In Hampton, Virginia, there is a man named Jeff Pew. He is a local hero pedaling his way into the community's hearts, one bike at a time. Jeff stumbled upon a rusty old bicycle while strolling at Buckroe Beach. He noticed the abandoned bike had broken pedals and two flat tires. Instead of leaving it to collect dust, he saw the potential for something more. With a bit of elbow grease and determination, he transformed that forgotten relic into a shiny, ride-ready beauty, a symbol of hope and possibility.

Only minutes after Jeff placed the "free" sign on the bike at the corner, a kid grabbed it. The kid was beaming with joy, and Jeff felt that joy. Jeff knows what it's like to grow up without a bike. Growing up poor, Jeff was awarded a scholarship from his church to attend a private school, but he had no means of transportation to get there. He discovered an abandoned bike and fixed it up until it was ride-ready. That bike became Jeff's ticket to a brighter future, a symbol of the joy and freedom that can be found in unexpected places. 

Photo: Womans World 

Jeff's journey to school paved the way for his future mission - to help others experience the same freedom and joy he felt when he rode his bike to school. 

Inspired by the joy that his refurbished bike brought him years ago and the kid that beamed with joy, he set out to spread that same happiness to others. Armed with his trusty toolkit and an infectious smile, he began scouring yard sales, thrift shops, and even dumpsters for discarded bicycles needing TLC. His process involves stripping the bike down to its frame, cleaning and repairing each part, and then reassembling it to ensure it's safe and ride-ready.

As news of Jeff's mission spread, the community rallied behind him. Neighbors donated their old bikes, and businesses chipped in with supplies, demonstrating the power of collective action and unity. This support allowed Jeff to accumulate a garage full of two-wheeled treasures waiting to be transformed, a testament to the community's belief in his mission.

However, Jeff's generosity did not stop at refurbishing bikes. He saw an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of less fortunate people. Jeff partnered with local charities and shelters, such as the Hampton Homeless Shelter and the Boys and Girls Club, to provide bikes to children who could not afford them. These partnerships have not only provided bikes but also opportunities for these organizations to engage with the community and promote their services. This gave the children a means of transportation and a sense of freedom and independence.

Thus, Jeff Pew's Bicycle Emporium came into existence. The name 'Emporium' was chosen to reflect Jeff's vision of a place where bikes are not just repaired but also celebrated. From fixing flat tires to teaching kids how to ride for the first time, Jeff's garage became a hub of activity and positivity. His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication turned a simple hobby into a full-blown movement.

Photo: Womens World

Today, Jeff Pew is a local legend in Hampton, Virginia. His tireless efforts have touched the lives of countless individuals, spreading joy and laughter wherever he goes. So, the next time you spot a gleaming bike cruising down the streets of Hampton, take a moment to think of Jeff Pew and the incredible impact one person can make when they set their mind to it. And if you're inspired by his story, consider donating your old bike or volunteering your time to help him in his mission.

 

Hello, skincare enthusiasts! Do you want to follow the same daily skincare routine without seeing any actual results? HA! I didnt thiiiinnnk... so. 😉 If you haven't heard of the latest cosmetic movement called "skin cycling," you're missing out. Lifestyle of Beauty has been recommending skin cycling to friends for a long time, though, I just called it "changing it up." I didn't know I was actually on to something. And Skin cycling is fun for those who love trying different skincare products like me. 

It's a personalized skincare routine that adapts to your skin's changing needs.

But don't just take my word for it—Skin cycling has been praised by several dermatological sites for its ability to enhance skin health and appearance. By adjusting your skincare routine to your skin's natural rhythm, you can optimize hydration, oil production, cell turnover, and sensitivity levels. This leads to a healthier, more radiant complexion. 

To learn more check out: Influence of cosmetic formulations on the skin's circadian clock

So, what exactly is skin cycling? Imagine your skin as a dynamic canvas that changes over time, responding to various factors like hormones, environment, lifestyle, and seasons. Skin cycling recognizes this natural rhythm and adapts your routine, accordingly, optimizing your skin health and vitality.

One of the most incredible things about skin cycling is its seasonal adaptation. During the warmer months, you need more lightweight hydration and sun protection, while colder weather may call for richer moisturizers and barrier-strengthening ingredients. It's like having a wardrobe for your skin that changes with the seasons. You want to use products for a couple night off and on, so the skin doesn't get used to a products ingredients. 

Skin cycling involves more than just applying topical treatments. It requires a holistic approach, taking into account factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress management, and exercise, all of which significantly impact the overall health and vitality of your skin. If you have been leading a healthy lifestyle, your skin will most likely benefit from it and express gratitude.

