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THE GRANOLA BAR AND GRACE HIGHTOWER’S COFFEE OF GRACE ANNOUNCE AN EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP

The premium coffee company has created two custom blends exclusive to The Granola Bar

TGB Hospitality Group is pleased to announce an exclusive partnership with Coffee of Grace. The group has teamed up with the Black woman-owned coffee brand to create two signature blends, with Nobu Restaurants being the only other group to ever offer a Coffee of Grace custom blend. Guests will be served the coffee at The Granola Bars in Fairfield, Greenwich, Stamford, and Westport, CT, and Rye, NY as well as Old Mill Grocery & Deli in Westport. All locations will also sell other Coffee of Grace blends by the bag.

TGB x Coffee of Grace

Coffee of Grace is a premium coffee company that emphasizes environmental stewardship and seeks to support farmers by sourcing directly from co-ops in Rwanda, Peru, Guatemala, and Brazil. The brand was founded by Grace Hightower in an effort to help rebuild the Rwandan economy – especially after the genocide – and to help support women coffee farmers. Grace set her focus on growing sustainable farming systems in Rwanda by purchasing green coffee directly from the farmers and paying them above fair trade market prices. Her love of coffee and her dedication to helping the coffee farming communities in Rwanda led to the formation of Coffee of Grace. All coffees are 100% arabica, specialty grade, organically grown, and ethically sourced from small lot coffee farmers through 100% Direct Trade business.

Coffee of Grace designed two unique blends for TGB: Moonlight Viennese Roast, and Total Eclipse Espresso/Italian Roast. Moonlight is a balanced and aromatic blend of South American arabica coffees that was carefully roasted to highlight the head notes of the origin’s terroir. There are flavor notes of toffee, honey caramel, fig jam, toasted almonds, and a syrupy dark chocolate round body. Total Eclipse is a distinctive roast that creates a bold flavor experience, with notes of fire-roasted marshmallow, Amaretto, and hints of dark caramel and sweet mesquite. The Brazilian coffee used in both blends was sourced from a woman producer and is certified carbon neutral. 

“We are thrilled to collaborate with a fellow woman-owned brand and take our coffee game up a notch in a way that also does good,” said TGB Co-Founder and Co-CEO Julie Mountain. Fellow Co-Founder and Co-CEO Dana Noorily added, “Grace is such an inspiration and we’re proud to support her mission and female coffee farmers.”

Coffee of Grace CEO & Founder Grace Hightower commented, “It is such a pleasure to partner with Dana and Julie as we work together to create an interconnected mission of sustainability, quality, and customer satisfaction through delicious food and premium coffee.” 

For more information, please visit www.tgbhospitalitygroup.com

ABOUT TGB HOSPITALITY GROUP

Based in Westport, CT, TGB Hospitality Group was founded by Julie Mountain and Dana Noorily in 2013. The group began as a wholesale granola business and has expanded to six restaurants, a catering business, and a food truck. Restaurants include The Granola Bar in Westport, Fairfield, Stamford and Greenwich, CT, and Rye, NY. The group’s latest venture is Old Mill Grocery & Deli, located in Westport’s Compo Beach neighborhood. For more information, please visit www.tgbhospitalitygroup.com

This Week’s Best Sellers

There is a little bit of everything in today’s Best Seller post. From resort wear to the season’s chicest sweater, we posted it all. Please click the links below to purchase or for more information.

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From Left to Right:

Birkenstocks are all the rage and the white seem to be the most coveted.

Our favorite fragrances now come in hair care products.

White sneakers are all the rage. Love this pair.

How fab is this puff sleeve black denim jacket.

It also comes in blue denim.

This bathing suit has been on the best-seller list for 2 years in a row!

This is this season’s chicest sweater.

I am obsessed with this set from the GAP.

An adorable white dress….

Love this top

I also love the colors of this dress

So many people have sent me the link to this slide that I had to share!

