When it comes to foodies, cookware is almost as important as the food! Luckily, Le Creuset is here with a first of its kind offering: the merging of two color families with it’s brand new color, Agave.
Agave blends blue and green jewel tones together, as inspired by the agave azul plant. The green-based cookware is topped with a blue gradient to create a stunning new swatch that matches with plenty of your existing Le Creuset pieces. Keep scrolling to see our faves and head to Le Creuset to do some shopping.
In honor of Pixar’s latest release, Soul, which follows the journey of musician Joe Gardner as he travels to the Great Before (while trying to make his way back to Earth), there’s been a release of cool products and gear that ranges from a play set and Funk Pop! figurines to blankets and more. We got a sneak peek at what’s hitting the market and pulled out our favorites. Keep reading to see our top picks for the best merchandise commemorating the release of Soul.
This note-perfect play set will strike a chord with your little one. Inspired by Disney and Pixar's Soul, this set includes 12 mini figures including Joe and feline friend Mr. Mittens in both earthly and soul forms.
22 might be a little disillusioned when it comes to life on Earth, but she might be just the key to getting Joe back to his body. This adorable Funko Pop version of the soul is an adorable addition to anyone’s collection.
Wilmer Valderrama is taking on a new role. The NCIS star and fiancée Amanda Pacheco each posted a stunning slideshow pregnancy announcement on Instagram. In the photos, Pacheco is seen baring her baby bump next to Valderrama.
This holiday season Nikon is giving the gift of photography. For a limited time the popular Nikon School Online classes will be available free of charge starting today through the end of the year. A wide range of classes are available, including an all-new class for creating memorable holiday photos and videos, helping users step up their creativity just in time for the most festive time of the year.
Nikon’s newest class, “Better Holiday Photos with Nikon Ambassadors,” features an all-star cast of Nikon’s top creators, sharing their unique tips and creative techniques for getting in the holiday spirit and capturing one-of-a-kind photos and videos to share with family and friends. Learn how to create holiday cards that stand out, master basic lighting for the best portraits, capture stunning food photography, perfectly pose as a couple or family and see how simple it is to add festive and creative flair to your photos.
“Nikon School Online classes are a great way to help anyone brush up on their photography skills and inspire them to capture and share their amazing photos and video with their friends and families this holiday season,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “Whether celebrating the holidays at home among loved ones or joining together virtually, the power of imaging helps keep us connected, creative and inspired.”
From emerging creators who just got their first camera to seasoned enthusiasts, Nikon School Online classes offer a variety of educational lessons for anyone to enhance their photography and videography skills as well as anyone ready to pick up a new hobby at home. The easy-to-follow classes are taught by world-renowned creatives and cover an array of topics to best capture different genres. Whether looking to learn to photograph stunning portraits, vast landscapes, your furry friends or make the leap into video capture, there is a Nikon school class ready to inspire and entertain creators on each topic.
To access the full list of online classes available to stream for free, visit www.nikonusa.com/school. For more information about Nikon and their latest products, including the new Nikon Z 7II and Nikon Z 6II, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
Cranberries make their appearance as a side dish staple this time of year, but we think they are the perfect ingredient for adding festive holiday color to your table and decor. The following cranberry craft projects are all easy and quick—which makes them perfect for enlisting the kiddos. Plus most of them are super cheap to make. Read on for our crantastic list.
When you want something stunning for your centerpiece but want to buy almost nothing, check out these five-minute luminaries from Kim Demmon of Today’s Creative Life. With just a few items, this simple (and simply amazing) candle project can be on your table or mantle. Get the kiddos in on this one, they will shine with pride when it’s done. Skip on over to Today’s Creative Life to get the full tutorial.
Holiday gatherings mean plenty of table guests and we found the perfect festive detail by Liz Stanley at Say Yes. These fresh cranberry mini-wreaths will delight your guests and we think they’d make perfect ornaments for any tree, too. Click here to check out the how-to steps at Say Yes.
