All Posts By

Brittany Segina

Local

CED Graphics

In a cyberspace world full of virtual communication and technology, as old fashioned as it sounds, I still believe business cards are the most powerful marketing tool to gain exposure. It is an inexpensive way to present your brand. This piece of paper plays a strong role when introducing yourself to potential clients, and captures the impression of your brand/company. I’ve spent the last few weeks searching for the perfect graphic designer to partner with and after filtering through multiple companies I stumbled upon an unexpected treasure; CED Graphic Designs, a visual marketing gem. When connecting with CED’s owner Cedrix, his timely and efficient response helped guide me through this unfamiliar world of design. More importantly, he understood my intended goal. From that point, I knew I was in good hands. I find it important when working with another creative individual to let them take the reigns. The best way to capture your brand is to let someone else tell you what they see. This allows me to broaden my view as I look through their perspective. With little direction, Cedrix took to the drawing board and translated exactly what I had envisioned. He sent me numerous eye-catching samples, each one stood out in a unique way making it difficult for me to decide on just one. If you’re looking for a brilliant end product, and someone who is not only a pleasure to work with and talented, consider hiring CED Graphic Designs for your next project. I genuinely approve of their high quality designs, prompt response, and exceptional customer service. You won’t be disappointed!

Contact- https://www.facebook.com/cedgraphics/

Fashion

Tis The Season Holiday Gift Guide

Gift baskets

It can be a bit stressful when buying your friends, family, and in-laws a gift. The perfect present no matter the occasion (without resorting to gift cards) is a personalized gift basket hand-packed with fillers that are creative, budget friendly, thoughtful, practical, edible, all natural, silly, and basically anything you feel fit. Since I am always super conscious of people’s wants and needs, gift baskets are my go to: a tailored gift basket is the perfect touch for any event or holiday– such as get well, new baby, congratulations, birthday, Christmas, housewarming, etc. You can also tailor them to personalities: for the movie lover, the health nut, the spa queen, and foodie. And if you aren’t sure how to tailor based on the event or person, there are a few default go-to’s that are a safe bet to always have on hand.  A few of my favorites are polar fleece sheets, Poo-pourri, glade wax melts & warmer, chicken poop lip junk, keurig, coffee mug–and as a signature touch, I’m known for always including their pet by tossing in a toy or treat into the gift basket. These thoughtful, handpicked, simple gift baskets are luxurious looking, but don’t leave your wallet feeling light—they’re a creative DIY that has everyone at the party talking.  Some tips to follow when building a reasonably priced item that doesn’t lack in presentation:

  • Buy in bulk! BJS, Costco, Sam’s club, etc… take the bulk packages and break up the items to put into more than one basket!
  • Stacking Coupons! You can use a manufacturing coupon along with a store coupon so that you never have to pay full price… or even just the advertised sale! SCORE!
  • Shop the clearance racks, aisles and end caps… nobody will ever know!
  • Shop Big Box Stores on Black Friday & Boxing Day! You’re bound to get great deals at the end of the season… so save those holiday items for next years gift baskets when the same items go back to full price!
  • Buy one get one promotions…. I mean, two baskets for the price of one… need I say more? Or…you can keep one for yourself for being a savvy shopper!!!
  • Amazon and QVC always have great deals… just make sure to order in advance before you need the basket! PS, you can get a lot of fun stuff in bulk also
  • Shop Local! A lot of local second hand shops will offer brand new items rather than just used ones (as their name suggests—it’s just a trick!) Perfect examples? Half Price Books and Cleveland Flea.
  • All in all, never pass up a deal! Stock pile it for later!

Keep in mind that these are just beginning guidelines to budget friendly gift baskets and how to never pay full price—because we all know that getting a good deal makes gifting a luxurious gift feel even better!

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Polar Fleece Sheets

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Snow Joe

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Frost Guard

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Bottle Rocket Wine Opener

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Alani Nu Pre Workout

Plant Based Protein

Katy Hearn Resistance Band Kit

Katy Hearn Glute Band

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Gucci Guilty Black

Eau De Lacoste L.12.12 Noir

Angel by Mugler

La Belle Est Vie Lancome

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Poo-Pourri

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Chicken Poop Lip Junk

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Keurig Travel Mug

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Philosophy Holiday

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Peter Thomas Roth

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Royal Velvet Towels

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Ahava Mineral Lotion

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First Aid Beauty

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Beer Caddy

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Target Wenda Cut Out Booties

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Kristin Cavallari Shoes

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Weighted Blanket

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Urban Decay Primer

 

