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The Ultimate Winter Skincare Regime In One Collection!

by Clarissa Shine

Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Collection

The Fall/Winter season is upon us and with that comes colder temps, harsher winds and bundling up from the degrees dropping. We always focus on protecting our bodies from the cold and neglect to think how we can shield our skin from the cold as well.

Going in and out from the cold weather to heated rooms takes a toll on our skin, by drying it out! Winterizing your skin is important and now its easy to do with Olay’s newest Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Collection.

The new Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Collection is the ultimate solution to your winter skincare needs. Featured in this selection is the brands first-ever gel based moisturizer, along with an eye cream, serum, and cleanser. These fragrance-free products were formulated to repair + strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it the perfect addition to your F/W skin care regimen.

The cleanser is gentle, yet very effective. It foams as you use it which helps with adding hydration to your skin creating a soft after affect. The hydration serum is silky and creamy to generate that youthful dewy look we all love. The eye gel has a cooling agent. One active ingredient is caffeine which helps with improving circulation to reduce puffiness. The daily moisturizer seals the deal! The texture is dewy like the serum yet lightweight enough that can be easily absorb by you skin.

Suitable for all skin types this collection is guaranteed to give you a glow that will last all day. If you’re looking for an affordable remedy to winter-care for your skin this collection is for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Featured, LIFESTYLE Tagged With: Affordable, fall, Hyaluronic, Olay, skincare, Winter

Bring The Our/New York Vibes Home With Their Mulled Wine Kit!

by Clarissa Shine

New York is waking up from almost two years of slumber and we’re getting subtle glimpses of why this will always be the city that never sleeps! Our/New York is Manhattan’s first distillery & bar in the city since Prohibition and is guaranteed to be a neighborhood gem!

Nestled in the heart of Chelsea, Our/New York is one of the only bars where the vodka is formulated in a full functioning distillery in the back! This establishment is more than a cocktail bar yet a place that crafts one-of-a-kind libations specially made with their in-house line of vodka. The decor provides a relaxing ambiance with an after-work wind-down vibe guaranteed to make you want to return.

There are a few signature cocktails on the menu that are synonymous with some New York Landmarks, like the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire Mule, and the Highline. Kaddy Feast, the bar manager places emphasis on the locally sourced ingredients that are combined to create these cocktails, where the vodka is still the focal point.

For those who want to bring this flavorful cocktail experience home, don’t worry they have a kit for that!

Featured is their Mulled Wine Kit ideal for those who want to create the bar experience at home! This kit came right on time for the holiday season and is the perfect gift for those who like to entertain or provide a mixology experience at home.

The kit is equipped with everything you need from the 750ml bottled wine, 375ml of Our/New York vodka, 2 glass mugs, 2 coasters, spices in bags, and a postcard, only thing missing is the love that can only be provided by the person making the cocktail.

Our/New York is a brand and they are making a name for themselves within the spirits industry, therefore, having this establishment on your to-do list is a must! The Mulled Wine Kit’s are also on sale at the bar so if you prefer to bring those festive cocktails home with you, it is now possible!

When visiting don’t forget to mention who sent you!

 

Filed Under: Featured, FOODIE Tagged With: chelsea, Distillery, gifts, holiday, Mulled Wine Kit, Vodka

Hennessy Joins Up with JonOne to Unleash Limited Edition Bottle

by Clarissa Shine

Hennessy

If you know like I know, then you’re aware of how Hennessy throws a party. This time around a party was held in honor of the Hennessy V.S Limited Edition Bottle. Street artist- turned- art world marvel, JonOne is responsible for this new design. [Read more…] about Hennessy Joins Up with JonOne to Unleash Limited Edition Bottle

Filed Under: BUSINESS, Featured, LIFESTYLE Tagged With: Hennessy, JonOne, Terminal 5

Marilu Henner & Michael Brown: Love (and Health) is All You Need

by Ryan Leeds

No dairy. No beef. No strong alcohol. No sugar. No fun? Hardly!  At 64, screen and stage star Marilu Henner carries herself with the passion, poise, and pizzazz of many half her age. Her husband, Michael Brown is also 64, but carries himself with the swagger of a young Don Draper. In his youth, Brown was a longshoreman whose travels took him around the globe and into a world of unhealthy habits. Eventually, it led to a diagnosis of bladder cancer.  Known for her health advocacy and New York Times bestselling wellness books, Henner walked with her husband through Eastern and Western treatments. Brown, who now runs a successful calendar publishing company (Browntrout), has been in remission for 12 years. They both credit a strict, but livable diet and exercise program which has not only kept them feeling healthy, but looking remarkably younger than their peers. [Read more…] about Marilu Henner & Michael Brown: Love (and Health) is All You Need