Going for the classic canned cranberry sauce this year? Kick your tradition up a notch with a perfectly festive and super easy twist: just slice the cranberry sauce as usual and then use small cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Stars, hearts, holiday trees or even little people can all become part of the meal. This is a great idea for the kid’s table, too. Serve on a pretty platter and bam! You've got whimsy on a dish (and a dime).
String the fun along with a simple popcorn and cranberry garland that can be draped over a centerpiece or used as decor along a wall, mantel or on your holiday tree. You can even use it for outdoor decoration/snack for the birdies. For the easy how-to click here. We love the idea of subbing Cheerios for popcorn, which can be easier for little chubby fingers to string.
Bid on one of three stunning dolls for a good cause. American Girl announced it has again teamed up with Swarovski crystals to create three one-of-a-kind collector dolls just in time for the holidays. The gorgeous gowns and complementary accessories took Swarovski couturiers over 330 hours to design and hand embellish more than 5,000 Swarovski crystals and crystal beads in 24 colors.
The American Girl Collector dolls will be auctioned off starting today through Nov. 25, 2020, at Americangirl.com/auction. The First Responders Children’s Foundation Toy Express program will receive 100% of the auction net proceeds. This program is designed to spread joy to children of first responders across America during the 2020 holiday season. The bidding for each American Girl Collector doll starts at $5,000.
“As the holidays approach, we know it’s more important than ever to show our gratitude to our country’s dedicated First Responders who have contributed and sacrificed so much to help our friends, families, and communities this year,” said Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl. “We’re pleased to donate the proceeds of these three exquisite one-of-a-kind 2020 collector dolls, plus thousands of Mattel toys, to First Responders Children’s Foundation to say thank you to these hard-working frontline heroes and bring some much-needed holiday sparkle to their children and families.”
In addition, Mattel and American Girl are donating more than $1,000,000 in retail value of toys to the foundation’s Toy Express program, including American Girl’s renowned 18” dolls and other popular Mattel products from Hot Wheels, Barbie and Mega Bloks. The toys will be distributed to thousands of first responder families nationwide through the end of the year.
“Thank you, Mattel and American Girl for the generous donation of thousands of toys to The First Responders Children’s Foundation Toy Express. And for selecting First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF) as the beneficiary charity of proceeds from the auction of the exclusive American Girl Collector dolls. Because of this partnership, First Responders Children’s Foundation Toy Express will bring joy to children across the nation during this holiday season,” said Jillian Crane, President of First Responders Children’s Foundation. “First Responders Children’s Foundation Toy Express will be gifting toys to children of first responders who are on the frontlines of COVID-19. We will also be delivering toys to first responder agencies and hospitals to share with children in their communities. FRCF supports nurses, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, medical personnel, and 911 dispatchers who risk their health every day in selfless service to their local communities across the country.”
One of the three American Girl Collector dolls will be on display at the company’s flagship retail stores in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles through Dec. 10, 2020. The highest bidder will then receive their one-of-a-kind doll in a special display case via white glove delivery. The three collector dolls feature the following details:
2020 American Girl Sweet as a Rose Collector Doll
This stunning brunette doll is decked out in a petal pink ballet-style ballgown blooming with delicate organza rosettes. Each flower is individually adorned with Swarovski crystals, and the intricately beaded bodice and satin overskirt shimmer with more than 1,000 crystals and beads, making the doll sparkle no matter which way it spins. This exclusive outfit was completely hand-embellished by Swarovski couturiers; and includes a one-of-a-kind, crystal-encrusted tiara plus sparkling bracelets and earrings. The Sweet as a Rose doll is on display at American Girl Place-Chicago on Michigan Avenue.
2020 American Girl Boho Chic Collector Doll
With long honey-colored curls and an empire-waist gown, this elegant doll sparkles with modern bohemian flair. The ice-blue bell-sleeved dress has 2,200 hand-appliquéd Swarovski crystals and crystal beads, creating the dress’s spectacularly sparkly wavelike design. The sheer organza overlay is adorned with a web of metallic blue fibers for extra shimmer. The look also includes a beautiful matching tiara and earrings. The Boho Chic doll is on display at American Girl Place-Los Angeles at The Grove retail and entertainment complex.
