up everywhere during the holidays, take two tablets (one with breakfast, another with lunch) to naturally curb those sugary cravings, and sustain normal blood sugar levels.
La Sirene Beauty
La Sirène Orange Beauty Collagen
The benefits of collagen (a protein our body produces) are aplenty, from stronger joints to suppler skin. The downside? We produce less as we age. Continue to reap the benefits of this powerhouse by mixing a packet of La Sirène's Beauty Collagen water daily. Not only does it taste terrific, it’s enriched with other skin-healthy ingredients, including vitamin C and Coenzyme Q10.
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d795aaa0f34a9b77130d73749ee2b500 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2019/12/23/a-weekend-dining-guide-to-palm-springs/ | A Weekend Guide To Palm Springs: Where To Eat, And Where To Stay | A Weekend Guide To Palm Springs: Where To Eat, And Where To Stay
Palm Springs Scenic Mountain Landscape taken within Palm Springs city limit. Getty
Since the 1920s, Palm Springs has served as a playground for pleasure seekers of all types, from celebrities – Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Bob Hope all had residences here – to festival-chasing millennials. Who could blame them?
The climate is impossible to beat, with over 300 days a year of bright sunshine, low humidity, and crisp, cool nights. And belying the town’s small size is a world-class, mid-century modern scene. (After World War II, the style – which is marked by glass walls, sleek lines, and indoor-outdoor spaces – flourished here.) The postcard-perfect, natural backdrop is equal parts soul-soothing and jaw-dropping. (Where else could you be surrounded by healing hot springs, palm trees, rolling mountains, and a dusty desert?) As for the vibes, they couldn’t be any more welcoming – because everyone is welcomed here with open arms.
On top of that, the dining and drinking scene in Palm Springs has been thriving in recent years – thanks to a cool crop of locally-based chefs, sommeliers, and restaurateurs. So pack your bags, and gear up for a delicious weekend with this handy guide on where to go, and where to stay.
Mr. Lyon's Steakhouse recalls the nostalgia of classic chophouses, but with more contemporary menu ... [+] offerings like carrot-fed filet mignon. Sarah Dickenson
Mr. Lyons
What’s old and is new again at this contemporary take on the old-school steakhouse by Palm Springs native, chef, and restaurateur Tara Lazar. Situated in the former Lyons English Grille building, Mr. Lyons sports a design (imagine velvet banquettes, marble flooring, and a speakeasy den called Seymour’s) recalling the past, but the cuisine nods to now with carrot-fed filet mignon, local date steak sauce, and Coachella Valley corn. Though it’s a terrific spot for special occasions, the lounge’s daily happy hour makes it easy to indulge at wallet-friendly prices. 233 E Palm Canyon Dr; mrlyonsps.com
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Dead or Alive is a stylish natural wine bar owned by Christine Soto. Dead or Alive
Dead or Alive
“People have been tricked into thinking that the more expensive the wine, the better the quality,” says Christine Soto, sommelier and owner of bar Dead or Alive. So not only is she in business to help shift the public mindset on price – but the conversation about the industry overall. With that in mind, Dead or Alive specializes in natural wines, and shuns bottles that are, in Soto’s words: “mass produced, manufactured, and heavily manipulated.” The drink list rotates frequently, and the ultra-chill vibes help you feel like you’re sipping something special in someone’s discreet hideaway – not just another basic bar. 150 E Palm Canyon Dr; deadoralivebar.com
Sandfish by chef Engin Onural specializes in original sushi creations. Lisa Corson
Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey
While standard nigiri and makis are on Sandfish’s menu, it’s the original, positively pretty creations – the best-selling Venue Roll, for example, caps a spicy tuna roll with seared salmon, spicy mayo, teriyaki sauce, and micro greens – that take top billing here. “While we respect traditions, ours is a truly unique take on sushi, explains chef and owner Engin Onural. “I’m inspired by Scandinavia, Japan, and Turkey, and try to showcase how I see the world: as a whole, as one.” In addition, there’s an extensive whiskey selection – many of which make their way into signature cocktails, like the Japanese Old Fashioned and Apricot Ginger Cooler. 1556 N Palm Canyon Dr; sandfishps.com
King's Highway is the roadside diner at Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs. King's Highway
King’s Highway
It’s everything you love about a classic roadside diner – King’s Highway even occupies a thoughtfully restored Denny’s – but with a hefty dose of quirky California cool, thanks to a stone wall, stained glass window, and oversized elephant head fashioned from rope. The all-day menu is filled with original, vegetarian-friendly plates – even the avocado toast surprises, with sourdough bread, confit tomato, and onion sprouts – but no diner would be complete without a proper burger. Reminiscent of what a throwback joint would whip up, this version stacks two wagyu patties, American cheese, the usual veggies, and thousand island dressing on a squishy sesame seed bun. 701 E Palm Canyon Dr; kingshighway.com
Cheeky's a popular brunch spot in Palm Springs. Audrey Ma
Cheeky’s
If a hearty breakfast or brunch is what you’re after, look no further than this ever-bustling daytime spot – Cheeky’s closes at 2pm daily – also owned by Lazar. As the name suggests, the food has plenty of whimsical touches, but is more importantly: deeply satisfying. Though the menu changes every week, there are some staples you shouldn’t miss. Deb’s buttery and flaky cheddar scones are terrific plain or as part of a sandwich, and the scrambled eggs are decadently cheesy and custardy. But it’s the world-famous bacon flight that’s a perennial crowd pleaser. The flavors of the fried-to-order strips frequently rotate, from jalapeño to “x-mas spice.” 622 N Palm Canyon Dr; cheekysps.com
Chef Tanya's Kitchen is dedicated to making vegan cuisine approachable, nutritious, and of course, ... [+] delicious. Chef Tanya's Kitchen
Chef Tanya's Kitchen
While reputable vegetarian eateries abound these days, vegan ones are harder to come by. That’s when Chef Tanya's Kitchen enters the picture. The founder of Native Foods (a fast-casual vegan restaurant chain), Tanya Petrovna has dedicated her career to making plant-based eating approachable, nutritious, and of course, delicious. Everything at this cheerful deli, from the seitan to the “crack” cheese, is made from scratch. (Locals recommend the Chupacabra Chicken, a sub roll stuffed with crispy seitan, avocado, pickled jalapenos, cabbage, and chipotle mayo.) There’s plenty of pre-packaged bites as well, if you’re on the go. 706 S Eugene Rd; cheftanyaskitchen.com
Rooster and the Pig turns out some of the best Vietnamese food in Palm Springs. Rooster and the Pig
Rooster and the Pig
Don’t be put off by its humble address in an unassuming strip mall. Because once you’re seated at this casual restaurant by Tai Spendley, you’ll be rewarded with Vietnamese dishes that are both classic and whimsical. Seeking something familiar? Order up the crispy rolls, green papaya salad, or lemongrass pork noodles. Want to try something a bit offbeat? Then tuck into the pandan chicken and coconut waffle, date and sausage wontons, or charred brussel sprouts. As Rooster and the Pig doesn’t take reservations and is beloved by locals, arrive early or late to bypass the dinner rush. 356 S Indian Canyon Dr; roosterandthepig.com
The charming French Miso Cafe is run by Tomoko Jones and Eric Bovy. French Miso Cafe
French Miso Cafe
Blink and you’ll miss it. But that’s part of the charm of French Miso Cafe, whose name draws inspiration from the backgrounds of owners Tomoko Jones and Eric Bovy. Run by Bovy, the kitchen turns out simple, homey fare, like fluffy quiches, salmon bento boxes, and chicken paillard. And rather than an impersonal restaurant, the dining room feels like it belongs in someone’s gracious, cozy home. When the weather’s fine – which it almost always is, given this is Palm Springs – nab a table on the outdoor patio. 19 La Plaza; frenchmisocafe.com
Where to Stay
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel is the newest (and tallest) hotel in the area, and features ... [+] stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel
You’ll need a comfortable place to decompress before, in between, and after all that eating and drinking. The 153-room Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel accomplishes that – and lots more. As the newest hotel to the destination in years, it also happens to be the tallest (with a rooftop pool and stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains, no less) and is conveniently located downtown. (It was part of the city’s Downtown Revitalization Project, which wrapped in 2017.) No matter which room category you book, you’ll be rewarded with a spacious, light-filled nook chicly appointed in a blue and palette, locally-inspired art (like a vintage map and oversized sunblock print), and crisply-dressed beds. If you want to torch some calories, check out the pristine fitness center – which is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including a Peloton bike – or take some laps in the outdoor pool. In true Kimpton style, the service is polished and cheerful, and if you’re tired of being out and about, good news: the hotel’s buzzy rooftop restaurant, 4 Saints, is already a fan favorite with its delectable, globe-trotting menu (think hamachi aguachile, braised oxford paprardelle, and dry-aged ribeye).
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96578f4c5732c15c3c6272414d7e0b62 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2020/01/31/inside-kex-portland-the-citys-new-sustainable-design-hotel-with-icelandic-roots/ | Inside KEX Portland, The City’s New Sustainable Design Hotel With Icelandic Roots | Inside KEX Portland, The City’s New Sustainable Design Hotel With Icelandic Roots
Mikael Lundblad
As you already know, Portland, Oregon, offers pleasures aplenty. Whether you hike Multnomah Falls, cycle through the city, or kick back at one of over 200 urban green spaces, spending time in the great outdoors here comes easily. Then, there’s the thrillingly diverse dining and drinking scene – with new spots popping up all the time. (Notable newcomers include Bar Diane, Mae, and Hey Love.) When you combine these perks with Portland’s famously progressive personality – which ensures everyone is welcome with open arms – and the ability to get more bang for your back than other major cities, it should come as no surprise that Portland firmly remains among the most popular U.S. urban destinations.
Mikael Lundblad
The only issue? Finding accommodations that feel more intimate, truer to its locale, and less cookie cutter. While most of the area hotels clustered downtown in Northwest Portland are all well and good, the newly-opened KEX Portland – it’s the first U.S. outpost of the design-driven and refreshingly wallet-friendly hotel in Reykjavik – has locals abuzz by doing things differently.
For starters: its address in Central Eastside is an unlikely one – but a smart one. The up-and-coming neighborhood still crackles with urban grit and creative energy, and is also home to some of Portland’s most beloved restaurants (Canard and Nong's Khao Man Gai) and shops (Machus and Rains). And rather than being a new build, KEX thoughtfully occupies a 1912 building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mikael Lundblad
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The design envisioned by Hálfdan (Dáni) Pedersen – he’s also responsible for the fun, quirky look of the Reykjavik property – stands out from the bold-faced, corporate hotels in town by making sustainability a priority. With that in mind, Pedersen exhaustively sourced nearly every single design element from all over the world (like Egyptian glass doors for the restaurant’s open kitchen and Belgian horse name tags for the lobby art). The result? A warm, approachable, and soulful vibe that extends throughout the entire hotel, from the moment you check in to the moment you hit the sheets.
Mikael Lundblad
As there’s only 29 rooms (14 private and 15 shared), KEX ensures a hushed and discreet stay. The private rooms are simply, but chicly appointed with everything you need to feel comfortable and well-rested (think beds featuring headboards repurposed from vintage fireplace mantels, wood work desks, and hip toiletries from Firsthand Supply). While booking a shared room makes sense for the solo traveler who’s on a budget, it’s also equally terrific for families and groups of friends seeking an affordable, tidy place to decompress.
Mikael Lundblad
Just like its sister property, KEX Portland encourages hotel guests and locals alike to socialize. Dóttir, the signature all-day restaurant and bar, is framed by oversized windows for an open, airy feel, and seamlessly transitions from a daytime nook for working and light bites to a hip evening dining destination. Chef Alex Jackson takes inspiration from KEX’s Icelandic roots, with his imaginative, ingredient-driven menu that skews heavily towards seasonal produce. (The best-selling roasted cabbage, sunchoke gratin, and parsnip soup, in particular, demonstrate Jackson’s talent to transform even the humblest vegetables into crave-worthy dishes.) The library connected to Dóttir regularly hosts live performances and DJs, while a sauna lets guests detox in true Icelandic style. And come spring, KEX’s rooftop bar will be unveiled.
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19ed2786601d00c0ad0b426514edcae8 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2020/04/11/for-virtual-happy-hours-video-conference-calls-and-yourself-how-to-perfect-the-five-minute-face-with-code8/ | For Virtual Happy Hours, Video Conference Calls, And Just Yourself: How To Perfect The Five-Minute Face With CODE8 | For Virtual Happy Hours, Video Conference Calls, And Just Yourself: How To Perfect The Five-Minute Face With CODE8
CODE8
After witnessing the pendulum swing from one end – when women were pressured by society to conform to unrealistic ideals – to now – when women are finally able to take charge of the larger beauty conversation – Londoners Nadine Ayache and Sophia Chikovani decided it was the right time to launch their cosmetics brand CODE8.
Since 2018, CODE8 has specialized in streamlined, multitasking, and most importantly, timeless products. Instead of glittery glosses or magenta mascara, you’ll discover items that celebrate, rather than conflict with and conceal, the natural beauty of women of all ages and backgrounds. Chikovani says, “Our goal is to redefine the relationship we have with makeup, so everything we offer is simplified, suitable for all skin tones and types, and truly easy-to-use.”
CODE8
“The story is also no longer about why we wear makeup for others, it’s about doing it for ourselves,” continues Ayache. “So, as a brand we had a decision to make. Do we make women feel bad for their lack of ‘perfection’ to manipulate them into overconsuming products, or do we honor women as they are in the name of self-care?”
And since most of us are isolated at home during these highly emotive times, self-care is now more of a priority than ever. But while streaming an exercise class or drawing a warm bath might seem obvious, putting on a little makeup – whether it’s for your own wellbeing (as Ayache mentioned earlier), a virtual happy hour, or video work call – can also help lift your mood and outlook.
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So ahead, Ayache and Chikovani share how to create a healthy glow with five CODE8 products in five easy minutes. “Women are inherently beautiful, no matter what your unique ‘beauty code’ is,” says Ayache. “And looking natural, like the best version of yourself, is an amazing thing.”
CODE8
Glaze Universal Lip Gloss
The newest addition to the CODE8 family and launched on April 1, Glaze Universal Lip Gloss is like a gloss and treatment in one. The pale, peachy-pink hue flatters all skin tones, and Ayache adds, “Thanks to plumping peptides, it enhances your lips’ natural fullness without leaving any tingling sensation.” Use alone for an understated look, and layer with a deeper shade for a bolder effect.
CODE8
Seamless Cover Perfecting Concealer
Unlike like a lot of concealers, which can feel cakey and heavy, this one features a fluid, buildable formula. Chikovani is especially fond of the sponge-tip applicator, which “is amazing for on-the-go application—usually the situation when I’m applying my five-minute face. You don’t need any brushes, just dab a small amount onto the area you wish to cover and blend.”
CODE8
Mood Reflecting Blush Palette
Instead of one shade, you have three options to customize your look. “This offers tons of versatility for quick and easy application, says Ayache. "Swirl all three shades together to bring a soft warmth to your complexion, or pick just one or two.” (Pro tip: Ayache says these shades double up as eyeshadows, too.)
CODE8
Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Instead of mascara, which rarely looks natural, reach for this product instead. During application, hug the upper lash line – “the ultra-fine nib ensures a smooth and even application every single time,” says Chikovani – to add subtle definition to your blinkers. Even better? The formula is waterproof, and will last from morning to night.
CODE8
5Secs Express Lip & Cheek Colour
A true workhorse, “this handy chubby stick works as a nourishing tinted lip balm, subtle cheek stain, and even an eyeshadow – all in one,” says Ayache. It comes in three universally flattering shades, and couldn’t be any easier to use. Just swipe, blend with your fingers, and go.
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d2523fd2c3fc01a8aeccff51b5b4f0b3 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2020/04/13/virtually-visit-halipuu-finland-lapland-hugging-tree-forest/ | Virtually Escape To HaliPuu, One Of Finland Lapland’s Most Breathtaking Attractions, With Its New App | Virtually Escape To HaliPuu, One Of Finland Lapland’s Most Breathtaking Attractions, With Its New App
Visit Levi
Finland’s Lapland is one of the most beloved destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The arctic region, especially in the colder months, is unparalleled with its striking and stark beauty. Spanning almost 39,000 square miles, it’s marked by crystal-clear lakes, rugged pine trees, and vast plains of hushed wilderness – all typically blanketed with freshly fallen, crisp white snow. And of course: most people arrive in hopes of spotting the famed Northern Lights. There’s also opportunities to ride in sleds led by huskies, sleep in luxe igloos under the twinkling night sky, and indulge in local specialties of reindeer, lingonberries, and almond potatoes.
Juha Tolonen
But did you know you can also hug and adopt a tree when visiting Finland’s Lapland? Founded in 2014 by Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink – when she was faced with the possibility of her father’s forest being torn down – HaliPuu in Levi is a wholly original concept, encouraging guests from all over the world to roam its breathtaking grounds and engage with trees for healing and restorative purposes. “My dad came up with the idea of adopting our trees as hugging trees for people,” says Raekallio-Wunderink. “Hence, the name HaliPuu, which meaning a hugging tree.”
HaliPuu
But since venturing to Finland’s Lapland isn’t a possibility for the time being, Raekallio-Wunderink thoughtfully launched a new app (available at Apple App Store and Google Play) to help bring the natural wonders of HaliPuu straight to your home. Whether you want to chat with the Hali tree, stream the soothing sounds of the live forest, or build your very own tree clan, there’s countless ways to interact with HaliPuu – no matter where in the world you are. In Raekallio-Wunderink’s words: “Our forest is your forest.”
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Below, Raekallio-Wunderink shares how local life is right now, why everyone should visit Finland’s Lapland at least once, and her favorite features of the HaliPuu app.
HaliPuu
For people who’ve never been to the area: why the Finnish Lapland such a wonderful place to visit?
Raekallio-Wunderink: It’s a place where you can really feel the raw power and beauty of nature. The contrasts are so strong. There’s the dark and cold winters when everything is covered under a thick white blanket; the pink January days; and the bright, delicate summers under the midnight sun. There is always something new to see, and things to experience – things that surprise, and things that make you look with wonder at this incredible planet we live on. That is what we want to share with everyone.
Lana Tannir
And why did you decide to create this app?
Raekallio-Wunderink: HaliPuu's mission has always been to connect people and the forest. I understand we are very privileged to live in a place with all this accessible, spacious, and clean nature – so it feels right to share it with others. An app is a nice way for us to directly reach people, to let them experience what we are experiencing when we sit in the silent forest. And of course now that people are isolated in their flats around the world, it is even more important.
Could you call out some of your favorite features of the app?
Raekallio-Wunderink: I personally find the little clips of different experiences – such as crunching snow with my hand – really fun, because I know the activity is unfamiliar and exotic to many. By showing these kinds of experiences to others I also get to concentrate on those moments myself, too – and it’s so enjoyable. However, we get the most feedback about my dad's stories. People love them, and love him.
HaliPuu
How are things going in general, and how is the local community coping with everything?
Raekallio-Wunderink: The village is empty. The nature looks incredible, the sun is shining and the snow conditions are at their best, but everything is closed and there are no people anywhere. It is pretty eerie, and quite sad. On the other hand, everyone understands this is the only way to be responsible about the situation. There is a feeling of communal loss, but at the same time everybody is getting ready to start again as soon as the crisis is over. We support each other, and we entrepreneurs get a lot of support from our marketing organization, Visit Levi, as well as the municipality. All we want is for the people to stay well. All the rest is secondary.
The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Follow HaliPuu on Instagram.
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6c243a821781fdedddec7d6512f895a1 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2020/06/08/the-best-supplements-to-boost-immunity-reduce-stress-and-improve-overall-health/ | The Best Supplements To Reduce Stress, Boost Immunity, And Improve Overall Health | The Best Supplements To Reduce Stress, Boost Immunity, And Improve Overall Health
Dr. Linda Ellison, founder of kaü winky lewis
The global wellness market shows no signs of slowing, but the sales of vitamins and supplements, in particular, have skyrocketed during the pandemic. Because while eating a balanced diet is all well and good, it’s more than easy to be missing something that could help us feel and perform even better.
“A typical diet doesn’t contain the necessary nutrient spectrum, density, and functionality needed to achieve and sustain optimal health,” explains Dr. Linda Ellison, founder of kaü, a trailblazing immunity supplement that harnesses the power of amino acids. “That’s why we need supplemental nutrients to help our bodies function at their best.”
So when purchasing vitamins and supplements, what should you consider? First, cost. “Many people buy the McDonalds versions, yet expect them to have the quality of a farm-to-table, organic restaurant,” says Ellison. “But given the costs involved, it’s not possible to deliver good ingredients, science, and research at a low price point.”
Second, think about augmentation – in other words, how much of the key ingredient a supplement has. Ellison notes, “From extensive third-party lab testing, we know that vitamins and supplements with specialized flavors, colors, and smell are comprised of at least 75% additives.”
Then, factor in the quantity and percentage of ingredients. You typically take a vitamin or supplement with a specific goal in mind, but according to Ellison, “If it has a long list of ingredients, then it can’t contain enough of any one at a functional level to really benefit you.”
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And though it’s not the most elegant topic, consider what Ellison refers to as “The Bathroom Test.” Observe your urine after trying out a new supplement, and check if it’s dark in color or has a harsh smell. “If so, your body has flushed out the majority of your vitamin or supplement, instead of making it functional in your system,” explains Ellison.
While vitamins and supplements are no replacements for a well-rounded diet, they can alleviate a range of issues, from anxiety to sleeplessness – which only seem to be heightened during these highly emotive times. So ahead, 20 easy ways to help you feel your absolute best – from the inside out.
winky lewis
kaü Immunity Build, $300
Amino acids serve as your body’s essential building blocks, and are “key to human biological functioning,” says Ellison. While they’re unique and serve specific roles, they’re more powerful when working together as a collective unit. So, to help them optimally perform: “Immunity Build triggers the rapid production of immune system cells and codes those cells to be shaped and operate with the robust vitality of youthful cells, explains Ellison.
Equilibria
Equilibria Extra Strength Daily Drops, $196
This visionary CBD company stands out from the rest for being owned by women, organic, and creating products expressly for womens’ unique needs. Equilibia even goes as far as to offer dosage specialists, whom help take the guesswork out of CBD and customize a routine just for you. So when you need immediate, soothing relief, take 1/4 dropper of this fast-acting, full-spectrum oil.
Plant People
Plant People Drops+Sleep 1440 mg CBD, $119.99
Given the volatile times we’re in, sleep may not come as easily as it used to. So the next time you’re feeling antsy before at night, turn to this. With organic, full-spectrum hemp extract, this potent formula encourages the body and mind to wind down for a deep night’s slumber. Even better? There’s no chance of feeling drowsy when you wake up – just refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Level Select CBD
Level Select CBD Zzz 2400mg CBD Oil Drops with Melatonin, $89.99
Though this brand was developed to help athletes naturally recover – pro golfer Rickie Fowler is a devoted fan – it’s terrific for anyone needing relief from life’s everyday stressors. And for those nights when a solid night’s sleep is necessary – but when your mind just won’t turn off – take a few drops of this sweet, vanilla-flavored formula combining broad spectrum CBD and melatonin.
Mab & Stoke
Mab & Stoke Custom Mab Tab, $66
Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a supplement created expressly for you? That’s the thinking behind the innovative Mab Tab. After completing an online questionnaire, you’ll be shipped a tin filled with 28 tabs. Take one every morning – it dissolves in cold and hot beverages – to reap the benefits of immunity-boosting herbs (like burdock, lemon balm, and red clover).
The Nue Co.
The Nue Co. Skin Filter, $60
No matter the amounts of serums and creams you slather on, sometimes you need to go beyond basic skincare. That’s when this cutting-edge supplement comes to the rescue. Rigorously tested in France, and featuring a proven blend of vitamin C, zinc, and champagne grape seed, one capsule with breakfast is all it takes to gradually fade stubborn discoloration and and promote a luminous glow.
KAMU
Kamu Vitality, $59.95
A newly-launched wellness brand bridging time-tested practices with modern-day science, Kamu offers three streamlined products using a special Liposomal Technology – it facilitates efficent delivery of each carefully selected ingredient to weakened cells – to help rest, restore, and balance the body and mind at a deep level. And since feeling healthy and vital during these uncertain times is a priority, take two pumps of this every morning.
Cymbiotika
Cymbiotika Golden Mind - Advanced Brain Nutrients, $50
The brain is one of the hardest working organs in the body, but often neglected in the world of supplements. So give it some well-deserved care with this delicious – it tastes like vanilla chai – potion, fortified with nootropics like Phosphatidylcholine, Rodiola Rosea, and Gotu Kola Extract. For the uninitiated, nootropics are natural ingedients that enhance cognitive performance.
Life’s First Naturals
Life’s First Naturals Healthy Immune System Support with ColostrumOne, $39.99
For the uninitiated, colostrum is the incredibly nutrient-rich milk produced after birth that promotes newborn development. And it turns out – bovine colostrum is equally beneficial for adults as well. Take a couple of these just-enveiled capsules every day to help support immunity, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy gut.
CBD Path
CBD Path Pet Drops, $37.50
If you have a pet who’s also been struggling the past few months – my senior pup squarely falls into this category – take comfort in knowing CBD can support your fur child, too. In the same way the all-around workhorse alleviates anxiety, racing thoughts, and sleeplessness for us humans, CBD can also help animals slip into the chill zone and a more calm, relaxed state.
Ritual
Ritual Essential for Women 50+, $35
When Katerina Schneider founded Ritual back in 2016, she was among the first to champion transparency – literally, in regards to the design, and the ingredients – for women’s multivitamins. And to meet the specific needs of post-menopausal women, Ritual thoughtfully unveiled this vitamin late last year. Each crystal-clear capsule contains eight extensively researched ingredients (including Boron and Vitamin K2) that address a range of concerns, from bone strength to muscle function.
Solluna by Kimberly Snyder
Solluna Feel Good Detoxy 2.0, $30.00
No matter how balanced your diet is, it’s only natural to have days when you feel bloated, backed up, and uncomfortable. So when that happens, take several of these capsules with water at night. While you sleep, Feel Good Detoxy 2.0 oxygenates the colon and supports healthy gut bacteria, so elimination the following morning comes with ease.
SUGARBEARHAIR
SugarBearHair Vitamins, $29.99
Don’t be fooled by appearances. Because while these sweet, chewy gummies are adorably shaped and brightly colored, they’re loaded with vitamins and nutrients (think folic acid, biotin, and Vitamin D) that contribute to stronger, healthier locks – making them suitable for everyone, regardless of gender and age. Simply take two a day.
Bio-Kult
Bio-Kult Mind, $29.50
There’s no shortage of probiotic brands, but this British one stands for being non-GMO, requiring no refrigeration, and including a bacterial strain called Bacillus Subtilis PXN 21. And the company’s newest launch spotlights not just the digestive tract, but the brain as well. In addition to probiotics, Bio-Kult Mind has zinc citrate and grape and blueberry extracts to help your mind function as smoothly as your gut.
Vital Proteins
Vital Proteins Vitality, $29
For moments when you’re feeling off, on the verge of getting sick, or worse – like those woefully early mornings that follow late, rowdy nights – empty one of these packets into some water. Chock full of ingredients that bolster your immune system (zinc and L-glutamine) and buffer an overtaxed liver (electrolytes), they’ll get you back on your feet (and off the couch) sooner than later.
Hilma
Hilma Indoor/Outdoor Support for Allergies, $25
Developed for those who routinely suffer from allergies but prefer a more natural approach, these supplements incorporate only proven botanicals (think Tinospora, Butterbur, and Spirulina). In addition to providing lasting relief from indoor and outdoor irritants, they also keep your sinuses comfortably clear to help you breathe with ease.
Zenwise Health
Zenwise Health ZenDEFENSE™, $24.97
Because having a strong immune system is a priority for everyone nowadays – especially in light of the pandemic – pop this recently launched supplement twice a day. It’s packed with vitamin C, zinc, and the brand’s proprietary Immune Defense Blend complex to ward off stress, illness, and other environmental aggressors.
seymour templar
EiR NYC Pure Eir, $20
Here’s the reality: until we have a vaccine for COVID-19, we need to keep our hands exceptionally clean at all times. But instead of a harsh drugstore sanitizer, why not try this? The spray is easy to use, and the elegant formula – comprised of 65% ethyl alcohol and fragrant, protective oils like cypress and sweet orange – makes tidying up on-the-go a pleasure, not a chore.
R3SET
R3SET Calm, $17.99
If you’re overwhelmed with stress – and not to mention, the number of anti-stress supplements on the market – you’re not alone. That’s why a group of doctors and psychologists got together to develop R3SET, which rebalance the three systems (nervous, immune, and endocrine) than can flare up stress. On top of smelling terrific, each transparent capsule is filled with GABA, Ashwagandha, and other ingredients so you feel calm, cool, and collected during the day.
8Greens
8Greens SKIN Tablets, $16
Since it’s going to be a while until most of us can get a proper facial, drop one of these tablets into a glass of water once a day. Loaded with skin-healthy ingredients (including biotin, vitamin A, and marine collagen), 8Greens SKIN helps maintain a supple complexion and radiant glow. Another perk? It tastes delicious, like orchard-fresh apples.
Zhou
Zhou Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, $12.24
Though apple cider vinegar has been widely used by holistic practioners for centuries, it’s only more recently been getting attention stateside. A real powerhouse ingredient, it tackles various issues including blood sugar, heart health, and digestion. The downside? Its astringent taste. So to take advantage of apple cider vinegar’s benefits without the bite, try these gummies.