I love how skin cycling emphasizes personalization since every individual's skin is unique. This approach encourages experimentation and customization of one's skincare routine to discover what works best for them. It's like having a personal skincare guru with a customized roadmap to help achieve your best skin.  

Lifestyle of  Beauty Product Picks 

 

1. Dinah Shores Estate 

Are you a fan of Leonardo DiCaprio? If you are, you'll be interested to know that the actor is involved in real estate. He owns a midcentury-modern house in Palm Springs, California, initially built for actress and singer Dinah Shore in 1964. The house was designed by renowned architect Donald Wexler, who pioneered the steel post-and-beam design. A guest house overlooking a pool, tennis court, and tennis pavilion completes the desert oasis.

Stats

6 Bedrooms

7.5 Baths

7,100 sq. ft.

From $4,500 per night

It's located in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood, where Hollywood icons including Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Elvis Presley once vacationed. This luxurious home is available for $4,500 per night for vacations and events. It features midcentury-modern decor, with large entertaining spaces, including a sunken living room with a fireplace, grand piano, cocktail bar, a formal dining room, and an office/media room. The main suite is one of six bedrooms, with a sitting room and a spacious spa-like bathroom, including two saunas. The house sits on 1.3 acres of lush land and has multiple terraces accessible from the main living areas. 

2. Elvis Presley Honeymoon Hideaway House – The House of Tomorrow

They say that Elvis Presley was the King of Rock and Roll, but I think with  properties like the 'Honeymoon Hideaway' and 'Graceland' in Tennessee; they may give him a run for his money for the title of the "King of Luxury Homes"!

 The Honeymoon Hideaway is a luxurious house located in Palm Springs, California, known for being the getaway of Elvis and Priscilla Presley. It spans over 5,000 square feet and has four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and three levels, making it capable of hosting up to 180 guests at a time. The house has tours available and can be rented for special events. It was built in four circles, which gives it a spacious feel. The property features a pentagon-shaped pool, a garden, a waterfall fixture, a fruit orchard, and a tennis court. The house was restored in the 1990s while preserving its 1960s design aesthetic. Guests can also see Marilyn Monroe's former residence from the back of the house

3. Casa Elizabeth 

"Casa Elizabeth," recently renamed "Casa de Coachella," as a lot of Coachella parties are held here, is a luxurious retreat with a unique history. It was once the vacation home of Elizabeth Taylor, the iconic Hollywood actress. The property is located in the upscale Las Palmas section of town and offers four bedrooms for guests. The place is decorated with photographs of Taylor, and an Andy Warhol painting of the Hollywood icon hangs above the fireplace, giving it an elegant and luxurious feel. Guests can relax by the poolside and enjoy the breathtaking views of the San Jacinto Mountains. However, it's worth noting that the property has recently been listed for sale for $5 million, so it's advisable to confirm its availability for rent before making any reservations. Prices start at $575 per night.

Verdant Green is an ideal color for spring as it represents renewal, growth, and freshness. Its lush green tones conjure up images of blooming flowers, new leaves on trees, and the promise of warmer weather ahead. This color brings a sense of vitality and rejuvenation, making it a refreshing choice for spring decor and fashion. Additionally, it has a calming and soothing effect, which makes it a great option to bring peace and harmony to any space. 

Sunset orange is a warm and vibrant color that evokes energy and happiness. This makes it an ideal choice for the spring season when nature is blooming and coming back to life. The lively hue perfectly reflects the bright and cheerful spirit of spring, and it can add a pop of color to any outfit or home decor. It complements the pastel tones that are typically associated with spring and adds a refreshing touch to any wardrobe or living space.

   

 

Ocean blue is an excellent color for springtime as it imitates the serene and refreshing tones of the sea during the warmer months. This relaxed and calming shade is known to evoke feelings of peacefulness and relaxation, making it an excellent option for adding a touch of tranquility to your spring wardrobe or home decor.

       

Have you ever gotten store credit or cash for recycling your old clothes or 

 equipment? Some popular clothing stores, like Madewell, offer such programs. But did you know that smaller clothing chains or independently owned apparel stores may also have recycling initiatives that reward you for your efforts? It's worth asking them if they do! 

 

Did you know, 92 million tons of clothing end up in landfills? Pretty disturbing. One easy way to tackle this issue is to purchase  a "Take Back Bag" from the Trashie.io app for $20. Once you get it, fill it up with your unwanted clothes in any condition, and then mail it back using a prepaid shipping label. You'll get $50 in "TrashieCash" that you can use at stores like Lululemon as a thank-you for doing your part to reduce waste.