2020 American Girl Fuchsia Feathers Collector Doll
This glamorous one-of-a-kind ballgown and accessories feature lavish layers of fuchsia, pink, and pewter feathers on the full skirt, creating an ombre effect that beautifully sets off the doll’s long black hair. The fuchsia satin bodice is embellished with 1,400 colorful Swarovski crystals and crystal beads. Strands of sparkling crystals and beads adorn the matching tiara and earrings, as well as peek out from the feathered skirt, so the doll glitters from head to toe. The Fuchsia Feathers doll is on display at American Girl Place-New York at 75 Rockefeller Plaza.
Eric Russack, Managing Director of Swarovski North America stated, “We’re thrilled to once again partner with American Girl to create this year’s bespoke collectible dolls and adding the Swarovski sparkle to their exclusive 2020 American Girl Holiday Collector Dolls. Our goal this holiday season is to make imaginations sparkle and who better to do that with than American Girl! And this year, we’re extremely proud to support First Responders Children’s Foundation and their work to support the children of our dedicated frontline heroes.”
To place your bid for the one-of-a-kind 2020 American Girl Collector dolls, visit Americangirl.com/auction. All of American Girl’s holiday products are available now at AmericanGirl.com and at American Girl stores nationwide.
The year 2020 will go down as The Year of the Walk. So. Many Walks. Stretching your legs while social distancing in the woods is nice, but as the days get a little less sunny we’re craving bold colors. Murals, graffiti art, street art or public art; no matter what you call these oversized art installations, public paintings brighten Washington, DC. Scroll down for some of our favorite color-filled walking tours of murals in the DMV.
One of DC's newest hotels, Viceroy DC, features one of DC's most massive murals, created by No Kings Collective's Brandon Hill. Meant to evoke the storied history of Logan Circle, bold patterns create a visually stunning work of abstract art. Viceroy DC is a great starting point for the Black Lives Matter murals on 14th street and just steps away from the Ruth Bader Ginsburg mural on 15th & U St.
Street artist Dieglo created this visually stunning masterpiece on the front of Miss Pixie's on 14th street. You'll find a number of murals dedicated to the BLM movement just steps from this work of art. Want to take a quick shopping break? You'll need to make an appointment if you want to peruse Miss Pixie's latest inventory.
Take a walk & a history tour! Garin Baker mural that was painted on Elm St. in 2008 by Garin Baker is a local landmark in LeDroit Park, one of DC's oldest neighborhoods. This is How We Live marks the starting point for the LeDroit Park-Bloomington Heritage Trail, an educational tour of the places and people of historical significance. Across the street, you'll find The Park at LeDroit, which features an expansive, can't-miss playground and a community garden.
Head to Yang's Market for grilled cheese & Jamaican patties and enjoy a quick visit with one of DC's most vibrant murals, the hungry dinosaur, painted on the side of this historic grocery store. It's a great place to snap an Insta-worthy pic with your very own T-rex as you 'nosh on a gooey sandwich. Looking for more fun, bright & colorful murals? Check out this guide here.
Hop on the Red Line for an afternoon on DC's metro and you'll spy this massive collaboration, Edgewood to the Edge of the World near the Rhode Island Ave.-Brentwood Metro stop. It's DC's largest mural, towering over 2 stories tall and stretching 275 ft. long. Want to get a closer look? Head to the Rhode Island Ave. Shopping Center; you'll find this street art behind the former Big Lots building. Want more? DC Mural, a public works program that managed this project and others like it, has an easy-to-use mural locator.
680 Rhode Island Ave. NE Rhode Island Ave.-Brentwood Online: dcmurals.org
We could all use more love & good vibes these days, which is probably why Lisa Marie Thalhamme'sLove mural is a popular spot for those snapping selfies in the city. Tucked away in Blagden Alley, each steel rolling door provides the perfect backdrop for a cheery photo. Don't forget to grab dim sum to-go from Tiger's Fork next door.