Gaia Herbs
Gaia Herbs Everyday Elderberry Gummies, $11.99
Though elderberry’s benefits have been touted for centuries, the popularity of the superfood berry has especially boomed during the pandemic. But since the antioxidant-packed fruit can be overly tart on it own, try these juicy, sweet gummies – which feature everything good about elderberry, with none of the bad.
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cbcd01dfeba9e0a2b48df98a26c4eb30 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2020/06/14/celebrated-pitmaster-john-lewis-on-why-brisket-rules-saying-no-to-sauce-and-what-first-timers-should-barbecue-at-home/ | Celebrated Pitmaster John Lewis On Why Brisket Rules, Saying No To Sauce, And What First-Timers Should Barbecue At Home | Celebrated Pitmaster John Lewis On Why Brisket Rules, Saying No To Sauce, And What First-Timers Should Barbecue At Home
Jody Horton
All the things most people find daunting about smoking a brisket (hefty weight, unwieldy shape, significant connective tissue) are what John Lewis embraces: “It’s the biggest challenge of barbecue, that’s why I love it.” Though the born-and-bred Texan didn’t discover Central Texas barbecue – which is marked by simple, dry-rubbed beef – until he moved to Austin as a teenager, he was instantly hooked. “It was so different from what I grew up with in El Paso,” Lewis recalls. “I fell in love with it, and started recreating at home and doing barbecue competitions.”
But it wasn’t until he teamed up with pal Aaron Franklin to help open his eponymous Austin joint back in 2010 that he started grabbing the attention of epicureans and barbecue fanatics alike. Lewis then went on to help LeAnn Mueller and La Barbecue rise to national fame in 2012, before decamping to Charleston in 2016 to strike out on his own with Lewis Barbecue.
Robert Donovan
As you’d expect: the specialty of the house is brisket. Though Lewis’ other offerings (like his pulled pork and housemade sausages) are certainly no slouch, it’s his inimitable ability to transform an otherwise humble slab of beef into something hauntingly aromatic and meltingly tender that steals the spotlight. In addition to taking plenty of time and care (16 to 18 hours for a brisket), Lewis only uses local oak wood in smokers he built himself. “This way I can turn out the exact product I want,” he explains. “My smokers are very efficient and clean burning, so nothing tastes overly smoky.”
Andrew Cebulka
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And with the official start of summer just around the corner, lots of us have barbecue on the mind. But since traveling – even as restrictions ease – isn’t as safe or easy as it was in the past, Lewis thoughtfully made his smoked meats, sauces, and other fun items available for fast, safe shipping right to your door. But if you’re worried about reheating Lewis’ legendary brisket being a challenge, Lewis assures, “The instructions are super easy. Just open the box, and put the bagged brisket in hot water.” (If you want to enjoy some Lewis Barbecue at home, simply place your order online by 11AM on a Wednesday to receive your order that week. Meats are only shipped on Wednesdays to ensure freshness.)
Below, Lewis shares why he moved to Charleston, how to tell the difference between good and not-so-good barbecue, and what to barbecue at home if you’re a first-timer.
Leslie Ryann McKellar
Why did you move to Charleston?
Lewis: I first noticed the food scene when I competed in the SC-TX BBQ Invitational with my friend Rodney Scott. It’s so diverse, and there’s tons of restaurants. It’s also really pretty. The water is blocks from my house, and the temperature is right – just like Austin. You can also get hardwood here, which wouldn’t happen in L.A. or Denver. Like Central Texas, oak is abundant in Charleston. We go through a huge amount of it every week.
How can you tell the difference between good and well, not-so-good barbecue?
Lewis: You should like it. More than that, it shouldn’t be dried out or crumbly. It shouldn’t seem like it was reheated. Personally, I like a nice bark on the outside – it indicates the meat wasn’t steamed too much. It should have a lot of flavor, but never taste burnt.
Leslie Ryann McKellar
What’s your take on sauce? People always seem divided on the issue.
Lewis: My goal is to make meat delicious without fancying it up. If you do use sauce, whatever is underneath has to be a solid product. There are places in Texas that refuse to offer sauce, but we have it. But we’d like you to first try our meats without it. If your barbecue comes with sauce on it, make sure the meat isn’t old or dried out. Some places will smother a bad product with sauce to make it more palatable.
Any tips for people making barbecue at home for the first time?
Lewis: If you’re new, get a pork butt. It’s big, cheap, has a lot of fat marbled through – the more white streaks, the better – and the hardest piece of meat to screw up. The fat will help it baste itself from the inside out, and even if it’s slightly overdone or underdone – it always tastes pretty good once you pull it apart. You can feed a lot of people for little money.
Andrew Cebulka
If there are any leftovers, what are your favorite ways to serve them up?
Lewis: The brisket makes a great filling for Mexican food: breakfast tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. My grandma chops it up and mixes it with pinto beans. For the sausages, try scrambling them with eggs for breakfast.
The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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64ccfd322642c3cfc821657e43275c29 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2020/09/07/why-alexandria-virginia-is-a-smart-choice-for-a-safe-roadtrip-right-now/?sh=3cba5ba543ea | Why Alexandria, Virginia, Is A Safe, Smart Choice For A Roadtrip Right Now | Why Alexandria, Virginia, Is A Safe, Smart Choice For A Roadtrip Right Now
Hover Solutions for Visit Alexandria
If you didn’t already know, Alexandria, Virginia has charms aplenty. For starters: the historic city is incredibly walkable, making it easy to cover a lot of ground in just an overnight jaunt or weekend getaway. And the weather this time of year simply can’t be beat. Days are still sun-drenched and balmy, without the oppressive humidity of peak summer – so spending time outdoors is a no-brainer. Alexandria is also packed with over 200 independently-owned businesses, so you can feel good about supporting the local economy.
Chris Cruz for Visit Alexandria
Regarding safety: the Alexandria Health Department partnered with Visit Alexandria to develop the ALX Promise program – which far exceeds the state’s requirements for businesses to stay open. (Participating businesses display the ALX Promise shield in their windows, and on their websites.) Hotels, as well, have responded by offering a Flex Getaway Hotel Package. Not only are the rates incredibly competitive, you can receive a full refund if you cancel with 24 hours’ notice. Another thing to keep in mind when visiting? Face masks are a must at indoor public spaces – except when you’re eating and drinking – as is maintaining six feet apart from others when appropriate.
Below, a handy guide on what to do, where to eat (all mentioned spots have outdoor seating), and where to stay in Alexandria.
What to Do
Laura Hatcher Photography LLC
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Visit Alexandria curated several self-guided walking tours based on interests, but there are several spots you shouldn’t miss – especially if this is your first time in town. Built in 1830 and spanning a mere seven feet wide, Spite House is the narrowest house in the U.S. Learn about the area’s rich maritime history at the tall ship Providence, and immerse yourself in the thought-provoking art installation by Olalekan Jeyifous titled Wrought, Knit, Labors, Legacies at the Waterfront Park. And though most people visit Carlyle House Historic Park for the architecture, the leafy, lush garden behind the stately mansion is a tranquil spot that feels like an insider’s secret.
Sarah Marcella Creative for Visit Alexandria
King Street, and its charming side streets, is where you’ll discover Old Town’s best shopping. Owned by lawyer-turned-entrepreneur Nicole McGrew – she worked for the Obama administration – Threadleaf is a thoughtfully curated shop dedicated to, in McGrew’s words, “fair labor, small supply chains, and craftsmanship.” That means every piece stocked here, from the breezy Cus frocks to the Fog Linen Work socks, not only will look and wear beautifully for years to come – but are kind to the planet, too.
M Enriquez for Visit Alexandria
Since face masks aren’t going away anytime soon, why not wear one that feels and looks good? Donna Lewis, an elegant boutique tucked away in a courtyard on Cameron Street, carries a rotating selection made with eye-catching fabrics. (House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is a fan, and is regularly out-and-about wearing hers.) Even better? For every mask purchased, Donna Lewis donates one Johns Hopkins Hospital staff.
Jim McNulty/Gigawatt Group
Opening this Sunday, September 13, Salon MONTE by stylist and reality television star Monte Durham is poised to become the go-to spot for the local style set. Big on luxe design (think British wallpaper, a portrait of Durham’s fashion icon, Jacqueline Kennedy, and vintage crystal chandeliers), the chic salon will be offering a range of services, including bespoke haircuts, color, and makeup by Michelle Obama’s go-to guru, Carl Ray. And for guests’ peace of mind, each station is separated by seven-foot dividers.
Where to Eat
rey lopez
Oak Steakhouse Alexandria isn’t your ordinary steakhouse. Instead of white tablecloths and a stodgy decor, you’re greeted with a light-flooded space accented with high ceilings, burgundy leather seats, and a bar shaking up spirited cocktails. The menu is also filled with surprises, including a daily ceviche, spring garlic hummus, and sweet-spicy eggplant with chiles and peanuts. Naturally, there’s plenty of beef available, but it’s the signature Oak Prime Steakburger – piled high with crisp veggies, two sauces, and bacon – that you shouldn’t pass up.
Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa
Even though it opened in 2008, Brabo, a French brasserie located at Alexandria's Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa, remains as popular as ever. And that’s thanks to Executive Chef Sebastien Rondier’s ability to turn out hearty, approachable French cuisine (think quiche, French onion soup, and duck leg confit) prepared with locally-sourced ingredients in an environment that’s refined, yet relaxed. No matter what you get, a side of the golden, crispy frîtes is a must.
Misha Enriquez for Visit Alexandria
Wisconsin-born Brandon Byrd started Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats in 2012, to introduce locals to the creamy, cool dessert he grew up with. Since then, he’s run Goodies with an old-school truck and catering business, but any day now will call Alexandria's historic Ice House home. But if you think custard is anything like soft serve, think again. “Because we add eggs, there’s less air, making it more like gelato,” explains Byrd. “And it’s much more labor intensive, because we double sanitize all our equipment and hand scoop every order.”
Evening Star Cafe
Located in the quirky neighborhood of Del Ray, Evening Star Cafe doesn’t offer one, but two outdoor dining options. The Front Porch is the perfect spot to kick back with a casual sip and snack, but if you’re in the mood to linger longer – make a reservation at the recently unveiled Back Yard. Here, you can tuck into chef Jonathan Till’s globe-trotting plates such as Korean fried cauliflower, zoodles and pesto with basil from Evening Star’s rooftop garden, and Kalua pork plate lunch.
Daniel Scwartz
Have a hankering for seafood? Hank’s Oyster Bar on King Street has you covered. Celebrating the ocean’s bounty, this casual spot turns out exceptionally pristine raw seafood, alongside crowd-pleasing cooked classics like crab cake sandwiches and lobster rolls. Outdoor seating is available, but if you’re more comfortable dining at home – order a family meal. Available for delivery or to-go, these kits include everything you need to enjoy a traditional lobster dinner or lobster rolls at your convenience.
Where to Stay
The Alexandrian
Want to be located in the heart of it all, in close proximity to everything Alexandria has to offer? Then look no further than The Alexandrian. Situated on King Street in Old Town, the property sports a colorful, cheerful decor – the lobby just came off a sparkling renovation – and 241 rooms and suites with plenty of space so you can fully decompress after a day of exploring. And to ensure the safety of both guests and staff, the Marriott Cleanliness Council developed extensive sanitization protocols, which cover everything from food handling to cleaning accommodations with hospital-grade disinfectants.
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b2bf9817af5f658e21bc141f3dd2f49b | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2020/09/22/60-healthy-snacks-and-sips-to-stock-up-on-this-fall/?sh=332e97e87ca9 | 60 Healthy Snacks And Sips To Stock Up On This Fall | 60 Healthy Snacks And Sips To Stock Up On This Fall
Alpha Foods
Today is the Autumnal Equinox, meaning that fall has officially begun. Though I love most things that come with the season, I don’t love is how rich, not-so-nutritious cuisine seems to pop up everywhere now, from grocery stores to social gatherings. But since life is all about balance: below are 60 healthy snacks and sips (listed in alphabetical order) to stock up on, so you can stay on track and still indulge from time to time.
Alpha Foods Crispy Chik'n Burgers
One of my favorite things eat, no matter the time or season, are fried chicken sandwiches. But since I’m trying to eat a little more healthfully nowadays, these plant-based patties have come to the rescue. Instead of pan-frying them, though, I spray them with coconut oil and toss them into my air fryer. Within minutes, I have a golden, crispy, and “meaty” patty ready to go.
Ambrosia Bag
Ambrosia Bag
This innovative and reusable zipper pouch made of flax linen will extend the life of all types of produce. Just wash the items, shake off excess water, place them into your bag, and store in your fridge’s crisper drawer. They’ll stay fresh for days to come, while reducing your impact on the environment.
Aura Bora
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Aura Bora Lavender Cucumber Herbal Sparkling Water
This new sparkling water company gets everything right. The design, with its whimsical illustrations, is positively pretty. The herb-centric flavors and aromas, like the Lavender Cucumber, are soothing from the first whiff to the last sip. And because they’re calorie-free, you can sip away to your heart’s content.
Austin Eastciders
Austin Eastciders Cranberry Cider
Just in time for fall is this festive limited-edition cider. Because it’s blended with bittersweet apples and fresh cranberries, the flavor is crisp, dry, and subtly sweet. While it’s perfect for solo sipping on its own, it’s equally terrific a base for a holiday punch.
Babe Wines
Babe Wines Rosé With Bubbles Cans
Feeling a little low, down, in a funk? Then crack open some Babe Wine sparkling rosé. From the peppy, feel-good packaging to the fizzy, citrusy wine, it’s impossible to not have your spirits lifted after a can (or more).
Barbara's
Barbara's Jalapeño Cheese Puffs
These crunchy, cheezy snacks provide a lot of nostalgia, while feeling of the moment with their more nutritious ingredients. Two types of cheese, cheddar and blue, lend an extra savory flavor, and jalapeno adds a hint of heat.
Banza
Banza Mac & Cheese
What’s better than good old macaroni and cheese? How about a version that stars chewy, tender pasta made of chickpeas for almost double the protein, three times the fiber, and almost a third fewer carbs than traditional noodles? And don’t worry: when prepared, it tastes just as dreamy as the versions we grew up with.
Beanfields Snacks
Beanfields Snacks Korean BBQ Vegan Cracklins
There’s no denying it: pork cracklins are flavorful, irresistibly crunchy, and downright addictive. But since plant-based eating is better for our health and environment, try these spicy-sweet snacks the next time a craving hits.
Beauteani
Beauteani Srsly Soak’d Tea
As a tea drinker, I’m always on the lookout for new brands. While this company’s collection – which champions revitalizing your skin from the inside out – is comprised of four teas that target different concerns, Srsly Soak’d is my favorite. The apple pomace, hibiscus, and black currant not only taste fruity and tart, they also help restore moisture to my dry complexion.
Bitchin' Sauce
Bitchin' Sauce Spinach Artichoke Dip
Nothing says party more than a big bowl of dip and chips. The problem? Most dips are loaded with dairy, extra sodium, and other not-so-nutrituous stuff. So let this tub come to the rescue. The base is made with organic ingredients, such as heart-healthy almonds and spinach, and the taste is so good – you’ll find plenty of other ways to use it (like as a sandwich spread).
Bubbies Hawaii
Bubbies Peppermint Candy Mochi
Available for a limited time, these mochi treats from the beloved brand only use non-GMO ingredients, from the delicate rice dough to the rich ice cream. They’re also gluten-free and only 90 calories each. This flavor, in particular, feels extra festive with its pink color and refreshing, minty flavor.
CALIFORNIA OLIVE RANCH
California Olive Ranch Sweet Vanilla Extra Virgin Olive Oil Baking Blend
Just in time for all your seasonal baking needs comes this newly-launched product. Blended with olive oils from California, Argentina, and Portugal, and infused with aromatic vanilla, it’s a more nutritious alternative to butter and canola oil. Need inspiration? Then start with this Petite Vanilla Cakes recipe exclusively developed by Rebecca Firth.
Cello
Cello Pumpkin Spice Fontal Cheese from Wisconsin
Fun fact: over 40% Wisconsinites are of German descent. So no wonder the midwestern state produces such exceptional cheeses. And this whimsical, just-released one makes the already buttery, creamy cheese even more snackable with a dusting of warm, seasonal spices and a touch of honey.
Cleveland Kitchen
Cleveland Kitchen Roasted Garlic Dressing
The Cleveland-based company’s goal is to help Americans embrace fermented foods, as they do in Asia and Europe. And this versatile, garlicky dressing makes it easy to do with a well-balanced flavor that’s tangy and savory, with a hint of sweet. Drizzle it on salad, marinate a protein in it, or use it as a dip.
The Collaborative
The Collaborative Chocolate Ganache Plant-Based Desserts
Like a lot of people, I’m a bit sensitive to dairy. But I also love most things it’s included in – namely, dessert. These pre-portioned pots of rich pudding brimming with dark chocolate let me indulge my sweet tooth, without compromising my digestion.
Columbine® Vineyards
Columbine® Vineyards Holiday® Grapes
Available now through the end of the year, these red grapes aren’t just easy on the eyes, they’re deeply delicious, too. The seedless fruit is plump, juicy, and yields a perfectly crisp bite. As for the flavor? It’s sweet, yet not cloyingly so. Snack on them plain, or arrange them on a cheese plate.
Comvita
Comvita MGO 50+ Multifloral Manuka Honey
Sourced from New Zealand, Manuka Honey has been trending for many reasons. It’s loaded with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s also deeper in color, and richer in texture than regular honey. And the taste is wonderfully deep and earthy. But since most are expensive, Comvita thoughtfully just released this MGO 50+ Raw Multifloral version.
Coombs Family Farms
Coombs Family Farms Maple Stream Sprayable Maple Syrup
There’s much to love about maple syrup. It’s natural, and rich with antioxidants and nutrients like riboflavin and zinc. Also, it has less calories than honey and table sugar, and has a striking amber color and caramel-like flavor. The issue? The mess it can make. Enter this brand new product by Coombs Family Farms. Simply dispense what you need, and store in your pantry (no refrigeration needed).
Daring Foods
Daring Foods Cajun Pieces
This pouch makes it easy to incorporate more plant-based foods into your everyday eating, without sacrificing the meaty taste you love. It’s a cinch to prepare – simply heat in a pan with oil –and the bold flavor enhances just about dish you’d use spicy chicken in, from stir fries to sandwiches.
Diamond of California
Diamond of California Hickory Smoked Bacon Walnuts
While these walnuts are great for snacking (as the packaging implies), I think they’re even better when sprinkled atop salads and other dishes that require bacon. They impart a hearty crunch, a nice dose of healthy fats, and a meaty, smoky flavor.
Evergreen
Evergreen Zucchini & Carrot Frozen Mini Waffles
Swap your conventional frozen waffles with these. They’re made with only nine simple ingredients (like whole wheat flour, eggs, and carrots), loaded with nutrition (including lots of iron), and most importantly: taste terrific. Simply toast and snack on them plain, or load them with your favorite toppings for a light meal.
Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt
Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt Pumpkin Pie
Born out of Seattle’s legendary Pike Place Market and owned by the Apostolopoulos family, Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt delivers authentic, hand-crafted Greek yogurt – even the whole milk is sourced from a local farmer – right to your door. This limited-edition flavor evokes the cozy vibes of your favorite holiday pie with its pumpkin puree and cinnamon crumble.
Elmhurst 1925
Elmhurst 1925 Original Unsweetened Oat Creamer
Most commercial creamers contain hydrogenated oil, sugar, and other artifical ingredients you wouldn’t dream of ingesting. Rather, add a splash of this to your morning coffee or tea. It’s made with 100% whole grain oats, and has a rich, velvety mouthfeel.
Fat Snax
Fat Snax Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies
Despite being being free of sugar and grains, these keto and gluten-free cookies are packed with warm, spicy flavor and will have you feeling all the feels this fall. The only catch? They’re officially launching online October 6 and available for a short time, so text FATYEAH to 290-71 for early access and delivery.
Favalicious
Favalicious Wasabi & Ginger Crunchy Roasted Fava Beans
These roasted fava beans are far more than snacks, they’re superfoods. Packed with protein and fiber – and seasonsed with a bit of sweet heat thanks for wasabi and ginger – even a small handful will leave you feeling full for hours. Nosh on them right out of the bag, or add them to soups and salads.
Flying Embers Fruit & Flora Hard Seltzer
Flying Embers Fruit & Flora Hard Seltzers
No wonder hard seltzers are so popular. They’re lower in calories and carbs than most alcoholic drinks. They’re also portable, so you can enjoy them whenever you please. But if you want to sip more healthfully, reach for these just-released hard seltzers featuring nuanced flavors, probotics, and all organic ingredients.
Gelato Boy
Gelato Boy Dairy-Free Cookies + Cream
Cookies and cream ice cream isn’t anything new, but this product from the Colorado-based stands out with its extra fluffy texture – similar to the versions you’d find in Rome – generous chunks of chocolate wafers, and a punch of salt to balance out the sweetness. Also, the base is made of coconut and cashew milk, if you’re trying to avoid dairy.
GG
GG Scandinavian Fiber Crispbread Thins
These traditional, slow-baked thin crackers come from Norway, and what makes them a staple in healthy lifestyles is because they’re high in fiber, low in calories, and provide a substantial, hearty crunch. And you can top them in endless ways, from scrambled eggs to chicken salad.
Ghia
GHIA
Ghia, a non-alcoholic apéritif, was born out of Mélanie Masarin’s desire to stop drinking – but not stop having fun. This chic bottle contains a thoughtfully-curated blend of herbals and botanicals proven to be good for the mind and body. Enjoy on the rocks, as you would a real apéritif, or incorporate it into a mocktail or cocktail.
GT Living in Gratitude Kombucha
GT’s Living in Gratitude Synergy Kombucha
Despite the highly emotive and uncertain times we’re in, the reality is we all have much to be grateful for as well. And this limited-edition kombucha bottles up all those good vibes, along with a generous dose of health (think Pink Lady apple, fresh turmeric, and warming fall spices), to help you feel wonderful inside and out.
gimMe
gimMe Snacks Organic Roasted Seaweed Snacks Teriyaki
As a Korean-American, one of my favorite foods growing up was roasted, seasoned seaweed. The only downside? The time it took basting each sheet with oil, roasting it over fire, then salting it. These convenient, pre-portioned packages make it easy to nosh on seaweed whenever the craving hits.
Good Good
GOOD GOOD Sweet Strawberry Jam
Toast isn’t reserved just for breakfast in my home. It’s also a quick snack that’s perfect anytime of day. Salty butter and jam are requisite toppings, but since the latter is filled with added sugar – also because I’m a jam fanatic – I’ve been using this. There’s no added sugar, and contains only five calories per tablespoon.
Gundry MD
Gundry MD Chef's Select Organic Olive Oil
From cardiac surgeon-turned-wellness entrepreneur Dr. Steven Gundry comes this high-end olive oil produced exclusively in Morocco. In addition to have a bracing, slightly spicy flavor, it’s extremely rich in polyphenols – which can lower your risk of heart disesase, while improving brain health.
Health-Ade
Health-Ade Plus Chill
Popular kombucha brand decided to make kombucha, the sparkling probiotic drink, even more nutritious by incoporating adaptogens. Chill, for example, incorporates lavender, vanilla, and passionflower to naturally and deliciously soothe even the most frazzled nerves.
Hella Cocktail Co.
Hella Cocktail Co. Bitters & Soda Spritz Aromatic
Summer, the unofficial season of spritzes, may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them for months to come. And these cans, made with Gentian, clove, allspice, and orange peel, are terrific for solo sipping but even better when incorporated into cocktails.
Heywell
Heywell Energy + Immunity Sparkling Grapefruit
These low-calorie sparkling waters do more than hydrate – they can relax and energize you, too. And one can of the Energy + Immunity Sparkling Grapefruit, infused with Schisandra, L-Theanine, and organic caffeine, is all it takes to help me shake off an afternoon slump (or a bad case of writer’s block).
Hippeas
Hippeas Nacho Vibes Organic Chickpea Puffs
Do you know why Americans are obsessed with junk food? For one reason: it tastes good. But these puffs made with a few, clean ingredients (like chickpea flower and sunflower oil) have the same airy texture and chaseable cheezy flavor of their commercial counterparts you might say goodbye to the processed versions for good.
Hope Foods
Hope Foods Thai Coconut Curry Hummus
Loaded with fiber and protein, hummus is a natural choice for healthy snacking. The issue? It can get boring after a while. So reach for this version, when you want to switch up your routine. Laced with coconut flakes, jalapenos, and curry powder, it’s so bold you’ll find plenty of ways to use it beyond the usual crudite.
Humboldt Distillery
Humboldt Distillery Organic Vodka
They might be clear and odorless, but that doesn’t mean all vodkas are created equal. Because when you think about the spirit’s base – whether it be corn or potatoes – you also have to consider if the ingredients are GMO or farmed with pesticides. So for peace of mind, from the first to last sip, drink this small-batch vodka that’s made with organic sugarcane and carbon-filtered for a silky finish.
JUSTIN’S®
JUSTIN’S® Almond Butter Protein Bar
Just released this month, these bars are packed with, as you’d expect, the company’s famouse almond butter. In addition, they’re sweetened with organic maple syrup for a hint of sweetness, and loaded with healthy fats and ten grams of protein so you’ll feel satisfied long after the bar is done. Enjoy them at room temp, or store in the fridge for a cool, refreshing treat.
Ketel One
Ketel One Botanical Vodka Spritz in Grapefruit & Rose
Unveiled on September 1, these ready-to-drink canned cocktails from Ketel One feature original flavors featuring fruits and herbs, are made from 100% non-GMO grain, and have only 73 calories per serving. The Grapefruit & Rose is an especially sophisticated sipper, balancing juicy, pleasantly bitter grapefruit with soft, creamy notes of rose.
KeVita
KeVita Master Brew Kombucha French Oak Apple
Why not celebrate the fall season in good taste and health? That’s the thinking behind this autumnal kombucha marrying the refreshingly earthy flavors of wood and crisp apple. The fizz is subtle, there’s no alcohol, and you’ll get to treat your body to a ton of healthy live probiotics with each sip.
KIND
KIND Frozen Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt Bars
These bars bridge the gap between a healthy snack and sweet indulgence. Because almonds are the first ingredient, you’ll feel good about noshing on them. And because they incorporate dark chocolate, you’ll also feel like your treating yourself to a candy bar – a frozen, more nutritious one, no less.
Kitchen Toke
Kitchen Toke Hemp Honey
For Joline Rivera, it made sense to marry two of nature’s most powerful ingredients, honey and hemp, together. And the uses of this deeply healing, full-spectrum product are endless. Stir into a hot beverage, apply to cold sores to alleviate discomfort, or simply enjoy on its own.
KRAVE
Krave Plant-Based Jerky Smoked Chipotle
While many brands have been able to successfully replicate my go-to meat-based products, jerky wasn’t one of them. Then Krave came along earlier this year with a vegan version. From the pouch to the actual jerky pieces – which are smoky and perfectly chewy – there’s nothing about this that doesn’t feel like the real deal.
La Brea Bakery
La Brea Bakery Country White Sourdough Loaf
While I’m for the sourdough baking craze that swept the country, it’s not my thing. (Cooking, on the other hand, is a different story.) Instead, I’ll grab a loaf of this at my local grocery store. It bears all the hallmarks of a perfect sourdough: the crust is brown and crackly, and the crumb is slightly custardy, tangy, and open.
LesserEvil
LesserEvil Organic Popcorn Pumpkin Spice
Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks. Fall is my favorite time of year. So why not marry the two? Thankfully, LesserEvil was thinking the same thing when it announced it’d be unveiling a limited-edition Pumpkin Spice popcorn. It’s lightly salty and sweet, and laced with warm, seasonal spices.
Little Northern Bakehouse
Little Northern Bakehouse Original Artisan Style Pizza Crust
Pizza fantatics understand the foundation of a noteworthy pie is the crust. And with these, gluten-free eaters can finally enjoy great-tasting pies without feeling they’re missing out. Thanks to a proprietary blend of white rice flour, tapioca starch, and chickpea flour, each bite balances crisp and chew.
Little Secrets
Little Secrets Cookie Bars Milk Chocolate With Caramel
Despite the name, these treats should not be kept secret. In fact, the world should know how mind-blowingly delicious these are – even though they’re made with fair trade certified chocolate, and no high fructose corn syrup or artifical anything. Just one bite, and you’ll want to spread the word, too.
LOVE GROWN
Love Grown Honey Nut Grain Free Cereal
Breakfast is now something I look forward to, thanks to this cereal. It’s subtly sweet – and reminds me of a childhood favorite – crunchy, and free of gluten and added sugar. Satisfying with a splash of almond or oak milk, it also makes for a great snack right out of the box.
Maker
Maker 2019 Viognier Can
Maker is elevating the world of canned wines by exclusively teaming up with independent wine makers and canning their products in small batches. The 2019 Viognier, for example, is made with organic, biodynamic fruit and has delicate, fruity-floral notes. Even better? Each can has less than one gram of carbs, and low residual sugars.
maple craft
Maple Craft Honey-Infused Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
Sometimes, more is better. And that’s definitely the case with this product combining two of nature’s best sweeteners, honey and organic maple syrup – which has been aged in bourbon barrels, no less. While using it at breakfast is a no brainer, also try swirling it into tea, and drizzling it into vanilla ice cream.
Mother Raw
Mother Raw Vegan Queso
Despite being made with uncooked ingredients (think hemp seeds, cold-pressed olive oil, and nutritional yeast) – as the name implies – this cheeseless sauce packs a serious umami punch. Use it any dish that needs a zesty flavor and melty texture, like pizza and nachos.
Mochidoki
Mochidoki Coconut Mochi
To help me kick the bad habit of digging right into a pint of ice cream (and “inadvertently” finishing it), I’m reaching for these treats instead. They’re 80 calories each, fuss-free (just grab and eat) and chip-studded coconut tastes far more indulgent than you’d expect – not unlike coconut cake, my favorite dessert.
