During a preview for Parent’s Path Art Collection by Philips Avent, I meet women artists and have a first look at some of their artwork, which highlighted each artist reflections on their unique journey with motherhood.
Note: I was invited as media. However any personal views expressed are 100% my own.
Each artistic piece depicted self-expression, self-care and community support as essential parts of nurturing new parents through the journey. While all the women are mothers, Philips Avent understands and supports each parenthood personal experiences.
To hear how one artist uses art to highlight her parenting experience, I interviewed Lauren J. Turner, a mother, artist, and birth worker (lactation & doula) who uses her passion for maternal health to celebrate and support families.
Interviewed with Artist Lauren J. Turner
Importance of Portraying Breastfeeding
Lauren J. Turner: It is definitely important to have representation. Being able to see yourself is important and sometimes you don't get the opportunity. Art gives us the opportunity to go into spaces that we would not necessarily see.
When I was breastfeeding my son, even before that, I did not get an opportunity to like see nursing happen. I never saw anybody breastfeeding growing up.
Lauren J. Turner: And then when I did it with my son, I had a family member tell me to put my breast away. Like, you know, as if it was something wrong. But the art is to celebrate that moment.
Connecting with Philip Avent
Lauren J. Turner: I think we connected via email or social media. But I use the bottles with my son. But with my daughter, I decided to just nurse from my body, but with my son, I needed the opportunity to get, you know, get time alone for my mental health.
Working with the brand means a lot to me because, they have the same ideology that I have, which is to celebrate these moments and allow people to feel comfortable with doing it.
Sometimes bottle feeding is absolutely necessary. Sometimes it's an option and having an option is important.
Share Artwork for a Chance to Win $250 Worth of Philips Avent Products
To enter for a chance to win your choice of $250 worth of Philips Avent products, share your own artwork inspired by the joys, the challenges, or the unpredictability of your parenting journey.
Philips Avent wants to see your milestones, celebrations, and detours that make the first years of parenting feel like a rollercoaster – in whatever art medium you prefer.
Here’s how:
Artist in Parent's Path Art Collection by Philips Avent
The Parent's Path Art Collection by Philips Avent begins with custom artwork developed by a group of mothers who share similar, yet totally unique experiences with parenthood.
Aimee Koran – A multi-disciplinary artist exploring the complex binaries of motherhood working in mediums of sculpture, photography and mixed-media installation, contributing works honoring the human experience and motherhood moments.
Alison Chen – Working in video, photography and performance, Alison's work centers on the complexities of intimate relationships, contributing a series of images to capture everyday moments and map the act of caregiving.
Lauren J. Turner – An experienced artist and doula working with paint imagery, contributing painted works highlighting the authentic and inclusive experiences of the parenting journey.
Liana Finck – Cartoonist and author documenting the details of the pregnancy journey, contributing a customized drawing deriving from her recent pregnancy and post-partum experiences.
Philips Avent will donate the custom-curated art from the Parent's Path Art Collection to select medical centers supporting women and families.
Philips Avent continues its efforts in providing resources and support for parents navigating ups and downs of their individual parenting journey, knowing this uniqueness is what bonds parents together.
Learn more, visit - www.usa.philips.com/c-e/mo/parents-path
To get ready for Knights of the Zodiac live-action film, releasing in theaters May 12th, I interviewed Diego Tinoco about his role as Nero the Phoenix Knight and the message to take away.
Note: I was invited as media for screening and cast interview. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.
Appeal of Nero Character
Diego Tinoco: So much appeal to me about this character started on paper. Reading the script, seeing how he's kind of mysterious and sleek individual. And then really seeing in the third act of the script, all this explode.
So all of that on paper, but as an actor, you got to do research, right? Then I dug a little deeper into this guy in the original anime manga. And when I found most appealing was, this guy's past. This guy is dealing with so much tragedy.
Diego Tinoco: From watching the love of his life, literally get murdered in front of him, to watching his little brother get taken away from him, at such a young age.
This guy has been through it, right? But, I really tried to channel all of that, that tragedy, and that trauma to use that as fuel. And I think in the third act of this movie, that's when you'll really see all this guy's past come out and explode on the movie screen.