Congrats are in order for former Gossip Girl actress, Jessica Szohr. The celeb announced that she and her boyfriend, professional hockey player Brad Richardson are expecting a baby!
In an Instagram post on Sept. 23, Szohr and Richardson can be seen in stunning black and white, with baby bump in clear view. The photo is simply captioned, “full of joy!”
This will be the first baby for the couple, who announced their relationship in Mar. 2019. No further due dates have been shared as to gender or due date, so stay tuned!
––Karly Wood
*Editors note: This piece originally appeared with an incorrect feature photo of Jessica Lowndes, but has since been updated.
Airbnb and Eva Longoria are inviting guests to a month-long (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15) fiesta to showcase Latinx communities and to recognize and celebrate the positive impact they have made in our society. The celebration will feature more than 25 culturally rich Online Experiences from across the United States and Latin America that honor Latinx and Hispanic traditions and will culminate with a one-time online cooking class hosted by Longoria. Additionally, Airbnb is unveiling a curated list of stunning Homes from all over the country that keep the Latinx culture alive.
“There’s no better time to come together and celebrate the vibrant traditions, diversity, and richness of our heritage,” said Longoria. “There’s a deep-rooted connection between our culture and food, and I’m delighted to invite you into my kitchen and share some of my most cherished memories as we cook one of my favorite TexMex dishes that remind me of home.”
Airbnb Online Experiences will feature Longoria hosting a live streamed TexMex cooking class, and a variety of culturally rich Hispanic Online Experiences available to book in English and Spanish from across the United States and Latin America.
100% of proceeds from bookings for Longoria’s Social Impact Experience will benefit the Eva Longoria Foundation which helps Latinas build better futures for themselves and their families through education and entrepreneurship.
A curated list of stunning local Homes from all over the country that keep the Latinx culture alive.
From salsa dancing and cigar tasting, to learning about Día de los Muertos, these Airbnb Online Experiences will open up your world to the diverse traditions of Latin America and help reconnect with your roots or discover new passions:
Join Eva Longoria in the kitchen to cook up a TexMex feast featuring her most cherished recipes and bring to life one of her favorite dishes
Led by a tourist guide passionate about pre-Hispanic cultures, explore the Traditions of Mexico’s Day of the Dead, and learn how to make the famous Mexican “papel picado” and colorful sugar skulls
Unfold the mysteries and etiquette of cigar smoking, rum and coffee pairings with a
Become your own barista! Led by a Mexican National Coffee Judge, and boasting more than 1,000 five-star reviews, the World’s Top Coffee Masterclass will teach you what it takes to make a great cup of coffee
Transport yourself to the Caribbean with a Puerto Rican Salsa Dance Party. Learn how to dance to the rhythms of Salsa de Calle or street salsa from local experts
Learn techniques and secrets about the most emblematic and delicious Peruvian dish and cook the Best Ceviche with Chef Melissa
Engage in conversation about Gin & Gender. Learn about the background of the drink, the seeming relationships between gender and alcohol, and how we can start changing stereotypes
Guided by an expert with 30 years experience, blend dance, music and martial arts through Conditioning with Capoeira
Hispanic Heritage Month Experiences will range from $6 to $100 per person. See the entire collection starting today.
Eva Longoria’s one-time TexMex Cooking Online Experience will be open for booking on Tues., Sept. 22 at 9am PT, and the Online Experience will take place on Tues., Sept. 29 1 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. Mexico City Time.
Your favorite book series (have you heard the Rebel Girls podcast? We highly recommend it)! is at it again, this time with a remarkable new collection of stories all about immigrant women. Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World publishes on Oct. 13, and you can preorder it now. This wonderful collection covers famous females from Josephine Baker to Rhianna. In the signature style, it is beautifully illustrated and full of relatable stories and facts for rebel kids to learn about these fierce and awesome women.
Dedicated to women who leave their homeland in search of a better life, readers will be treated to the same stunning layout with rich illustrations and heroines who span across time. You’ll find politicians, musicians, artists and more, all of who have shaped and are continuing to shape and change our world for the better.