Better Than Sex Too Faced Mascara

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Uncommon James Boss Earrings

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Kylie Cosmetics Dolce K Lip Kit

Kylie Cosmetics Candy K Lip Kit

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Mac Whirl Lip Stick/Lip Liner

Food

Balance Pan-Asian Grille

When you’re looking for a quick and easy meal to grab on the go, fast food is the popular choice. With a wide range of options, this food is convenient, inexpensive, and tastes good. But fast also means high sodium, trans fat, and cholesterol. Sure, you can customize your order to be healthier; order grilled chicken, skip the bun, and avoid creamy sauces. But all the added sugar and empty calories won’t fill you up. With so many fast food chains around the city, it becomes tough to maintain healthy eating habits. Not to worry! Healthy fast food does exist. Next time you need to eat on the run, find yourself a dish at Balance Grille where they serve real food, fast loaded with simple, colorful fresh cut, whole ingredients that are prepared daily. Taste the creative flavors of their mongo tacos, or their Asian-fusion build-a-bowls. Add vegetables, swap sauces, or go for the classic teriyaki like I did. This takeout isn’t fried or processed. The food is always fresh, so dig in without a forkful of guilt. If you haven’t been to Balance Grille, you’re missing out! Whether you work in the city, or just passing by, pop in and give it a try, and let me know what you think.

Beauty

Zap Your Zits

Hi, my friends! Let’s talk pimples!

As one of the most common skin conditions, being acne prone definitely has something to do with your genetics. Have you struggled with acne? Whether you’re in the awkward stages of puberty, or well into your 30s, the occasional bout of acne can cause frustration. It makes you feel unattractive, self-conscious, and even insecure. Not to mention it can be painful. Pesky blemishes that appear out of nowhere. Is it from stress? PMS? Hormonal fluctuations? Diet related? Or perhaps the answer is all of the above. Do you feel like you’ve tried just about everything to get rid of your acne but still see blemishes? Don’t be discouraged! I’m going to shed some light on acne products that actually work, from personal experience. I’m not a dermatologist, more of a self-proclaimed beauty expert, by sampling and experimenting with new products, treatments, masks, exfoliants, cleansers, toners, and serums. I may not have the credentials, but I have managed enough break-outs the Rodan+Fields should probably hire me now as their CEO! 

Real talk, I’m not offering a cure to a flawless visage. To see clearer skin, you probably need to make a few changes. Skin 101: sleep can make a huge difference, drinking more water, and washing your face twice daily, and staying away from greasy foods for starters. Add another gentle cleanse to your regime post sweaty workout for my gym obsessed friends, you will thank me later! Let’s fight the blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cystic zits together with a list of the best acne-fighting products. From high end prestige brands, to drugstore finds, we will find a product that will help you combat, treat, and prevent pimples. I’ve discovered something for every beauty budget.

As a girl who loves skincare, here are the products that I am loving right now:

Toothpaste: this inexpensive home remedy will help shrink, maybe even clear up a small zit, all while reducing redness. Just dab a small amount on areas as needed. To avoid irritation, I would recommend washing it off with water after a few minutes as the ingredients found in toothpaste (baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and triclosan), are drying to skin. Another approach to fighting zits with toothpaste would be icing the area before application to reduce inflammation and shrink the pores.

Queen Helen Mint Julep Mask: If you struggle with stubborn break outs, I highly suggest trying this mask. Just apply a thin layer of this purifying facial treatment to your face for a few minutes, allowing it to firm and harden, then rinse. It leaves skin smooth and tight-feeling, drawing out the excess oil and waste from your pores without over drying your skin. After the first use, my skin looked noticeably better. The mint julep reduced the oiliness of my skin in the T-Zone (common problem area consisting of the forehead, nose, and chin), and reduced the appearance of pores around my chin and nose after just one use, all without drying my S-Zone (consisting of the temples and cheeks).

Price: $4.99+

Find it Here: https://rstyle.me/~aI0jP

Aztec Indian Healing Clay Mask: with 100% natural calcium bentonite clay, and no additives or fragrances, it is great for multiple skin types. I incorporate this into my skin care regimen about 1-2 times a week. To use, mix one part clay powder, and one part apple cider vinegar, stir into a smooth paste (it took me a few attempts to get this mixture down, add more clay or liquid as needed). Apply to your face, you’ll feel a pulling and tightening sensation while the clay is drying. To remove, massage with warm water, you’ll have some slight redness on your skin which goes away in 10-15 minutes. You can follow up with eye cream and moisturizer.