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, Featured, HEALTH

Maxximize Takes Over Hammerstein Ballroom on February 13th

by Ryan Shea

If there is one thing New York City is known for, it is its endless amount of fantastic types of music scenes that one person can indulge in.  In recent years, something that continues to be on the rise here in NYC is the EDM scene, as that particular type of music gels well with a huge audience, both on and off the Billboard charts.  So it comes as no surprise that a huge live music event that is happening next week has a great EDM background with some fantastic performers to go along with.  This event is called Maxximize, and it is happening at the world famous Hammerstein Ballroom next Saturday, February the 13th.
[Read more…] about Maxximize Takes Over Hammerstein Ballroom on February 13th

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, Featured, MUSIC Tagged With: blasterjaxx, edm, february 13th, Governor's Island, hammerstein ballroom, live music, live music event, manhattan digest, maxximize, music, NYC, ryan shea, ticketmaster

Make Your First Impression Count with MOO

by Danielle Flocco

You only get one chance to make a great first impression, so don’t waste your opportunity with boring old business cards. White cardstock with raised text? Yep, everyone has already seen that some thousand times or so. “Interesting” layout with a bright color? Yeah, we’ve all seen that, too. How about gold foil and raised spot gloss? Well, that’s only from MOO and their Tailored Collection.

[Read more…] about Make Your First Impression Count with MOO

Filed Under: BUSINESS, FASHION, Featured, LIFESTYLE, STYLE, uncategorized Tagged With: Business, business cards, fashion, feature, manhattan digest, MD Business, MD Fashion, MOO, New York City, NewYorkCity, NYC

Get To Know Children’s Entertainer & Singer Keri Wirth

by Ryan Shea

Keri Wirth

It is always good when someone realizes their very own vision and hones in on it to establish a great career for themselves.  keri Wirth is a great example of that, and is doing so in such a positive and inspirational way.  Keri, a children’s entertainer and singer, has just released a fantastic album called “Me And You” as a way to comfort children, help them relate to their emotion, connect with their parents, and essentially help them in the ever hectic life of a growing child.  As an uncle of two incredible nephews, something like this can be very beneficial for both parties, IE the child and the parent.

With the album being out for only two months, I was recently able to sit down with the New York local on how she got to this place in her career and where she sees her booming future.  Take a look.
[Read more…] about Get To Know Children’s Entertainer & Singer Keri Wirth

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, Featured, MUSIC Tagged With: iTunes, keri wirth, manhattan digest, me and you, modern parenting, parenting, ryan shea, Spotify

Pair Wine & Cheese- Taking Old World Tradition To The Next Level

by Ryan Shea

Pair Wine & Cheese, Manhattan Digest

Any chance I get to review something that boasts the best of wine, cheese or both makes the hairs on the back of my neck stick straight up so naturally I was excited for my latest foodie review.  This one comes straight out of Brooklyn on Atlantic Avenue, called Pair Wine & Cheese.  The brainchild of Chung Park, who is a Murray’s Cheese Bar alum, s taking an Old World tradition to the next level with ideas from the American craft cheese Renaissance and an appreciation of fine wine – putting a new twist on time-honored combinations. The menu itself spans the culinary gamut from snacks, small plates and charcuterie to sharing plates, larger plates and desserts.

Credit to: Chung Park
Credit to: Chung Park

The location is not abundantly large but doesn’t need to be given what they are actually serving to us.  To me, it exemplifies simple yet delicious dishes that are paired with some of the best wines domestically and internationally. What is even better about Pair Wine & Cheese is that each cheese that is listed on the menu can be made custom or on a charcuterie platter for you and your friends to enjoy.  They also host fabulous events at the location such as “Flight School at PAIR Wine & Cheese”, a session devoted to learning, tasting and experiencing different wines and cheeses while Chung educates you on each.  The event takes place on November 17th.  More information can be seen here.

Credit to: Chung Park
Credit to: Chung Park

Chung was nice enough to have us taste test a bunch of these pairings, and each really sang to us with how they were delivered. Now for me, I am not much of a wine drinker however I will say that after learning more about pairings, history and whatnot about vino that I am a bit converted to order a glass whenever I go out in the future.  The first pairing was Bent River, a creamy cheese paired with the Unger Gruner.  Bent River, based out of Minnesota, had such depth to it and the creaminess was absolutely delicious and paired very well with the Unger Gruner.   We then tried the Scharfe Maxx with the Beaumes de Venise.  I preferred this pairing much more than the former as I enjoyed the bitterness of the Maxx paired with the sweet elements of the Beaumes.