Nutiva
Nutiva Organic Vegan Ghee
If you adore ghee (the clarified butter that’s a staple in Indian cooking), but are trying to avoid dairy, then reach for this newly-launched item. Blended with coconut and avocado oils, and turmeric for a golden color, it spreads easily and cooks at a high smoke point just like real ghee.
Outstanding Foods
Outstanding Foods Pig Out Pigless Pork Rinds Salt and Vinegar
The plant-based snack food company c0-founded by chef Dave Anderson and CEO Bill Glaser lets you snack away to your heart’s content, but with none of the guilt. And this flavor, which just launched, provides equal parts salt and tang – along with a ton of satisfying crunch.
Otamot
Otamot Essential Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is a pantry staple, but lots of versions add soybean oil and sugar. This one, instead, with the clever name (“tomato” spelled backwards), relies on olive oil and a medley of vegetables for added nutrition, and a vibrant flavor that’s not too acidic. Use it anywhere you’d use tomato sauce, from soup to pastas.
Recess
Recess CBD-infused Sparkling Water Pomegranate Hibiscus
This sparkling beverage is refreshingly light and fruity, and low in sugar and calories – making it ideal for all-day sipping. Even better? It’s infused with a bevy of natural ingredients (CBD) and adaptagens (ginseng and lemon balm), so you can feel present and calm anytime you feel stress creeping up.
Reed's
Reed's Zero Sugar Real Ginger Ale
Loaded with antioxidants, ginger is a powerhouse that can help with a number of health issues from poor digestion to nausea. To enjoy its benefits in a crisp, refreshing, and guilt-free form, reach for this. It contains real ginger and zero sugar, unlike most conventional ginger ales, and tastes crisp and clean.
RightRice
RightRice Garlic Herb
Finally, you can enjoy fluffy, flavorful rice with fewer carbs. On top of that, each package boasts more protein and fiber, is made with real vegetables, and a breeze to cook. The garlic herb flavor is just savory enough, and a perfect complement to roasted proteins and vegetables.
Rudi's Organic Bakery
Rudi's Organic Bakery Bagels
Rudi’s Organic Bakery offers organic, delicious pre-packaged breads and baked goods, and are a smart alternative to what you find in grocery stores. And these bagels are no exception. Generously-sized and pillowy soft out of the bag, they’re even better toasted with a smear of cream cheese.
Saltverk
Saltverk Hand Harvested Seaweed Salt
Sourced from Iceland’s Westfjords region, this artisanal salt is processed with geothermal energy, and thereby sustainable as well. As for the taste? It’s crisp, well-rounded, and the addition of several types of seaweed lends extra savory notes.
SeaSnax
SeaSnax Chomperz
These fun snacks check off all the boxes. They create a satisfyingly hearty crunch. The seaweed adds a smack of umami, making them even more chasable. They’re also non-GMO, low in calories, and with no trans fat so you can fell good about polishing off an entire bag by yourself.
Sheila G's
Sheila G's Caramel Apple Blondie Brownie Brittle
It’s a good thing these are available for a limited time this fall, because putting them down is downright impossible. The squares are super light and crispy, rich and buttery, and studded with lots of caramel chips. And thankfully, they only clock 130 calories per serving.
SkinnyDipped
SkinnyDipped Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Cashews
Nuts may be a go-to in the world of nutritious snacking, but truthfully, I get bored with them quickly. These newly-released nuts are the perfect solution. They marry whole, crunchy cashews with a hint of salty caramel and ethically-sourced dark chocolate, and balance sweet and savory. As you could imagine: they’re also downright addictive.
Sophie's Kitchen
Sophie's Kitchen Plant-Based Toona Black Pepper
While this vegan “fish” is fine right out the can, I think it really shines when prepared like a tuna salad. First drain, mix in mayo and your other favorite additions – mine are chopped onions and sweet pickle relish – then scoop on top of sandwich bread. It’s also terrific in tuna melts.
SPICY NUGGS
SPICY NUGGS
Anyone who know me knows I’m always down for all shapes of boneless fried chicken. Those people also know I’m trying eat less animal-based protein. These savory, subtly SPICY NUGGS help me resolve all my cravings, while feeling good about the planet. Instead of baking: I pop them into my air fryer, where they become extra crispy with little effort.
Spindrift
Spindrift Pineapple Sparkling Water
Though summer might be officially over, keep those easygoing, sun-drenched vibes going for months to come with Sundrift’s latest flavor. The pineapple flavor is zippy, juicy and fruit-forward, and because each thirst-quenching can clocks a mere 15 calories – you can sip away to your heart’s content.
Stonyfield Organic
Stonyfield Organic 100% Grassfed Greek Yogurt
Did you know that yogurt made with milk from grassfed cows is far superior than conventional ones? In addition to having a more balanced ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids (our body’s building blocks), the higher concentration of conjugated linoleic acid may help reduce heart disease as well.
Trufflin
Trufflin Ranch
This officially has replaced ketchup as my go-to condiment these days. Just thick enough and perfectly balanced, it’s infused with real French black truffles – which instead of dominating, effortlesly elevate everything you drizzle it on, from eggs to pizza.
Ultimate Pet Nutrition
Ultimate Pet Nutrition Nutra Bites For Dogs
If you’re anything like me: dogs aren’t just pets, they’re family. So I’m mindful of how my pooch eats, especially now that’s he a senior. Unlike other overly-processed treats, these are made with just freeze-dried raw bison liver for a taste my Buster goes bonkers for, along with plenty of vitamins and minerals.
United Sodas of America
United Sodas of America Toasted Coconut
The mission of the Brooklyn-based beverage company is simple: to get everyone enjoying sodas once again. There’s a twist, of course. United Sodas clock just 30 calories per can, come in a range of original, natural flavors, and are packaged in vibrant, colorful cans. My favorite flavor is Toasted Coconut, which sips like sunshine.
Utopihen Farms
Utopihen Farms Pasture-Raised Duck Eggs
While there’s many varieties of eggs available, from conventional to cage-free, pastured is the gold standard for its superior health, and humane treatment of animals. (The birds roam free on pastures, as nature intended.) And family-owned Utopihen Farms produces some of the best duck eggs money can buy. They boast more protein and fat, and sport strikingly orange yolks.
Verve Culture
Verve Culture Pad Thai for Two Cooking Kit
For many New Yorkers, Pad Thai is on regular delivery rotation. But if you want to try making the classic noodle dish at home, get this kit, which contains everything you need – just add your favorite protein and veggies – to have it ready in under ten minutes.
vervet
Vervet Angelicano Canned Cocktail
Canned cocktails are ubiquitous, but many are syrupy sweet, diluted, and a far cry from what you’d get at your local bar. To remedy that, Vervet launched this year with four original libations. While they’re all thoughtfully composed of artisinal spirits and small-batch ingredients, the Angelicano stands out with its complex, gently bitter, and subtly fizzy profile.
Virgil's
Virgil's Zero Sugar Root Beer
With these cans, you’ll find the quintessential root beer. There’s great, lively effervescence. And its flavor, color, and aroma are wonderfully decadent, creamy, and complex – thanks to a proprietary blend of roots and spices. Even better? There’s zero sugar, meaning there’s zero guilt.
Waterloo
Waterloo Grape Sparkling Water
By far and away, sparkling water is my favorite thing to drink. (Next to champagne, you’ll always find it in my fridge.) But if I had to pick just one brand, it’d be Waterloo Grape. The bubbles are bracing and large, and the concord grape flavor is pronounced and bold – reminding me of the candies I grew up with, in the best way possible.
Wonderful Pistachios
Wonderful No Shell Pistachios Chili Roasted
I’m on team pistachio because of the exceptionally rich, subtly sweet flavor each nut packs. The only problem? Working through those shells. These handy bags resolve that issue altogether, and make the nuts even more addictive with a savory, subtly spicy flavor.
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59d2bb076d4dbd154d5932a867323b58 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2020/10/25/why-you-should-plan-a-road-trip-to-lexington-virginias-best-kept-secret/ | Why You Should Plan A Road Trip To Lexington, Virginia’s Best Kept Secret | Why You Should Plan A Road Trip To Lexington, Virginia’s Best Kept Secret
Sera Petras Photography
Editor's Note: If you’re traveling, please check local government restrictions and safety measures related to COVID-19, and consider your health and comfort levels before departure.
I’ll always be partial to the energy and diversity of big cities, but the pandemic (and the general uncertainty of this year) has me yearning for the a less hectic, unhurried pace. That’s when small towns enter the picture. Not only are many charming ones located an easy drive from New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, they offer neighborly, low-key vibes and just as important: a sense of safety with their sparser, spread out populations.
That’s definitely the case with Lexington, Virginia. A three-hour drive from the nation’s capital, this tiny town with a population just shy of 7,500 is hidden away – so much so, even today many Americans haven’t heard of it – among the Shenandoah Valley’s Blue Ridge Mountains. And given its scenic natural backdrop: there’s never a bad time of year to visit, and plenty of ways to take advantage of the fresh, country air.
Because the community is so friendly and close-knit, you’ll feel right at ease from the moment you park your car – which many locals don’t even bother to lock. Regarding COVID-19: Lexington developed PACT (Protecting All Citizens and Travelers), a series of protocols practiced by hospitality businesses, to ensure your peace of mind. (Just look for the PACT logo in storefronts.)
While Lexington is mostly known for being a collegiate town – the Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University are based here – there’s also a surprisingly refined culinary and cultural scene belying its small size. It’s one of many reasons native Virginians Teddy and Ann Parker Gottwald opened The Georges, an award-winning boutique property, in 2014.
Ahead, why you should consider making the hotel your home base when visiting the incredibly charming town of Lexington.
Background in Brief
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The Georges
After acquiring two historic downtown structures, the Washington and Marshall Buildings, in 2012 and spending over a year overseeing a sweeping renovation, the Gottwalds unveiled The Georges in the spring of 2014. But the couple’s personal ties to Lexington sparked almost two decades ago. “We loved the Inn’s historic charm and location long before we took over,” says Ann. “We stayed in the former Alexander-Withrow House in the ‘80s, which currently houses five of our suites in the Washington building.” And last year, the The Patton Room, a chic, light-flooded venue ideal for more intimate occasions (like family gatherings and micro-weddings), opened.
Sera Petras Photography
Unlike corporate cookie cutter hotels, The Georges squarely focuses on making everything, from the check-in area to the accommodations, feel as warm and residential as possible. “We wanted our guest experience to feel like a fresh and comfortable home away from home,” says Ann. “But since our two main buildings were originally built in 1796 and 1809, we also made sure our designs were contemporary, yet timeless.”
Above all else, The Georges ensures everyone truly feels welcome with plenty of authentic Southern hospitality. Ann explains, “We wanted to provide a convivial gathering place for all of our guests, whether they are parents of W&L students, or visitors exploring the Shenandoah Valley’s many outdoor adventures.”
Accommodations
Gordon Gregory
There are 18 rooms and suites, with no two configured alike or resembling one another. As for the design, Ann took inspiration from her personal travels in luxury hotels. To that end, the accommodations are elegantly appointed (think decorative wallpaper and plush beds dressed in Frette linens and Peacock Alley blankets) with plenty of space and light, so you can fully decompress in style. Even the bathrooms dazzle, with thoughtfully considered touches like towel warmers and heated flooring.
My room was cloaked in crisp palette of white and ivory, and accented with throw pillows and artwork in muted pastel shades. But what really set it apart from other hotels were the balcony overlooking Main Street – it’s where I enjoyed my daily complimentary breakfast – and fireplace, which kept me toasty when the evening chill set in.
Dining
Gordon Gregory
Eating and drinking well at The Georges comes easily, thanks to TAPS and Haywood's Piano Bar and Grill. TAPS is the signature lounge specializing in comfort fare with Southern flair, like Virginia fried oysters and a house burger smothered with bacon-onion jam and pimento cheese. Open Thursday through Sundays evenings, Haywood's (named after Ann’s father) is a polished, yet laid-back restaurant marrying refined continental cuisine – even simple items like kale salads shine, with the help of pomegranate arils, toasted pumpkin seeds, and creamy tahini dressing – and live piano music nightly.
Both establishments are helmed by the bright and talented young chef Valeria Castro, whom trained at The Culinary Institute of America and cut her professional culinary chops for acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Given her worldly background – she also grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico – all of her dishes are beautifully balanced, with subtle nods to Asian and Latin cuisine.
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9114369feb33ebe5cf971d5a3ed67c3c | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2020/11/12/why-ben-chekroun-le-bernardins-longtime-matre-d-left-manhattan-for-maryland/ | Why Ben Chekroun, Le Bernardin’s Longtime Maître D’, Left Manhattan For Maryland | Why Ben Chekroun, Le Bernardin’s Longtime Maître D’, Left Manhattan For Maryland
Ben Chekroun, who was Le Bernardin’s maître d' for 27 years, is now bringing his expertise to ... [+] Bluepoint Hospitality in Easton, Maryland. Melanie Dunea
If you’ve been to Le Bernardin, you’d recognize Ben Chekroun. As the longstanding maître d' of the French seafood stalwart by chef Eric Ripert, Chekroun managed everything related to the front of the house, including staff training, reservations, and maintaining ratings – always wearing a gentle smile and sharp suit, no less.
But then the pandemic swept across the country in March, forcing many dining establishments, including Le Bernardin, to shutter their doors mid-month. Suddenly, Chekroun, who began with the restaurant in 1993, was also without a job.
Thankfully, it didn’t take long for things to pick up. A few months later, Paul Prager, a regular of Le Bernardin, heard about Chekroun’s situation and reached out. As the founder of Bluepoint Hospitality, a collection of boutique restaurants and shops in Easton, Maryland, Prager realized he could use someone of Chekroun’s professional background, gracious personality, and loyalty.
What began as a consulting position in the summer – Chekroun was helping align consistency of service across the Bluepoint portfolio – blossomed into something more. “I was enjoying the company as a whole, but I especially liked working with Paul – because it’s clear he really cares about people,” explains Chekroun of Prager’s compassion, a trait that could easily be lost on someone juggling such a full life. (Prager is also the CEO of Beowulf Energy.) “During a staff meeting, Paul noticed one of our florists carrying a heavy vase outside, and pointed out someone should help her,” recalls Chekroun. “Not everyone notices these small details.”
Helmed by executive chef Harley Peet, Bas Rouge is a fine dining gem specializing in contemporary ... [+] European cuisine. Nicole Franzen
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Now, Chekroun is the General Manager of Bluepoint Hospitality. And his goal isn’t just to make service at every establishment is good, but great – unforgettable, even. And because all the Bluepoint concepts – which range from Weather Gage, a grab-and-go coffee shop, to Bas Rouge, an elegant contemporary European restaurant – already marry considered design with exceptional food and beverage offerings, it’s easy for Chekroun to dedicate himself to ensuring guests feel welcomed and cared for. “What I want Bluepoint to be known for is our ability to combine these things with friendly and humble service,” he says.
Though Chekroun worked for 27 years at one of the world’s most famed formal restaurants and believes fine dining will continue, he understands that today’s diners – especially in light of the pandemic – naturally crave something “a little more casual and relaxed.” He also recognizes that the needs of younger diners are different from their parents’ generation: “For them, it’s not just about the food and beverage, but the experience and how they interact with staff.”
In the short months he’s been with Bluepoint, Chekroun’s been humbled by the overwhelmingly positive response people have had to all the concepts: “I’m amazed at the impression they leave on everyone, even New Yorkers. The combination of Easton and what Bluepoint offers is truly magical.” But whomever enters the doors, Chekroun’s philosophy remains simple: “It doesn’t matter who sits at your table. You have to learn how to read them, make them feel at ease, and make sure they have a great experience.”
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f1320b004e4e1c22dec6d7c64fa80d0d | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2020/11/29/why-you-should-visit-new-hope-pennsylvanias-most-charming-town/?sh=747d55a91554 | Why You Should Visit New Hope, Pennsylvania’s Most Charming Town | Why You Should Visit New Hope, Pennsylvania’s Most Charming Town
Visit Bucks County
Editor's Note: If you’re traveling, please check local government restrictions and safety measures related to COVID-19, and consider your health and comfort levels before departure.
New Yorkers are fortunate because they have options when it comes to easy getaways – lots of them, in fact. The issue? They wind up frequenting the same spots, like the Hamptons and Hudson Valley, over and over again.
So why not venture out of New York State to New Hope, Pennsylvania? A short two-hour drive from the city – it’s also just 25 miles from Philadelphia, and 150 from Washington, D.C. – this impossibly charming town in Bucks County has it all: splendid scenery, colorful history, locally-owned businesses, and as of a couple months ago, a sophisticated hotel that feels right at home along the Delaware River.
Below, why you should consider planning a road trip to New Hope.
River House at Odette’s
Don Pearse Photographers Inc.
Opened in late September, River House at Odette’s is Bucks County’s first luxury boutique hotel. It occupies the land where Chez Odette, the lively and beloved cabaret by Odette Myrtil Logan, once sat (the building was thoughtfully moved before hotel construction) and is the second property by Refined Hospitality.
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As for the look? It’s virbant, original, and wonderfully unexpected. “Keeping in mind with our the New Hope community and all the creative people that live here, the design is eclectic,” says general manager Theresa Fera. “There’s lots of accents nodding to our natural surroundings as well.” The 36 rooms and suites all offer soul-soothing views of the river and mountains, and are kitted out with quirky touches, like lush floral murals, graphic area rugs, and cheerfully-colored furnishings. And this summer, there will be even more room for guests to unwind in when The Residences (a two-floor structure with two super-spacious suites) are unveiled.
Don Pearse Photographers Inc.
But what really makes River House at Odette’s such a welcome addition to Bucks County is its ability to attract locals and visitors with three options for drinking, dining, and socializing (safely, of course). Odette’s, the hotel’s signature all-day restaurant, features a globe-trotting menu of crowd-pleasers (think acai bowls, mezze plates, and grilled-to-order steaks) by executive chef Adam Sheff, and no matter the time of year, maintains open, airy feel. “Because of our NanaWall and all the windows facing the water, people feel safer here,” explains Fera.
The members-only rooftop, ROOF – which hotel guests have access to – also boasts an indoor-outdoor vibe, thanks to plenty of patio seating, an outoor fireplace, and striking views. While the bartenders are able to stir and shake up anything you please, the house whiskey and bubbles-based libations (like the Our Leading Lady, Odette Myrtil) are tough to beat. And though it’s closed due to COVID-19, the Piano Lounge, with its soaring ceilings, stone fireplace, and of course, a grand piano, is poised to be the place to be for happy hours and nightcaps in 2021.
Nurture Spa
Nurture Spa
Encompassing a whopping 10,000 square feet, this award-winning oasis is truly in a class of its own. Opened by former corporate beauty executive and New Yorker Carolyn Holdsworth back in 2005 – “my goal was to build the spa I could never find, a non-pretentious one with the highest quality services, products, and therapists that lead with their hearts,” she says – Nurture Spa relocated to a historic brick New Hope building in January 2018.
Today, Holdsworth continues to deliver on her promise of warm, generous hospitality. There’s ample space – each floor has its own lounge – so guests can safely spread out and kick back, and 14 treatment rooms to ensure you can book a treatment when it suits your schedule, even during peak times like the holidays. The treatments range from classic (hot stone massage) to cutting-edge (HydraFacials and dermaplaning), but Holdworth says the most popular services are the Customized Massage, Deluxe HydraFacial, and signature Nurture Pedicure. But no matter when or why you’re visiting, Holdworth aims to “deliver a luxurious, multi-sensory destination-spa experience with kindness, grace, and heart.”
The Salt House
The Salt House
Occupying a charming stone building from 1751, this buzzy gastropub by restaurateur Steve Lau – you might recognize him from 80s indie band The Ocean Blue – maintains a refreshingly hip, laid-back vibe. The menu skews rustic and comforting, as evidenced by the bacon-wrapped dates, moules frites, and best-selling signature burger. Piled high with a grass-fed beef patty, gruyere cheese, and caramelized onions, it’s packed with umami and nearly impossible to put down until it’s gone. A thoughtfully-curated cocktail, wine, and beer list is also on deck to help you wash it all down, and currently available for dining are private, heated outdoor tents and limited seats indoors.
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5fc94a9145b0f917f3227e6846511f68 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2021/12/31/how-the-2499-lyma-laser-will-disrupt-the-beauty-and-wellness-industry/ | How The $2,499 Lyma Laser Will Disrupt The Beauty And Wellness Industry | How The $2,499 Lyma Laser Will Disrupt The Beauty And Wellness Industry
Xavier Young
Unlike many of her peers in the beauty and wellness space, Lucy Goff isn’t looking to create hype around the next “it” ingredient or treatment – she’s looking to shake up the industry altogether.
Goff first had the world abuzz in 2018 with her breakthrough supplement LYMA. While visiting Geneva – “my parents invited me to heal by the lake after battling septicaemia following the birth of my daughter,” says Goff – she had a chance meeting with renowned clinical pharmacologist Dr. Paul Clayton. After hearing about her health struggles, he recommended taking a combination of peer-reviewed ingredients. Miraculously, Goff felt back to normal within weeks.
LYMA
Thus, the inspiration for LYMA was sparked. Because there’s no real regulation for supplements, most offer limited benefits – if any, at all. (Goff claims “over 90% supplements have no benefit.”) And being labeled as organic, backed by clinical studies, or developed by experts doesn’t matter one bit if the ingredients aren’t bioavailable and peer-reviewed. “Many clinical studies are paid for by the brands themselves,” explains Goff. “Instead, we offer full transparency, so consumers can see the brands and dose of ingredients we’re using, and also see what unbiased doctors have to say about them.” To that end, LYMA supplements are formulated with nine active ingredients (like Cognizin®, Wellmune®, and affron®) in concentrations medically proven to benefit both body and mind.
LYMA
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Now, Goff has her sights set on disrupting the beauty and wellness industry again with the newly-launched LYMA Laser, a groundbreaking device that rejuvenates and regenerates skin at a cellular level, and treats common concerns from C-section scars to sun-related hyperpigmentation.
Unlike other at-home lasers, which typically range from just five to 20 milliwatts in strength, LYMA Laser has a powerful 500 milliwatt infrared laser inside. But to make it completely safe for personal use (even around sensitive spots like eyes), there’s two internal diffusers, which “defract the central laser beam into 25,000 fragments of light across the three-centimeter lens at the bottom,” says Goff. “They disperse the light so many times the heat’s been removed, so you’re left with a laser beam that’s completely cold yet penetrates all levels of the skin for a physiological effect.” (This is a key differentiator from trendy LED masks, which use scattered light that just bounces off the skin’s surface.) And because LYMA laser doesn’t work off heat or stress-induced damage like Fraxel, Tria, and Dermapen, it’s safe to use on all skin tones – including those rich in melanin.
LYMA
While the the handheld device is a real game changer and in Goff’s words, “a category-defining product,” the technology itself is not new. “Low-laser level therapy was developed in the 1960s to heal tendons, rebuild cartilage, and help with internal wounds,” explains Goff. But it wasn’t until Clayton – who was trying to rebuild cartilage in one of his knees with the laser for three months – noticed how the skin on the treated knee looked remarkably younger and healthier.
On top of that: LYMA Laser is incredibly easy to use, and can be applied all over the body. After cleansing your face (or wherever you want to treat), follow with the LYMA Active Mist and LYMA Priming Serum – “they contain high levels of bio-level oxygen and molecular-weight beta glucens to optimize laser use,” explains Goff – and gently glide the device over, ensuring it’s in complete contact with the skin.
LYMA
The key to getting the most out of LYMA Laser, though, is to use it every single day for three consecutive months. And why? Goff says, “You can eventually transform your skin to behave the way it did when you were younger, or change the recipe of a scar into a smoother, less noticeable one. LYMA Laser empowers skin to behave as if it’s not aging.” After the initial three-month period, you can use it several times weekly for maintenance.
Though the $2,499 price may initially cause sticker shock, consider the device a sound investment that will pay off in the long run. Whether you’re young and interested in preventative skincare, or someone older who’d love some help correcting sun damage, age lines, and pesky bruises, LYMA Laser puts that power safely and effectively in your hands and under your control.
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534170a1eca3aba1d2dea2c21ea4da39 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiegilbert/2014/09/22/why-local-currencies-could-be-on-the-rise-in-the-u-s-and-why-it-matters/ | Why Local Currencies Could Be On The Rise In The U.S. -- And Why It Matters | Why Local Currencies Could Be On The Rise In The U.S. -- And Why It Matters
As of this summer, you can be broke in Santa Barbara, California, and still afford organic produce from the farmers’ market. You can be dollar-broke, that is—but if you have enough Santa Barbara Missions tokens jangling in your pocket, earned in exchange for helping out at a number of local nonprofits, you’ll be set.
SB Missions, a new local currency in Santa Barbara, began circulating in July, soon after California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law repealing a section of the state’s corporation code that prohibited the issuance of currencies other than the dollar. Though SB Missions would have launched in July with or without that excision from the state constitution, the currency’s founder, Ben Werner, says the nod from regulators helps put the whole Missions economy at ease—which is likely to be, as in any economy, a boon for growth. And the same is likely to be true for California’s dozens of other active community currency systems.
SB Missions. (Photo Credit: Ben Werner)
Also in July, New York released its proposed framework for regulating virtual currencies, and the potential rules' implications for Bitcoin have since been widely discussed. But the new regulations would also affect local digital currency systems like Ithacash, in Ithaca, New York. Critics of New York’s proposed rules complain that their scope is too broad, and that they lump small alternative currency systems together with much larger ones, introducing regulatory hurdles for all currency systems that many will never be able to surmount. But Scott Morris, who founded Ithacash and last week briefed the New York State Attorney General's office on how he hopes the money system can work, says he senses “a degree of openness” among regulators, and believes “they understand there’s plenty they don’t understand” about the many uses and instantiations of alternative currencies.
The converging interest in complementary currencies is thanks in large part to the problems wrought by the recession and growing income inequality. An increasing number of communities face the exact challenge alternative currencies are designed to address: a shortage of dollars and a dwindling number of ways to earn them, mixed with no diminishment in peoples' practical skills within a community, or the number of hours in a day. Local currencies can offer a way to expand the assignment of economic value, so that activities like volunteering in a local garden, giving a neighbor a haircut, or reading to a homebound senior can help a person earn access to food and other basic needs, even if dollars never change hands.
Historically, too, local currency systems have cropped up in periods when economies falter. During the U.S.'s Great Depression in the 1930s, several hundred municipalities and other groups across the country issued local currencies to keep the gears of regional economies turning. In the midst of its own depression, in 1932, the small town of Wörgl, Austria, leaned on a local currency issued by its mayor to climb out of a deep unemployment ditch. In response to more recent economic turmoil in Greece, a complementary money system called Local Alternative Units (“tems” in Greek) has emerged.
Today, conditions are such that alternative currencies could be poised to proliferate, says Chris Tittle, director of organizational resilience at the Sustainable Economies Law Center, an Oakland-based nonprofit. He’s noting sprouting signs of a “new generation of currencies,” he says, which leverage technology and online networking.
“It’s a combination of economic necessity and technological innovation that’s driving this,” Tittle says.
Still wondering how a local money system is all that different from the one we’re used to, or how it can offer relief to the economically disadvantaged? Consider these points from alt-currency proponents about their structural distinctions:
When alternative currencies are zero-interest, there’s no built-in imperative for growth.
Chong Kee, founder of local currency system Bay Bucks:
“In our financial system, money comes into existence in the form of debt. The problem is that when you borrow money, banks create the principle, but not the interest you need to pay it back, so not everyone will be able to pay up in full. There’s just not enough money around. Foreclosure and bankruptcy are certainties.
“You need more people to borrow more money next year so that the extra money that is created can pay off all the debt from the previous year. You need to run ever faster to stay in the same place. That’s why everyone talks about GDP growth—that’s the growth imperative. It makes us destroy our natural resources, overfish the oceans, mine every last mountaintop, and act in other self-destructive ways, because if we don’t do these things, foreclosures will go through the roof. Bay Bucks is a zero-interest currency, so growth is not an imperative.”
They allow communities to make decisions about where capital should flow, rather than giving sole decision-making power to banks.
Chris Tittle, director of organizational resilience, Sustainable Economies Law Center:
“If we look at our national monetary system, over 95% of money in circulation is issued by private, for-profit banks as debt. The vast majority enters the economy through the housing and financial centers; that is, not into productive sectors, like manufacturing and food production—the things that are actually meeting people’s daily needs.
“Local currency systems empower communities to decide where money should be circulating themselves. It’s empowering a different group of stakeholders to have a say in their own economic future.
“In California, there’s been a 60% drop in small-business lending since 2007. That’s particularly impacting African-Americans, women, Latinos—small-business owners from historically marginalized societies. So small loans are drying up, and in the absence of access to those traditional forms of capital, communities are just deciding to create their own ways of capitalizing and enabling exchange for small businesses.”
They foster real-life, real-human relationships.
SELC's Chris Tittle:
"I think it's important to draw a distinction between [local currencies] and crypto-currencies like Bitcoin, which are based on pseudo-anonymity. The types of currencies we support are the exact opposite: They're based on human relationships—building community and encouraging people to interact with one another."
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dc5b6ece23c487b16f33610161a8fc25 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiejennings/2020/05/13/telemedicine-company-doctor-on-demand-bets-on-coronavirus-changes-with-big-medicare-push/ | Telemedicine Company Doctor On Demand Bets On Coronavirus Changes With Big Medicare Push | Telemedicine Company Doctor On Demand Bets On Coronavirus Changes With Big Medicare Push
Doctor on Demand enables customers to have video consultations with a doctor on their mobile device. ... [+] Doctor on Demand
It’s hard to make predictions when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic, but telemedicine company Doctor on Demand is betting the loosening of federal telehealth restrictions for Americans age 65 and older are here to stay.