Price: $9.99+

Find it Here:https://rstyle.me/~aI0eE

Apple Cider Vinegar : https://amzn.to/2z4FSoY

Brush:https://rstyle.me/~aI0fz

Dark Angels Face and Body Cleanser: a facial scrub from Lush Cosmetics; a black sugar and charcoal exfoliate with rhassoul mud used to detoxify, deeply clean, and remove dead skin, leaving the skin with a polished feel. Dark angels contains avocado oil, which is very nourishing to the skin. I found it to be somewhat drying with my skin type, so I’ll use this 1-2x a week (get a sample from Lush to try before you buy, and see how your skin reacts to this product). Take a small amount, add water to make a paste in your hand, and then scrub onto your face. Remove with warm water, or a damp wash cloth while applying some pressure. Your skin will feel healthy and rejuvenated. This product also helped reduce future acne.

Price: $14.95+

Find it Here: https://www.lushusa.com/face/cleansers/dark-angels/9999906954.html

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion: This product is amazing if you’re looking to eliminate pimples that appeared out of thin air. Leave this lotion on overnight (to cut the oxygen supply from the pimple). By morning, pimples will be noticeably smaller, or gone within a day or so.  This should be applied after cleansing and toning, and apply before bed; dip a Q-tip into the pink sediment in the bottom (*do not shake the bottle), and dab directly onto the area. Let dry and rinse off in the morning.

Price: $17+

Find it Here: https://rstyle.me/~aI0ky

Boscia Luminizing Charcoal Black Mask: this fun to peel off mask acts like a magnet vacuuming the dirt, toxins, and impurities out of your pores. The charcoal detoxifies your skin while removing oil, to combat future blemishes. It also boosts skin clarity, and leaves your face feeling fresh and clean while minimizing pores at the same time.

Price: $30+

Find it Here: https://rstyle.me/~aI0kL

Glam Glow Gravity Mud Mask: good for dry, oily, or normal skin. This peel-off face mask tightens and tones the appearance of your skin, making it instantly feel firmer and lifted. It feels amazing on the skin! When you apply it, make sure you paint on a thick layer, so that once it is dry, you can peel to remove in one piece. You will notice a brighter complexion, and after one weeks use, the anti-aging benefits are really noticeable.

Price: $59+

Find it Here: https://rstyle.me/~aI0lj

Mask of Magnaminty: cover you face with this product while avoiding your eyes wherever acne is present. Use your finger(s) to spread an even layer on the skin. It is thick in texture, and wont spread smoothly. I’ll do circular motions to exfoliate while applying, and use the same motion with warm water to remove. I use it about 2-3x a week to keep fresh and bright skin. It’s designed to calm breakouts and smooth skin. I suggest going into Lush and asking for a sample before you commit to buying a tub of this.

Price: $14.95+

Find it Here: https://www.lushusa.com/face/masks/mask-of-magnaminty/9999900411.html

These are just some of the easy to use products that are a part of my skincare routine. What are some of your favorite ways to zap your zits? 

Food

Town Hall

With hundreds of choices at your fingertips when it comes to dining out, choosing a restaurant can be challenging. I consider myself restaurant savvy, so don’t fret my friend, I’m here to guide you to the best local grub in the city. If you haven’t familiarized yourself with the food Cleveland has to offer, now is the time! As a self proclaimed food tourist, I’ve tasted a variety of meals from 5 star menus, farmers markets, food-trucks, and other local spots you’ll want to experience. 
My favorite, Town Hall has a menu full of endless options, always serving delicious organic quality food. If you are looking for vegan friendly, paleo, gluten-free, or just healthier alternatives to comfort food, this is the place to eat. If there is one thing you need to try off this menu, it’s the unfried chicken sandwich. In my opinion, it is the #1 entree on their menu. It’s a healthier spin on a classic favorite, with spicy cashew crusted chicken topped with kim chi-carrot-brussel slaw, togarashi aiolil and miso glazed bacon. This delicious sandwich is served with a side of fresh cut truffle fries (french-fry heaven as far as I’m concerned). Honestly you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu.
I also tasted the smashed avocado, grass-fed cheeseburger, and food truck tacos. No complaints here! Everything was beyond tasty. The smashed avocado (guacamole) was a great small plate to start with; the freshest I’ve ever had. I even scraped the bowl clean! The cheeseburger was impressively tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Topped with organic white cheddar, onion, oregano vin, shredded romaine, rosemary aioli, and a pickle; simple yet satisfying. I was pleasantly surprised with Town Hall’s food truck tacos in their most basic form (tortilla shell, protein, and cheese). They are yummy, but these upscale tacos put other tacos to shame. Best I’ve ever had; overflowing with corn, chicken, shredded greens, every bite better than the last! Try to imagine the most perfect meal. Actually, you don’t have to. Just head to Town Hall!
Food