The next pairings was the Smoked Salmon Frito with Pickled Beet, Shallot, Mustard Creme, Dill & Spaghetti Squash Tartine with Piave, Charred Onion, Hazelnut paired with the Albarino.  The Frito had such an amazing flavor to it and paired the Salmon and Pickled Beet very well, and I loved how the Tartine resembled pasta with how the squash was prepared.  Delicious bites for both that really made the taste of the Albarino sing.  We were also treated to their Almond French Toast with Roasted Apple, Port Caramel, Mascarpone and Pair Mac and Cheese with Prairie Breeze cheese as other delicious options.  Anything with Mascaprone cheese makes me happy, and the warm french toast paired with the cheese and the cold apples are a real treat now that the colder weather is here.  The Prairie Breeze cheese in the Mac and Cheese made it one of the most unique versions of that dish I ever had and one I would definitely go back for seconds on.

Credit to: Chung Park
Credit to: Chung Park

To finish, Chung prepared a dessert cheese known as Caveman Blue that was paired with the Infantado Port.  Sweet with a punch, it was a great way to end the meal.  Such a great location with a great concept and overall delectable options to try out.  Go ahead and check this place out next time you are in Brooklyn.  For more information, see here.

Pair Wine & Cheese

140 Atlantic Avenue

Brooklyn

 

 

Filed Under: Featured, FOODIE, LIFESTYLE Tagged With: Bent River, Caveman Blue, Chung Purk, manhattan digest, Pair Wine & Cheese, Rougon Beaumes de Venise, ryan shea, Salmon Frico, Scharfe Maxx, Spaghetti Squash Tartine, Unger Gruner

Spotlight- Cedar Soap Company’s Handsome CEO Eric Liebig

by Ryan Shea

Cedar Soap Company, Eric Liebig, Ryan Shea, Manhattan Digest

Something I always admire are people who have a dream for themselves and instead of letting that dream go to waste they actually follow their destiny and make it happen.  It is even better when it is someone in the LGBT community, which is exactly why I am happy to put this month’s spotlight on the handsome, smart and very talented Eric Liebig, who runs a fantastic body care line called Cedar Soap Company.

I became aware of Eric on none other than social networking, where he amasses thousands of followers due to his incredible physique, friendly demeanor and his success in starting this fabulous company.  I started conversing with him a couple of weeks ago and when I learned more about his soap company and the history of it I knew I had to get him on Manhattan Digest.  With amazing different scents ranging in Egyptian Orange, White Tea & Ginger and my personal favorite, Shea Butter, and a great price to boot, this was a no brainer to feature.  Check out our exclusive on the history, the inspiration, what separates Cedar Soap Company from the pack, and more.

Cedar Soap Company, Eric Liebig
Credit to: Eric Liebig/Cedar Soap Company

How did the concept of this company start?

I was traveling in Turkey during my days in the military and found a small shop that sold pure olive oil soap. I was amazed how clean I felt after using it and from a product that was all natural.

What inspired the name Cedar Soap Company?

I grew up on a farm in Nebraska, we have many Cedar Trees there and its one of my favorite smells of the forest so what better way to name my company after a tree I had many good memories growing up around

There are so many companies like yours, what separates you from the rest of the pack?

I aim to give to my customers a big bar and one that is very well scented. I want my customers to know they are getting a great value for the size and scent of my soaps.

Eric Liebig, Cedar Soap Comapny
Credit to: Eric Liebig/Cedar Soap Company

Do you see yourself promoting the brand in the LGBT space first as you have such a large gay following and then the rest of the spectrum or do you have another plan?

I never planned to reach so many in the LGBT community, but I am thankful for it. My main plan is to reach as many people who love their skin and want to use a natural product to gently clean them.

Speaking of your following, you have 13,000 plus followers on social networking.  Pretty impressive!  How have you been able to amass that?

I am always amazed I have so many followers. I think its because what you see is what you get, a big goofy country boy who loves to break stereo-types and makes great soap. I always aim to be positive and upbeat in all I do.

Now tell me about Cedar Soap.  What are the different types of soaps & products that someone can order?