The company announced Wednesday it will expand services to Medicare Part B beneficiaries, making Doctor on Demand the first big telemedicine provider to cater to the approximately 33 million seniors in the program. “Medicare has always been a massive population that we would love to provide care for,” CEO Hill Ferguson told Forbes.
Founded in 2012 by Phil McGraw (better known as the television personality Dr. Phil), his son Jay McGraw and entrepreneur Adam Jackson, San Francisco-based Doctor on Demand has raised more than $160 million from investors, including Venrock, Princeville Global, Goldman Sachs Investment Partners, Andreessen Horowitz and Google Ventures. While the company has been on a steady growth trajectory, virtual doctor visits have surged during the coronavirus pandemic, with utilization in March and April around three times normal volumes, according to Ferguson. “In many ways, what we’re doing is bringing back the house call,” he says.
Historically, the use and reimbursement of telehealth services in Medicare Part B has been restricted to certain geographic and care delivery locations. That changed in mid-March. As the spread of COVID-19 forced shelter in place orders around the country and drastically limited physical locations for people to get healthcare services, the federal government announced sweeping regulatory changes, lifting longstanding restrictions and reimbursing telemedicine services at the same rates as in-person visits. While some health insurers were reimbursing telehealth services under Medicare Part C, known as Medicare Advantage, the Part B fee-for-service program has been largely untapped.
“This is a really big part of the population that's frankly scared. They're at home. They're at risk. And now more than ever, they need care in their home,” says Ferguson.
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Doctor on Demand invested in the back-end infrastructure to make the Medicare reimbursement process possible, including getting the doctors they employ enrolled in the federal program, setting up the process to check patient eligibility and working on billing connectivity with the federal government.
The company started as a virtual urgent care provider and has steadily grown the business of the past few years, entering into contracts with large employers and health insurers to offer services to their employees. Doctor on Demand employs more than 700 doctors and has expanded its clinical offerings to include primary care and behavioral health. The company supplements less than 10 percent of its total workforce with contract doctors, Ferguson says, which gives them a unique advantage over some competitors in the space, since customers can see the same doctor if they would like to, instead of a rotation of contractors.
The Medicare telehealth restrictions have only been lifted for the duration of the pandemic, but there have been promising indications from the top levels of the Trump Administration that a bigger change is underway.
“I think the genie’s out of the bottle on this one,” Seema Verma, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid administrator, told the Wall Street Journal. “I think it’s fair to say that the advent of telehealth has been just completely accelerated, that it’s taken this crisis to push us to a new frontier, but there’s absolutely no going back.”
Doctor on Demand CEO Hill Ferguson. Doctor on Demand
Ferguson says he’s optimistic the telemedicine changes for Medicare Part B will continue into the future. “There's no guarantee because nobody has a crystal ball. But I think it's the sensible thing to do when you've got a large part of your population that is vulnerable,” Ferguson says.
While Doctor on Demand is the first big telemedicine company to make the big Medicare Part B push, they certainly won’t be the only one to make that bet.
Charles Jones, CEO of telehealth competitor MDLIVE, says the company is planning to expand into the Medicare Part B market after the company completes its assessment of the legal requirements. “We’re committed to be there,” he says. Jones believes the pandemic is driving the government to realize the true value of telemedicine as a way to increase the supply of doctors and healthcare services in the face of demand constraints.
While telemedicine companies stand to gain tens of millions of new Medicare users, the customers will also feel the change in their wallets. Ferguson says some seniors have been using Doctor on Demand for years, but were paying full price out-of-pocket, which could be up to $75 for a medical visit without insurance.
Last week, Ferguson asked his mother, who is a Medicare Part B beneficiary, to beta test the company’s new functionality. The price? Just a $10 copay.
Since then, Doctor on Demand decided it would waive copays for Medicare Part B customers during the COVID-19 public health emergency for all medical services, including COVID-19 testing, chronic disease management and prescription refills.
This story has been updated since publication to include an additional investor and to provide clarity on the service’s pricing.
Full coverage and live updates on the Coronavirus
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5601431b90af8e82a48916cfe181d422 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiejennings/2020/06/12/how-to-safely-protest-rally-and-vote-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/ | How To Safely Protest, Rally And Vote During The Coronavirus Pandemic | How To Safely Protest, Rally And Vote During The Coronavirus Pandemic
Protestors wearing masks and distancing as they cross the Brooklyn Bridge. Ira L. Black / Corbis via Getty Images
This month Americans more than ever are exercising some of their most fundamental rights: taking to the streets in protest over police violence and voting in primaries for a variety of elected offices—from local representative to the next president of the United States. The coronavirus pandemic is complicating both of those civic endeavors. But public health experts say there are ways to do both while minimizing your risk for catching or spreading the disease.
MORE FROM FORBESThe Insider's Guide To Reopening AmericaBy Alex Knapp
How To Protest Safely
The death of George Floyd on May 25 has ignited weeks of protests across America calling for police reforms and equality in the face of systemic racism. Floyd, a black man, died after a police officer in Minneapolis knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes during an arrest.
The United States is facing two public health crises, says Dr. Jen Caudle, a family medicine physician and associate professor at Rowan University-School of Osteopathic Medicine. “One is the Covid-19 pandemic and the other is racial injustice against African Americans,” she says.”They're peaking at the same time.”
Beyond these mass protests, during an election year, there are often demonstrations, gatherings and rallies for different political issues. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recently warned that protests and rallies are a “danger” and “risky,” in an interview with ABC News. "If you're going to be in a situation where—beyond your control there's a lot of people around you—make sure you wear a mask," he added.
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Here’s what you should keep in mind if you’re considering attending one:
Consider your risk level. People who are immunocompromised or have certain diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, have a higher risk of severe cases of Covid-19. But it’s not just about individual risk, you should also consider the health of the other people in your household, especially if they are older or have weakened immune systems, suggests Caudle. The virus disproportionately affects African Americans and communities of color. “That’s something that we need to be very honest and transparent about,” she says, so people are informed about the risks.. Research transmission rates: Familiarize yourself with the level of Covid-19 transmission in the town and region where you plan to protest, so you understand whether you are in a hotspot. Local public health authorities and news media can be a good source for this. Johns Hopkins University also has a map that lets you look at numbers in individual counties. Wear a mask and social distance: Political events and protests are dynamic environments with big crowds. Nevertheless, you should still try to distance from the people around you to reduce transmission. “Remember, you're still part of the group, even if you're not within six feet of them,” Caudle says. Hands off: Bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands as soon as you get home. “Try not to touch things and other people,” Caudle says. While linking arms or holding hands often happen in protests as a sign of solidarity, those actions should be avoided, she adds. Get tested: Consider getting a Covid-19 test after participating in a crowded event, Caudle recommends. The Philadelphia city government suggests protesters get tested after seven days. “Those seeking testing do NOT need to identify that they were at a protest but instead should say they were near someone who may have had Covid-19,” the guidelines say. Alternatives to in-person events: If you are in a high risk category or don’t feel comfortable gathering in-person, Caudle suggests donating money to a cause you want to support or volunteering in a virtual capacity.
How To Vote Safely
Multiple states and territories have delayed primary elections in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic as they scramble to figure out mail-in ballots and other solutions to improve safety at in-person polling locations. The presidential election is scheduled for November 3.
Susan Polan, associate executive director for public affairs and advocacy with the American Public Health Association, believes voting is a social determinant of health. “Health care is important, but what's really important is the environment and world in which you live,” she says. The act of voting empowers people, allowing them to engage and take control: “I am participating with my community in a way that is going to make my community better,” she explains.
Polan is working with the nonpartisan group We Can Vote and several other public health and civic organizations to develop healthy voting guides that are tailored to the specific rules in each state and will be updated from the primaries to the general election. They also plan to roll out Spanish language versions. While the state-to-state specifics may vary, there are some key measures that are applicable to all geographies.
Vote-by-mail: Voting from your own home is your best bet to reduce transmission of Covid-19. If you have to walk to the closest mailbox, be sure to wear a mask and wash your hands when you return. Vote early: In some states, polling locations open in advance of election day, so take advantage of early voting options when fewer people will be around. Use a dropbox: If you want to do a mail-in ballot but aren’t confident it is going to be delivered on time, many polling places are offering dropboxes where you can hand deliver your ballot. Demand a plan: Ask your polling place and elected officials what they are doing to keep voters safe, Polan says, including cleaning and disinfection protocols, social distance markings on the floor and hand sanitizer. Wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands: If you are going to vote in-person, take the same precautions you would anywhere else: wear a mask, stay six feet away from other people and use hand sanitizer or wash your hands immediately after. Do not bring your own wipes: While it may be tempting to wipe down the voting machine before casting your ballot, resist the urge. Voting machines can have delicate electronics and the staff at the polling place should have a cleaning and infection protocol in place, Polan says. Consider bringing your own pen if you need to sign anything. Don’t be afraid: “This time that we're living in is very difficult to predict,” says Polan. “Voting is something that we should all take advantage of. And there should be no obstacles to engaging in the process. That's really what these [guides] are designed to do is make you feel safe as you participate in this process.”
Further Reading
Find the Healthy Voting Guide For Your State Or Territory (HealthyVoting.org)
Interim guidance to prevent spread of coronavirus at polling locations (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Considerations for events and gatherings during coronavirus (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
How Long Does Covid-19 Coronavirus Last On Different Surfaces? (Forbes)
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617df53e43582d1f88290e285d728a64 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiejennings/2020/06/23/brightinsight-raises-40-million-to-help-speed-up-digital-therapeutics-development/ | BrightInsight Raises $40 Million To Help Speed Up Digital Therapeutics Development | BrightInsight Raises $40 Million To Help Speed Up Digital Therapeutics Development
BrightInsight cofounder and CEO Kal Patel. BrightInsight
As biopharma and medtech companies navigate the tricky regulatory landscape of software as a medical device, they need a guide to lead them through the development and launch of these new products across different markets. Enter BrightInsight, which announced Tuesday it has raised $40 million in a Series B round, and is one of the first companies to offer an integrated software platform for developing so-called digital therapeutics.
“It's the underlying secure, regulated infrastructure that enables our customer’s apps, devices, digital health products, to be built and commercialized and deployed,” says Dr. Kal Patel, cofounder and CEO of the San Jose, California-based startup.
Since launching in 2018, the company has signed several big biopharma clients, including Roche, AstraZeneca, CSL Behring and Novo Nordisk. BrightInsight has worked on projects ranging from a dosing calculator for a hemophilia drug to a diabetes management tool collecting insights from a blood glucose monitor and insulin pen.
The current funding round was led by Insight Partners, with return investors including New Leaf Venture Partners and Eclipse Ventures. BrightInsight has raised $65 million to date.
Life sciences companies face many challenges when it comes to digital therapeutics. One is just the headache of compliance: deploying software products means that companies need to deal not only with the traditional healthcare regulations, but with security requirements as well. The product development within companies also tends to be piecemeal, relying on a mix of internal teams and third-party consultants, says Peter Sobiloff, managing director at Insight Partners, who is joining the BrightInsight board of directors.
BrightInsight offers a solution that smooths over many of these hurdles by guiding customers through all stages from development to launch. It continuously provides updates on “rapidly changing regulatory environments,” which removes a big cost for customers, while enabling them to speed up their products’ time to market, Sobiloff adds. In essence, it’s letting its customers offload the challenge of updating digital products as regulations change, enabling them to focus on patient outcomes.
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One of the reasons Patel has been able to build a platform uniquely suited to biopharma and medtech is due to his previous experience leading the digital health group at Amgen. That’s where he first met his BrightInsight cofounders Ferry Tamtoro, chief technology officer, and Ben Lee, vice president of engineering and data science, in 2013.
At Amgen, Patel and his cofounders recognized the promise of digital therapeutics, but also realized the “underlying infrastructure” related to privacy, security, regulatory and quality requirements took “more time, more money and really more complexity and risk” than building the digital solution itself, Patel says. “We had to solve that pain point,” he says.
After spending more than a year as the chief commercial officer at telemedicine company Doctor on Demand, Patel left for the technology company Flex (previously known as Flextronics) in 2017, where he was joined by Tamtoro and Lee. It was there the trio set out to build a solution to help companies accelerate digital therapeutics development.
BrightInsight spun out in 2019, with Flex remaining an investor in the company. It soon brought on some major biopharma customers. Roche contracted with BrightInsight to develop a dosing calculator for physicians to coincide with the launch of Hemlibra, a treatment for patients with the bleeding disorder Hemophilia A.
The dosage for Hemlibra is based on a patient’s weight, making the quantity variable and requiring doctors to order correctly-sized vials, since the drug comes in single use containers. While the dosing calculator didn’t need regulatory approval in the United States, it did require approval in the European market.
“Our team set out to find a partner that could both do the design and development of the software in this regulated compliant fashion, but then also support the launch into multiple countries in Europe, in multiple languages, and scale,” says Paul Upham, head of smart devices at Roche.
Most pharma companies usually operate on a timeframe of around a decade from the discovery stage to the commercial launch of a medicine. Upham says it took around six months from signing the contract with BrightInsight to launching the dosing calculator in the first country in Europe. “It was one of the fastest product development and launch experiences I've ever had,” he says.
One key benefit was BrightInsight’s “understanding of all the compliance requirements globally,” Upham says. “They can handle all those dossier submissions and conversations with the regulators.”
The BrightInsight platform is available for use in the United States and European Union markets, and the company recently added privacy and regulatory functionality in Australia, Canada and Japan. The next big target market? China.
“China is a big one for us,” Patel says, as the company looks to expand its global footprint with the latest funding round. But there will be one major difference. BrightInsight usually partners with Google Cloud, but many Western cloud providers don’t have the same level of availability in China, due to data localization requirements, Patel says. In order to enter the market, BrightInsight will need to partner with a China-based cloud provider for the underlying infrastructure, but the rest of the experience using the platform should be similar.
BrightInsight has a software license model with its customer companies, with additional fees for each new market. The main focus is continuing to drive scale by growing its customer base and expanding geographically, Patel says.
The company has around 80 employees between the U.S. and Europe. The funding will help build out a regional customer delivery center in London, United Kingdom. The company will also increase investments in analytics and pre-built tools for customers.
As the healthcare system continues to evolve, digital therapeutics, which are often mobile or web-based can offer a more frequent touchpoint for patients than their healthcare provider. Ultimately, Patel hopes BrightInsight will serve as a connector between patients, companies and providers to improve healthcare outcomes. “Our long term goal,” Patel says, “is to be that common plumbing that can connect all parts of the healthcare ecosystem”
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c7744366dce2af255c89108f7d15633d | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiejennings/2020/06/30/these-under-30-founders-just-raised-15-million-to-make-it-easier-to-get-a-doctors-appointment/ | These Under 30 Founders Just Raised $15 Million To Make It Easier To Get A Doctor’s Appointment | These Under 30 Founders Just Raised $15 Million To Make It Easier To Get A Doctor’s Appointment
A digital appointment platform that simplifies the appointment process for small medical and dental practices is raising $15 million to take its software to the next level, and has attracted top investors to do it.
NexHealth founders Waleed Asif (L) and Alamin Uddin (R). NexHealth
NexHealth announced Tuesday that it raised that sum in a Series A funding round, led by Mino Games founder-turned-angel investor Josh Buckley. Other investors include Behance founder Scott Belsky, AngelList cofounder Naval Ravikant and Superhuman founder Rahul Vohra. The company has now raised a total of $19.75 million in venture capital.
The San Francisco-based company was founded in 2017 by Alamin Uddin, 26, and Waleed Asif, 28, who’d met while both were undergrads at the City College of New York. Uddin was considering whether to go to medical school when he took a receptionist job at a doctor’s office in the Bronx. Annoyed by the tedium of the role, he began to wonder if it might be possible to automate the process of handling simple calls and booking appointments. He was ultimately frustrated in the attempt, though, when he realized that the custom apps he was trying to build weren’t able to get data from patients’ electronic health records, a requirement to do what he needed. “I discovered this was not just a problem for me, but a problem for everyone else,” he recalls.
That frustration led him to join forces with Asif, and the two built the first iteration of NexHeath’s product, an online appointment system. The pair raised a $1.5 million seed round in October 2016 and were soon marketing its product to small and medium sized dentist’s and doctor’s offices, which had been largely ignored by bigger players, who mostly target large healthcare systems. A key aspect that distinguished its products from competitors is that it is interoperable with many electronic health record vendors - avoiding the problem that initially frustrated Uddin in that Bronx doctor’s office.
That software interoperability enabled the company to automate the appointment process, eliminating the need for receptionists to make extra calls to patients to verify times of day and improving the efficiency of small practices. As the company grew, it took on $3.25 million more in seed capital in September 2019. It also expanded its offerings: in addition to appointment bookings, it also offers secure online and text messaging.
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“For a lot of telehealth startups, the challenge is distribution and NexHealth has really cracked the nut there.” Josh Buckley, NexHealth investor and board member
After the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the company also accelerated a key offering: telemedicine. Though a new service since the pandemic, it caught on very quickly with NexHealth’s customers - nearly half of its customers are using the new capability, says Uddin.
Telemedicine may be a crowded market already, but investor Josh Buckley thinks that the company has a key advantage. “I’m bullish on NexHealth because of the distribution angle,” he says. “For a lot of telehealth startups, the challenge is distribution and NexHealth has really cracked the nut there.”
Three months ago, the company launched yet another new service: payment processing. This is a separate offering from the messaging, appointment booking, telemedicine software, which providers can subscribe to as a bundled services at a flat monthly rate of $550. But it does offer its customers some key advantages by making it easy for patients to pay their bills by sending both notifications of payments owed and the ability to make payments using its software. “It goes from a 30 day process of a doctor getting paid by a patient to a 2 to 3 day process,” says Uddin.
Building software that’s both interoperable with electronic health records and is continually adding new services has enabled NexHealth to grow quickly. The company already has nearly 25,000 customers, split between dental and medical practices. The company says its revenues have grown nearly 230% since the summer of 2019. But there’s plenty more room - the company estimates that there’s about 750,000 small and medium sized practices in the United States and Canada, representing an addressable market of around $5 billion. And the payment processing market? That’s bigger still, Uddin adds.
With the new round of capital, NexHealth intends to grow yet another part of its business: APIs. Developers who work for companies that produce medical apps and software are keen to be able to reduce friction and provide more reason for customers to use their services. This makes NexHealth an ideal platform, says Uddin.
The company’s first API customer was online toothbrush company Quip, which additionally sells a dental insurance product. The company wanted to make it easier for its app users to find dentists in that insurance product’s network. Enter NexHealth’s API, which has that layer of interoperability with health records in its software stack. Quip was able to use that API to guide its users to those dentists.
Looking forward to the future, Uddin’s ambition for NexHealth is to become the primary software platform in the market. “Our vision is to be the Microsoft of the healthcare world,” he says. “We want you as a developer, as a doctor’s office, as a patient, to use our products or services whether you know it or not.”
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31d539e963eb5a2fdafa8d941733b0ca | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiejennings/2020/08/25/lyra-health-hits-11-billion-valuation-as-coronavirus-boosts-need-for-teletherapy/ | Lyra Health Hits $1.1 Billion Valuation, As Coronavirus Boosts Need For Teletherapy | Lyra Health Hits $1.1 Billion Valuation, As Coronavirus Boosts Need For Teletherapy
Lyra Health cofounder and CEO David Ebersman. Lyra Health
As employers grapple with the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, there’s a reckoning taking place in human resources departments around the country: the need for better mental healthcare for employees. Around one in four U.S. adults suffer from a diagnosable mental health condition and depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Lyra Health, which provides mental health benefits for large employers, became the latest healthcare technology startup to hit unicorn status on Tuesday, following a $110 million Series D round.
The Burlingame, California-based company expects to hit more than $100 million in revenue by the end of the year, and the latest funding round brings its valuation to $1.1 billion, according to a company representative. Around 50 million people in the U.S. have a mental health condition, and the Covid-19 pandemic is exacerbating two of the most common: anxiety and depression. Lyra, which offers an easy-to-use digital platform to connect people with mental health providers, has around 1.5 million members so far, adding more than 800,000 people since the start of the pandemic.
Lyra cofounder and CEO David Ebersman says customers are looking to launch the platform right away, instead of waiting for the typical January 1 fiscal year cycle for health benefits. “Because of Covid, economic uncertainty, and conversations around racial injustice, people are really struggling even more, and it's an important time to invest in a service that really will be there for their employees when they need it,” says Ebersman, who previously served as chief financial officer of Genentech and Facebook. Untreated mental health conditions can lead to lower productivity and morale that can affect the overall work environment.
The $110 million Series D raise comes on the heels of a $75 million Series C closed in March. Lee Fixel’s new venture firm Addition led the round and was joined by Adams Street Partners, along with existing investors, including former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, Casdin Capital, Glynn Capital, Greylock Partners, IVP, Meritech Capital Partners, Providence Ventures and Tenaya Capital. Lyra also announced that Kerry Chandler, chief human resources office at the global entertainment and sports company Endeavor, would join the board of directors. Lyra has raised around $275 million to date.
Lyra is an alumnus of this year’s Forbes Next Billion-Dollar Startups list and is the third company from the 2020 list to cross the $1 billion dollar valuation mark, along with AI-powered sales startup Gong and human resources software automation company Rippling.
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One of the biggest challenges in the $280 billion behavioral health market is access, given that “only a fraction of the people that actually need care, get it,” says Thomas Bremner, partner at Adams Street Partners. “You need to use technology to drive scalability without also losing the kind of personalization and the human touch,” says Bremner. That’s where one of Lyra’s flagship products comes in: Blended Care.
Lyra’s solution combines one-on-one video sessions with digital exercises to reinforce cognitive behavioral therapy lessons. One of the keys to the company’s success is using clinical measurement tools to establish improvement over time. A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, led by Lyra’s director of clinical product Anita Lungu, recorded a significant decrease in anxiety or depression symptoms after 5 sessions among 385 patients, although it did not include a control group. While a randomized controlled trial would be needed to truly determine clinical effectiveness, the study suggests that Lyra’s teletherapy model could potentially achieve faster results than the typical 12 to 16 weeks of standard treatment.
Lyra Health Blended Care screenshots. Lyra Health
Using technology to solve healthcare problems is a natural fit for Ebersman, who spent fifteen years in various executive roles at the biotechnology Genentech, including chief financial officer. He later jumped to Facebook, where he served as CFO, as well as a board member for Castlight Health. In 2015, Ebersman cofounded Lyra Health with two Venrock partners and Castlight investors, Bob Kocher and Bryan Roberts, as well as Dena Bravata, Castlight’s chief medical officer. Kocher and Roberts continue to serve on the board, while Bravata left the company.
Five years later, Lyra is rapidly expanding, and by the end of this month expects to have delivered it’s one-millionth session. The company counts a wide range of industries among its client base, ranging from Morgan Stanley to Zoom Video Communications.
One such customer is Genentech, which began partnering with Lyra in October 2018. Since then, a spokesperson says the biotech has seen a sevenfold increase in the use of its employee assistance program. “We intentionally named our program Lyra Mental Wellness to help reduce the stigma around seeking mental health care,” the company said in a statement. “Just as they have access to an acupuncturist or physical therapist, we encourage our employees to consider Lyra part of their holistic care team.”
While the regular Lyra health benefit offers services for the whole family, the next step will be using this latest funding round to expand the Blended Care model to include services both for adolescents and couples. “We want to be able to offer targeted and effective approaches to everyone,” says Ebersman. This means international expansion and investment in more clinical services, as well as expanding the company’s market segment beyond large employers and aiming at government and commercial health plans.
Before the pandemic, the trends were shifting in favor of both increased use of telemedicine and behavioral health services, but no one could have predicted just how rapid the acceleration would be. “The average person when starting care in 2020 is feeling more anxious and more depressed than we've seen in any prior year,” says Ebersman. But on the flip side, both employees and employers are asking for help. “It feels different right now,” he says. “The moment is now to offer better mental health services.”
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dac0e0c0cb26e2ab08481eff34b79a25 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiekiefner/2019/12/27/aviteur-the-worlds-chicest-carry-on-luggage/ | Aviteur, the World’s Chicest Carry-On Luggage | Aviteur, the World’s Chicest Carry-On Luggage
Aviteur carry-on in Walnut Courtesy of Aviteur
Patricia Gucci—the only granddaughter of the company’s namesake founder Guccio Gucci and only daughter of retail maverick Aldo Gucci—has lead a rather private (and at times, clandestine) life, which is detailed at length in her dramatic memoir In the Name of Gucci. Offspring of such successful scions often follow the well-trodden path of their predecessors but Ms. Gucci marches to the beat of a very different drum from the commercial image set forth by the Kering-owned brand found on every high street in the world. Her taste skews refined, understated and most notably: label and monogram free. Just as her grandfather perceived a need for beautifully designed luggage back in 1921, it’s a lovely irony that Gucci—nearly a century later—sees a dearth in today’s luxury luggage market and similarly chosen it as her medium to showcase her vision of quality without compromise (tale nonno tale nipote!). Herewith, a recent conversation with Patricia Gucci of Aviteur and her daughter Victoria, who heads up the company’s marketing, strategy and social media.
Patricia (L) and Victoria (R) Gucci Courtesy of Aviteur
What inspired the conception of Aviteur?
Victoria Gucci: We always used generic carry-on trollies (primarily made of nylon) that were not sustainable and looked worn-out after frequent use. While practical, they were not aesthetically stylish and elegant like the rest of the accessories and handbags we travel with, thus prompting the creation of a bag that exudes the style and elegance that my mom was after.
Patricia Gucci: Yes, the vision was always to create something completely unique, gorgeous, one-of-a-kind and stand-alone in the crowd of all the carry-ons in the world. I could not find anything out there that had taken it a step beyond its generic, utilitarian usage in the luxury market. A little over eighteen months ago, I decided that I was going to create a prototype of what I wanted in a carry-on—but I had no clue how complex it would be! I wanted the best people in Italy to make it happen, so I went to the northern part of the country where they’re known for making luggage. As far as handles go, what I had found on the market had never been challenged or made into something special—they were just wobbly, plastic things used for the sake of pulling or dragging and they inevitably broke. I thought: Why can’t we make this into a feature that is practical yet extraordinarily gorgeous? I’ve always had a fascination with lucite (we use polycarbonate, in this case) but when I first proposed the idea of a beautiful block [of polycarbonate] emerging from the trolley as if by magic, my manufacturer looked at me and said, “Wait a minute. There isn’t a button or action mechanism here so we will really need to study this and create something to make that happen.” It took a long time to finalize but we reinvented the carry-on in that respect!
How does the handle work?
P.G.: There is no button! All of the mechanisms are built into the design of a very thin, aluminum box that comes out of the carry-on. Inside that box are all the hidden, magical parts that make this beautiful block of polycarbonate come out.
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And the bag’s interior?
P.G.: In most luggage, there’s an undulating interior due to the two built-in handle bars so you always have to deal with packing in that space. And it’s typically made out of nylon—certainly not something pleasurable. Ours is lined in alcantara, which is like suede and has a very sensual feel. Everything about the bag is very tactile and very nice to look at and touch. Furthermore, I created a very simple interior that leaves you with as much opportunity to place whatever you want inside. One side has a zip so things don’t flop around and contains itself in a nice, deep area. On the other side—in lieu of bars [that traditional luggage have]—there’s a platform where two flaps come up to reveal a little area where you can hide things. When you put the flap down, it’s completely flat so you can stack anything you want on top. From a usage point of view, it’s a pleasurable experience to pack.
Paglia di Vienna basket weave pattern Courtesy of Aviteur
And the outside material?
P.G.: The shell itself is polycarbonate. I wanted to combine the old and the new; the nostalgic memory of past times when travel used to be exciting, glamorous, adventurous, romantic, and sometimes people even used straw suitcases! To evoke that feeling, we use a Paglia di Vienna basket weave design in leather that encases the shell. The bag is rounded so it looks a little less bulky!
There are some pretty big players in the luxury luggage market. What sets your customer apart?
P.G.: The customer is basically me: s/he has a unique personal image and doesn’t wear logos. I don’t have to wear a logo to feel elegant or chic and am always looking for something that is instead refined and understated in some way. I think this bag will resonate with those who are looking for an enhanced experience with a carry-on—and do not want a logo! The customer hasn’t yet understood that there can be something better and I think when they see Aviteur, they’re going to think: Where have you been all of our lives?
Given your family’s deep Italian roots, what are some of your favorite dining spots in Italy?
V.G.: My favorite restaurants in Milan include Da Giacomo Bistrot (which is cozy in the winter), Salumaio (for lunch), Trattoria del Pescatore (for fish) and Torre di Pisa in Brera. One of the best pizza places is Le Specialità. In Rome, I enjoy Da Augusto in Trastevere, Terrazza Borromini (for aperitivo, as there’s a 360 degree view of the city) and Pierluigi.
What are your favorite places in Italy?
P.G.: Argentario where I grew up and where my daughters spent many of their summers as children. We have a family place in Porto Ercole and I love it there because it’s very authentic Italy—you have your local butcher, the sea if fabulous, everyone knows you and it’s not super touristy like Capri. This past summer I discovered Ischia and I’m dying to go back to Mezzatore. I don’t want a party scene! I just want to unwind, read, swim, eat and have a massage.
V.G.: Italy truly is one of the few countries where you have everything. I love Hotel Chiaia di Luna in Ponza.
Any other hotel recommendations around the world?