The Miami Creative Movement

Extended by Popular Demand Through April 8th 
On View Six More Weeks in Wynwood, at the Center for Visual Communication 
Powerful New Works by 15 of Miami’s Leading Artists, Curated by Barry Fellman
Gallery installation photo at the Center for Visual Communication, (left-to-right) works by Carlos Betancourt, John Bailly, Mira Lehr, and Pablo Contrisciani. Photo by Barry Fellman, curator of the exhibition “The Miami Creative Movement.”
Due to popular demand, the Center for Visual Communication (CVC) in Wynwood is announcing the stellar exhibition featuring 15 of Miami’s leading artists – The Miami Creative Movement – will be extended through April 8th, and will remain on view for six more weeks. 
The group show features powerful new works by Mira Lehr, Carlos BetancourtEdouard Duval-Carrie, Karen Rifas, Robert Thiele, John Bailly, Asser Saint-Val, Kathleen Staples, Paola Gracey, Jacqueline Gopie, Robert McKnight, Regina Jestrow, Gustavo Oviedo, Pablo Contrisciani, and David Marsh. 
There has never been a show quite like this before that succeeds in grouping together influential Miami artists of this caliber, brilliantly juxtaposed among younger generations who are now taking the baton. Some of these artists led the charge as far back as 1961, they spearheaded the role of art in Miami. 
It is also rare to see a show in South Florida of bold paintings spread out over such a large gallery space. The effect on the viewer is electrifying
Spectra II, by Paola Gracey
“The works dance with Miami’s light, colors, air, breezes, sounds, music, and life. They sing with the spirit of place that is unlike anywhere else.”  
Landscape Re-Imagined, by Carlos Betancourt
“The word movement was chosen for the title of this exhibition to celebrate the deep well of talent that is cycling again now, as the foundation of our push forward during this critical time in Miami’s history,” says Barry Fellman, the Curator of this group show and the CVC’s Executive Director. 
“These works were created by the artists during the last two years, during the time COVID has challenged us to reinvent and rethink, to come out of this dark era with new approaches to daily life. They signal a creative response to the isolating circumstances and inward-looking realm we are slowly emerging from,” adds Fellman.
Early Spring, by Mira Lehr
“The paintings are infused with the qualities of the Miami environment and move with the rhythms of the city.”
The CVC’s exhibitions thrive from the spatial luxury of large, open gallery space. Works are presented around a wide, unobstructed area. This alternative use of gallery space presents art in a more expansive manner than other venues in Miami. 
“The paintings are infused with the qualities of the Miami environment and move with the rhythms of the city,” says Fellman. “Each work is energetic yet contemplative, arising from the mature creative vision that each artist has taken,” says Fellman. “The works dance with Miami’s light, colors, air, breezes, sounds, music, and life. They sing with the spirit of place that is unlike anywhere else.”  
0807, by Karen Rifas
The photography book that launched alongside this exhibition features 200 images of Miami’s arts scene taken by Fellman, the nationally acclaimed photographer, and curator.
His new art book is entitled Miami Creative: A Decade of Transformation and chronicles a pivotal decade in Miami’s arts and culture, featuring essays by Alberto Ibargüen (the President/CEO of the Knight Foundation) and Jordan Levin (arts writer), with contributions by Dr. Carol Damian
To see their work, and to read more about each of the artists presented in the exhibition The Miami Creative Movement, visit the following pages:
Extended by Popular Demand Through April 8th 
The Miami Creative Movement  
On View Six More Weeks in Wynwood, at the Center for Visual Communication 
The Arrival I and II, by Mira Lehr
About the New Photography Book by Barry Fellman
https://visual.org/miami-creative/
The back cover of the new photography book Miami Creative: A Decade of Transformation, by Barry Fellman
The more than 200 photographs by Barry Fellman in his new book Miami Creative: A Decade of Transformation capture a decade of artistic growth in Miami, the financial likes of which most cities never experience in their entire history – a time of transformational public funding and major private donations for the arts. 