My soap blend selection varies, I try to have wide range of various scents. All my soaps have excellent traits to keep you clean and your skin soft. I like to have a variety of Herbal, Floral, Woodsy, and Citrus scents to stimulate the senses and I am always looking to expand and add other great scents. I love them all and it is hard to find one that’s my favorite.

Do you add any incentives for your customers when they order your products?

I do, if my customers order three or more bars I send them a nice wooden soap rack to let their special soap rest, and dry out between showers so it lasts longer for them and I am always putting combo pack discounts together for them to save them a little when buying a lot of bars.

If someone is having an issue with dried or cracked skin, what do you recommend they do?

I would suggest them trying my Shea Butter or my Cocoa butter blends. I add a lot more to those blend for that very reason of dry, cracked skin the winter can bring sometimes.

You have some pretty exciting things coming up in 2016.  Can you tell our readers about them?

Yes. I am working creating more visual dynamic soaps, with new fresh crisp scents that will inspire your senses and tease your eyes on amazing look of soaps.

Eric Liebig, Cedar Soap Company
Credit to: Eric Liebig/Cedar Soap Company

What are you ultimately hopeful for regarding the future of Cedar Soap? 

My dream is to soon one day work at this full time and share my passion for my soaps. I would love to reach out to as many as I can and show how a natural product that has been around for thousands of years is still relevant, great for the senses and responsible to the earth. We have one body and one planet to live on, I hope with my efforts I can bring a great soap to benefit my customers and contribute to a better future for our planet.

Official Facebook Page

Etsy

Filed Under: Featured, LGBT, LIFESTYLE Tagged With: cedar soap, cedar soap company, eric liebig, lgbt, manhattan digest, ryan shea

Hospitable Gents: An Interview with Jim Burba and Bob Hayes

by Ryan Leeds

Jim Burba and Bob Hayes might not have the same name recognition as Ellen Degeneres, Elton John, Tom Ford, or Neil Patrick Harris, but they share a common thread: They have all been listed as one of 20 “Power Couples to Know” by Out Magazine’s print and online platforms. 2015 marks the third year that Burba and Hayes have made the list and while neither of them are hosting a daytime talk show, singing good-bye to the yellow brick road, designing handbags, or being referred to as “Doogie Howser”, the pair have earned the honor by making a profound and indelible mark in their industry and within their local community.

As co-founders of the Burba Hayes Network (BHN) in Orange County California, the business couple, who wed in 2014 after 24 years of courtship, develop and produce “must attend” global conferences for the hotel and tourism industry. Here, C-level hotel investment executives can gather to network and learn about the latest industry trends.

Since its inception 15 years ago, they have demonstrated their unwavering philosophy of giving back through their events  with over $14,000,000 of contributions for scholarships, research, and program development for the hotel industry.

The indefatigable duo have broadened their scope past hotels, however, Currently, they are hard at work on their first publishing deal, producing another Hollywood film, and co-producing an Off-Broadway show that plans to splash onto Broadway early next year.

Manhattan Digest recently spoke with them to discuss their nearly finished book, the qualities of leadership, sexuality in the corporate world, and why time and participation can be more valuable to charity than money.

Photo Courtesy of John Russo.
Photo Courtesy of John Russo.

 

MD: Tell me a bit about the book you’re writing.

Bob: The book is called “Smart Partners” and it will talk about lessons we have learned in our long term business partnership as well as in our life partnership. We’ve discovered principles that guide us in both journeys. It also incorporates ideas and thoughts from colleagues of ours and other “celebrity couples” who have taken a similar journey. We’ve tried to weave their stories into ours.

 Jim: It’s not a “how to” business book, but rather what we’ve done, how we did it, and what we’ve learned. The more we started talking to other business partners, the more we found out that they are the lessons nearly everyone in business has learned.

MD: Did either of you have positions of leadership before starting BHN?

Jim: I was a partner in an attorney firm and an executive in businesses along the way. I also ran my own consulting firm.

Bob: I was a random employee I guess you could say. I was a management analyst in city government. I sold real estate.I did design. Really I was just trying to find the place where I’d be the most productive and then Jim dragged me into his world– and it worked!(laughs). It’s been working for 15 years now.

MD: You really built the company from the ground up then, right?

Jim: Yes. It started with the two of us and we barely made payroll. The first year was tenuous, but we made it.

Bob: We began in 2000 and the first big event that we held was in January 2002, months after September 11th.   That first program launched but it was put together at a difficult time because most people weren’t even thinking of traveling or investing.

