Great Wines for the Mothers in Your Life
Every season has its own time for wines, and has wines that are good matches for the time. For example, wine connoisseur and entrepreneur Stephanie Franklin observes that Spring is a season that invites a delightful transition in the world of wines, marked by a shift towards lighter, refreshing options that perfectly complement the blossoming surroundings. During this time you can even plan ahead and select the perfect wine to gift for Mother’s Day, anniversaries or birthdays – a bottle as exceptional and timeless as the mothers being celebrated. Opting for a sparkling wine, light rosé with its delicate hues, or flavorful pinot grigio accompanied by nuanced flavors can embody the grace and femininity associated with motherhood. A carefully chosen bottle accompanied by a heartfelt note makes for a memorable and cherished gift, expressing gratitude and love in a truly refined manner.
The best gifts for moms mean a lot to Franklin as she lost her mother a few years ago. That was the moment she decided to move on from her job in AdTech and launch a wine company she always dreamed of, Fly Wines. Fly Wines’ recently launched international wine collection presents selections to wine lovers looking to provide their palette with new and exciting tastes, regardless of their level of wine experience or expertise.
As a Black female in the industry, Stephanie knows how minority-owned wineries — both female and black alike — are not just changing the flavor profile of the wines, but are also influencing the industry’s future direction, making it more representative of society’s diverse fabric.
Some unique wines recommended by Stephanie and Fly Wines include:
- Patara Beyaz (Dry White Wine) by Likya : A crisp, unoaked Patara Beyaz with citrus and floral notes pairs well with a variety of dishes.
- Grechetto by Goretti: As an aperitif, excellent with many dishes, fish and white meat. Deep and elegant with fruit notes, in parti- cular, on the nose, are notes of pineapple, banana, yellow peach, scotch broom flowers and almonds
- Merlot by Mosole: Soft and approachable, Merlot offers flavors of plum, cherry, and vanilla, making it a versatile choice for many dishes.
- Cabernet Sauvignon by Fortino: Aged for over three years in French oak barrels. This wine is dark velvet in color, with rich, bold aromas of blackberries and cherries. There are delicate hints of cloves, a pinch of black pepper, and smokey oak flavors that allow it to pair deliciously with beef dishes, from charred cheeseburgers to well-marinated ribeye steaks.
Of course, if you like them then you can absolutely drink or gift these wines at any time of year and for any reason.
Celebrity Chef Jose Andrés restaurants start using Loliware’s sustainable Seaweed Straws
Loliware, the pioneering seaweed-resin company, has announced a significant partnership with Celebrity Chef Jose Andrés’ “José Andrés Group“ (JAG), the internationally renowned restaurateur’s network of establishments. This collaboration aims to enhance JAG’s purpose-driven practices by introducing Loliware’s innovative seaweed products in their North American restaurants.
Loliware’s seaweed-resin straws and utensils are designed to resemble and function like plastic but can fully compost within 50 days. This is a significant step toward combating the environmental impact of single-use plastics, as it is estimated by National Geographic Magazine and other sources that over 100 million plastic utensils are used daily in the U.S., contributing to pollution on beaches and in oceans worldwide. Loliware’s mission goes beyond waste elimination to encompass responsible ocean aquaculture and fair trade practices.
Manufactured in Missouri, Loliware’s seaweed-based forks, knives, and spoons are the world’s first of their kind. They provide a sustainable alternative to limit the accumulation of single-use plastics in landfills and oceans.
The partnership kicks off in Chicago, where Loliware straws are introduced at Bar Mar, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, and Jaleo. The plan is to expand the use of Loliware products to JAG properties in DC and eventually across the entire country.
In addition to featuring Loliware’s ocean-friendly products, JAG’s Research & Development team will work closely with Loliware to create unique and customized serveware. This partnership aims to showcase the synergy between José Andrés’ award-winning creativity and the shared commitment to purpose-driven dining.