Through his camera lens and the pages of his book, Barry Fellman takes us on a photo safari across Miami’s cultural terrain, during one of the most pivotal decades in Miami’s storied history – when a civic belief that culture is vital to our city meant transformational financial investment in the arts,” says Alberto Ibargüen, President/CEO of Knight Foundation.
“Launching this book alongside a group exhibition of artists who have so greatly impacted Miami’s cultural trajectory is like the stars aligning right before our very eyes,” adds Alberto Ibargüen.
Nebula Dreams, by Gustavo Oviedo
About Barry Fellman
A Miami native, Barry Fellman has served as the Director of the Center for Visual Communication since 1991.
Francisco and Diego, by John Bailly
Prior to this, he served as Curator of Photography for the Metropolitan Museum and Art Center in Miami (the predecessor to PAMM). He is the artist/photographer of the new book Miami Creative: A Decade of Transformation, and is the curator of the new exhibition The Miami Creative Movement the Center for Visual Communication.
Fellman’s history in the art world goes back more than 30 years, in both Miami and New York. Fellman is the recipient of a Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant in New York; a Miami-Dade Art in Public Places Grant; and a City of New York Artists Space Grant. He attended Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. 
Unadulterated Magic, by Pablo Contrisciani
Barry Fellman has curated major exhibitions by: Berenice Abbott; Carlos Amorales; Richard Avedon; Lluis Barba; Wynn Bullock; Clyde Butcher; Richard Diebenkorn; Lewis Hine; William Gottlieb; David Hockney; Diane Keaton; Andre Kertesz; Clarence Laughlin; Robert Motherwell; Renate Ponsold; Robert Rauschenberg; Aaron Siskind, and more.
Fellman spearheaded a Miami Masters Series of exhibitions, featuring the work of Darby Bannard, Eugene Massin, Andrew Morgan, and Bunny Yeager. For several years in New York, Fellman programmed the art gallery on the ground floor of the Deutsche Bank building in New York, across from the Museum of Modern Art. 
ISPAKOTV NGY EWHR, I have allowed you to perform your task!, by Asser Saint-Val
Fellman’s work as a photographer is represented in nationally recognized public and private collections, including American Express, NY; JP Morgan Chase, NY; Center for Creative Photography, AZ; Credit Suisse, MA; Miami-Dade Art in Public Places; Morgan Stanley, NY; and RISD Museum. 
His public commissions and installations include the Henry Street Settlement, NY; the U.S. National Park Service; the eMerge Americas Conference; Locust Projects; the Miami-Dade Parks Department, and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, among others. 
Fellman’s solo exhibitions of his photography include the Miami Center for Architecture and Design; Art Miami; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; Coral Gables Museum; Locust Projects; Tropical Audubon Society; Frost Art Museum FIU; Museum of Art and Design at Miami-Dade College; Miami Science Museum; the Wirtz Gallery; Vizcaya Museum and Gardens; the Puchong Gallery in New York; the Bates Art Resource Center in Boston; the Joseph Dee Museum in San Francisco, and the Woods-Gerry Gallery in Rhode Island.
Freedom to Be, by Jacqueline Gopie
About the Center for Visual Communication
Since 1987, the Center for Visual Communication has organized and presented museum-quality exhibition programs of visual art and new media. Exhibitions are presented at its permanent location, and at other public locations in collaboration with governmental, educational, and non-profit organizations.  
To accommodate its expanding programs, the CVC relocated to a newly renovated 10,000-square-foot space in the Wynwood Arts District in 2007. Exhibitions at its new location have included comprehensive retrospectives of works by Clyde Butcher, master of the Florida Landscape; Clarence Laughlin, father of American surrealism; Robert Rauschenberg, one of the most important artists and innovators of the 20th century, and the Fiftieth Anniversary exhibition of legendary NY printmaking studio ULAE. 
The Rauschenberg show is currently on tour at museums in South America. The CVC has established a multimedia, electronic imaging program as a resource for visual and performing artists. The program supports the use of electronic and computer technology for the creation of visual art, performance and new media. 
Evening Harmony, by Kathleen Staples
Americana Quilt 72, by Regina Jestrow