Forage Public House

Dear locals,

If you are indecisive when it comes to deciding where to eat, and what to order, let me choose for you. Trust me when I say you’ll want to fill your belly with the mouthwatering options from Forage Public House. You’ve gotta eat here! Forage is committed to serving sustainable American fare with vegan friendly courses. A menu so tantalizing even I struggled making my selection. With an abundance of appetizing starters, delicious entrees, and decadent deserts to choose from, how would I settle on one dish? I owe it to my taste buds to experience each and every flavorful bite Forage has to offer. Let the drooling commence!

Bavarian pretzels, blue mussels, and crisp vegan cauliflower. I took delight in sampling all the tasty finger foods. In my opinion, what takes the cake is the crisp cauliflower; tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed full of flavor. These vegan nuggets are essential when dining here. A crunchy guilt-free treat!

For my plant-based foodies, the vegetarian options don’t stop there! Try the mushroom pappardelle, an authentic italian dish that is simple, flavorful, and cooked with lots of fresh vegetables and herbs. Made with foraged and cultivated mushrooms, locatelli, mushroom nage, and scallions, mixed in beautiful ribbony pasta covered in a sauce so good, you’ll want to slurp it up. This vegetarian plate is exquisite and deserves 5 stars!

If you really want to wow your taste buds, do yourself a favor and order the tacos. Coming in at just $3.00 each, these gourmet grilled amish chicken tacos topped with chili crema, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, and cilantro, are a crowd-pleasing combination. You might be thinking about ordering seconds but I encourage you to save some room for dessert.

To top off your awesome experience, if you have a major sweet tooth, you’ll want to check out their next-level sweets. Impress your palette with their melt-in-your-mouth creme brûlée, or indulge in my personal favorite, the creamy s’mores dessert! Layers of graham crumbs and belgian chocolate, beautifully topped with torched golden brown marshmallows. It is sure to be the highlight of your meal! Next time you are in Lakewood, swing by Forage and be sure to let me know how good your experience was!

Photo Credit: S’mores Photograph Courtesy of Nicole Steffen @eatlocalohio https://www.instagram.com/eatlocalohio/?hl=en

http://foragepublichouse.com

https://www.instagram.com/foragepublichouse/?hl=en

Fashion

I’ll stop wearing black when they invent a darker color

Who doesn’t love black? Most define it as the anchor of style! Could you imagine not wearing black? It’s figure-flattering, never goes out of style, works for every season, and goes with everything. It’s an essential shade that should round out your closet,but when it comes to your wardrobe is black just making an appearance or is it taking over? Is your style lacking life and color so much that your clothing could attend its own funeral with the abundance of black?

Head-to-toe black it’s my go-to color: a fashion mood that communicates a monochromatic visual display. I’ve always embraced the dark side when it comes to my attire, but I’d like to challenge my creativity by injecting flavorful color combinations and experimenting with textures to refresh my style. I need to challenge the clothing and perk up my personal style with spotlights of color. I want to instantly refresh my look by making simple unexpected colors adjustments.

Fashion

You can’t manufacture personal style

You can’t manufacture personal style

We’re all familiar with the fashion rules society outlines for us:

1.Legs or cleavage—never both

2. Navy is the new black

3. When it comes to jewelry, less is more

4. Don’t mix prints

5. Sneakers should never leave the gym

6. No white after Labor Day

7. Don’t mix gold and silver

8. Belt must match the shoes

9. Head to toe denim is a no-no

10. Your bra should never be exposed.

Just stop. Please. Don’t fall victim to the trends by altering your look from season to season just because the societal manual suggested it.  Style doesn’t – well, SHOULD not – come with instructions. Time to tear the pages out and shred that handbook!  Rules are meant to be broken, so create a look you can call your own, and showcase your wardrobe by documenting every outfit in your own personal style-guide.

Let YOUR clothes do the talking! The way you dress speaks volumes on your individuality, so stop following the pack! You’re not a product someone else designed, stuck a label on, and hung on a rack for sale! Forget the rules and create a signature look; if you like it, wear it— stand out, and make a bold style statement. The art of fashion is ever-evolving— a constant search for popular trends that fade each season and the latest fads making an appearance for a brief second.  It’s style that has no expiration date.  Fashion is everywhere: style is what you do with it! Fashion belongs to everyone, styles belongs to you.