Preparing for Stunts & Action Scenes
Diego Tinoco: We had a lot of special training. We trained with Andy Chang, who was the stunt choreographer on Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
So he handled the choreography for our movie and I worked with him for weeks. The choreography, the body behavior of this character, the all the fights scenes, all that stuff.
Diego Tinoco: Obviously, there were some things that I don't think I was talented enough to handle, and it was a little risky too, right?
So we had these really awesome stunt doubles, who who really took on some of the impacts, that I guess the producer wouldn't let me take on.
Memorable Scene for Latino Representation
Diego Tinoco: I think one of the most memorable scenes for me to film was when Nero was turning into the Phoenix Knight. It was my first time working with wires and having this grand sci-fi type of transformation, right?
And I think once I was in the air, I wasn't even too high in the air, I was like, maybe like six feet or seven feet in the air, right.
Diego Tinoco: When you're in the air and seeing everybody below, it feels like such a magical moment. And you really think like wow, this is happening, I'm about to be a superhero!
And you don't see too many Latinos on the on the big screen turning into these iconic characters, so it was such an honor and a privilege.
The Film's Message
Diego Tinoco: I really want them to take away from this film, the powerful message that we instilled in the movie... which is nobody's destiny is written in stone.
You can create your own destiny, you can take charge of the cards that life is dealt you, and you can create the life that you want. I think that's a very powerful message.
I've said it all my life, I always tell my friends that, and I've been told that by my parents, my whole life growing up.
And it's a message that I strongly believe in.
Diego Tinoco: I don't think anybody's defined by the circumstances that they're born into, and i don't think nobody should be defined by the circumstances that they're born into.
I think that in this life, the whole experience of living is being able to create this video game type of character. Create them, however you want. You know, that's ourselves, right? So I want people to walk with that message.
Diego Tinoco: And, then also, I want all my Latinos out there, to see a Latino on the big screen be like, hey, okay, there's Latino's doing that. I want people to leave inspired, all my Latin people out there, to leave inspired and be like, man, this guy's doing big things.
There's a lot of dark times we're going through, right now, right? But I want everybody go to cinema, enjoy a cinematic experience with the family, and just leave inspired feeling good.
I think that's what a movie should be all about.
SYNOPSIS
Seiya (Mackenyu), a headstrong street teen, spends his time fighting for cash while he searches for his abducted sister. When one of his fights unwittingly taps into mystical powers he never knew he had, Seiya finds himself thrust into a world of warring saints, ancient magical training and a reincarnated goddess who needs his protection.
If he’s to survive, he will need to embrace his destiny and sacrifice everything to take his rightful place among the Knights of the Zodiac.
Cast: Mackenyu, Famke Janssen, Madison Iseman, Diego Tinoco, Mark Dacascos, Nick Stahl and Sean Bean
Directed by: Tomek Baginski
Screenplay by: Josh Campbell & Matt Stuecken and Kiel Murray
Based on original stories and characters from The Manga “Saint Seiya” by: Masami Kurumada
Produced by: Yoshi Ikezawa, Joseph Chou, Tim Kwok
Learn more, visit - www.kotzmovie.com
Kingston’s Wi-Drive™ gives you added storage for Apple devices (iPad, iPhone) and Kindle Fire and lets you share photos, videos, music and more with two other users on their own devices.
With integrated Wi-Fi and four hours of battery life, Kingston's Wi-Drive offers pocket-sized portable storage and easy file sharing. Accessing or sharing your personal media easier.
Take it anywhere, in your purse, backpack or briefcase, to share your files, music, photos, videos and more.
ENTER TO WIN THIS GIVEAWAY!
- (1) Kingston’s Wi-Drive 16GB Portable Storage
WAYS TO ENTER:
Entries must be made on or before 11:59 p.m. May 23, 2023.
Kingston’s Wi-Drive 16GB Storage Giveaway HGL
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Winner will be selected randomly. Giveaway main entry must be completed before extra entries will count. Winner will be contacted by email and must respond within 24 hours or a new winner will be selected. Open to residents of the U.S. with a valid email and street address.