Best Of Westchester…Exciting News

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We have been selected as a finalist in the elimination round for BEST SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER for Best Of Westchester 2023 and I need your help. Please vote for me HERE. I am so grateful for all of your support and votes thus far. YOU have helped me become one of the top finalists in the Best of Westchester Ballot.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE IN THE ELIMINATION ROUND

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12 Ways To Get A Beautiful Smile

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Image source

Having a beautiful smile can make a huge difference in your life. It can boost your confidence, make you appear more attractive, and even improve your overall health. However, not everyone is born with a perfect smile, and knowing how to achieve one can be overwhelming.

Let’s explore 12 effective ways to get a beautiful smile that you’ll be proud to show off.

1. Practice good oral hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the first step to getting a beautiful smile. Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using mouthwash to kill bacteria are all essential. Not only do these habits help prevent cavities and gum disease, but they also keep your teeth looking clean and shiny. When you brush, be sure to use gentle circular motions, and don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

2. Get professional dental cleanings

Even with good oral hygiene habits, you must visit the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. If you live in California, you have the added benefit of having access to some of the top-rated cosmetic dentists in the country. According to a recent Yelp survey, Sherman Oaks ranks in the top 10 cities in the United States for cosmetic dentistry.

To improve the appearance of your smile, look for the best Orthodontist in Sherman Oaks, California, and leave the rest to them. Professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be removed with brushing and flossing alone. It can also help prevent gum disease, which can cause bad breath, bleeding, and even tooth loss.

Plus, your dentist can check for any issues that may be affecting your smiles, such as cavities, gum disease, or alignment problems. Regular cleanings are usually recommended every six months, but your dentist may suggest more frequent cleanings if you have certain risk factors, such as a history of gum disease or a weak immune system. 

3. Avoid certain foods and drinks

Certain foods and drinks can stain your teeth or damage your enamel, making your smile less attractive. Sugary and acidic foods can erode your enamel and promote decay, while coffee, tea, and red wine can stain your teeth. Other culprits include dark-colored berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. 

It’s not necessary to completely eliminate these foods from your diet, but you should limit them and be sure to brush or rinse your mouth afterward. Drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum can help wash away stains and neutralize the acid. You can also consider using a straw when drinking beverages that can stain your teeth, as this can help minimize contact with your teeth.

4. Whiten your teeth

If your teeth are stained or discolored, whitening can help restore their natural brightness. Many options are available, from over-the-counter products like whitening strips and toothpaste to professional treatments like laser whitening. It’s important to whiten safely and avoid overuse, which can damage your enamel and cause sensitivity. Your dentist can recommend the best whitening option for you and provide instructions for safe use.

5. Fix dental problems

Dental problems such as crooked teeth, gaps, and stains can detract from your smile. Fortunately, there are many options for fixing these issues. Braces and aligners can straighten crooked teeth, close gaps, and improve your bite. Veneers and crowns can cover stains, chips, and other imperfections. Your dentist can help you determine the best treatment for your needs and budget. 

It’s important to address dental problems as soon as possible, as they can lead to more serious issues if left untreated. Fixing dental problems can improve not only the appearance of your smile but also your overall oral health.

6. Use lip makeup

Lip makeup can enhance your smile by making your teeth appear whiter and brighter. Opt for lip colors with blue or purple undertones, which can counteract the yellow tones in your teeth. Bright, bold colors can also draw attention to your smile and make you feel more confident.

7. Exercise facial muscles

Your facial muscles play an important role in your smile; exercising them can help tone and strengthen them. When you smile, you activate your cheeks, lips, and jaw muscles. Exercising these muscles can improve circulation, reduce wrinkles, and enhance your smile. 

One easy way to exercise your facial muscles is to smile more often simply. Smiling makes you feel good and can also help train your muscles to work more efficiently. You can also try other facial exercises, such as puckering your lips, moving your jaw in different directions, and exaggerating facial expressions. These exercises can help keep your facial muscles toned and strong, leading to a more beautiful smile.

8. Wear a mouthguard

Mouthguards are typically used for sports to protect teeth from impacts and collisions. However, if you grind your teeth at night, you might also benefit from wearing a mouthguard. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can wear down the enamel of your teeth and lead to chipping, cracking, and sensitivity. Over time, it can also lead to jaw pain and headaches. A custom-made mouthguard can help cushion your teeth and reduce the damage caused by grinding. It’s an effective and affordable way to protect your smile and your overall oral health.

9. Drink plenty of water

Water is essential for good health, and it’s also important for a beautiful smile. Drinking water helps wash away bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath and decay. It also helps keep your mouth hydrated, which is important for healthy teeth and gums. When you don’t drink enough water, your mouth can dry, leading to bad breath and an increased risk of cavities. 

Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily, and consider carrying a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.

10. Chew sugar-free gum

Chewing gum can actually be good for your teeth if you choose the right kind. Sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production, neutralizing acid and washing away bacteria. It can also help freshen your breath and promote a healthy mouth. However, be sure to choose gum that contains xylitol, a natural sweetener that has been shown to reduce the risk of cavities. Avoid gum containing sugar or high fructose corn syrup, which can promote decay. Chew gum for no more than 10-15 minutes at a time, and be sure to spit it out when you’re done.

11. Quit smoking

Smoking is not only harmful to your overall health, but it can also have a negative impact on your smile. Smoking can stain your teeth, damage your gums, and increase your risk of oral cancer. The nicotine in cigarettes can also constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to your gums and causing them to recede. Over time, this can lead to tooth loss and a less attractive smile. 

Quitting smoking can be challenging, but it’s one of the best things you can do for your overall health and your smile. Talk to your dentist or doctor about resources to help you quit.