MD: Well, you’ve obviously done very well since then. What are the key qualities you look for both in yourselves and in your employees?

Bob: The desire and willingness to “go all in” is very important-meaning that you commit to what you are doing. I think that is one of the reasons we’ve been so successful.

Jim: In our own way, we are perfectionists. The product we produce is better and I don’t say that lightly. We works really hard on the quality of our programs and we  believe that we have a corporate social responsibility.

Bob: Integrity is also a big thing. We’re known as people who have integrity and we do everything we can to preserve that. We don’t  place ourselves in  situations where that integrity is compromised. We go about our business transparently so  everyone knows what they’re going to get and everyone gets the same things. We like to say that we’re like Switzerland. We don’t take sides and we don’t prefer one over the other. It creates a level of trust that is very important. Once you give your integrity away, you de-value what you have and it’s hard to get that value back. When you start cutting corners, the value of your business model goes down.

Jim:  We will walk away from money if it comes with strings attached and we can’t offer those strings to everybody. In that way, we’re very democratic.

MD: Your prevalent theme is “giving back.” How do you think small businesses or individuals who aren’t as financially equipped can give back in a philanthropic or charitable sense?

Bob: It’s not just about money. It’s about getting involved. They need participation and promotion and people who care about the mission and their community. That is even a better way

Jim: We support  http://www.youthcareerinitiative.org/ which was started by Prince Charles. They go into impoverished neighborhoods and find kinds who have little luck of getting out of poverty. They take them to hotels that will take them in for a 6 month internship  and teach them life skills. 90 plus percent end up with jobs after 6 months. We do more than give them money, though. We are “mouthy” and we talk about it, so it’s a matter of using our platform we to give these kids something that they never had. That is something that is greater than just writing checks.

Hayes

 

MD: Have you ever faced discrimination in a workplace because of your sexuality?

Bob: We never made our sexual orientation an issue. We’re kind of “matter of fact” about it, but we don’t shove it in people’s faces. Maybe people respect that because we aren’t forcing anyone to make a moral decision based on their beliefs. We’re just here and we are who we are.  We also have a sense of freedom in having our own business too.

MD: A big deal was made when Apple CEO Tim Cook came out because that was a great stride for the corporate world. There still are not alot of openly gay CEOs. Why do you think there is not more openness at that level?

Bob: We wrote a story about that. And yes, there are a lot of them. I think, perhaps, they don’t want that topic to become the topic for their companies. A lot of them work at public companies and they don’t want that distraction. Or it could just be that, like us, they don’t want to make a big deal about it. It just is. We’re not out there saying, “Hey everybody! Look at us! We’re gay!”, but if someone asks us, of course we don’t hide it.

Jim: I think as time goes on, you’ll see more CEOs step up and step out.

MD: Do you consider yourselves LGBT advocates, activists, spokespeople, all or none of the above?

Bob: I don’t think we’re spokespeople, but we are advocates. We won’t stand on the cormer and wave flags and banners. But people have come up to us and thanked us, though, for talking about it and for being visible. They thank us for speaking out just by example.

MD: Let’s switch gears to Seth Rudestky and Jack Plotnick’s Disaster! The Musical. That was a huge hit Off Broadway and as co-producers, you’re bringing it to Broadway. What is the status of that project?

Bob: We’re still on track. Talks are going well and we’re looking at early 2016. We just need to determine the theater. We have to find one that fits the show, the timing, and the talent schedule, so it’s a bit of a puzzle piece.

Poster from the Broadway Bound "Disaster! The Musical"
Poster from the Broadway Bound “Disaster! The Musical”

 

MD: You’ve mentioned in the past that you both have a full plate but always leave room for a few bites. What “bites” are you working on now?

Bob: Well, we have another film project coming up and have just signed a pretty well known actor to the deal. (At the time of writing, the actor couldn’t be revealed). That will start shooting this October. Just two days ago, we met with a production company for a TV show based on a concept we developed a few years ago, so that is in the works.

MD: Do you ever feel as though you bite off more than you can chew?

Bob: (Laughs) Yes! Sometimes we look at one another and shake our heads asking, “What did we just do!” But, we’re having the time of our lives and we’re not ready to slow down. If we think a project is valuable, we do it. It seems like the more we have to do, the more we can do. And we have a great team here at the office. We couldn’t do what we do without them.

To keep up with Jim and Bob’s latest endeavors and events, visit their website: http://www.burbahayes.com/

Filed Under: BUSINESS, Featured, LGBT, uncategorized

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