Designed in partnership with Apple®, Logitech's BASE addes the Apple Smart Connector ito the charging stand so you can effortlessly create a comfortable work-from-home setup.
Made from premium aluminum, BASE holds your iPad at a 70-degree angle that’s perfect for making video calls, browsing emails, referencing documents, and more.
DROP AND GO CHARGING
Simply place your iPad into the cradle and charging will begin instantly. Make sure the 3 pin Smart Connector on your iPad is aligned with the 3 pin Smart Connector on Base. Magnets will hold your iPad securely in place so you can keep tapping, scrolling, and pinching.
BUILT FOR STABILITY
A weighted foot, curve-shaped design, and anti-slip pad provide sturdy, rock-solid support with surface grip. Even the largest of iPads won’t tip over.
GO BEYOND THE WORK DESK
Set BASE iPad charging stand anywhere in your home–kitchen, office, bedroom or living room. Ask Siri® to look up a recipe while you cook in the kitchen, set an alarm before you go to bed, or play your favorite tunes for a spontaneous dance party in the living room. The possibilities are endless.
Charging stand with Smart Connector Technology for iPad (7th and 8th gen), iPad Air® (3rd gen), iPad Pro® 9.7-inch, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd gen)
ENTER TO WIN THIS GIVEAWAY!
- (1) Logitech Base iPad Pro Charging Stand
WAYS TO ENTER:
Entries must be made on or before 11:59 p.m. May 16, 2023.
Logitech Base iPad Pro Charging Stand Giveaway HGL
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Winner will be selected randomly. Giveaway main entry must be completed before extra entries will count. Winner will be contacted by email and must respond within 24 hours or a new winner will be selected. Open to residents of the U.S. with a valid email and street address.
For a groundbreaking digital cover – “Women to Know: Tech Titans” Edition, HelloBeautiful.com and MadameNoire.com, owned by iONE Digital, partnered to feature 8 Black women in tech, making a difference in their communities and across industries.
Being a women of color who also loves and uses technology, I was beyond excited to first see the cover and information and then get an opportunity to interview one of the amazing women - Carrie Bernans (Actress, Stuntwoman, Filmmaker, Venture Capitalist).
Carrie Bernans is featured on the cover along with industry powerhouses including
- Bozoma Saint John (Hall of Fame Inducted Marketing Executive, Author, Entrepreneur)
- Angel Rich (Founder/CEO, Credit Stacker)
- Michelle James (Director of Culture & Community Marketing, Instagram and Facebook at Meta)
- Kelsey Davis (Founder/CEO of CLLCTVE)
- Mattie Reynolds (Lead Technical Talent Acquisition Partner)
- Rachel Spivey (Director, Stay and Thrive Team at Google)
- Kimberly Bryant (Founder and CEO Ascend Ventures and Black Innovation Lab/ Founder of Black Girls CODE).
Read on to see what Carrie shared during our interview. Cause you know I had to ask All.The.Questions!
Becoming Part of Women To Know: Tech Titans
Carrie Bernans: Basically they reached out to my team, they were interested in me joining, because not only am I an actress and stunt woman, that knows the technical aspect of film and tv.
But I also invest in tech through startups, as well as built my own startup in the text space when I was 18.
I was interested! We just had to make sure that the dates aligned. I'm expecting a baby any moment now, so I wanted to make sure I could fly to New York. I was literally in New York for like 24 hours, because I was working on another project back here in Los Angeles.
It was an incredible crew of majority African-American Caribbean black people.
Impact of This for Her and Other Black Techies
Carrie Bernans: It means a lot, honestly. For myself, I work really hard since I was a young child, and I never really look for recognition as far as like you know, being on a cover of magazine or getting awards and stuff of that sort. I felt like I've accomplished a lot in my short, like 30 years of life.
But sometimes we don't sit back and realize how much we've accomplished. Sometimes we can get on this train of just waiting to level up, in the next thing and then the next thing and then the next thing.
It made me really just take a moment in, and to be like, wow, I've actually done something and I should be proud of it.