12. Smile confidently

Finally, the key to a beautiful smile is confidence. Practice good posture, maintain eye contact, and focus on positive self-talk. Smile often, even if you don’t feel like it, and soon it will become a natural habit. Remember, a beautiful smile is within reach for everyone and is an important part of your overall health and happiness.

Conclusion

By following these tips and practicing good oral hygiene habits, you can achieve a smile that you’re proud to show off. Remember to consult with your dentist if you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, and don’t hesitate to seek professional treatment if you have dental problems that are impacting your smile. With a little effort and the right guidance, you can have a beautiful smile that enhances your overall health and happiness.

How To Host a Fun Yet Less Fuss Adult Birthday Bash in 2023

Birthdays are important for various reasons. They allow us to connect with friends, reminisce about previous years, celebrate another year, and look forward to what the next few bring. However, as we celebrate more and more birthdays, the occasion becomes less unique to us and serves as an annoying reminder that we’re growing old! 

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Yet, deep down, we all enjoy our birthdays because they’re unique and allow us to dedicate the day to ourselves and what we like doing. Whether you would like to spend the occasion by having a day out with friends/family or prefer to celebrate in style with a glamourous birthday bash, there are many ways to celebrate your special day, but what if you want a low-fuss birthday bash? 

Fortunately, if you’re the type who likes to lie low on their birthday, we’ve created this article outlining several ways to host a low-fuss adult birthday bash in 2023. From saving yourself time/money by sending out virtual invitations to opting to have the party at home – we list several of our top tips below. 

Send Paperless Invites 

Despite being pretty to look at, one of the most annoying aspects of party planning is sending out invitations. Not only do they eat into your party planning budget – especially if you have a sizeable guest list – but they are easily lost, increase paper consumption, dig into your free time, and much more. 

Fortunately, like most things, there is a modern alternative to paper invites: virtual ones! Unlike traditional invitations, virtual ones are eco-friendly, simplify the RSVP process, are less time-consuming, and don’t eat into your party planning budget! And don’t worry; you won’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for sustainability, either! 

With hundreds of designs, themes, and art styles, paperless invites are just as attractive as their paper counterparts, which can help you convey the tone of your gathering and much more. Whether you’re looking for save-the-date invites, baby shower reminders, or birthday invitations, you can find all these virtual invitations and more using sites like Greenvelope. 

Set the scene for your special day with their whimsical, elegant, modern, and fun birthday invites, suitable for whether you’re celebrating a child’s birthday or a significant milestone like thirty, forty, or even the dreaded fifty! Consider visiting their website to discover more and see how they could help remove the fuss from your special day!

Ditch The Venue 

Another stressful aspect of party planning is choosing where to host. Should you pick an idyllic countryside hotel that looks like it’s been plucked straight from the pages of a romance novel? Or is renting the function room at your local bar/restaurant enough for you? 

Regardless of the scene you’re trying to set, venue shopping can add a lot of stress (and money!) to your birthday celebrations. So, why not press pause on all the drama, ditch the venue, and invite all your close friends and family to your house for a birthday bash? 

Although it may seem stressful to host at your house, you may change your mind once you see the average cost of hiring a venue for a birthday. Depending on whom you approach, you can expect to fork out anything between $85-$145 per hour for a function room. 

Compared to hosting at your house, which costs a total of nothing! Admittedly, you can spend a little more on decorations and get the house professionally cleaned before guests arrive, but this is nothing compared to what you would be paying per hour at a venue. 

Keep Your Guest List Small 

The more extensive the guest list, the more extravagant the event, and the more luxurious the event, the more stress that goes into ensuring it goes off without a hitch. Therefore, if you aim to keep the gathering as low-hassle as possible, it’s worth streamlining your guest list and ensuring you invite close family/friends with whom you want to share your special day. 

Although inviting everyone to your celebrations can be tempting because you don’t want to make anyone feel excluded, keeping your guest list small is an excellent way to keep costs down. Especially if you intend to cater and put on entertainment, as generally, the prices of these services go up depending on how many heads are at the event. 

Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to shorten your guest list, from looking at the size of your venue, determining which guests you talk to more, making it an ‘adult only’ event and many more. 

In turn, the hassle and stress of party planning are halved since you’re not having to accommodate such a long list of people, so not as much planning will have to go into arranging the event. Instead, you can use the time saved to focus on what you do have in store for your guests and, the most important thing – focusing on the birthday girl/boy themselves!