P.G.: My younger daughter is crazy about Tulum and we stayed at a wonderful boutique hotel there called La Valise. It’s not too much of a party scene and there are great restaurants and bars nearby. When it comes to the ultimate of having everything you could possibly desire, Hôtel de Crillon in Paris is perfection. Viceroy L’Hermitage Beverly Hills is the other—they’ve thought everything through. In New York, I stay at The Mark. It’s impeccable!
What are your travel must-haves?
P.G.: Getting sick is the last thing I want to happen while traveling and I discovered a wonderful silk mask (anti-pollution silk travel mask by Holistic Silk) that provides protection. I would also have to turn around and go home for the following items: Simple Human’s magnifying mirror because no hotel has one that suits my needs (and this one also lights up!), tissue paper to keep my clothes wrinkle-free and charcoal supplements to help after a bad dinner.
V.G.: I agree. Charcoal and digestive enzymes are so important when traveling, especially because you eat out so much!
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f5323a01a333c08473fa70cadae1eae4 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiekiefner/2020/05/26/soona-the-virtual-photoshoot-company-youve-been-dreaming-about/ | Soona, The Virtual Photoshoot Company You’ve Been Dreaming About | Soona, The Virtual Photoshoot Company You’ve Been Dreaming About
Soona, the virtual photoshoot company of your dreams Soona
“Imagine having a professional photoshoot from your desk or couch,” says Soona co-founder Liz Giorgi of the remote-based, custom photoshoot start-up she runs with Forbes 30 Under 30 alum, Hayley Anderson. “As businesses have been adapting to a work-from-home world, Soona is a breakthrough solution for every marketing department,” she explains, citing the novel concept of having a creative director, studio location, photographer, and editor all rolled-into-one—instead of the costly, traditional method of hiring each individual to the sum tune of thousands of dollars. Small businesses, e-comm and consumer product companies across every industry—from Mother Dirt and Leland Francis skincare to Made In cookware and Away luggage—have already jumped on the bandwagon, enlisting Soona to produce high quality photoshoots at their mind-bogglingly affordable, all-inclusive prices: $39 per photo and $93 per video.
Tongue-in-cheek "Away Loves Away" custom image produced by Soona. Soona
The premise is very straightforward and the process very simple: A client (anywhere in the world) mails in however many products they want to have shot, along with any notes or special requests for the creative team (e.g. drizzle maple syrup over pancakes, particular lighting, background and angle requests, hand model opening bottle, etc.). Once the studio receives the product, you set up a one hour photo shoot and are given the team’s undivided attention during that time. Their proprietary software offers a WFH photoshoot experience where you can kick back, watch and collaborate on the shoot in real time, providing instantaneous feedback to produce the exact images you want. As each shot is taken, they pop up on your screen and you (and your team, if they so wish) DM back-and-forth with comments for the creative team. What typically takes a full day to produce is completed in an hour because the company is such a well-oiled machine. The turnaround time is 24 hours or less and you shop right in the app, choosing as little or many images as you want. Voila!
Mother Mother custom image produced by Soona Soona
Furthermore, the app fully integrates into Shopify, allowing customers to upload the custom images seamlessly to their shop. This translates to: No downloading. No cropping. No editing. No resizing. No uploading.
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It’s a complete game-changer. You can thank me later (from the comfort of your couch)!
soona.co
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b4948c634c6f289506b757eeba8b7949 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiekiefner/2020/06/17/fathers-day-with-pappy--co/ | Father’s Day With Pappy & Co. | Father’s Day With Pappy & Co.
Pappy and Co.'s new, limited-edition line of performance polos for men Ray J. Gadd
A few weeks ago, a dear friend of mine in Savannah mentioned that she wanted to get her stepfather a bottle of Pappy for Father’s Day. For kicks, she called her go-to liquor store and was told to try again around Thanksgiving (surprise, surprise). As she didn’t want to pay a crazy mark-up on the secondary market, I directed her to the next best spot for die-hard fans: Pappy & Company, which sells specialty foods and dry goods, and is run by Carrie Greener, Louise Breen and Chenault James, Julian Van Winkle III’s three daughters.
Pappy & Company Bourbon Barrel-Aged Pure Maple Syrup Pappy and Co.
Many liquor companies have branded garb but the quality and breadth of novelty items sold on pappyco.com is extremely impressive, as they’ve taken the extra step to team up with top-notch artisans and purveyors. For example, their barrel-aged nib brittle is produced by the fine folks at Olive & Sinclair chocolatier in Nashville, the stellar, barrel-aged maple syrup hails from Bissell Maple Farm in Jefferson, Ohio and their barrel-aged hot sauce from Midland Ghost in Columbus, Georgia—with the help of some quasi-retired bourbon barrels! The packaging is gorgeous, to boot. For coffee lovers, their bourbon-forward beans make for a mean cold brew.
Pappy & Co.'s limited-edition line of polos for men Ray J. Gadd
Hang tag and ball marker attached to each limited-edition men's polo shirt Pappy and Co.
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Just in time for Father's Day, they’ve launched their first, limited-edition collection of men's golf shirts in collaboration with Greyson Clothiers.
The hang tag features the story—and a photo—of Pappy and his dog caddy Thunder on the 18th hole, along with a ball marker made from Pappy barrels and engraved with the company logo. The polos come in two styles and four colorways—and if you’re torn over which one to purchase for pops, I highly recommend the blue stripes, as the performance knit is silky soft to the touch and I’ve never met a man who doesn’t look dapper in blue. Pair these goodies with a box of the company’s barrel-aged cigars and he’ll be grinning from ear-to-ear.
Pappy Van Winkle Barrel-Fermented Cigars Pappy and Co.
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213363a4088181b8078c6711bbbeb9eb | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieroof/2013/12/23/big-tech-ipos-for-2014/ | Big Tech IPOs For 2014 | Big Tech IPOs For 2014
2013 saw the most U.S. IPOs since 2000, according to Renaissance Capital data. 222 companies went public, with 45 coming from the technology industry.
The largest technology IPO was Twitter, raising $1.82 billion. This pales in comparison to the $16 billion raised by Facebook in 2012, but unlike Facebook, Twitter saw its share price go up at the onset, rising 73% on the first day of trading. The average 2013 technology IPO rose 41.9% from its offering price through mid-December.
The IPO outlook remains strong for 2014. Bruce Aust, Executive Vice President at the Nasdaq, explains that the favorable performance of IPOs was "fueled by the strong equities market, and we see this momentum continuing into 2014, which bodes well for IPOs next year."
Aust is optimistic about the technology sector, "especially in the ad-tech, Big Data and cloud computing space."
Gallery: 2014 Tech IPOs 11 images View gallery
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fd184de888c654f11b571f9b5c262bfa | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieroof/2013/12/31/apps-for-saving-money/ | Apps for Saving Money | Apps for Saving Money
Happy New Year! 2014 has the potential to be a great year, especially if you aren't stressed about money. Fortunately, with countless personal finance apps, saving money is easier than ever.
If sticking with your budget is on your resolution list, the following apps can help you get your finances in line. Monitor your expenses, find discounts, and stay organized by turning your phone into a digital wallet.
After you save all that money in 2014, celebrate with a 2015 New Years Bash. That, or party it up with Macklemore.
LearnVest
LearnVest is for people who want to create a budget, but don’t know where to begin. First, sync your savings and investment accounts to LearnVest to get an overview of where your money flows. LearnVest categorizes your expenses, showing you how much you spend on restaurants and travel. The app then lets you set goals and track your progress, to see if you’re staying within your spending limits. LearnVest also provides a complimentary call with a financial expert, to help you sort out your goals. Other budget planning services are available for additional fees. This free app is available on iOS.
Personal Capital
Personal Capital is helpful for viewing your finances at a glance. The app provides bar and line graphs, to track your expenditures and investments. Use Personal Capital to check your balance and view itemized expenses. Certified investment advisors are available to give advice through via FaceTime or email. The app shows you how your investments compare to the overall market performance, to see how you stack up. Personal Capital also takes a look at your assets to see where there are opportunities for investment diversification. This free app is available on Android and iOS.
BillGuard
BillGuard helps you monitor all your bills in one place. Load credit cards and BillGuard will graph your charges. Keep tabs on when payments are due and make sure that no unwanted charges go your way. BillGuard alerts you if anything seems questionable. Using your data, the app searches for relevant coupons that will lower your bills each month. BillGuard also displays spending analytics, showing you where your money goes. This free app is available on iOS.
Google Wallet
For those of you that are tired of carrying around loyalty cards, Google Wallet will keep your wallet lighter. The app stores your loyalty information, making it easier to find the right card when you’re checking out. Take a picture of credit cards and pay for items through the app. Google Wallet stores your receipts and organizes them for you. Google Wallet also makes it easy to send money to friends. No more IOUs! This free app is available on iOS and Android.
Lifelock Wallet
Cybersecurity service, Lifelock, recently acquired digital wallet app, Lemon Wallet. The two combined forces to launch Lifelock Wallet earlier this month. Like Google Wallet, Lifelock Wallet is an app that stores loyalty card information. You can also scan credit cards and identity cards, such as a driver’s license. Use Lifelock to keep track of credit card balances. It also categorizes your spending habits, so you can see where your dollars are going. If your physical wallet gets stolen, call Lifelock and they will cancel all your credit cards for you. This free app is available on iOS and Android.
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5a3aec956f410fe3ebbfd4161744a1fc | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieshapiro/2018/06/25/netflixs-cooking-on-high-is-a-low-brow-look-into-the-cannabis-cuisine-scene/ | Netflix's 'Cooking On High' Is A Low-Brow Look Into The Cannabis Cuisine Scene | Netflix's 'Cooking On High' Is A Low-Brow Look Into The Cannabis Cuisine Scene
'Cooking on High' judge Mod Sun and expert Ngaio Bealum. Courtesy: Netflix
Debuting on June 22 as television’s first-ever cannabis cooking competition show, I was optimistic as I settled into the couch on Friday night for a “Cooking on High” streaming session. From farm-to-table feasts in Boulder to pop-up warehouse parties in downtown Los Angeles to wine and weed pairing dinners in San Francisco, the cannabis cuisine scene has reached an unprecedented level of sophistication. But after only one episode in (and making it all the way through to the finale), all hope was lost.
Where Viceland has succeeded with "Bong Appétit" and "Weediquette," Netflix still hasn’t figured out exactly how to program pot. Following the already-canceled comedy "Disjointed," this Stage 13-produced original series is only its second foray into the subject.
If you’re a fan of "Chopped" on the Food Network, the format is familiar. In each of the 12 episodes, which have a maximum runtime of 15 minutes, two chefs go head-to-head in creating one cannabis-infused dish to present to a panel of “celebrity” judges (rappers and comedians that you’ll likely have to Google and who just happen to consume cannabis in their daily lives).
YouTube vlogger (to the tune of 2 million subscribers) Josh Leyva plays the high-fiving host and while his bio states he “combines his love of comedy and weed culture to guide each chef through culinary challenges,” he’s had no official connection to the cannabis industry until now.
Enter Ngaio Bealum, the competition’s resident expert. A self-proclaimed “chronnisseuer,” he at least writes about cannabis in California’s leading alt-weeklies, hosts his own cannabis-focused podcast and is a frequent guest on Doug Benson’s “Getting Doug With High.” Bealum is on hand to introduce the chosen cannabis strain the cheftestants are to use (i.e. Girl Scout Cookies: “a super popular strain that’s a cross between OG Kush and Durban Poison, which is a classic old school landrace South African, super high sativa.”). FYI, the average viewer has no clue what any of this means.
First up are Andrea Drummer, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate and notable private cannabis chef for clients like Chelsea Handler and Luke Reyes, an actual Chopped champion and head chef and co-owner of the private cannabis dining concept La Hoja. Sadly, their commitment to the cause and unmatched expertise in infused cooking is overshadowed by a shoddy production value, stoner judges and way too many weed puns.
Bealum’s knowledge is underused, too, with the show skipping over the entire process of how to make what they call "weed oil" for cooking (he does effectively explain decarboxylation). “Weed 101” infographics interrupt the already disorganized show structure instead, while the chefs prepare their dishes using what I'm assuming is an infused olive oil pre-placed on their anxiety-inducing, small stations.
The 'Cooking on High' kitchen. Courtesy: Netflix
But the lowest low of the premiere show comes at the very beginning when musician Mod Sun, one of the two judges among a rotating roster of 15 for the series, proudly proclaims, “My mom smoked when she was pregnant, and so I’ve been high since before I was born.”
Wow. Thanks, Mod Sun, for undermining an entire movement in a single sentence.
Later, he says in all seriousness after tasting Drummer’s cod cake creation, “I like, never ate fish before.” If you’re producing a cooking competition, you might want to enlist a judge with a slightly more diverse palate.
In a “THC Timeout,” judge Ramon Rivas is asked how high he feels. It's an answer to which he can’t really explain, admitting to “coming into the shoot kind of high.” There are a lot of questions, a specific timeline to follow and wellness benefits to experience when consuming cannabis. Someone should talk about them.
If you can make it to the end, "Cooking on High” culminates with the presentation of scores, shared with the flash of a dirty spatula revealing a numbered decal to determine the winner. The prize? A pot leaf stamped sash and a pot spray-painted gold for a trophy.
Do cannabis better, Netflix.
Katie Shapiro is an Aspen-based cannabis journalist. Follow her on Twitter @kshapiromedia.
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e2b48a7fa51afc700e8f820b1fccdfda | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieshapiro/2018/09/07/exclusive-grateful-dead-drummer-mickey-hart-wants-you-to-vote-green-for-cannabis/ | Exclusive: Grateful Dead Drummer Mickey Hart Wants You To Vote Green For Cannabis | Exclusive: Grateful Dead Drummer Mickey Hart Wants You To Vote Green For Cannabis
Mickey Hart onstage in Mountain View in 2018. Jay Blakesberg for Dead and Company
Mickey Hart took his first puff of a joint in 1960 when he was 17. Now, 58 years later he’s still smoking cannabis and advocating for the legalization of marijuana.
“I knew it was illegal, but once I smoked it, I immediately just felt really aware and this sense of being in the now. It was a beautiful feeling and my music just flowed,” Hart exclusively shared with ForbesLife over the phone. “Cannabis is not an evil drug. It’s medicine … a magical plant really. It’s a super highway of the senses for me that raises consciousness, which is exactly why it is so needed these days with the world upside down and inside out.”
The legendary, Grammy Award-winning percussionist for the Grateful Dead, and currently for Dead and Company, just wrapped the band’s summer tour at the Lockn’ Festival last month, where he joined forces with the Cannabis Voter Project as an official spokesperson. It’s a new off-shoot of HeadCount, the New York City-based non-profit organization dedicated to voter action through music. Since its start in 2004, HeadCount has registered nearly 500,000 voters through its work online and during activations at concerts and music festivals.
Cut to 2015 when founder and executive director Andy Bernstein attended the High Times U.S. Cannabis Cup in Denver and had an epiphany.
“I looked around and realized I was among this very vibrant scene of young people that was very similar to the crowds at the concerts where we were out registering voters,” says Bernstein.
HeadCount was on tour with Dead and Company all summer as part of the band’s Participation Row... [+] activism village. Courtesy: HeadCount
Citing his own ignorance of knowing where his congressman stood on the issue of legalization— despite “working in the voting space for a living”— he realized there was a need for a simple website where citizens could find out state-by-state where their representatives stand on cannabis reform.
The Cannabis Voter project was born soon after with its official website launching late this summer. A dropdown menu or clickable map enables visitors to select where they reside to find out in layman’s terms the legal status of their state along with a robust rundown of where each elected official stands and their cannabis-related voting record. Direct links to NORML’s congressional scorecards and HeadCount’s online voter registration portal are also included.
“Cannabis is an issue that goes across party lines … you cant just guess where your congressman stands based on their party affiliation. It really pays to be informed, because you may be voting for someone that has a diametrically different view,” says Bernstein. “More and more elected officials now have a clear stance on this issue and if they are not going to evolve to the times, there’s a chance they are going to lose votes.”
Bernstein has already noticed an early advantage on the issue-based portal and says the Cannabis Voter Project is registering more voters per week than on HeadCount’s main page. He’s also enlisted musicians like Lukas Nelson, Margo Price, Bill Kreutzmann and Marc Brownstein to support the cause—many of whom have also supported HeadCount throughout the years.
Mickey Hart at the 2018 Lockn' Festival in Arrington, Virginia. Courtesy: Cannabis Voter Project
“You know the cannabis voter bloc is untapped. Very much like how it is for the people that are voting just for guns or other passions, this has the potential to really motivate someone who’s normally stayed home. It makes it easy,” says Hart. “Years ago we knew that if people didn’t vote somebody else would. If you want change you have to pull that lever. Get off your butt and vote for your own freedom.”
Hart credits his lifelong bandmate Bob Weir for initially getting him involved in HeadCount and says, “He was hip to it from the beginning and really made it about our community [of Deadheads].”
Two years ago Dead and Company made headlines for a Jimmy Kimmel Live appearance with more than 300 marijuana activists in tow, after which Weir told the Los Angeles Times, “The folks it would be hitting on that broadcast would be outside our normal sphere of influence. We're about music, but we're about other stuff as well, and we always have been. We need to make our feelings on the subject as apparent as we can."
But their stumping days span decades and with primary election season underway, Hart thinks it has all finally come full circle.
“During those early Grateful Dead years, we were chased from all around … we had to dance our way through life … we were a target. We always talked about it and thought, ‘Can you imagine when this is not illegal? When we don’t have to do all of this?’ But the reality of it seemed so far away,” reflects Hart. “We are still just shouting as loud as we can and we are going to keep on shouting to try and shine the light for people to understand how important this issue is.”
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bdb4ed7f079769a7d68eb1a313ab95f1 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieshapiro/2018/12/13/how-cbd-infused-products-can-save-your-skin-this-winter/?sh=4e21d9a56ce6 | How CBD-Infused Products Can Save Your Skin This Winter | How CBD-Infused Products Can Save Your Skin This Winter
The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, which if signed by the president, will fully open the floodgates... [+] for CBD in the beauty and wellness industries. Courtesy: L'eela CBD Bodycare
Whether you live in one of the world’s colder regions or are planning a ski vacation this season, the dry air that comes with winter — especially at higher altitudes — can take an extreme toll on your skin. As cannabis-infused products continue to take the beauty industry by storm, one lesser-known secret is that the plant can provide serious moisture, relief and protection against the damaging effects of the elements.
Despite new lines continually hitting the shelves at the likes of Sephora, there is still a lack of recent research and dermatologists have yet to publicly back brands. What we do know? The most common ingredient is hemp seed oil in the form of CBD extract, which is known to provide natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Dr. Jeanette Jacknin called hemp "the new cosmeceutical ingredient" during her "Hemp and Cannabinoids for Beauty and Skin Disorders” presentation at the American Academy of Dermatology’s annual meeting earlier this year. And now with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, which if signed by the president, will remove hemp from the Controlled Substances Act and make it a legal agricultural commodity again, the floodgates will fully open to the beauty and wellness industries.
While legislation progress is already underway, co-founder of L’Eela CBD Bodycare Amy Andrle explains, “Until cannabis as a whole is legalized on a federal level, a conflict of interest and hesitation to go on the record will remain for board certified doctors.”
Also a co-owner of the award-winning organic cultivator and retail dispensary L’Eagle Services in Denver and board member of the Cannabis Certification Council, Andrle is obviously a proponent for all-natural skincare products.
“Everyone’s composition is different, but in a lot of cases, skin can get worse when prescribed high concentrations of chemicals through traditional medicine,” says Andrle.
“One reason CBD-infused skincare is more effective is because hemp molecules are extremely small, making the penetration into the skin far easier than most creams,” according to Dr. Andrew Kerklaan, president and founder of Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics.
Known for a rigorous triple-lab-testing process, Kerklaan drew on more than 20 years as a internationally-renowned chiropractor to combine both pain relief and healing properties into his product line, which he launched in 2017.
“I’m hopeful that once we see regulatory things change, there will be more opportunity for more research and regulation in the sector. There are a lot of products getting produced that are over promising and under delivering, using irresponsibly sourced hemp,” says Kerklaan.
Until then, cannabis companies are only able to rely on customer feedback. Kerklaan says it's compelling enough, citing the before and after photos he receives from around the world almost daily.
I can only speak to what I have tried personally and what has truly worked on my own epidermis, which resides in the Rocky Mountains at a moisture-sucking 8,209 feet. So to help fight off Old Man Winter, here are the four skincare saviors that made the cut into my medicine cabinet this season worth trying:
Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask Courtesy: Kana
Kana
Behind the brand: Janice Buu
Product pick: Lavender Hemp Sleeping Mask, $55
Why it works: According to Buu, "I did not come from a skincare background, however, being around my Korean-Chinese mother who makes her own skincare products and only chooses to use fresh ingredients from the farmer's market taught me early-on about the benefits of plant-based topicals and how important natural skincare is to our health. Cold climates can make skin super dry, sensitive and itchy. And when you encounter a colder climate suddenly, your skin will produce excess oil just to protect itself. The elements that are important in Korean and plant-based beauty are that formulas are lightweight, fast-absorbing, gentle and effective. The Lavender Hemp Sleeping Mask was specially formulated with more than 20 active botanicals in each jar, so the effectiveness comes from the synergy of our premium formulation rather than effects of single ingredients."
Shop: kanaskincare.com
Dr. Kerklaan Therapeautics Natural Skin Cream Courtesy: Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics
Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics
Behind the brand: Dr. Andrew Kerklaan, DC
Product pick: Natural Skin Cream, $65
Why it works: According to Kerklaan, “Our Natural Skin Cream was developed quite different than our other products and we were very selective in sourcing a USA-grown, full-spectrum CBD extract for its higher quality and higher concentration. And it needed to be hypoallergenic, fragrance free and fast-absorbing. It’s formulated with 120 milligrams of CBD for an extremely hydrating effect to help combat harsher elements like sun exposure, dryness, redness and chronic irritation. The beauty of using cannabinoids is that skin issues are often rooted in the immune system, so CBD is a direct way to reset your system to get things to settle down.”
Shop: drkerklaan.com
Hora Skincare Super Serum Courtesy: Hora Skincare
Hora Skincare
Behind the brand: Samantha Czubiak
Product pick: Super Serum, $54
Why it works: According to Czubiak, “With a background as a celebrity film and lifestyle stylist, entering the beauty market was only natural. As a longtime customer of countless skin care products, I noticed a need for an all-in-one serum that could counteract dry skin, irritation and aging. Our loyal customers can attest to the Super Serum’s extreme moisturizing capabilities. You can replace even your most beloved moisturizer with it in complete confidence that your skin will be hydrated when battling high altitudes and the harsh winter climates. The Super Serum includes 8 super ingredients: marine collagen, rosehip oil, argan oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin B3, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and last, but not least, CBD.”
Shop: horaskincare.com
L'eela Vital Hydrating Oil Courtesy: L'eela
L’eela CBD Bodycare
Behind the brand: Lisa Richards, Amy Andrle
Product Pick: Vital Hydrating Oil, $50
Why it works: According to Andrle, “People may not yet realize that many dermatological issues stem from inflammation, including acne, eczema, rosacea. Cannabis is under-researched, but initial findings point to more than anti-inflammation, there is anecdotal evidence of antibacterial, antispasmodic and analgesic properties, which can also be helpful for winter skin. This is our ‘everything and everywhere’ product and not only works wonders for the face, but can also be beneficial to the body and hair. It’s loaded with fast-absorbing marula, apricot, sweet almond and Vitamin E oils, but the superhero ingredient is 100 milligrams of CBD in every bottle, which is also an antioxidant to help support and protect the skin from free radicals. And thanks to Lisa’s expertise in Ayurvedic healing practices, our formulations are balanced for beauty inside and out and made with integrity using CBD sourced from organic farms in Colorado and Kentucky."
Shop: leelacbdbodycare.com
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bd18942bf8e7238ff22ae5d2142021ee | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieshapiro/2019/01/09/marijuana-and-music-converge-at-the-2nd-annual-aspen-high-summit/ | Marijuana And Music Converge At The 2nd Annual Aspen High Summit | Marijuana And Music Converge At The 2nd Annual Aspen High Summit
The masterminds of marijuana and music meet every December in the mountains for the Aspen High... [+] Summit. (Pictured: Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands) Craig Turpin
While the mega-marijuana conferences of the world continue to grow in size and frequency — MJBizCon welcomed 27,600 attendees to Las Vegas in 2018 alone — one under-the-radar cannabis confab has quietly earned the reputation as the industry’s most exclusive, must-attend event.
The Aspen High Summit is what co-founder Jim Lewi has coined as “the anti-conference,” which by invitation only, brings 150 of the leading minds in marijuana and music together at altitude every December for interactive panel presentations, outdoor adventure excursions, group dinners and late night sessions at the Limelight Hotel in downtown Aspen.
Presented in partnership with the Arcview Group, it’s a sister, prequel event to Lewi’s long-running Aspen Live conference, a think tank-type gathering for music and live entertainment executives. Overseeing cannabis business for Red Light Management in Los Angeles, Lewi first came together with Arcview, the largest network of high net worth cannabis investors in the world, at the Emerald Cup in 2016 (another event he co-produces).
Soon after, Lewi got to work with Arcview president Steve DeAngelo (also known as a legendary legalization activist and founder of Harborside) and Arcview CEO Troy Dayton to launch the first-of-its-kind conference in 2017 with a mission to connect the music and cannabis industries and encourage collaboration in preparation for the federal legalization of marijuana.
Aspen High Summit co-founders Jim Lewi, Steve DeAngelo and Troy Dayton talking shop between panels. Craig Turpin
Arcview also hosts a year-round schedule of Investor Forums across the globe, often including "Shark Tank" style pitch sessions for its members in attendance. It’s also a go-to resource for comprehensive market research with its most recent report estimating that legal cannabis business will generate $57 billion globally by 2027.
"It's all about the hang here. The best business relationships aren't made at a trade show booth and business deals aren't done from the stage … it's done on the slopes during the day and sitting around the fire at night, smoking really great weed and having really smart conversations," says Dayton. "In this industry, we are all working so hard, so having this opportunity to truly connect with those who care so much about this plant and movement is what makes the Aspen High Summit so revolutionary.”
Schmoozing on such a small scale is exactly what draws such high profile industry insiders to attend.
“The annual cannabis conference calendar is packed with standard format investor conferences and trade shows, so [Acreage was] attracted to the laid back format of Aspen High. The location, schedule and organization allowed for more high-quality, in-depth interactions between attendees,” says Acreage Holdings chief marketing officer, Harris Damashek.
Wick & Mortar founder and CEO, Jared Mirsky adds, “The relationships I made at Aspen High could have easily taken me three years to develop in any other conference circuit. Given the fact that I speak at nearly 30 conferences a year, that's saying a lot about the value and quality of people you can expect.”
The highlight for Mirsky and most attendees, though, was each of the six afternoon panels over the course of three days. While much of what was said was asked to stay exclusive to attendees, the issues Aspen High tackled this year ranged from “CBD: The Fastest Growing Sector Since Cannabis” to “Investment Trends in the Maturing MJ Industry” to “Celebrity Endorsement of Cannabis Brands.” During his opening remarks, Dayton encouraged everyone in the room to think of themselves as panelists.
“There currently is no other conference like it, which makes it extremely valuable and the town hall format is what sets it apart. This creates an open conversation for everyone in the room to give their opinion and expertise which develops each discussion with valued perspectives and actual experience,” explains Munch and Company founder and president, Freddie Wyatt.
Kellen O’Keefe (MedMen), Patrick Rea (CanopyBoulder) and Harris Damachek (Acreage Holdings) leading... [+] the "Changing The Face Of Cannabis Retail" conversation. Craig Turpin
"Unlike other conferences, participation is very much encouraged. It was an exceptional opportunity to be able to partake in what felt like a dinner table conversation between a group of highly accomplished cannabis professionals,” adds Jojo Marina LLC founder, Jojo Frey. “Once you find yourself in the laid back town of Aspen surrounded by the beautiful, humbling Rocky Mountains, you drop all pretense.”
But the biggest issue that came up in almost every conversation? The way both industries can continue to work together to shift the stigma that still surrounds cannabis. During his keynote address, DeAngelo begged the question, “Does [your] cannabis content help us deconstruct the stigma or does it reinforce the stigma?”
After taking some time to reflect post-conference, DeAngelo shares, “We directly confronted what I think is the central challenge for cannabis content and content producers: how to break out of the stigma ghetto. We heard some of the reasons for the dearth of quality cannabis content — like the belief of cable advertisers that association with a positive cannabis show would be detrimental to their brands and the similar reluctance of A-list talent to participate in a pro-cannabis project. But I do believe we are on the verge of a change, because Hollywood is beginning to realize that breaking stigma is exactly what is needed to make cannabis shows and films successful. All we need is one breakthrough hit to drive the lesson home.”
From a legal standpoint, Bernstein IP managing partner Karen J. Bernstein cautions, "There are so many issues surrounding how celebrities could be terminated by companies outside the cannabis industry for endorsing cannabis products because their moral rights clauses prohibit them from speaking or imbibing in substances that are federally illegal."
Los Angeles-based MedMen, which sent a team of executive-level staffers to Aspen High this year, is one such cannabis company leading the charge in how to work with celebrity to change the culture.
MedMen SVP of business development, Kellen O'Keefe says, “Cannabis legalization is a process, not an event. We need to keep working, keep pushing the ball forward. All of the issues are important. Mainstreaming marijuana is about helping cannabis consumers to come out of the closet so to speak and stand by their right to consume responsibly.”
The 3rd Annual Aspen High Summit will commence in December 2019. Before then, accredited investors can attend Arcview’s Local Investor Night in New York City (January 23, 2019) and International Investor Forum in Los Angeles (February 5-7, 2019).