Carrie Bernans: And also it makes you want to give back even more. I'm already a creature of reaching back and bringing someone up, as I come up. Because I believe I wouldn't be where I'm, if it wasn't for other people that took the time to mentor me or to offer a word of advice etc.
Then the women that I met, I didn't know them personally, though I heard of some of them before, but we were able to connect more offline, and off of this project, and we're going to work on some incredible things together.
Carrie Bernans: Also seeing black women at tech space is very a minuscule thing, I mean it exists but on a comparison to the white males or Asian males in the tech space, it's a big disparity.
So I think that it also motivates and inspires other people, especially the younger generation, that is looking to get into the tech space. It's a very inspirational moment.
Process of Transition from One Field to Another
Carrie Bernans: When I decided the corporate world, just wasn't for me, but I still love the aspect of having the entrepreneurship, being driven working in the tech field. I was like, how can I combine these two?
So as I went ahead to Hollywood Los Angeles to chase my dream with acting in entertainment, I was like, even if I can't spend 8 - 12 hours a day, working on some new tech project, what projects can I invest in that align with my vision of what I would like? Whose board could I serve on, you know?
Carrie Bernans: How can I also maybe a co-founder and help them raise equity in order to make this project happen? And I wanted to focus on minority projects. So, a lot of the projects I invest in are either women-owned or black-owned. Really just minorities. I'm targeting people that I really want to support and see more of.
Experiencing and Overcoming Challenges as a Black Woman in Tech
Carrie Bernans: There's so many different challenges, I think you have as a woman of color. For one, I've been to 19 plus countries. And I speak six languages. And I would say just a general overall, no matter what business I have done from entertainment to tech, there's this perception, especially in foreign countries.
They already have this perception of black women, and in most cases, they first off look at them as a woman. And unfortunately, women are not like the first people that people respect.
They respect them in a way of like, oh, you're a woman you can have this seat. But as far as negotiating on deals they think like, where's your boss? I am the boss. Oh you're the boss? Yeah. I'm the boss.
Carrie Bernans: Or they over sexualize things. I realized that people have this ideal of these sexual fantasies. So they're doing business with you, but then they're also like, is it true.....? I'm like, what the heck, we're talking business here, like deals negotiations.
Lay boundaries right on the front end! You know, we live in a society where you shouldn't have cover up in this way or do this in that way, but one of the things that I do believe is that, unfortunately, it's first impression and it's an impression that people are going to take.
Carrie Bernans: So I keep a very business. I will wear pants or if it's a skirt, I wear it a little longer. I'm not coming there to go on a date with you. I'm coming there to do business with you, and I want that on the front end.
Then secondarily, if someone says, you know you're beautiful or something, then I'm like thank you, you're looking nice yourself. So you know this deal is blah blah blah.
I just re-circle the conversation back to focus on the deal, so it's not being rude or intrusive, because that's the other thing. Then the guys, all of a sudden they seem like, oh my god, this girl is such a blah blah blah or she's so rude or whatever can't take a compliment.
Carrie Bernans: So I'm just like, oh thank you. You know, you stay a professional.
And another way is just have someone come with you, even if they're not 100% in the business with you per se, but they're just the person to be there. So they know it's two because they're rarely going to say something if someone else is there.
Support for Entrepreneurs
Carrie Bernans: Entrepreneurship is already so challenging. I think that as much research as you can do, and groups that you can connect with outside of just being alone.
Because yes, as an entrepreneur you're on a solo journey, but at the same time, you do find those communities and teams. And at the end of the day, if you want to go further, you go further with a team and you have to learn how to build that.
And even if you don't have the money and resources to do that right away, you just have to find that free community on Facebook or network.
How to Self-Care
Carrie Bernans: Lately. I think like the last like couple years, I've been finally getting massages, that I tell people to get themselves. And I've been taking a moment and taking a day, and sometimes I will just say, I am rushing to get, like, all of this done, and I'm trying to fit this in and put that in, and sometimes, I just have to be okay with saying, it's gonna take two hours.
Because I have to take, like a deep breath and a break, or I'm gonna break. The reality is, a tow truck can't tow itself, you know, and it may help everyone else, but you do have to take a moment back and take care of you.
