Beauty and the Matcha....

I was recently gifted a few products from PLANT Apothecary and I had the pleasure of trying them out the past few weeks.  PLANT is a Brooklyn-based brand founded by husband and wife duo, Bjarke Ballisager and Holly McWhorter. They both are passionate about the environment and green beauty! PLANT’s products consist of all-natural, environmentally friendly body washes, face scrubs, and masks. Each elixir is hand-packaged at the workshop of BKLYN UNLTD, a nonprofit that employs and empowers people with disabilities. How rad this that?

Matcha has been on the rise lately in beverages, food,… and instagram stories ha ha! I was stoked to try Matcha Antioxidant Face Mask.  The mask is composed of organic fair trade matcha tea, chamomile oil, and kaolin.

As per instructions I left the product on my face until I felt it tightening and getting hard, about a minute.   Then I washed it off with warm water.  After washing it off, my face felt so soft and smooth.

The benefits of the Matcha Antioxidant Face Mask include: reducing inflammation and minimizing the effects of aging on the skin.  It is very smooth and smells yummy.

Try it friends :)

After washing the mask off I sprayed my face with RE: FRESH Organic Toning Facial Mist.  The mist, consists of cucumber, rosewater, and Aloe Vera. Witch hazel and antibacterial lemongrass tone and refresh the skin.

This spay made my face feel wonderful.  What a great way to relax and rejuvenate my skin at the same time.

You can shop their collection online or at Lord & Taylor, CB2, and Target.

Has anyone tried PLANT?  What are you guys doing to amp up your summer

xo

Kos

Orlando Recap #1: A day at the OMA

Hi guys!

Last month, I took a much-needed vacay with my family to Orlando, Florida. I haven’t been to Orlando since I was a kid. My sister used to dress Akua and I alike in the same outfit courtesy of Gap Kids.  After a long day at the parks, a baby sitter from the Disney resort we would stay at would come to watch us while the adults went to Pleasure Island (those who don't know it was a part at Disney devoted to the adults).... lol I remember Akua and I would fantasize about growing up and being able to go to do the more of the adult activities Disney offered. Fast forward to 2016, we acted like big kids ha ha!

Our first stop was the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA). OMA is located near other Orlando cultural gems in beautiful Lockhaven Park, like the Shakespeare Theater and Science Center and there are many great spots for picnicking outside.  The inside of the museum is much larger than it appears to be from the outside and they have many "photo friendly" (but with no flash) exhibits.

The striking 20-foot tall Dale Chihuly's contemporary glass sculpture greeted us when we entered:

My nephews got a kick out of “Waves” by Matt Roberts.  “Waves” is a real-time single channel video installation. This artwork responds to the current size and timing of the waves of the closet ocean of its current location. These sound waves shake a bowl of water sitting on top of a speaker. This shaking produces wave patterns in the bowl that are captured by a video camera modified by the software and projected onto a wall. As the waves in the ocean change size and frequency the waves in the bowl will also change. This results in continuous variations of the shapes and patterns that one sees and hears which also reflects the constant changing conditions of the ocean.

The exhibition that caught our eye the most was The Florida Prize in Contemporary Art (opened from May 13th-August 28th). The initiative brings to the state’s most progressive artists to OMA. These artists worked in a range of media and artistic practices: using technology, hand-embroidered handkerchiefs, plywood and graphite.

The Ipad set up was easy to navigate and the staff was super friendly!  We actually had the opportunity to meet one of the subjects of the Michael Vasquez exhibit:

Michael Vasquez’ paintings present the society in which he grew up – misguided youth trying to find themselves. Often set within the landscape of street life and gang affiliation, Vasquez’ subjects search for acceptance and belonging.

My fav was Noelle Mason’s exhibit titled “Love Letters/White Flag: The Book of God + Through A Glass, Darkly (Spring Cleaning).

Other exhibits at OMA included: My Friend: Eric Rohmann and A Trek from North to South

After the museum we went for a much-needed Starbucks run ha ha! This is the first of three posts; I am doing recapping my trip! Stay tuned!

Xo

Kos

#makethetimeforfun

“Today, just take time to smell the roses, enjoy those little things about your life, your family, spouse, friends, job. Forget about the thorns -the pains and problems they cause you - and enjoy life” 
― Bernard Kelvin Clive, Your Dreams Will Not Die

This quote resonated with me, earlier this summer I was focusing so much on work that I didn't take the time out to smell the roses. It left me cranky and sweaty (well because it's summer and it's hot af outside)

I'm using this last month of summer and beyond that to take time to smell the roses. Started a few weeks ago :) It's been a blast!  During that time I have been Instagramming like a madwoman being out and about at Milk Studios, catching a few shows, attending Pottercon and snagging some rad gear for an upcoming post! 

Rare art work from Flying Saucer event at Milk Studios

Another one, love the unique shows Milk Studios runs often!

Victoria and I at Milk Studios 

My Cousin Diandre performing at SOB'S so rad!

My first Pottercon, won't be the last!

I snagged this tee from Pottercon by Jordanene a fan gals dream! Post coming soon!

Jo as amazed as I was about this! Even if you haven't read the books you saw the movies.. think about it

Devoting more time into fun helped me balance my work/school life. I wanted to share a few of those tips I learned over the past few months:

1. Focusing on what's important for that day: I'm a publicist we are always 4-6 months ahead of everyone. I learned to stay in the present. 

2. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate: I realized I had the tendency of doing everything myself, then getting impatient about doing everything...it was self inflicted behavior.  I'm honest and realistic with my time, using my resources at work for help getting a release out or proofreading a memo. The quality of my work is more elevated because of it.

3. Sleep: Shutting it down at a decent hour to unwind and head to sleep.  As a result, I'm waking up much earlier, working out and doing work earlier, which means more time for fun!

4. Stop talking about being busy and do it: No one cares! I realized if I was so busy then I wouldn't be posting about it and then posting a funny meme a friend sent me. 

I'm stoked for the remaining part of the summer and the arrival of fall: Pumpkin Spiced Lattes, Football, NY Comic Con, and How to get with Murder Season 3.  I'm taking these helpful tips with me to make the time for them ha ha!

How do you guys make time for fun? Any last minute summer plans?

xo
Kosi