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f4ab8c8dd9b9c904b3ed16e64fbeed91 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieshapiro/2019/02/10/chelsea-handler-celebrates-canndescents-new-cannabis-vape-announces-own-branded-line/ | Chelsea Handler Celebrates Canndescent's New Cannabis Vape, Announces Own Branded Line | Chelsea Handler Celebrates Canndescent's New Cannabis Vape, Announces Own Branded Line
For those of us among Chelsea Handler’s massive social media following, we already know that her love of cannabis is hardly a secret habit. She plays the part of advocate, drawing necessary attention to the issues of legalization and injustice, while also chronicling her personal consumption routine as part of her daily posts.
The comedienne and author also recently alluded to working on building a cannabis company of her own and now it’s official. As the special guest speaker at Canndescent's Stylus launch party on Saturday night, she shared exclusively with The Hollywood Reporter she had just signed a deal earlier that day to partner with San Francisco-based operator NorCal Cannabis Company to launch her own cannabis line.
Chelsea Handler talks cannabis with Canndescent CEO Adrian Sedlin at the Stylus launch party in Los... [+] Angeles, Calif. on February 9, 2019. Courtesy: Canndescent
Presented in partnership with Civilized — the Canadian cannabis media outlet she traveled with on a speaking tour last fall — the exclusive, invite-only evening was held at The Montalbán theatre and included "a vape immersion experience" followed by a candid conversation between Handler and Canndesecent CEO Adrian Sedlin.
She told THR, “I didn’t want to do licensing; I didn’t want to do some bull shit weed line. It really means a lot to me, what [cannabis] has done for my friends and the people who have been re-introduced, so it’s a female-centric kind of motivation and I want to do a line that represents that, to reintroduce women to the marketplace, so that’s my goal.”
Through her relationship with Civilized, Handler discovered Canndescent, which since its start in 2015, has focused solely on cultivating top-shelf flower and is known for being the first municipally-permitted facility in California and the first cannabis company in the world to abandon traditional strain names. Instead, the Santa Barbara-based operation focuses on effects-based branding in five, single-origin signature formulas: Calm, Cruise, Create, Connect and Charge.
In 2018, Canndescent raised an additional $13 million and became California’s number one-selling brand of flower in the luxury category and now, it’s aiming “to redefine vaping” with the launch of its Stylus series of products.
Canndescent's new Stylus vaporizer pen retails for $60 and is available in dispensaries and via... [+] select delivery services throughout California. Courtesy: Canndescent
Designed deliberately to look like an actual pen, Sedlin says of the new line, “We conceived Stylus to inspire consumers to write their story and transform their lives. For this to happen, the product must invigorate the five senses from the moment they see its silhouette, feel its velvety weight, smell its bouquet, taste its essence, and ultimately, exhale with a renewed outlook.”
The rechargeable, reusable device — complete with a clipped cap to protect the mouthpiece from dust and debris — is compatible with Canndescent’s “ultra-clear” oil cartridges (a disposable “ready-to-use” version is coming to market later this month). Using a “cold and slow” CO2 extraction process, the Canndescent team sourced its cuttings from its own garden to ensure its oils never come with the common burnt taste often experienced when vaporizing and to mirror the cannabinoid and terpene profiles of its proprietary strains. Each ceramic cartridge ($50) contains 500 milligrams, which delivers approximately 200 draws.
The Stylus itself ($60) is equipped with a magnetic locking mechanism for easy cartridge swapping and three temperature settings to allow for varying levels of potency per hit. A velvet dust bag in the brand’s Hermes-evoking orange is also included in every first-edition, collector’s box.
With an encouraging, official tagline (and hashtag) to “write your story,” cannabis has enabled Handler to do just that. Her sixth memoir, Life Will Be the Death of Me will be released on April 9 with a new documentary about white privilege she penned and stars in set to drop on Netflix in July.
Canndescent's ceramic cartridges ($50) contain 500 milligrams, which delivers approximately 200... [+] draws. Courtesy: Canndesecent
She told the audience, which also was treated to a Q&A, that she started turning to cannabis more to help her focus and manage stress while working on writing projects and that it allowed her to complete them in excellence.
“I’d much rather be taking something from the ground than from some disgusting pharmaceutical company that’s poisoning us with opioids and then making another trillion dollars to discover the cure for it! … Now we understand that we were basically living during Prohibition. This is gonna be the thing that probably cures some big disease and then everyone’s going to go, ‘Oh whoopsie, I can’t believe people were put in prison for smoking, for a dime bag,’” said Handler.
Through her Instagram stories, cannabis is seemingly a proud part of Handler’s everyday lifestyle — whether waking up with her beloved dogs, in the gym with her trainer, on a ski trip with her family or getting ready in her closet (also home to two refrigerated drawers where she keeps an enviable supply of edibles at the ready).
She personally prefers Canndescent’s Connect, which the brand describes as, “when it’s time to laugh, go out with friends or get intimate” and Calm to help her sleep.
Handler summed up her newfound image from the stage, "You are not a stoner just because you get high. Do you know how much shit I get done?"
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89a4ab75aa9929094a9dcea504719274 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieshapiro/2019/02/24/first-look-spike-jonze-and-jesse-williams-captivate-in-medmens-new-cannabis-commercial/ | First Look: Spike Jonze And Jesse Williams Captivate In MedMen's New Cannabis Commercial | First Look: Spike Jonze And Jesse Williams Captivate In MedMen's New Cannabis Commercial
MedMen's 'The New Normal' short film opens on George Washington's hemp farm. Courtesy: MedMen
Critics of corporate cannabis can say what they will about MedMen, but the dispensary chain is taking its largest social issue stand yet with the release of a captivating commercial directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Spike Jonze starring Grey’s Anatomy actor Jesse Williams.
Now streaming on its website and YouTube channel, the two-minute short film is part of the cannabis retail giant’s “The New Normal” multimedia marketing campaign — a continuation of its ongoing effort to destigmatize cannabis use. Known for its aggressive marketing, including a $4 million spend on its “Cannabis” billboard-focused effort in 2018, MedMen is now also shining a more deliberate, much-needed light on the racial injustice the industry is still up against.
According to a recent NPR report, “Studies show that blacks and Latinos nationwide have been arrested and incarcerated for cannabis and other drug crimes at least four times the rate of whites. The long-term effects of the war on drugs launched in the 1970s are still evident in many communities of color.”
And despite legalization spreading across the country, the FBI’s 2018 Uniform Crime Report found that the total number of persons arrested in the United States for violating marijuana laws increased for the second consecutive year.
"I've never been into pot much or a huge advocate for legalization, but I’ve always supported it because it seemed absurd for the reasons we all know. And it always felt inevitable," says Jonze. "But getting to do this, I got to learn the bigger picture of the whole story. I feel so hopeful, but the thing that sticks with me and upsets me is that there are still so many people that are still locked up for this plant that is now legal in so many places. That doesn’t make sense.” Spike Jonze and Jesse Williams on 'The New Normal' set in Los Angeles. Courtesy: MedMen
A self-described “active activist” and “cannabis crusader,” the film chronicles Williams through the history of cannabis in America — beginning as George Washington on his hemp farm and ending as a husband welcoming his wife home with a MedMen shopping bag in hand. The journey from prohibition to counterculture to legalization transitions through diorama-like scenes created by production designer James Chinlund.
Tapped by Mekanism, MedMen’s agency of record on the project, Williams' reason for participating stems from his childhood.
“The issue of racial injustice in cannabis is very important to me. I witnessed crack-era Chicago growing up in the ‘80s. I saw firsthand cops preying on poor people, frisking us on the streets. We moved to suburban Massachusetts and I saw all these white kids smoking weed, growing weed, selling weed, where it was basically just overlooked. And this type of coming-of-age story … it’s in the fabric of America. Why are white kids allowed to experiment, make mistakes and not be vilified for it? I’ve lived this dichotomy and it’s bullshit.”
MedMen currently operates 20 locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Illinois and New York — including an Apple store-esque flagship on Fifth Avenue — and has emerged as the largest U.S.-based company in the cannabis industry since its medicinal start in 2010 (it is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange with a valuation of $2.2 billion). The company proudly reports a diverse workforce of its own citing a staff comprised of 58% identifying a minorities. A corporate social responsibly (CSR) program is also in development.
Once Jonze signed-on, MedMen worked through a series of creative briefs and storyboards, but relinquished full creative control to the auteur. Known for Her and Being John Malkovich on the big screen, Jonze has also earned accolades in the advertising world for his work on commercials for the likes of Apple, Adidas, Ikea, Kenzo and Squarespace and earlier this year, won Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials for 2018 at the 71st Annual DGA Awards.
“Spike’s creative direction was incredible. And our vision was very specific in addressing the racism and classism of the prohibition of this plant,” says Williams.
Beyond the film airing online, MedMen has secured a contract with Screen Vision Media for a pre-trailer slot in more than 300 movie theaters across the states in where it operates. Radio spots will roll out on Sirius XM (MedMen was the first cannabis company to advertising on the satellite network) and in print in GQ, Rolling Stone, Us Weekly and more.
Jonze also has a short documentary in post-production, which explores the individual stories of "The New Normal" cast members — veterans, law enforcement officials, formerly incarcerated drug offenders and young entrepreneurs in the industry who all have their own personal relationship with cannabis.
“We are really proud of navigating compliance in the media space and television is finally starting to evolve. We have also been able to negotiate a significant buy through connected TV, which will give us access to networks like E!, Bravo and Oxygen — an essential channel the industry has not yet been able to reach,” says MedMen chief marketing officer David Dancer.
Dancer joined the company eight months ago and is confident “The New Normal” has the potential to breakthrough the challenging media landscape, which multi-state companies in the industry often face as they try to navigate national strategy.
Coming from a career in marketing at American Express, Visa, Charles Schawb and Teleflora, Dancer explains, “We just keep chipping away at this challenge. We started local in LA with outdoor and now, here we are. Trust me, we are having conversations with ABC, NBC and CBS all of the time, but the fact that cannabis is still considered a schedule 1 drug is the main issue. Federal legalization is obviously the last hurdle.”
Williams adds, “Someone has to be the first one the dance floor. When we look back 20 years from now, the illegality mentality is going to be a joke. This plant is not theoretical in its practice and its use is directly attached to enhancing the quality of people’s lives.”
The campaign's accompanying print ads will run in GQ, Rolling Stone, Us Weekly and more. Courtesy: MedMen
The script was co-written by Jonze and Williams (who is also the narrator), and reads powerfully in full:
“Hey, you want to witness some history? Okay, back in the day, George and a few of our founding fathers had hemp farms. Yeah, a president grew his own. Look it up. It was normal. But you know what isn't normal? America's 80 years of unjust prohibition, which hasn't made us any safer. And there's this: they came up with policies like stop-and-frisk, where anyone can get searched at any ... All right. I'm getting a little off-track, but the point is, these punishments have been harsh. Like 25 years in a prison harsh. That's madness. Speaking of, you remember this classic bit of propaganda? Madness? How about wellness? How about everyday good people are using it to calm their pain, their stress, their anxieties? And a product that drove people to the black market is now creating a new global market. That's a lot of jobs. And the same thing that inspired the creators, the makers, and the disruptors ... The symbol of counterculture is at long last, just culture. It's normal again. Here's to the new normal.”
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e78d7cc3b964208083b8bcc92260588a | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieshapiro/2019/04/23/mothers-day-gift-guide-the-most-calming-cbd-products-for-self-care/ | Mother's Day Gift Guide: The Most Calming CBD Products For Self-Care | Mother's Day Gift Guide: The Most Calming CBD Products For Self-Care
We’re in the midst of one of the biggest wellness trends in history, so this Mother’s Day is the perfect time to introduce the mom in your life to the green life. Short for cannabidiol, one of the many compounds in the cannabis plant, CBD is the less psychoactive cousin to mind-bending THC and widely believed to offer a bouquet of health benefits from relieving anxiety to aiding sleep to promoting an overall sense of calm. Whether she's in need of escaping the pressure of parenting, suffering from postpartum blues, trying to get some zzz's or simply wanting to spa-out at home, here are 10 picks to provide a blissful, CBD-infused “me time” moment:
Fleur Marché Le Mom Kit, $135
Fleur Marche Le Mom Kit, $135 Courtesy: Fleur Marche
This online CBD apothecary, created by two former Goop staffers, is known for its curated starter kits that showcase how using different cannabis-based products can target specific wellness needs. Every product goes through a strict vetting and testing process before landing on the Fleur Marché website, which also acts as an educational resource. The Le Mom Kit includes a Calm Patch by The Good Patch, Matcha CBD Truffles by Calivolve, Youth Serum by Gara Skincare and Bath Salts by Vertly — all in a canvas makeup pouch to take your CBD beauty routine to-go.
Populum Limited Edition Mother’s Day Cold Therapy Hemp Rub, $45
Populum Limited Edition Mother’s Day Cold Therapy Hemp Rub Courtesy: Populum
Say goodbye to every ache and pain in an instant with Populum’s cooling, jelly-like lotion infused with 100 milligrams of non-GMO hemp oil, arnica, chamomile and aloe vera. Each box is adorned with a custom floral print designed by artist Amber Vittoria "to honor femininity and the female form" and comes with lab results from the actual batch used to formulate what’s inside the bottle (one of the very few brands to provide this information to the consumer).
New Highs 2000mg CBD, $215
New Highs CBD 2000mg Courtesy: New Highs CBD
Sorry, but not all CBD oil is created and bottled equal. Founded by cannabis industry veteran Sarah Remesch, New Highs CBD is made with hemp sun grown in Oregon and comprised of CO2 derived whole plant extract with fractionated coconut and MCT oil. The result? Clean, light and fresh-tasting CBD Oil that comes in the highest concentration available on the market. Plus, it’s packaged in a sleek, frosted white bottle with a push-button delivery dropper — far more chic than the rubber topped standard.
Lord Jones Limited Edition Mother’s Day Gumdrops, $50
Lord Jones Limited Edition Mother's Day Gumdrops Courtesy: Lord Jones
Just for the holiday, the celebrity-beloved cannabis company has released an exclusive run of its signature CBD-infused gumdrops in a special sweet flavor for mom: apricot with a hint of rose. Each box is packaged in a limited edition pink color and adorned with a handmade paper flower corsage — a keepsake she can wear long after the gumdrops are gone. Inside, each of the nine pieces are infused with 20 milligrams of full-spectrum CBD.
Beboe Therapies Face Mask, $148, Serum, $78
Beboe Therapies Face Mask, Serum Courtesy: Beboe
On the heels of Beboe’s partnership with Barney’s for The High End, the Los Angeles-based cannabis brand just unveiled a CBD beauty line to showcase hemp as a skin care hero. Stamped with co-founder Scott Campbell’s signature graphic art and words of encouragement like “We love you and want the best things for you” Beboe Therapies Serum is formulated with 300mg of full-spectrum CBD, Rosehip, Grapeseed and Lavender oils to revitalize complexion and reduce the appearance of blemishes and fine lines. Pair it with a High Potency Sheet Mask, which seeps 50mg of CBD, alpha-hydroxy acids and vitamins straight into the skin.
Sagely x Cosabella Dreamwell Set, $99
Sagely x Cosabella Dreamwell Set Courtesy: Cosabella
As part of the launch of its new sleep-centered collection, Sagely Naturals has also collaborated with Cosabella on a limited edition set featuring a prima cotton robe to wrap yourself up in after applying its Dreamwell Body Oil. As one of the industry’s pioneering CBD companies, Sagely Naturals products are infused with oil derived from organic, non-GMO hemp. Each bottle of lightweight, fast-absorbing body oil contains 100 milligrams of CBD blended with pure essences of Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage and Evening Primrose — perfect for a pre-bedtime ritual.
VerdeVie Rest Kit, $210
VerdeVie Rest Kit Courtesy: VerdieVie
After opening its “doors” earlier this year, the online-only cannabis lifestyle retailer has just unveiled a chic all-in-one set for ultimate post-session rest and relaxation. VerdeVie’s Rest Kit includes its signature “Verde Vida” (green living) acrylic accessory tray for all of your CBD goodies, a silk sleep mask, an odor-eliminating candle and a leather door knob hanger to keep the kids away.
Life Elements Bath Bomb Bundle, $45.50
Life Elements Bath Bomb Bundle Courtesy: Life Elements
Slip into the tub and drop in an effervescent, skin-softening bath bomb created by the husband and wife team behind Life Elements. Each small-batch-made bundle contains three balls of bliss in different strengths (50, 100 and 200 milligrams) infused with water-soluble, full-spectrum CBD.
Jacquie Aiche x We Are Leone Kimono, $985
Jacquie Aiche x We Are Leone Kimono Courtesy: Jacquie Aiche
Jacquie Aiche and We Are Leone made it into our Holiday Gift Guide alone but since then, the cannabis-friendly queens behind both brands have dreamt up an exclusive collaboration in the form of a statement-making silk charmeuse kimono emblazoned on the back with Aiche’s favorite signature Sweet Leaf tribe motif. While it’s obviously not CBD-infused itself, it’s the perfect robe to rock during a DIY, CBD spa day at home.
Rosebud Mother’s Day Gift Set, $85
Rosebud Mother's Day Gift Set Courtesy: Rosebud CBD
Since the we first met her, the one-woman-show behind Rosebud has blossomed her line from a trio of signature CBD oils (350, 700 and 1,000 milligrams) with the addition of two blissful body products. Rosebud CBD-Infused Bath Soak contains 25 milligrams of CBD with notes of lavender, jasmine, and vetiver. Post-bath, Rosebud x Lauren’s All Purpose Salve hydrates skin with 350 milligrams of CBD per jar and whipped with shea butter, coconut oil, sweet almond oil and hemp seed oil. Just for Mother's Day, you can gift them all together in a limited edition, embroidered cotton toiletry bag.
*Disclaimer: The effects of CBD are still being studied, so consult with a medical professional before consumption.
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ca73bca026d2fac24c8a2a78420b7b78 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieshapiro/2019/06/26/-cannabis-infused-getaways-to-take-this-summer/ | 9 Cannabis-Infused Getaways To Take This Summer | 9 Cannabis-Infused Getaways To Take This Summer
Lord Jones became the first cannabis company to form an official partnership with a hotel chain when announcing in 2018 that The Standard would soon stock its line of gumdrops in minibars and lobby boutiques from Los Angeles to New York.
Adult-use marijuana is now legal in 11 states and the District of Columbia, and since Standard Hotels set a groundbreaking precedent, the travel industry is following suit with more cannabis-friendly offerings than ever before.
Of course, there are still challenges when it comes to consumption in common areas or in the privacy of your own room’s balcony (like with cigarettes, there are still hefty fines for smoking cannabis inside). But while cities try to navigate implementing social use regulations, hotels in legal states are known to turn a blind eye to lighting up outside, vaporizing or ingesting edibles—especially those that are now serving up CBD or selling cannabis paraphernalia on-property. Plus, TSA recently stated, "Products that contain hemp-derived CBD oil or are FDA-approved are generally legal & can fly."
From picking up a PAX vaporizer poolside at the Dream Hollywood to getting a CBD foot massage at The Standard Spa, here are the best high-minded hotels to check into on your summer vacation.
The partnership between Lord Jones and Standard Hotels has set a groundbreaking precedent for the ... [+] travel industry. Courtesy: Lord Jones
The Standard Spa
Miami, Florida
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Treat your feet to the Royal Chill Treatment ($175 for 60 minutes), a massage featuring a refreshing foot bath and cooling scrub, followed by a grounding reflexology ritual. Using Lord Jones' best-selling High CBD Pain & Wellness Formula and a variety of techniques, including balancing reflexology points, say goodbye to aches and pains so you can put your stilettos back on for another night out in the Magic City. Hotel guests can also find Lord Jones' Blood Orange CBD Gumdrops (an exclusive flavor created in partnership with The Standard) in the spa boutique and minibars in-room along with smoke-friendly accoutrements in the gift shop like Stonedware Company ceramic pipes, rolling papers, lighters and stash jars. standardhotels.com
PAX Labs' poolside pop-up at the Dream Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. Courtesy: PAX Labs
Dream Hollywood
Los Angeles, California
PAX Labs, makers of sleek and smart vaporizers, as part of its ongoing initiative with the Dream Hollywood, has devices available for purchase at the hotel in-room and on the rooftop pool patio, The Highlight Room. While the Dream Hollywood doesn’t offer guests cannabis flower or Era pods compatible with PAX on-site, delivery direct to your chaise lounge chair is as easy as a swipe on your iPhone through statewide online ordering service, Eaze. dreamhotels.com
Soak in CBD at the Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa in Napa Valley. Courtesy: Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa
Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa
Napa Valley, California
This laid-back, rustic retreat has recently incorporated CBD into its spa treatment menu, offering two signature treatments. The CBD Soak ($75 for 25 minutes) is a twist on their popular Splish Splash featuring infused bath salts that help to restore the body after a workout, reduce inflammation, and relieve stress. The CBD Massage ($145 for 50 minutes) uses a hemp-derived, rich body cream to reboot muscles, skin, and aura. calistogamotorlodgeandspa.com
The La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, California. Courtesy: La Quinta Resort & Club
La Quinta Resort & Club
Palm Springs, California
Set beneath the rugged Santa Rosa Mountains, the iconic, Waldorf Astoria-operated resort’s Spa La Quinta has just launched a signature plant-based treatment. The VYBES Calm and Balance CBD Massage ($250 for 50 minutes) starts with a tasting of three flavors of VYBES organic hemp water, such as honey crisp apple basil and burning mandarin, followed by a full body massage with CBD Care Garden oil, and a full pour of your favorite VYBES water after the service. laquintaresort.com
The Chill Lebowski, one of The Nickel's signature CBD-infused cocktails at the Hotel Teatro in ... [+] Denver. Ashlae Warner
Hotel Teatro
Denver, Colorado
As the Mile High City’s first hotel to implement an official CBD cocktail program on the menu of its in-house restaurant, The Nickel also hosts an ongoing series of CBD workshops and special events. Using CBD-rich turmeric oil from Denver-based hemp company SUPERGOOD sip a sense of calm with The Chill Lebowski (vodka, Ancho Reyes chili liqueur, espresso, honey syrup, Frangelico, and egg white) or the Super Limoncello Haze (house-made limoncello, Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, cherry bitters, and whipped cream)—both infused with 12 milligrams of CBD. hotelteatro.com
The St. Regis Aspen Resort's signature CBD-Rich Hemp Oil. Courtesy: The St. Regis Aspen Resort
The St. Regis Aspen Resort
Aspen, Colorado
Inside this mountainside, palatial palace lies the award-winning Remède Spa, where massage therapists and aestheticians offer a CBD upgrade to any treatment. In partnership with locally-based hemp company That's Natural!, its signature line of infused products includes oil, body lotion, and a salve, which are all also available for purchase in the spa boutique so you can keep calm and carry on when you get home. stregisaspen.com
The Austin Motel's lobby shop. Nick Simonite
Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin Motel, and Hotel San José
Austin, Texas
In all three of Liz Lambert’s Austin-based Bunkhouse hotels, hotel guests can shop from an array of her personally curated CBD product picks. At the Hotel Saint Cecilia, a 14-room, secluded estate, find Lord Jones gumdrops in your minibar and in the lobby shop. At the Austin Motel, grab Dazey tinctures, Recess sparkling water, and The Good Patch by La Mend. Hotel San José, the super cool hideout on South Congress, stocks Bang Candy Co.’s Dream Drops and Dram CBD's sparkling waters and tinctures. Guests can go next door to Jo’s Coffee to fuel up with a Flora + Fortitude CBD-infused cold brew, too. bunkhousegroup.com
The Jupiter in Portland, Oregon. Courtesy: The Jupiter
The Jupiter
Portland, Oregon
Portland’s original boutique hotel, which earned design accolades from Architectural Digest in 2016, has teamed up with locally-based companies to compile an “Everything But The Weed Kit” for its cannabis-consuming guests. While no cannabis flower or oil is included, a colorful travel pouch is filled with the latest issue of Oregon Leaf, munchies, Jupiter tee shirt, dispensary discount coupons, and a Jayne vape pen, lighter, and grinder. jupiterhotel.com
Views from the Thompson Seattle's rooftop restaurant The Nest. Courtesy: Thompson Seattle
Thompson Seattle
Seattle, Washington
As a notable cannabis culinary expert, executive chef Derek Simcik is available to those who have done some research on their own before booking a room at the tony Thompson Seattle (the property does not list information on its website or offer details on-property). Through the concierge, though, Simcik is available for hire to cater a private, elevated dinner party of any size, held in an unaffiliated event space nearby. thompsonhotels.com
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bff5994dfab4ddb327782a8de21e22a4 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieshapiro/2019/09/01/the-best-luxury-accessories-for-cannabis-connoisseurs/ | The Best Luxury Accessories For Cannabis Connoisseurs | The Best Luxury Accessories For Cannabis Connoisseurs
This story was written in collaboration with Forbes Finds. Forbes Finds covers products and experiences we think you’ll love. Featured products are independently selected and linked to for your convenience. If you buy something using a link on this page, Forbes may receive a small share of that sale.
Take your cannabis consumption to a higher level. Edie Parker
Thanks to a groundbreaking collaboration between luxury cannabis pioneer Beboe and Barneys New York, high-end marijuana accessories are only getting more opulent. Opened in 2019 inside the retailer's Beverly Hills location, The High End offers everything from custom-blown glass pieces and vintage ashtrays to CBD beauty products and fine jewelry. Beboe’s THC-infused products (pastilles, chocolates, and vaporizer pens) are available to purchase in-store through a partnership with Los Angeles delivery service Emjay. But Barneys has made plenty of its posh pot accessories shoppable online, too, so here are the eight best buys to elevate your cannabis experience.
Devambez The Place Vendôme Set
Devambez The Place Vendôme Gift Set Devambez
Since its beginning in 1826, this storied maison has won countless awards and accolades for its mastery and has been commissioned by monarchs of the nineteenth century to luminaries of the Modernist art movement. A new smoking collection represents the long-overlooked art of the rolling paper, raising rituals to the highest level of luxury. Devambez’s organic papers are crafted from hemp cultivated by a collective of farmers in the Champagne region of France and limited-edition Place Vendôme set includes one of the label's Vendôme cones, a ten-pack of Tuileries cones, two matchbooks (in partnership with the Rosselli family, owners of the last surviving traditional workshop in Europe), and a polished 24k gold-plated packing tamper.
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Barton Perreira Aerial Sunglasses
Barton Perreira Aerial Barton Perreira
Known for its treasure troves of exclusive eyewear across four flagship boutiques in Aspen, New York, Nashville, and Kansas City, Barton Perreira pays homage to the pot leaf exclusively for The High End. Three different designs (Aerial, Kahuna, and Thurston) feature a small marijuana symbol, etched directly onto the lens, which make for an understated style statement to hide your high eyes behind. Each pair comes with a hand-painted case, designed by Los Angeles-based artist Kenton Parker, with a discreet pocket for your own flower supply and is intended for double to store your green on-the-go. A branded microfiber cleaning cloth is also included.
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Martine Ali Stash Box Necklace
Martine Ali Stash Box Necklace martine Ali
Jewelry designer Martine Ali produces artistic pieces entirely by hand in his Brooklyn studio and sources the highest available grade of sterling silver from Italy to Bali. This 24-inch necklace (which can be worn as a chain wallet or mini-purse) doubles as a hinged-lid stash box secured with an oversized safety pin closure for on-the-go access to your cannabis kit.
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Jan Leslie Fluorite Pipe
Jan Leslie Fluorite Pipe Dan Arnold
Best known for her vibrant hand-painted enamel and stunning semi-precious stone cufflinks, jewelry designer Jan Leslie recently added a Smoking Lounge Collection to her collection. Her hand-crafted collection of pipes merge crystal healing with herbal healing and come in fluorite, epidote, amethyst, quartz, and rose quartz.
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Beboe x Connor Cannabis Leaf Notecard Set
Beboe x Connor Cannabis Leaf Notecard Set Beboe x Connor
Already a partner of Barneys New York, Beboe tapped this New York City-based fine stationer to create an exclusive collection of hemp paper and coordinating tissue-lined envelopes—each hand-stamped with original tattoo artwork by Beboe cofounder Scott Campbell. Each set of 12 notecards is presented in a black box with gold Connor logo lettering.
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Malin + Goetz Cannabis Candle
Malin + Goetz Cannabis Candle Malin + Goetz
First launched in 2017 and hand-poured in Brooklyn, Malin + Goetz’s signature, herbaceous scent is still a best-seller. A beeswax, vegetable, and soy wax base is infused with top notes of fresh lemon and orange with a burn time of up to 60 hours. Undertones of fig, pepper, oakmoss, sandalwood, amber, and patchouli come together to create a powerful aroma that effectively masks the scent of every session.
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Vianel Lizard Vape Pen Case
Vianel Lizard Vape Pen Case Dan Arnold
Andrew Brooks founded his luxury leather-accessories label, Vianel, in 2013 after spending years searching for the perfect slim-fit card case. Now he’s crafting them for vape pens exclusively for The High End. Made of lizard, each is hand-stamped with a golf marijuana leaf motif and fits vaporizers up to 3.5 inches long and 1.25 inches wide.
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Edie Parker Tabletop Lighter
Edie Parker Flower Table Top Lighter Edie Parker
Old-school cool meets modern connoisseur in Edie Parker’s entire new cannabis collection, crafted out of the label's signature, candy color-coated acrylic. A statement piece for any smoker, the tabletop lighter resembles malachite with a leaf inlay and built-in ashtray. Complete a coordinating and covetable coffee table set with a matching stash jar, vanity tray, rolling tray insert, and stash box—all exclusively designed by Edie Parker's Brett Heyman for The High End.