Sam Bakhshandehpour, President of José Andrés Group, emphasized the importance of considering not just the food itself but also the sustainability of the service ware, including the plates, forks, and straws. He expressed excitement about collaborating with Loliware to bring innovation to their restaurants and push the boundaries of service ware.
Loliware is a woman-owned tech company that aims to replace single-use plastics with products that naturally disappear. Through partnerships with experts in regenerative aquaculture worldwide, Loliware utilizes its proprietary SEATech resins and products to contribute to the expansion of the “blue economy.” Their compostable seaweed-based Blue Ocean straws have already gained popularity among famous chefs, restaurant chains, and eco-conscious hotels. Loliware’s SEATech resins are now available for licensing globally, driving the planet toward a plastic-free and decarbonized future.
Loliware CEO Sea F. Briganti expressed their enthusiasm for partnering with José Andrés Group, acknowledging the iconic status of the group and their leader’s contributions to culinary innovation and humanitarian relief efforts. Briganti believes this partnership speaks to the transformative potential of Loliware’s SEATech resins.
José Andrés Group (JAG), led by Chef and Founder José Andrés and President Sam Bakhshandehpour, is a creative team behind renowned dining concepts and a dynamic media company. With a mission to change the world through food, JAG operates over 30 restaurant concepts across various cities and countries. From food trucks to Michelin-starred tasting menus, JAG offers diverse culinary experiences. In addition to their restaurants, JAG’s media company, formed in 2021, focuses on sharing food-related stories through television series, books, podcasts, and digital content. José Andrés, an internationally recognized culinary innovator, humanitarian, and bestselling author, has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the industry and his philanthropic efforts.
Introducing the Luxurious New Timepiece Collection from Ted Baker
Ted Baker, the British fashion brand known for its sophisticated styling, playful patterns, and luxurious fabrics, has released its new timepiece collection. The collection features two very special watches: the Lilabel and the Fitzrovia Bumble Bee. With classic designs and intricate details, these watches prove that Ted Baker is indeed a master of timeless elegance.
The Lilabel is the perfect watch for ladies who appreciate style and sophistication. The watch is crafted from stainless steel and is finished with a rose gold plating. The Lilabel is equipped with a quartz movement and is set with a diamond-studded bezel for extra sparkle. The watch also features a mother-of-pearl dial and a date window at the 6 o’clock position, as well as a power reserve indicator at the 9 o’clock position. The watch is finished with a luxurious leather strap and a deployment clasp for added security.
The Fitzrovia Bumble Bee is a unique and stylish timepiece for men, with a classic design and intricate details. The Fitrovia Bumble Bee is crafted from stainless steel and is set with a black PVD bezel and a black dial. The watch is powered by a Swiss quartz movement and features a date window at the 6 o’clock position, as well as a power reserve indicator at the 9 o’clock position. The watch is finished with a genuine leather strap and a deployment clasp for added security.
The Lilabel and the Fitzrovia Bumble Bee are timepieces for those who appreciate classic design and exquisite detail. Both watches are crafted with precision and attention to detail, and are sure to add a touch of elegance to any look.
Ted Baker’s new timepiece collection is an excellent combination of classic and contemporary style. With its design and luxurious materials, the collection is certain to add a touch of sophistication to any look. Whether you’re looking for something to wear to the office or a watch to wear to a special occasion, the Lilabel and the Fiztrovia Bumble Bee are sure to make a statement.
The Lilabel and the Fitzrovia Bumble Bee collection is also great for those who are looking for a watch that will last for years to come. The watches are crafted from high-quality materials and are equipped with reliable movements, ensuring that they will remain in good condition for years to come.