And I enjoy traveling, although I travel mainly for like work and stuff. I like to take a day or two, while I'm working and explore around and just be like, all right, it's Cary's day. Let's be free.
Learn more, visit - www.madamenoire.com/black-women-in-tech
Have you ever felt fatigued ears? Our ears work overtime listening to the endless sounds of daily life. Of course they get tired and need some care.
Note: I received product sample for review purpose. Any personal views expressed are 100% my own.
Yet we don't talk enough about how to treat ear fatigue. But Wally's Natural, who has over 30 years of wellness solutions for better self-care for body and ears, wants to highlight both the need and products for ear care.
As an innovator of ear care wellness products, Wally’s Natural understands that ear wellness is part of self-care.
Wally’s Natural Ear Candles are available in unscented Beeswax, Paraffin and Soy. Beeswax and Soy are available in lavender and herbal scents, all designed for you to feel an enhanced sense of serenity.
Wally’s Natural uses only premium beeswax, paraffin and soy blend waxes, unbleached cotton muslin and an array of essential oils in its products. They source packaging materials from sustainably managed forests.
Ear Candles
An ear candle is a wellness tool designed to help those improve self-care, de-stress and enjoy a calming, soothing experience while having positive ear health. The practice has been around for centuries with origins in ancient China, Egypt, India and Mexico.
Ear candles are long, thin and hollow cone shapes resembling a delicate tapered candle. Placed softly in the ear, the no-drip ear candle burns and moves warm air and rhythmic sounds into the ear for a quiet, meditative experience.
Available in unscented Beeswax, Paraffin and Soy, as well as lavender and herbal scents
Organic Ear Oil
Made with the highest-grade olive oil, tea tree, garlic, mullein, lavender, and echinacea, Wally’s Natural organic ear oil is formulated to maintain healthy ears. It can be used after ear candling and is ideal for dry, sensitive, and itchy ears.
A firm favorite for adventurers after surfing, swimming, or a journey to higher altitudes. The olive-based ear oil works on its own to soothe and comfort the ear and help with sensitivity. Wally’s Natural ear oil is dermatologist-tested.
Fearless Natural Kidz Ear Scrub
A natural, simple, and efficient way to clean children’s ears, the Fearless Natural Kidz Ear Scrub has a reusable, easy to clean scrubber-sponge with a gentle formula created to clean away dirt, excess wax, and oil from the ears.
It’s pediatrician-tested and designed for kids ages 3+, so easy that kids can even clean their ears on their own during bath time.
What began as a quest to solve their young sons’ ear issues, turned into a mission to deliver the best-in-class ear candling and ear care products to families everywhere.
Purchase Wally’s Natural ear care products in-store at retailers like Walmart, Target, CVS, Kroger, Sprouts, and independent natural stores, as well as online at Amazon and WallysNatural
For more information, visit - www.wallysnatural.com
Essential Elements shared a twist on the term getting "Get Hy", for those of us looking for a different HYdration option during Cannabis Culture Day. Ha!
Note: I received a product sample for review purposes. Views expressed are always 100% my own.
To help keep my HYdrated, the Essential Elements team sent me a package, which included their Hydration Sticks to replenish electrolytes.
Since I'm usually on the go a lot during the day, I liked that the packets were "travel" friendly. After doing a taste test, it was refreshing and flavorful, which means I won't mind drinking as needed.
I could grab a few, my water bottle and go about my day getting things done. When I needed to hydrate, a quick mix and shake helped get my body the nutrients it needs.
Essential Elements® Hydration
Essential Elements® Hydration features a combination of apple cider vinegar, sodium, potassium, and buffered vitamin C to ease digestion, just one packet brings cutting-edge benefits that support hydration in physical activity and day-to-day life.
Packaged in flavors such as Watermelon-Cucumber, Yuzu-Lime, and Blue Raspberry Lemonade–-available in a variety pack or in single flavor packs.
Essential Elements provides a variety of products and supplements that support heart, immune, hair, skin, hair, and cognitive health.
Learn more, visit - www.essentialelementsnutrition.com