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6053d9e9e49f845c916b40fb809bc197 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieshapiro/2019/10/15/the-best-cannabis-friendly-hotels-in-the-world/ | The Best Cannabis-Friendly Hotels in the World | The Best Cannabis-Friendly Hotels in the World
The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows Santa Monica recently debuted Eaze Hospitality, a ... [+] first-of-its-kind hotel cannabis concierge service. Lisa Romerein
Lord Jones became the first cannabis company to form an official partnership with a hotel chain when announcing in 2018 that The Standard would soon stock its line of gumdrops in minibars and lobby boutiques from Los Angeles to New York.
And with the CBD wellness craze continuing to unfold, hotels across America are now offering adding inventive, cannabis-infused treatments to spa menus. Following the successful opening of the first-ever cannabis restaurant in Los Angeles, the travel industry has to follow suit soon in implementing special consumption areas or creating dedicated, cannabis-friendly resorts. In the meantime, cannabis-centric listing sites like Bud and Breakfast and Cannabis Hotels offer databases of listings for marijuana-minded travelers.
Restrictions still remain in the United States when it comes to consuming hotel grounds or in the privacy of your own room on a balcony (like with cigarettes, there are still hefty fines for smoking cannabis inside and even on patios). However, hotels in legal states are known to turn a blind eye to lighting up outside, vaporizing or ingesting edibles—especially those that are now serving up CBD or selling cannabis paraphernalia on-property. Plus, TSA recently stated, “Products that contain hemp-derived CBD oil or are FDA-approved are generally legal & can fly” and “We’re Cool And We’re Not Looking For Your Weed.”
From picking up a PAX vaporizer poolside at the Dream Hollywood to checking into a cabin on the same beach Bob Marley once lived, here are the best cannabis-friendly hotels for an elevated escape.
Despite an official partnership with the cannabis delivery service Eaze, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel ... [+] & Bungalows maintains a strict anti-smoking and anti-vaping policy. Courtesy Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
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Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows (Santa Monica, California)
Eaze, California’s leading cannabis delivery service, in partnership with Recreational Embassy, a curator of cannabis solutions for the luxury hospitality industry, has introduced a first-of-its-kind Cannabis Concierge program at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows Santa Monica. As the first property to introduce the service is extended to adult guests who have access to customized in-room menus featuring low-dose and non-inhalation hemp and cannabis products. Through Recreational Embassy, the hotel will also offer bespoke CBD products including a custom scented fig CBD-infused bath bomb inspired by the property’s signature fig tree. However, the Fairmont maintains a strict anti-smoking and vaping policy in-room (even on patios) and anywhere on its grounds.
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Courtesy Jupiter Hotel
The Jupiter (Portland, Oregon)
Portland’s original boutique hotel, which earned design accolades from Architectural Digest in 2016, has teamed up with locally-based companies to compile an “Everything But The Weed Kit” for its cannabis-consuming guests. While no cannabis flower or oil is included, a colorful travel pouch is filled with the latest issue of Oregon Leaf, munchies, Jupiter tee shirt, dispensary coupons, a Jayne vape pen, lighter and grinder.
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Courtesy Bud & Breakfast
Casa Stefano (Oceania del Polonio, Uruguay)
As the first country in the world to federally legalize cannabis, Uruguay’s seaside destination of Punta del Este hasn’t fully taken advantage of tourism with more 420-friendly lodging. Bud and Breakfast has though, with more than 20 options in the country, so after booking a night or a few at one of their Montevideo options, head east to the sleepier beach town of Oceania del Polonio for a stay at this Italian-inspired bungalow designed by architect Cosimo Venti. Grill your catch of the day on the wood-burning patio, where you’re also free to enjoy cannabis, before drifting off to sleep to the sounds of waves crashing just steps away from one of two bedrooms.
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The Chill Lebowski, one of The Nickel's signature CBD-infused cocktails at the Hotel Teatro in ... [+] Denver. Ashlae Warner
Hotel Teatro (Denver, Colorado)
As the Mile High City’s first hotel to implement an official CBD cocktail program on the menu of its in-house restaurant, The Nickel also hosts an ongoing series of CBD workshops and special events. Sip a sense of calm with The Chill Lebowski (vodka, Ancho Reyes chili liqueur, espresso, honey syrup, Frangelico, and egg white) or the Super Limoncello Haze (house-made limoncello, Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, cherry bitters, and whipped cream)—both infused with 12 milligrams of CBD from Denver-based hemp company SUPERGOOD .
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Indulge in a CBD "Colorado Bliss" treatment at the St. Julien Hotel & Spa. Courtesy St. Julien Hotel & Spa
St. Julien Hotel & Spa (Boulder, Colorado)
Located a block away from Pearl Street, the St. Julien Hotel & Spa is Boulder’s most luxurious base camp. The independently owned, 201-room property spans a living room-style lobby, an award-winning in-house restaurant, a lively cocktail bar and expansive outdoor patio offering sweeping views. But most impressive is the 10,000-square-foot, full service spa and salon with a 50-foot indoor lap pool, two oversized hot tubs and a fitness center. In June, spa director Susan Hunnell launched a new series of “Colorado Bliss” treatments using an array of CBD products from CAUSE+MEDIC, any one of which is sure to complete your cannabis-infused Boulder itinerary. They also play happening host hotel to Dead & Company’s tour stop every summer (July 2020 TBD) offering a “Cosmic Charlie Brunch” with Grateful Dead-themed dishes, bottomless “Morning Dew’s” and “Bloody Jerry’s,” and live music.
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The partnership between Lord Jones and Standard Hotels has set a groundbreaking precedent for the ... [+] travel industry. Courtesy Lord Jones
The Standard Spa (Miami, Florida)
Treat your feet to the Royal Chill Treatment ($175 for 60 minutes), a massage featuring a refreshing foot bath and cooling scrub, followed by a grounding reflexology ritual. Using Lord Jones’ bestselling High CBD Formula Body Lotion and a variety of techniques, including balancing reflexology points, say goodbye to aches and pains so you can put your stilettos back on for another night out in the Magic City. Hotel guests can also find Lord Jones’ Blood Orange CBD Gumdrops (an exclusive flavor created in partnership with The Standard) in the spa boutique and minibars in-room along with smoke-friendly accoutrements in the gift shop like Stonedware Company ceramic pipes, rolling papers, lighters and stash jars.
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The Bulldog Hotel & Loungebar in Amsterdam. Courtesy The Bulldog Hotel & Loungebar in Amsterdam
The Bulldog Hotel (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Yes, it’s still illegal to consume in a hotel, and the Airbnb pickings are slim in the land of the original cannabis coffeeshop. However, the infamous and first-of-its-kind Bulldog gets to make its own rules. All hostel-style rooms are non-smoking, but there’s a roof terrace and the lobby Loungebar (in their words, for all your “loung’n, chill’n, drink’n & puff’n needs!”) where you can partake. Pro tip: Assuming you don’t want to relive your study abroad days, book the Private Suite.
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PAX Labs' poolside pop-up at the Dream Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. Courtesy PAX Labs
Dream Hollywood (Los Angeles, California)
PAX Labs, makers of sleek and smart vaporizers, as part of its ongoing initiative with the Dream Hollywood, has devices available for purchase at the hotel in-room and on the rooftop pool patio, The Highlight Room. While the Dream Hollywood doesn’t offer guests cannabis flower or Era pods compatible with PAX on-site, delivery direct to your chaise lounge chair is as easy as a swipe on your iPhone through statewide online ordering service, Eaze.
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Soak in CBD at the Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa in Napa Valley. Courtesy Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa
Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa (Napa Valley, California)
This laid-back retreat has recently incorporated CBD into its spa treatment menu, offering two signature treatments. The CBD Soak ($75 for 25 minutes) is a twist on its popular Splish Splash, featuring infused bath salts that help to restore the body after a workout, reduce inflammation and relieve stress. The CBD Massage ($145 for 50 minutes) uses a hemp-derived body cream to reboot muscles, skin, and aura.
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Courtesy Sir Sam's Inn & Water Spa
Sir Sam’s Inn and Water Spa (Ontario, Canada)
As Canada’s first publicly cannabis-friendly resort in a collaboration with Cannabis Hotels, Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa sits on the shore of Eagle Lake in the Haliburton Highlands. Offering the option to consume openly outside on patios and common areas, the adults-only playground offers adventures from kayaking, sailing, and hiking in the summer to dogsledding, skiing and snowmobiling in the winter along with a gourmet restaurant and water-focused spa.
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Courtesy La Quinta Resort & Club
La Quinta Resort & Club (Palm Springs, California)
Set beneath the rugged Santa Rosa Mountains, the iconic, Waldorf Astoria-operated resort’s Spa La Quinta has just launched a signature plant-based treatment. The VYBES Calm and Balance CBD Massage ($250 for 50 minutes) starts with a tasting of three flavors of VYBES organic hemp water, such as honey crisp apple basil and burning mandarin, followed by a full body massage with CBD Care Garden oil, and a full pour of your favorite VYBES water after the service.
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The St. Regis Aspen Resort's signature CBD-Rich Hemp Oil used in Remède Spa. Courtesy St. Regis Aspen Resort
The St. Regis Aspen Resort (Aspen, Colorado)
Inside this mountainside, palatial palace lies the award-winning Remède Spa, where massage therapists and aestheticians offer a CBD upgrade to any treatment. In partnership with locally-based hemp company That’s Natural!, its signature line of infused products includes oil, body lotion, and a salve, which are all also available for purchase in the spa boutique so you can keep calm and carry on when you get home.
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Courtesy Thompson Seattle
Thompson Seattle (Seattle, Washington)
As a notable cannabis culinary expert, executive chef Derek Simcik is available to those who have done some research on their own before booking a room at the tony Thompson Seattle (the property does not list information on its website or offer details on-property). Through the concierge, though, Simcik is available for hire to cater a private, elevated dinner party of any size, held in an unaffiliated event space nearby.
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Courtesy Little Bay Cabins
Little Bay Cabins (Negril, Jamaica)
Even tough it’s arguably the tropical destination for cannabis enthusiasts, the plant itself is technically still illegal in Jamaica, and few resorts officially claim 420-friendly status (although even at the luxury properties, some staff offer herb immediately upon check-in). Steer clear of tour operators like Hot Box Jamaica, which operates its own lodge, and head for the Little Bay Cabins outside of Negril. Here you’ll find an untouched slice of true Rasta culture so special Bob Marley himself had his beach house on this very shore. The rustic resort even offers a tour that’ll take you to visit its remaining ruins and for a swim in his personal swimming cave.
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71adc399a60415103a055c85ffa333ae | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieshapiro/2019/11/22/holiday-gift-guide-2019-the-best-cannabis-kitchen-essentials/ | Holiday Gift Guide 2019: The Best Cannabis Kitchen Essentials | Holiday Gift Guide 2019: The Best Cannabis Kitchen Essentials
One of the most exciting niches within the legal marijuana industry is the cannabis culinary movement that has come along with it. The plant is more accessible than ever before to experiment with in the kitchen and whether you are a chef by trade or a home cook by choice, there is no shortage of resources for making cannabis-infused meals. From the KitchenAid of cannabis to CBD caramel sauce to hemp honey, here are the nine best gifts for ganja-friendly gourmands.
Potli Gift Series: The Cannasseur & The Wellness Warrior Sous Weed
Potli Gift Series
What began as batch of honey for its co-founders mom battling asthma has grown into a complete pantry of cannabis-infused ingredients. For the festive season, Potli is packaging its best-sellers together with The Wellness Warrior featuring a full-sized Potli Honey and Potli Apple Cider Vinegar (frosted shot glass included) and The Cannasseur coming complete with a full-sized Potli Honey and Potli Cold-Pressed EVOO. Both limited-edition sets also include resusable beeswax wrap and recipe cards. $65, $70, potlishop.com
Willie's Remedy Limited Edition Gift Set Courtesy Willie's Remedy
Willie’s Remedy Limited Edition Gift Set
Warm up with Willie’s Remedy hemp-infused whole bean coffee and loose leaf tea–both infused with certified organic, full-spectrum hemp oil grown in Colorado. The result is a balancing effect to the natural lift of caffeine from cannabis. The limited-edition gift set includes one bag of coffee or one can of tea, a hemp tote bag, branded ceramic mug, and a vinyl imprint of Ride Me Back Home, Willie Nelson’s 2019 album release. $70, williesremedy.com
LEVO II Courtesy Levo
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Levo II
Since it first hit shelves in 2017, the Denver-based startup’s second generation DIY infusion device makes creating herbal oils and butters super simple and clean. With dishwasher-safe pieces, internal strain operation, touch screen control settings, and a wireless app, it’s so user-friendly, you’ll be cooking up craft cannabis infusions for every meal. $349.99, levooil.com
Goldleaf Cooking Journal & Recipe Cards Courtesy Goldleaf
Goldleaf Cooking Journal & Recipe Cards
With all of the myths and misconceptions surrounding the cannabis conversation, Goldleaf pairs high-minded graphic design with the latest peer-reviewed research resulting in gorgeous guided notebooks, educational wall art, accessories, and more. Track your cannabis culinary adventure in the Cooking Journal, which features blank templated recipe pages, a series of terpene flavor pairings (by Jamie Evans, The Herb Somm), and helpful dosing calculations for stress-free experimentation. Add-on a set of companion recipe cards with contributions from expert cannabis chefs Cat Cora, Kyrious, Brandon Allen, Jason Eisner, and Monica Lo to complete the gift. $18.99, $9.99, shopgoldleaf.com
Caliper CBD Courtesy Caliper
Caliper CBD
As the just-launched sister company of Stillwater Brands, the same water-soluble, dissolvable technology now comes in a pack of 30 to-go packets, each containing 20 milligrams of powdered CBD. A staple for every cannabis kitchen, Caliper is odorless, tasteless, THC-free, sugar-free, and calorie-free, making it the easiest CBD add-on ever, whether mixed into any recipe or dissolved into hot or cold beverages. $49.99, caliper.life
NOVA and Olive Oil Duo Infusion Kit Courtesy Ardent Cannabis
NOVA Decarboxylator
Created by the biotech and medical cannabis device company Ardent, this laboratory-grade decarboxylator device makes home dosing more accurate and potent while fully activating THC and CBD in flower, kief, or concentrates while infusing butter and oil. Pair it with Ardent’s new Olive Oil ($40), Coconut Oil ($20) or Caramel ($25) Infusion Kits to whip up anything from infused meals to homemade lip balms to decadent desserts. $210, ardentcannabis.com
grön CBD sauces Courtesy grön
Grön CBD Sauces
Artfully handcrafted by Grön’s team of in-house chocolatiers from the highest quality ingredients and organic hemp extract, indulge in chocolate and caramel sauces straight from the jar, over your favorite ice cream, or drizzled on fresh fruit. Each batch is blended with 240 milligrams of CBD and includes 20 servings per container. $32, shopgron.com
Binske Cannabis-Infused Truffle Olive Oil Courtesy Binske
Binske Cannabis-Infused Truffle Olive Oil
Known as the only cannabis brand in the world with access to Maranon cacao in Peru, which the New York Times called the rarest in the world, Binske’s flavored honeys and olive oils are just as delicious. And for the holiday season only, a limited run of cannabis-infused (10 milligrams per serving) truffle olive oil will be available in dispensaries across Colorado. $28.99, binske.com
Edibles Courtesy Chronicle Books
Edibles
Written by the women behind popular gourmet edibles line, Mellows, and the event curation company, Cannaisseur Series, this collection of bite-sized, low-dose recipes will take bakers at any level to new heights. From Spiced Superfood Truffles to Strawberry Jam Pavlovas, 30 unique recipes come complete with instructions for creating master base ingredients like cannabutters, oils, honey, and maple syrup, as well as details on dosage and the science of cannabis. $19.95, chroniclebooks.com
Shop my other 2019 Holiday Gift Guides:
The Most Extravagant Cannabis Accoutrements The Best Cannabis Gift Sets In California The Best CBD Beauty Splurges The Best Cannabis Gear For Travel
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7208a7168560e638792c90ff1f20b077 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieshapiro/2019/12/09/holiday-gift-guide-2019-the-best-cannabis-gift-sets-in-california/ | Holiday Gift Guide 2019: The Best Cannabis Gift Sets In California | Holiday Gift Guide 2019: The Best Cannabis Gift Sets In California
Move over, CBD. There’s plenty of us that also want presents of the mind-altering kind for the holidays. Leave it to California’s cannabis companies to compile the best limited-edition releases in the country to give the gift of green (options in every state were researched to no avail). From festive flower strains to THC-infused tea, here are eight picks for those looking to get lit this season.
Lowell Herb Co. Holiday Gift Set Collection Courtesy Lowell Herb Co.
Lowell Herb Co. Holiday Gift Set Collection
Beloved for its bustling Los Angeles café, premium flower, and posh packaging, Lowell Herb Co.’s annual holiday gift set collection never disappoints. Choose from the Chanukah Flight, Home For The Holidays Coffee-Table Book, a Stuffed Stocking or holiday-themed pre-roll packs to elevate every celebration. From $55, lowellfarms.com
dosist holiday wellness kit Courtesy dosist
dosist holiday wellness kit
Known for its precision vaporizer technology and groundbreaking retail concept, dosist has packaged all six targeted formulations (bliss, sleep, calm, relief, passion, and arouse) into one gift tin — sure to provide happiness for the most health-conscious on your list. Each medical-grade pen in the dosist holiday wellness kit contains 50 doses (2.25 milligrams per hit) of pure cannabis plant extract. $240, dosist.com
Island Holiday Mini's Courtesy Island
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Island Holiday Minis
The SoCal cool kids at Island have teamed up with MedMen to offer a special edition pre-roll pack of its single strain, seasonal flower that’s sourced from a network of small farms across California. Each giftable pouch is a perfect stocking stuffer and comes with five mini-joints with a branded gift tag. $35, island.co
Kikoko Tea Gift Sets Courtesy Kikoko
Kikoko Tea Gift Tin
California’s leading cannabis beverage company is by women for women and its THC-, CBD-, and CBN-infused herbal teas tackle four female-specific concerns: Tranquili-Tea for insomnia (SLEEP), Sympa-Tea for pain relief (PEACE), Sensuali-Tea for sex (LOVE), and Positivi-Tea for mood elevation (JOY). Each gift set includes four tea bags and a reusable printed tin commissioned by a woman artist. $24, kikoko.com
Garden Society Holiday Hostess Gift Set Courtesy Garden Society
Garden Society Holiday Hostess Gift Set
Craft cannabis meets sisterhood at Garden Society, a women-owned and female-focused company dedicated to helping others find holistic alternatives to help rejuvenate from the rigors of day-to-day life. The limited-edition Garden Society Holiday Hostess Gift set pairs its best-selling Milk Chocolates with Sea Salt with High CBD Rosettes to help ease the holiday stress in any situation. $55, thegardensociety.com
Old Pal Ready To Roll Kit Courtesy Old Pal
Old Pal Ready To Roll Kit
“It’s just weed, man,” states the mission of Old Pal, a cannabis company that feels (and smokes) like a throwback classic. Just for the holidays, its branded, resealable pouches of pre-ground flower (simply available in Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid) come with a set of custom Old Pal rolling papers. $50, oldpal.com
Caliva Blitzen OG and Lemon Gumdrop Courtesy Caliva
Caliva Limited-Edition Holiday Strains
The cannabis company that counts Joe Montana as an investor and Jay-Z as chief brand strategist has unveiled two exclusive, handpicked strains for the holidays that were selected for superior aroma and trichomes. Caliva’s Blitzen OG is a heavy-hitting indica providing intense body relaxation and a psychedelic cerebral buzz while the Lemon Gumdrop uplifts like a traditional sativa resulting in a boost of chatty energy. $38, caliva.com
Canndescent Cheer Courtesy Canndescent
Canndescent Cheer
California’s number one-selling brand of flower in the luxury category has released a limited-edition Cheer collection for the holiday season adding to its signature lineup of effect-based cannabis: Calm, Cruise, Create, Connect, and Charge. Composed of 100% virgin flower, the strain is a sativa-leaning hybrid ideal for party hopping in a ready-to-gift pack of six pre-rolls (Canndescent Cheer is also available in a one gram box and single pre-roll). $54, canndescent.com
Note: All products are available in licensed dispensaries and delivery services only. Check brand websites for retail partners.
Shop my other 2019 Holiday Gift Guides:
The Most Extravagant Cannabis Accoutrements The Best Cannabis Kitchen Essentials The Best CBD Beauty Splurges The Best Cannabis Gear For Travel
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67efeadf78f3c3874a92654ee28dd5b0 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieshapiro/2020/05/19/from-cbd-soda-to-street-style-recess-releases-realitywear-with-three-new-flavors/ | From CBD Soda To Street Style, Recess Releases ‘Realitywear’ With Three Fresh Flavors | From CBD Soda To Street Style, Recess Releases ‘Realitywear’ With Three Fresh Flavors
Recess's flavor family: Pomegranate Hibiscus, Peach Ginger, Blackberry Chai, Black Cherry, Blood ... [+] Orange and Coconut Lime. Courtesy Recess
When Recess launched its line of CBD-infused sparkling waters in late 2018, it was soon selling out and racing to fill thousands of back-orders from a buzzy launch and meticulous marketing plan that the New York Times said “has lit up the shifting aspirations of the middle and upper classes of millennials.” Now 18 months later, Recess stands out among a crowded playground of infused drinks and is taking its commitment to the creative community a step further with a clothing and accessories line.
Recess’s original tagline, “an antidote to modern times,” holds even more meaning today as the New York City-based startup has used the past three months in quarantine to develop its first new launch since its founding. Dubbed Realitywear, the collection is joined by three fresh Recess flavors: coconut lime, blood orange and blackberry.
Recess Realitywear Courtesy Recess
“A global pandemic was not the modern times we had in mind, but the whole theory of Recess is that the world's increasingly going crazy and it's unsettling. We all need to take a recess throughout the day,” founder and CEO Benjamin Witte shared with me during a recent Zoom interview.
Witte, who after a seven year stretch in Silicon Valley wanted to set out on his own, began working on the Recess brand before he had even anything to bottle. After noticing CBD bubbling up on natural food store shelves in San Francisco, Witte — a self-described “wired, hyper, anxious, stressed-out millennial” — started using CBD regularly and instantly felt better.
“I noticed I was more balanced, more even-keeled. And as a result, I felt more productive and more creative,” said Witte. “I started to look at the CBD space and saw most CBD companies are just marketing CBD. I didn't see anyone marketing the feeling that it enabled. And when you go look at other categories, especially in beverage, it's the brand that wins.”
Witte argues that Recess is not a CBD brand, rather, a beverage company with a mission to provide a way to help those who drink it feel “calm, cool and collected.” The initial lineup of all-natural sparkling waters featured three flavors (pomegranate hibiscus, peach ginger and blackberry chai) with each can formulated with filtered water, ten milligrams of full-spectrum hemp extract (versus the more commonly used and less-effective CBD isolate), and three other adaptogenic ingredients: American ginseng to improve memory, lemon balm to boost vitality and L-theanine to reduce stress.
Recess also unveiled an immersive new website with the Realitywear launch designed by Day Job. Courtesy Recess
“We have a category forming with functional calming and relaxation beverages that probably within a ten-year period, is going to become bigger than energy drinks. And our business plan is to be the Red Bull of that category,” added Witte.
To help him achieve his ambitious goal, Witte, who also sits on the board of directors for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, tapped some of the top beverage executives in the world including Mike Sharman (chief sales officer), Laurie Breton (chief supply chain officer) and Simon Goode (chief operating officer). Collectively, the newly formed Recess executive team brings experience ranging from ZICO and Vitamin Water to Bai and Dr Pepper Snapple Group.
But Witte’s vision goes beyond the beverage, with plans for an all-encompassing media company also in the works. The brand is already known for its minimalist aesthetic, odd humor and unique voice on social media, which is led by Day Job, a small full-service digital design studio based in Brooklyn, which also manages Recess’s graphic and web design. IMHO, Recess’s Instagram account is one of the very few left on the platform that maintains an interesting presence and is up for Best Overall Social Presence in The Webby Awards in 2020.
“When you have to make something new for Instagram everyday, you’re forced to get kind of insane sometimes,” explained Day Job co-founder Rion Harmon. “We would mock up fake products or start assigning personalities to the different flavors. These kinds of breakthroughs have allowed us to continue to add permanent layers to the world of Recess over time.”
Recess’s first extension for its 60,000 (and counting) cult followers is Realitywear, a line of branded streetwear and “objects” like iPhone cases, notebooks and a blanket plus, frequent limited-edition collaboration drops (the first is with the artist-run label Extra Vitamins, with 100% of profits donated to the Freelancers Relief Fund).
Harmon continued, “We think the future of brands are exactly that, richly layered narrative worlds that reward people who continue to interact with it. The further you explore the brand world, the more interesting it becomes.”
“The idea [for Realitywear] is given that we focused on creatives, our strategy is to create every day ourselves. We think it's the act of what we create — up until now it's been just through our Instagram — has gained a respect from the people we're speaking to,” said Witte. “The beverage is who we are, but it’s the brand and experience that we’re innovating on.”
WITTE’S PICKS
Recess founder and CEO Benjamin Witte shares the inspiration behind three of his favorite Realitywear designs, dreamt up with his own internal creative team in quarantine.
Recess Realitywear Secret Code Tee Courtesy Recess
Realitywear: Secret Code Tee
“I like when things have layers or Easter eggs, so our morse-code-inspired t-shirt was an instant yes for me. It says ‘an antidote to modern times’ on the front, something you wouldn’t get from passing someone on the street. Only the person wearing it knows what it means (and anyone else they let in on the secret).”
Recess Realitywear Windows Crewneck Courtesy Recess
Realitywear: Windows Crewneck
“There’s always been a bit of nostalgia in the Recess brand DNA, little moments of reflection about simpler times. One of the ways we’ve brought that to life visually is through these old school Mac OS windows with simple, flat graphics. This piece is kind of a greatest hits of those.”
Recess Realitywear Cool Your Horses Tee Courtesy Recess
Realitywear: Cool Your Horses Tee
“One of my favorite parts of the Recess brand is our tongue-in-cheek voice and our ability to find new, unexpected connections between words and visuals. Here, we’re mashing up two idioms (‘cool your jets’ and ‘hold your horses’) and then imagining what that might look like. We try not to take ourselves too seriously.”
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1bd09cc8762e5403a56f9727fa92f77e | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieshapiro/2020/08/08/facts-can-save-lives-10-powerful-takeaways-from-the-new-documentary-cbd-nation/ | ‘Facts Can Save Lives:’ 10 Powerful Takeaways From New Documentary ‘CBD Nation’ | ‘Facts Can Save Lives:’ 10 Powerful Takeaways From New Documentary ‘CBD Nation’
Behind the scenes of 'CBD Nation' with Andrew DeAngelo (right), co-founder of Harborside, the first ... [+] cannabis company to introduce CBD to epileptic children in 2011. Courtesy Mad Machine Films
Only in recent years has CBD made its way into mainstream vernacular and consequently, cannabidiol’s story has never fully been told on-screen. Buzzword status was reached in 2018—the same the year National CBD Day (August 8) was recognized by the registrar at National Day Calendar. The soon-to-be-streaming documentary, CBD Nation, is the first wide-release film dedicated to the cannabis plant compound’s deep roots.
Featuring leading experts in cannabis and medicine, including Raphael Mechoulam—the Israeli scientist who discovered THC, the endocannabinoid system and the therapeutic efficacy of CBD to treat medical conditions—the 83-minute film exposes 60 years of often ignored published reports and ongoing research.
The project turned its director, producer and editor David Jakubovic from a CBD cynic to a CBD champion. Creative director at Mad Machine Films, Jakubovic got his start at the age of 18, during mandatory military service in the Israeli Air Force, when he was assigned to make training films. Jakubovic’s recent credits include a World War II special for National Geographic and History Channel’s series Washington.
CBD Nation is distributed by Gravitas Ventures and starts streaming on August 25 on Amazon Video, ... [+] iTunes and other VOD platforms. Courtesy Mad Machine Film
“When I was asked if I wanted to make a documentary about the science of medical cannabis, my initial reaction was, ‘No.’ I didn't know anything about it and my instinct was that CBD was an overblown fad,” admits Jakubovic. “Worse, I didn't feel like spending a year living in a world surrounded by cannabis users. I had tried cannabis at 22, and the experience was just so intense that I stayed away from the plant for another 13 years.”
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He changed his mind after watching a TED Talk from Dr. Dedi Meiri, a biologist who runs the world’s leading cannabis lab at Technion University in Israel. Based in New York City, Jakubovic started shooting CBD Nation two years ago, first traveling back to his homeland for interviews.
With interviews also spanning the U.S. and Canada, more than 30 physicians, clinicians, scientists and patients explain how the human body has evolved to work with cannabis, providing not only healing, but also hope for the world’s most politicized plant to be accepted for what it is: medicine.
Among the many powerful personal stories CBD Nation tells is Rylie Maedler’s. At age seven, she was diagnosed with a rare degenerative disease, which in her case, caused tumors to eat away at her facial bones. Today, the 14-year-old remains the only known person in the world with the condition whose bones have regenerated.
Rylie and Janie Maedler outside of Delaware Legislative Hall. Courtesy Mad Machine Films
“I hope that doctors, educators and politicians see this film,” says Maedler, who worked closely with legislators in her home state of Delaware to pass Rylie’s Law, granting children with qualifying conditions access to medical cannabis. “Because I’m living proof of the fact that cannabis and CBD have a place in modern medicine.”
In celebration of success stories like Maedler’s and National CBD Day, here are 10 of the most powerful takeaways revealed in CBD Nation, available on Amazon, iTunes and VOD on August 25:
David Jakubovic, producer & director, CBD Nation
“Over the course of this project, I came to realize that cannabis is far from a gateway drug; for many, it’s actually an exit drug from pharmaceuticals and narcotics. And in the U.S., which accounts for 5% of the world's population; it consumes 75% of the world's pharmaceuticals. We can no longer afford to be in the dark about the facts. Facts can save lives.”
