As children, we bear witness to our mothers many sacrifices: abruptly dropping out of college, a dream job deferred, and/or putting their personal needs last. Mainly due to their willingness to be overprotective and paranoid about our safety once we step foot outside. I recall shortly after leaving the nest for college that my heart felt twisted. I’m super eager to be on my own again, yet anxious to foreshadow what’s to come next.
So, two years into higher learning, I returned without a key in hand, and viciously knocked on the door. On an about-face, I cocked my foot into trigger position only to be met by a riper version of the woman I left.
While crying, I immediately called my sister and asked what had happened. The snot danced down my cheek and she blurted, ‘She had a major stroke!’
I have compiled a list of some of my favorite discoveries that I wish my mother, Yvonne Maria Lowery, had the chance to indulge in.
NOKIA C210
Who hasn’t attended a music festival, realizing once they returned to the venue’s parking lot that their phone was missing. Or, during a white water rafting ride, the raging waters violently snatched your cell and keys overboard because you opted out of purchasing the protective case with the lanyard. Our careless behavior costs deductible and unwarranted visits to your mobile carrier’s consumer experience center. Don’t fret. This time, you brought a C210 armed with an AI-intelligent, 13MP lens, gorilla glass, and a 6’3″ colorful display. Instead of witnessing your $2500 Samsung S23 ultra 1TB get dropped off the VIP balcony, it was your $100 burner phone.
CANON INKLESS PRINTER
Finally, it’s the first time you can avoid a photo booth being bombed by your ex and/or boozed out bestie. Even on celfie number ninety-nine, you come to the realization that you only needed 1 maybe 2 of your expert raw photos and a session with the built-in Light room app. For $129 with a wad of thermo sheets, you’re now positioned to be most celebrated at your next function.
GV Home
David Kong, a 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, single-handedly revolutionized the wine industry by creating the direct-to-consumer stemware company by delivering high-quality, handblown glassware that you’d find in Michelin star restaurants but at affordable prices. How, you ask? By cutting out the middleman and working directly with the glass artisans themselves.
David was so successful that Glasvin has become the go-to stemware brand for over two dozen Michelin star and top restaurants in the nation such as: Juliet LA, Christie’s, Antico Nuovo, Shoku, and Stella West Hollywood. David also recently launched GV Home to bring his highly popular glassware directly to consumers. GV Home was the 3rd most-funded wine glass in the history of Kickstarter (2nd most stemmed glass).
Engineered Garments + Reebok
Engineered Garments and Reebok have just announced their next collaborative project, the Engineered Garments x Reebok BB4000 II, where the New York-based clothing brand has turned to Reebok’s iconic retro court shoe for a reimagining of classic university style, available April 26.
Gucci Interlocking Fine Jewelry
Gucci Interlocking fine jewelry collection was designed as a tribute to the House’s founder, Guccio Gucci. The collection represents luxury, quality, and Italian craftsmanship.
The latest designs present a modern interpretation of the iconic Interlocking G motif, prominently placed within a circular charm adorned with exquisite gemstones. The mood of the campaign exudes a sense of timeless beauty and sophistication, where the colored gemstones create a striking contrast against the jewelry setting. Abstract elements of the Interlocking G logo act as a refined framework and highlight the new designs’ complex craftsmanship and balanced aesthetic.
The collection comprises three different sets of jewelry, each spotlighting a different gemstone: onyx, green agate or mother-of-pearl. While black onyx is elegantly contrasted with yellow gold, the green agate is set playfully against pink gold. A third version, crafted in mother-of-pearl, is combined with pink gold and peppered with diamond pavé on the central motif.
Each set features two rings, available either with a 12mm or 17mm disc charm, along with a bracelet, a choice between delicate paired studs or hoop earrings with a pendant, and a necklace featuring a 12mm ornament. Two statement necklaces with larger 27mm medallions, available in onyx and mother-of-pearl, complete the selection.
Tea Forte + NYBG
A partnership of tea and nature. Tea Forté and The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) have come together to create unique tea collections featuring elements of botanical prints by Pierre-Joseph Redouté, one of the most noted botanical artists in history. A percentage of each sale benefits the horticultural and educational work of NYBG. Perfect as a Mother’s Day gift idea, an elegant wedding shower tea, or a treat to oneself, each collection offers a sampling of Tea Forté’s vast array of luxury teas in a beautiful presentation.
GAG CITY TOUR BARCLAYS
Nicki Minaj has struck palladium with her sold-out GAG CITY world tour. Music lovers show their undying support with the most extravagant pink outfits as it makes another NYC stop. What makes this stop unique? Popular demand has brought her back to Barclay’s Arena.
Nicki Minaj is a living testament to her status as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Her triple entendres, musicality, and lyrical prowess, along with her love for her son, Papa Bear, is something no AI can replicate or any award show can properly honor. You don’t have to be a Barb to recognize talent. Kueen, live long and prosper!
Thank God for someone who exhibits light in the midst of darkness. #grace