Why Pregnancy Won’t Affect Tennis Star Naomi Osaka’s biggest Endorsement Deals
Naomi Osaka is a professional tennis player from Japan who has achieved great success in her career, including winning multiple Grand Slam titles. Along with her on-court success, Osaka has also been able to secure several high-profile endorsement deals, and is currently the world’s highest paid female athlete. Some of her biggest deals include partnerships with companies like Nike, Mastercard, and Nissan, not to mention major magazine covers like Vogue and Sport Illustrated. However, it has recently been announced that Osaka is pregnant and will be taking a break from the sport. This raises questions about how her endorsement deals may be impacted by her time off of the court for pregnancy, similar to questions asked when she took much earned time off for mental health reasons.
One potential impact of Osaka’s pregnancy on her endorsement deals is that she may have to take a break from certain promotional activities. For example, she may not be able to participate in photo shoots or make public appearances for a period of time. This could lead to a temporary reduction in the amount of exposure that her sponsors receive. However, it’s important to note that Osaka’s pregnancy doesn’t mean she’ll be completely removed from the public eye, as she has a wide social media presence and her fans will still be interested in following her journey.
Another potential impact of Osaka’s pregnancy on her endorsement deals is that it could affect the way that she is perceived by the public. Some people may view her as less competitive or less dedicated to her sport because she is taking a break to have a child. However, this view is not only unfair but also outdated. Many professional athletes have had successful careers while also balancing the demands of motherhood, such as Serena Williams, who returned to the sport after giving birth and won Grand Slams titles and Maria Sharapova, who also returned to the sport after giving birth and reached Top 5 in the world.
It’s important to remember that pregnancy and motherhood are not mutually exclusive with success and dedication in one’s profession. Osaka’s pregnancy should be celebrated as a positive development in her life, and her sponsors should continue to support her.
In fact, many companies are recognizing the value of promoting their brand through female athletes and the importance of diversity, representation and inclusion. They are aware that by supporting women who are balancing motherhood and their careers, they are sending a message of empowerment and support to their consumers, which can be very positive for the brand.
While Naomi Osaka’s pregnancy may temporarily impact certain aspects of her endorsement deals, it is important to remember that pregnancy and motherhood are not barriers to success in one’s profession. Osaka’s sponsors should continue to support her during this time and recognize the positive message that it sends to their consumers. It’s important for companies to understand that diversity, representation and inclusion are important and can be beneficial for the brand. With the support of her sponsors and fans, Osaka will be able to return to the sport and continue her successful career.
GIFT GUIDE: Luxury Jeweler Faberge Releases a New Collab for Game of Throne Fans
They said it couldn’t be done. Well, actually no one ever said that, but definitely no one thought about doing it until now. High end jeweler and well known Czar and gemstone-studded egg maker Faberge has teamed with Warner Bros. to release a new collaboration based on none other than HBO‘s hit series, Game of Thrones.
Says Faberge, “Continuing the collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, the new Fabergé x Game of Thrones High Jewellery collection, which has been developed in partnership with Michele Clapton, the Emmy® and BAFTA® winning Costume Designer for Game of Thrones was unveiled in November 2022. The collection will be launched in a series of ‘chapters’ over the next two years, commencing with ‘Chapter One: Dragon’. These new creations are rare pieces of history in the making, set to delight fans, fusing Fabergé’s artistic ingenuity with the fantastical world of one of the 21st century’s most popular television shows.”
Now, we don’t know if you have to be the Mother of Dragons to wear this, or even to be able afford this, but you definitely don’t have to be her to want this… and we definitely do!
Fabergé’s Head of Design, Liisa Tallgren says of this collection: “The Fabergé x Game of Thrones ‘Dragon’ High Jewellery capsule collection presents different aspects of the mythical creatures, and documents their journey in the series alongside Daenerys. From skeletal designs that reference the dragon skeletons housed in a vault in the Red Keep in King’s Landing, through to creations which showcase Gemfields’ Mozambican rubies to hint that the dragons are back and alive, ready to breathe fire. The crescendo of ‘Chapter One: Dragon’ is a design which spotlights a row of diamonds and rubies which metaphorically burst into flames, showcasing that the dragons are back and full of life”.