Dr. Reggie Gaudino, VP of R&D, Front Range Biosciences (formerly Chief Science Officer, Steep Hill). Courtesy Mad Machine Films
Dr. Reggie Gaudino, VP of R&D, Front Range Biosciences (formerly Chief Science Officer, Steep Hill)
“Almost all organisms that come out of the water have an endocannabinoid system, and they’re related. If there’s a receptor for [cannabis], there must be something inside humans that triggers the receptor. The endocannabinoid system’s job is to maintain the balance of all the other systems, right? So you have a bunch of other systems that do their thing, and the endocannabinoid system sits on top of all of them and makes sure that they don’t go out of control. I think we are going to see an increasing number of people who start to take responsibility for their own health and become present in their own well-being.”
Raphael Mechoulam, Ph.D., president of the Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabinoid Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
“We published our findings 37 years ago: cannabidiol blocks epileptic attacks in patients. What happened? Nothing for 30 years. Nothing happened until desperate parents like those in this film did their own research and found out that cannabidiol can help children with epilepsy. But epilepsy is just one of many conditions that we know cannabis medicine can treat. If the world chooses to not look at all of the science, it is not ignorance—it’s negligence.”
Dr. June Chin, osteopathic physician
"There is a galaxy of these cannabinoid receptors throughout our entire body. The endocannabinoid system parallels the immune system, so there really is no physiological process in our body that’s not affected by [it] to some degree. What cannabis serves as is a very natural and potent anti-inflammatory and a pain reliever. Healthcare practitioners really need to educate themselves on the endocannabinoid system and on medical cannabis very quickly.”
David Jakubovic, producer and director of CBD Nation. Courtesy Mad Machine Films
David Jakubovic, producer & director, CBD Nation
“In 1976, the National Institute on Drug Abuse published a 250-page report, which discussed the medical uses of cannabis. It stated that the potential benefits of cannabis should be studied. It discussed its therapeutic effects as an anticonvulsant, an antidepressant and an antibacterial. The report referred to cannabis as reducing nausea and vomiting in cancer patients, treating glaucoma, asthma and pain. It stated that significant pain reduction was seen in cancer patients, and it even discussed cannabis as helping reduce tumor sizes.”
Martin A Lee, director, Project CBD & author, Smoke Signals
“There’s also the Shafer Commission. Same conclusion. They’re always coming out with these federal reports. It’s crazy, it’s like what does it mean? People are coming forward, saying it helps my multiple sclerosis, helps my depression, helps my kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, neurological, autoimmune disorders, diabetes. So many things people were reporting. If you have a government, why don’t you pay attention to what it figures out? You know, it makes no sense. But the whole marijuana policy has not made any sense. It was always built on lies. And we still suffer from that as a culture, as a society, as a world.”
David Jakubovic, producer & director, CBD Nation
“The Shafer Commission was appointed by President Nixon, and its report stated that ‘a careful search of the literature and testimony of the nation’s health officials has not revealed a single human fatality in the United States proven to have resulted solely from the ingestion of marijuana’ and that ‘most users, young and old, demonstrate an average or above-average degree of social functioning, academic achievement, and job performance.’”
Leonard Leinow, cannabis grower & breeder
“I’m one of the first people that started growing CBD-rich cannabis that I know of. I’m actually a pioneer in that movement because I’m one of the people that said, ‘Hey, CBD is really important.’ In the seventies, eighties and nineties most of the industry and the breeders had been dominated by people who like to get high. So, the direction that the breeders went was who can make the highest THC plant that’s gonna knock your brains out. So, the growers, they bred out the CBD.”
Steve DeAngelo, co-founder, Harborside & Steep Hill Courtesy Mad Machine Films
Steve DeAngelo, co-founder, Harborside & Steep Hill
“We didn’t start Harborside with the idea of creating a business or making money, that wasn’t our main objective. We had a greater mission: to tell the world the truth about cannabis. I called every single commercial testing laboratory in the Bay Area and asked them to test our cannabis. Because if I was going to call it medicine, if I was going to provide it to people who have compromised immune systems, I needed to know exactly what was in it, I needed to know that it was safe. Every one refused to test our medicine out of fear of federal prosecution. So we started Steep Hill. There was low CBD content in the supply, really of California’s entire cannabis market. It seemed like a crisis to us. We started to [question] how do we get more of this compound into the plant? We went back to the growers who had supplied us and encouraged them to grow more of it.”
Dr. Sue Sisley, internal medicine specialist & medical cannabis activist
“I had this huge faction of patients in my practice who were claiming they were getting benefit from this plant, and I was very skeptical. I was basically dismissive of these claims because I thought they were just drug-seeking stoners, that’s what I’d been taught in medical school. And then I began losing a lot of veterans in my practice to suicide and that was when I had this real epiphany that all these lousy pharmaceuticals are not helping them. There’s tons of meds that I prescribe to patients that make them high, right? Pain pills, benzodiazepines like Xanax—all of them have the potential to cause euphoria—and we don’t condemn those pills, but yet when it comes to this natural God-given plant we vilify it, we treat it like it’s so dangerous, like it’s plutonium, when in fact it’s far safer than most of the prescriptions I write for people every day. I started to finally examine the scientific literature, and I regretted how judgmental I was over these past many years because I probably could have saved more lives.”
CBD Nation Official Trailer
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1fb36528f9a7acb2ececd19d572760bb | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieshapiro/2020/10/05/rick-steves-talks-campaigning-for-cannabis-getting-high-in-the-dark-and-the-future-of-travel/?sh=35e6a0df2814 | Rick Steves Talks Campaigning For Cannabis, Getting High In The Dark And The Future Of Travel | Rick Steves Talks Campaigning For Cannabis, Getting High In The Dark And The Future Of Travel
Rick Steves in Bern, Switzerland. Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli Photography
For one of the world’s foremost frequent travelers, a journal entry written years ago eerily reads, “I’d like to be quarantined from reality.” Rick Steves’ private “High Notes” — an ongoing diary he’s kept for the past four decades — is dedicated to what his mind ponders while high.
You may be surprised to learn that cannabis is a personal pursuit of the famed guidebook author and PBS personality. Steves, 65, smoked his first joint in Afghanistan in the 1970s and formalized his passion for ending America's prohibition of the plant in 2013 when he was elected to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws’ (NORML) board of directors. Prior, Steves was heavily involved in his home state of Washington campaigning for passage of I-502 in 2012. He first spoke out on the subject — albeit anonymously — in the late-1980s on the Seattle’s KIRO-FM.
Currently serving his third three-year term, Steves is hitting the campaign trail with NORML in partnership with the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) to mobilize voters in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota — the states deciding on adult-use legalization ballot initiatives on Election Day. Voters in Mississippi and South Dakota this November will weigh medical marijuana ballot measures.
"For me, this is not about being pro-pot. It’s about fighting racism, it’s ending a thriving [illicit] market that enriches and empowers gangs and organized crime, it’s about ending a failed prohibition based on lies, and it’s about our civil liberties,” said Steves during a recent phone interview.
Beyond his television hosting duties and bringing more than 30,000 travelers to Europe and committing to a self-imposed carbon tax of $1 million for it every year, Steves goes to church every Sunday and is an avid philanthropist; he works closely with several advocacy groups and supports more than 170 organizations across the globe ($1 million to Bread for the World and $100,000 to NORML are among his annual gifts).
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Rick Steves addresses the crowd at Seattle Hempfest in 2011. Trish Feaster
“He has the fervor of the true evangelist: The more people he meets, the more cities he visits, the more lives he might change,” Sam Adams wrote in a revealing New York Times Magazine profile (including more endearing marijuana-fueled musings from “High Notes”).
In his latest blog, NORML founder Keith Stroup praised Steves as “an especially unlikely NORML advocate, whose public support carries great credibility. He is perhaps our single most effective advocate for full legalization of marijuana.”
According to NORML’s October 1 report, the total number of persons arrested in the United States for violating marijuana laws declined for the first time in four years while the number of arrests for all violent crimes is still on the rise.
“Police across America make a marijuana-related arrest every 58 seconds,” said NORML executive director Erik Altieri. “At a time when the overwhelming majority of Americans want cannabis to be legal and regulated, it is an outrage that many police departments across the country continue to waste tax dollars and limited law enforcement resources on arresting otherwise law-abiding citizens for simple marijuana possession.”
During his recent two-week barnstorm with NORML and MPP, the ever-inspiring Steves spoke candidly about his happiest highs, the power of privilege and the future of travel.
Katie Shapiro: Where in the world were you when you discovered cannabis?
Rick Steves: I didn't smoke marijuana at all in school. Throughout college, I was the one guy that thought, "This is silly…I'm naturally high. I don't need to smoke this to be happy.” When I'm traveling, I like to be a cultural chameleon. I like to become a temporary local. I drink tea in England. I drink Ouzo in Greece. I drink beer in Prague. And I’d never have a beer in Tuscany, because you drink red wine in Tuscany! So when I was in Afghanistan, India and Nepal, I [became] really into marijuana, because it’s part of the society there. And it's a religious herb, even. So I decided when I was on that trip, that I [was] going to just see what this is all about. So I smoked it. And [those were] some of the happiest days of my life, I've got to say.
Rick Steves traveling in 1978. Courtesy Rick Steves' Europe
Shapiro: How did it change your thinking so drastically? You had to have been influenced by the War on Drugs back then?
Steves: I went home and I realized it [was] a lie. Our society [was] embracing a lie. I knew people in church … in media … in the rotary club that were enthusiastic about the delights of smoking marijuana responsibly. And they couldn't even tell [anyone] because they were afraid people would think less of them. I'm a hardworking, tax-paying, church-going, kid-raising, American citizen. If I work all day long, really hard, and I go home and I just want to smoke a joint and stare at the fireplace for three hours, it's my civil liberty. I'm not saying it's good. I'm not saying it's healthy. I'm not saying other people should do it. I’m saying if I want to do it, that's my civil liberty. This is a principled stance.
Shapiro: It’s also a privilege in the current legalization landscape, right?
Steves: I know how privileged I am. I'm a travel writer. And for me, high is a place. And sometimes I want to go there. And there are situations when my government can say I can't go to a certain place — like Cuba. But there needs to be a good reason for it. My government has no right to tell me I can't, in the privacy of my own home, smoke and enjoy a little marijuana. Generally in Europe, a joint is about as exciting as a can of beer. The fact that in America we arrest over 600,000 people a year ... it baffles Europeans. The fact that we've got tens of thousands of people doing hard time in jail today because of nonviolent marijuana offenses, it just seems hard to fathom.
Shapiro: How are you, as someone who usually spends four months of the year on the road, staying sane?
Steves: Here I am, the travel guy stuck at home. I like to say now, “Happy travels, even if you're just staying home.” We can travel while staying home. That's the beautiful thing about recreational marijuana. I love music. And for me, to appreciate music with the help of marijuana is a wonderful thing. I love to play impressionistic music. And it's delightful anyways, but it's even more delightful when you're a little bit high.
Rick Steves relaxing with two of his favorite pastimes at home in Edmonds, Washington, where his ... [+] office window overlooks his old junior high school. Courtesy Rick Steves' Europe
Shapiro: Your father was a band teacher and piano technician … you must play pretty beautifully.
Steves: One thing I've been doing is, in the dark, letting chords take me on a journey. I go through random beautiful chords, and I see how they resolve. Also, I talk more about marijuana than I smoke it. I don't have any qualms about it, but it takes time to smoke marijuana. And when I'm really busy, I don't have a lot of time. When I do smoke it, I’m ready to really relax and enjoy the moment.
Shapiro: As a self-proclaimed workaholic, have you been able to slow down at all to really relax?
Steves: Up until now, I've just been sort of addicted to productivity. And this whole pandemic, I think it’s God's way of telling me to slow down. And it's sort of therapy for a workaholic. I'm realizing there's more to life than increasing its speed. And I'm enjoying that. The big challenge for me was to get over being disappointed because I'm not able to just rock it out in my business. [But] we’re working very hard on our content that helps people keep their travel dreams alive.
Shapiro: How do you think the future of travel will look?
Steves: We're going to be traveling. It's going to come back incrementally. My mission in my travel business — we joke it's to inspire Americans to venture beyond Orlando. We've really got to get to know the other 96% of humanity and come home with what I think is the most beautiful souvenir: a broader perspective. Now that I can't travel, I’m employing that same traveler's mindset here at home. And I find it's wonderful. This is a real practical life skill. A good traveler has a positive attitude, a curiosity, an eagerness to get out their comfort zone, and try different things. You come home with that and it just carbonates your life … it puts more colors on your palette.
Shapiro: Your positivity is so encouraging. Have you experienced any disappointment during the pandemic?
Steves: The biggest difficulty for me personally was that I was excited for my daughter, who's getting married. I had booked one of our biggest, greatest tours, “The Best of Europe in 21 Days” for her fiancee's family — Midwesterners who have never been to Europe — to show them the wonders of traveling and get to know them. My son, Andy, who works with me, was going to be the tour guide. I was going to take a Rick Steves tour for the first time in my life, purely to relax and enjoy and have fun with family. I told everybody, "We're not canceling. We'll just put it on hold.” I can hardly wait to make it happen.
“Rick Steves’ Europe” season 11 debuts later this month on PBS affiliates across the US with a bonus one-hour special “Rick Steves’ Egypt: Yesterday and Today” already available.
This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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2c3ff1079cc7bed44cdf21b24972b4d6 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieshapiro/2020/10/26/the-music-never-stops-with-jerry-garcias-just-launched-cannabis-collection/?sh=559a28422b6f | The Music Never Stops With Jerry Garcia’s Just-Launched Cannabis Collection | The Music Never Stops With Jerry Garcia’s Just-Launched Cannabis Collection
Jerry Garcia would be in awe of how far the marijuana movement has come. Today, the beloved, late Grateful Dead frontman — who along with his bandmates was demonized for decades for drug use — would have been 78 as his namesake cannabis brand debuts.
“He would be so excited. So proud. And [that it’s] like [saying] a big f@#* you to the man,” shared Trixie Garcia, Jerry’s daughter and spokesperson for the Garcia family, in an exclusive phone interview. “When Nixon attacked the anti-war protestors by making the drug war happen — we know that the stereotypes were artificially implanted against long hair hippies, pot smokers, and Black people. We won’t stand for that anymore. We want to uplift the stereotypes and heal some of those wounds. We’ve always worked to create a society that we want to be a part of, and are a part of, instead of being outcast from.”
Garcia Hand Picked’s lead brand imagery was reimagined from a photograph taken of Jerry in front of ... [+] the Great Pyramids in Egypt in 1978; it’s Trixie's favorite photo of her father. Adrian Boot
It was Trixie who first revealed plans for Garcia Hand Picked (GHP) last December during opening night of the Home for the Holidays shows celebrating Jerry at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York. The much-anticipated milestone was five years and many meetings within the legal cannabis industry in the making. Countless companies vied for such a coveted collaboration. The decision on Holistic Industries as its official cultivation and distribution collaborator was up to the Garcia Family — his daughters, Trixie Garcia, Annabelle Garcia, Sunshine Kesey and Heather Katz and Tiff Garcia’s estate (Jerry’s brother who passed away in 2017).
Based in Washington D.C., Holistic Industries is one of the leading private, vertically integrated MSOs (multi-state cannabis operators) in the U.S. spanning California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C.
For CEO Josh Genderson, who founded Holistic in 2011, the opportunity to develop GHP with the Garcia family was kismet. A self-described Deadhead, as is the majority of Holistic’s senior leadership team, he had turned down every licensing opportunity that had come his way. He changed his tune after a chance meeting with Red Light Management about Genderson’s advocacy for cannabis vending at concerts; the music industry heavyweight happened to have Jerry Garcia’s estate as a client.
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“Growing up and still to this day, my main hobby is live music and that hobby really was cultivated by the Dead and the [jam band] scene that came out of the Dead,” Genderson shared with me during a recent phone interview. “I’m 36 so I missed the boat [of seeing Jerry live], but my whole world changed when I listened to the Europe '72 album when I was 15 or 16 — it just blew my mind.”
Aligning with a corporate cannabis team full of Deadheads was a major deciding factor for the Garcia family. The band’s legions of loyal and longtime fans are known to speak out against anything they decide is disingenuous — the news of GHP included.
The GHP cannabis collection includes gummies, pre-roll packs and flower. Courtesy Garcia Hand Picked
“It's always risky,” admitted Trixie, now 46. “Like, people are going to say, ‘Oh man. They're exploiting Jerry again.’ No. That's [our family’s] number one thing — don’t offend the fans. Don't offend the people that Jerry means so much to. That's the worst thing we’d ever want to do, so we lead with that always.”
“I think the difference between us and any other cannabis business of our size — we have more than 500 employees now — is the way we got here,” said Genderson. “We built the company very purposefully and passionately and culture is so important. We had the reach and the capital to really do this right. We also had the desire to make GHP super authentic. The last thing in the world we ever wanted to do was have a kitschy celebrity brand.”
Amid an ever-expanding marketplace of celebrity-backed cannabis brands (for example, Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart’s Mind Your Head), Holistic’s chief marketing officer Kyle Barich likened GHP’s launch to filling a missing fourth spot on the “Mount Rushmore of Weed.”
“If Snoop and Bob Marley and Willie Nelson already have [cannabis] brands — Jerry was the only one missing without one,” explained Barich of the earliest inspiration for GHP. “If there's anyone who is forebearer of cannabis culture, who raised consciousness about marijuana in the United States — and beyond — Jerry is on the top of that list.”
Jerry himself first got high as a teenager. As he recalled to Rolling Stone in 1972: "I was 15 when I got turned on to marijuana. Finally there was marijuana: Wow! Marijuana! Me and a friend of mine went up into the hills with two joints, the San Francisco foothills, and smoked these joints and just got so high and laughed and roared and went skipping down the streets doing funny things and just having a helluva time.”
Trixie Garcia at Holistic Industries' headquarters on 'Jerry Day' in 2019. Courtesy Garcia Hand Picked
Every aspect of GHP was carefully curated by the Garcia family “to create an inspired cannabis experience that’s spontaneous, harmonious and can bring people together in the way only Jerry could." Holistic and the Garcia family worked together — beginning with a dedicated “Jerry Day” at Holistic’s headquarters — in identifying and selecting old school strains that were Shakedown Street favorites as well as new genetics passed down from life on tour. Strains available at launch include Chemdog (Sativa), SFV OG (Indica) and Fire OG (Hybrid), among others.
“We don't probably have to convince you that the Grateful Dead still is relevant,” said Barich. “It’s incredible all these years later … 25 years after Jerry's been gone. With John Mayer entering the scene and drawing this whole new crop of younger fans and all the fashion work being done — it's amazing.”
Alix Kram, the VP and head of global retail and brand licensing at Warner Music Artist Services, which holds the Grateful Dead license and who worked with Nike and Chinatown Market on two buzzy drops, remarked last month in WSJ. Magazine, “Part of the way to keep the music in perpetuity is by touching the younger generation and right now the younger generation speaks through product … [if a shoe collaboration] touches one in every five and influences them to understand more about the music, then we’ve done our job.”
GHP commissioned 'Bertha' — a custom Airstream (with a mini 'Wall of Sound' included — to tour ... [+] dispensaries up and down the coast of California in celebration of the launch. Courtesy Garcia Hand Picked
GHP is poised to connect multiple generations to the music far further and on a much deeper level through cannabis — even during a pandemic.
“We had plans to launch the brand earlier this summer during festival season with an exclusive concert, but due to COVID, we had to pivot to a safer experiential activation,” added Barich. “As we roll out the new brand in California, we will also debut “Bertha,” a custom, COVID-friendly Airstream that will start touring dispensaries up and down the coast of California, filled with merchandise, music and magic.”
As for how Jerry might have handled seven months (and counting) without live music?
“I can imagine there would be software engineers working on some real time streaming so that he could remotely jam with someone on another continent,” reflected Trixie with a laugh. “He had that ability to detach, pop into the surreal, the magical, the mysterious, and be like, ‘Hey. Slough off all of the bullshit, and just be.’ He had those simple tricks of changing your perspective that can really change everything. We just want everyone to take Jerry home every night in the form of a nice joint and enjoy themselves. Man, what a trip.”
‘Garcia Hand Picked’ Highlights:
• The “Garcia Hand Picked” name and logo pays tribute to Jerry’s iconographic hand — most of the musician’s right middle finger was lost in a wood splitting accident in 1946 while on vacation with his family in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
• GHP’s lead brand imagery was reimagined from a photograph taken of Jerry in front of the Great Pyramids in Egypt in 1978; it’s Trixie’s favorite image of her father.
GHP pre-roll packs come with matches and a custom glass tip featuring Jerry’s handprint. Courtesy Garcia Hand Picked
• Trixie revealed that Jerry rarely smoked weed by himself, rather, “It was more of a social interaction; a joint became a bridge between him and those around him” so Holistic and the Garcia family put an emphasis on pre-roll packs. Eco-friendly packaging made from recycled paper comes with matches and a custom glass tip with Jerry’s handprint.
• The line of edibles, “Jerry’s Picks," are gummies shaped like Jerry’s actual guitar picks.
• Each product is paired with a curated playlist of Jerry’s music that corresponds with each of the strains to bring out the best experience.
The first wave of official GHP merch. Courtesy Garcia Hand Picked
• Concert-like merchandise, including apparel and accessories with Jerry’s original artwork, the GHP logo and other limited-edition designs will also continually be released.
Holistic industries conducted a fan contest in September to hire a brand ambassador (aka tour bus driver) to take “Bertha” on the road in celebration of GHP’s release. GHP products will be available in select dispensaries in California starting in mid-November with plans to expand into additional states in 2021. For a list of initial stockists and to find “Bertha” in a city near you, visit garciahandpicked.com.
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d8351b07cf8be107fa4671ca90513591 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katieshapiro/2020/12/07/holiday-gift-guide-2020-the-best-cbd-skincare-sets/ | Holiday Gift Guide 2020: The Best CBD Skincare Sets | Holiday Gift Guide 2020: The Best CBD Skincare Sets
With the cold, dreary and dry months of winter ahead, the holiday season is prime time to give the gift of glowing skin. The not-so-secret ingredient to look for when shopping for luxe lotions and fancy face serums for the beauty queens on your list? CBD, of course. The non-intoxicating cannabis plant extract continues to make its way into personal care products and is celebrated for its effectiveness at combatting inflammation and irritation while calming other common skin stressors. Whether you want to treat a loved one to a new regimen or splurge on your own self-care, here are the 11 best sets for the skincare-obsessed.
Courtesy Happy Dance
Happy Dance Feel Good Bundle
Find a new happy place with the help of actress Kristin Bell. Launched last month in partnership with luxury CBD brand Lord Jones, this holiday bundle features a Whipped Body Butter, Coconut Melt and Bath Bombs. A trio of tranquility for the skin and soul, it does good for others, too. Happy Dance donates a percentage of all profits to A New Way of Life Rentry Project, a Black‑owned, Los Angeles‑based nonprofit that provides housing, case management, pro bono legal services, advocacy, and leadership development for women rebuilding their lives after prison. $56, doahappydance.com
Ella Sophie
Vertly Florals Bundle
Crafted in small batches in its Northern California lab, Vertly combines broad-spectrum CBD with active botanicals in its face and body care line. Among its beauty bundles — all discounted for holiday shoppers — is the Soothing Florals CBD Face Mist and best-selling Lip Butter in a subtle rose tint. $60, vertlybalm.com
Courtesy Saint Jane
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Saint Jane Calm Duo
With Saint Jane’s award-winning Luxury Beauty Serum as a base, your face will shine even brighter when paired with its most recent release. Wrapped and ready-to-gift, each travel-size serum comes with Bright Repair Eye Cream, which was formulated to combat under eye circles with 10% active Vitamin C and Green Tea that cools on contact for calmer, more rested-looking eyes. $90, saintjanebeauty.com
Courtesy Mandara
Mandara Silent Night Bundle
Upgrade your winter wellness ritual with Mandara’s Zen Luxe Oil, which works wonders for the skin and scalp, and can also be added to the tub for an indulgent soak. Post-bath and before bed, pop one of its Dream Nighttime Gummies (available in tart apple or watermelon), each dosed at 30 milligrams for the ultimate beauty sleep. $100, mandaracbd.com
Courtesy The Feelist
The Feelist Fully Charged Set
The solution to achieving dewy and hydrated skin in the dead of winter is The Feelist’s Necessity moisturizing cream and Most Wanted multi-purpose oil. Both instant best-sellers since the plant-based beauty brand’s launch this summer, the duo is bundled together for holiday gift season with each product packed full of broad-spectrum CBD to bring your face and body back to life. $150, thefeelist.com
Courtesy Prima
Prima Grounded & Glowing Trio
Known for stringent clean beauty standards and an ethical corporate philosophy, you can’t go wrong with any one of Prima’s exclusive holiday kit offerings. My personal favorite features three everyday essentials: Night Magic, an intensive facial oil for hydration and radiance; Skin Therapy, an ultra-rich body butter for deep hydration; and The Daily, a vitamin-like softgel for essential balance of body and mind. $155, prima.co
Courtesy Moon Mother Hemp
Moon Mother Hemp 3-Part Beauty System
Handcrafting its highly concentrated beauty and wellness products from the CBD extract of seedlings grown on their own hemp farm in Boulder, Moon Mother Hemp’s signature three-step skincare system includes a nourishing Hemp & Manuka Honey Mask, brightening Hemp Eye Serum and soothing Hemp Skin Serum. $185, moonmotherhemp.com
Courtesy Antedotum
Antedotum Love Skin Set
This Aspen-based CBD skincare company introduced earlier this year with the miracle-working Elixir Firming Serum, a rejuvenating nectar designed to aid collagen restoration and leave skin tauter and plumper; and a nourishing Vital Face Oil, the antidote to lackluster, inflamed and dehydrated skin. A percentage of every Antedotum purchase goes directly the Posse Foundation, a leadership organization for diverse youth and just for the holidays, the product pair comes with a custom toiletry case. $195, antedotum.com
Courtesy Mineral
Mineral Nourish Kit
Founder Mills McQueen formed Mineral after cannabinoids healed him following a near death experience while summiting Mt. Pisco in Peru. As powerful as the company’s collection of whole-plant tinctures are, its skincare formulas are equally as effective through the use of isolated and purified terpenes. The Nourish Kit features a body oil, face oil and cleanser. $225, mineralhealth.co
Angela Peterman
Humble Flower Essentials Collection
From the Humboldt County-based pioneering cannabis skincare company comes a complete body care experience featuring its luxurious CBD-based Body Oil, Relief Balm and Body Lotion — each blended with essences of jasmine, rose, arnica, clary sage, ylang ylang and lavender. $225, humbleflower.com
Courtesy Muri Lelu
Muri Lelu Full Skin Ritual
Cultivate a clean and simple routine with Muri Lelu’s debut duo. Released earlier this year, its Bloomrise Sativa Serum sets the skin up in the morning for flawless days, while the Mauvaise Herbe Indica Oil hydrates and turns back visible signs of aging by night. Both formulas are powered by whole flower cannabis extract and naturally nourishing active ingredients like pressed seed oils from tomato, watermelon, sunflower and jojoba. $270, murilelu.com
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976e2a93bb4d3aec2a2f8caf5011dcce | https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiesola/2015/10/30/anthony-bourdain-says-trumps-deportation-plan-would-bankrupt-restaurants/ | Anthony Bourdain Says Trump's Deportation Plan Would Bankrupt Restaurants | Anthony Bourdain Says Trump's Deportation Plan Would Bankrupt Restaurants
Anthony Bourdain arrives at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater on Saturday,... [+] Sept. 12, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Donald Trump wants to deport every last undocumented immigrant from the United States. Anthony Bourdain claims Trump's grand plans will destroy the restaurant industry. And data on undocumented immigrants in the workforce suggests Bourdain might just be on to something.
“If Mr. Trump deports 11 million people or whatever he’s talking about right now, every restaurant in America would shut down," the celebrity chef and restaurateur told SiriusXM host Pete Dominick. Trump has promised to deport the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States.
Immigrants are "the backbone of the industry," Bourdain said, because they'll take the jobs Americans won't. Bourdain claimed he was a manager employer for twenty years and "not once, did anyone walk into my restaurant — any American-born kid — walk into my restaurant and say I'd like a job as a night porter or a dishwasher. Even a prep cook — few and far between. Just not willing to start at the bottom like that."
Immigrant workers helped Bourdain as he was starting his own culinary career. “I walked into restaurants and the person always who’d been there the longest, who took the time to show me how it was done, was always Mexican or Central American,” he said. You can listen to the interview below.
The numbers back him up. Undocumented immigrants make up 12% of the workers who prepare and serve food, and 28% of dishwashers, according to a 2008 report from the Pew Hispanic Center. They were 17% of cooks and 16% of bakers in 2012.
Restaurants have notoriously slim profit margins of 3% to 6%, according to the National Restaurant Association. It's estimated that 60% of new restaurants close in three years or less. Bourdain is probably exaggerating when he says America's one million restaurants would go bankrupt. But it's easy to see how the abrupt loss of so many workers could bust businesses' profit margins past the point of repair.
Daniel Costa, the director of Immigration Law and Policy Research at the Economic Policy Institute, says it's good to see Bourdain discussing the contributions of unauthorized immigrants. But he was disappointed by Bourdain's "wishy-washy" answer to a question about benefits.
"I wish he would have stated clearly that all restaurant workers should have health care, because nobody wants to eat in a restaurant staffed by sick people who can't afford to go to the doctor," Costa said.
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