 

And those old shoes just sitting in your closet, taking up precious space can be donated  to charities that give them to needy people or companies that recycle them to make other products. GotSneakers.com will pay you for your old sneakers - $7 per pair of like-new sneakers, $2 per pair in good condition, and $1 per pair that has heavy wear. Signing up is easy; they'll even send you a free recycling kit with prepaid postage!

 

And for all the tech enthusiast who have a lot of "last year" tech lying around, AT&T accepts qualifying mobile phones and applies their value to your monthly bill, or you can use it to buy AT&T accessories or a new phone. T-Mobile gives you credit for a new device when you trade in old smartphones. Verizon also has a trade-in program where you can exchange used qualifying smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets for store credit or to cover your Verizon wireless account payments. And if you prefer to trade in your old electronics for e-gift cards, you can check out Target or Walmart. 

 

If you have empty cartridges, you'll be glad to know you can recycle them and earn rewards simultaneously! All you need to do is sign up for a loyalty member account at OfficeDepot.com. Once you have an account, you can bring any brand of empty cartridges you bought from any retailer into an Office Depot OfficeMax location. Plus, if you spend at least $10 on qualifying purchases that month, you'll earn $2 in rewards for each cartridge you bring in to recycle, up to 10 per month! 

 

If you're a Staples customer, you can also earn rewards by recycling your empty cartridges. Sign up for a loyalty member account at Staples.com, and each cartridge you recycle (up to 20 per month) within 180 days after your purchase, you'll earn $2 in rewards! All you need to do is spend at least $50 online or in-store on toner.

 

Even dead batteries from your car, lawnmower, boat, or motorcycle  can be recycled! take them to O'Reilly Auto to be recycled. For every eligible battery you recycle, you'll earn a $10 store gift card. 

 

Lets not forget about sports equipment! 20,000 tons of Tennis balls alone end up in a landfill each year. Several programs are available for recycling tennis balls, one of which is Wilson's RecycleBalls. This nonprofit organization has recycled more than 20 million tennis balls since its establishment in 2016. If you have at least 100 used tennis balls, you can mail them to RecycleBalls in exchange for a suggested donation of $20. The organization then recycles your used tennis balls into Green Gold, a crumb rubber product easily recycled into tennis courts, sneakers, or horse footing. Alternatively, if any balls are still in good condition, RecycleBalls may resell them as dog balls. In addition, tennis ball cans can be recycled curbside bottles and cans.

 

 10 Compliments You Should Be Giving People

In a world where negativity and criticism often prevail, offering sincere compliments can be a beacon of hope that brightens someone's day. A single compliment can have a lasting impact on someone's life. It's not uncommon to hear stories of people saying that one compliment from a parent or teacher inspired them to pursue their careers. Compliments can uplift and inspire, promote positive relationships between individuals, and boost confidence. However, in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be easy to forget to show appreciation for those around us. There is nothing like the feeling that your talents and presence matter. 

Here are ten compliments worth sharing. 

1.      🌻 Your Kindness Brightens My Day: Let us ALWAYS acknowledge acts of kindness around us, for they inspire compassion and encourage positivity to spread throughout our communities. 

2.      😂 You Have a Great Sense of Humor: A good sense of humor is a gift that brings joy to both the individual possessing it and those around them. By complimenting someone's humor, you validate their ability to bring laughter and fun to any situation, fostering a positive atmosphere. In my opinion, comedians make the world a millions of times better.  

3.      👂You're a Great Listener: In a world where everyone seems to be vying for the spotlight, being a good listener is valuable. By complimenting someone's listening skills, you acknowledge their ability to empathize, understand, and support others, strengthening relationships and promoting emotional well-being. Most people listen only to reply, so a good listener is a diamond of a friend, keep them. 

4.      😇You Inspire Me: Whether it's their achievements, resilience, or character, letting someone know they inspire you can be incredibly uplifting. It validates their efforts and serves as a reminder that their actions positively impact those around them, motivating them to continue striving for greatness. 

5.     🖌 You're Incredibly Talented: Recognizing someone's talents and abilities boosts their confidence and encourages them to develop further and utilize their skills. Whether in art, music, academics, or any other endeavor, acknowledging someone's talent fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment.

6.      💞 You Have a Beautiful Soul: When we praise someone's inner beauty, we acknowledge the qualities deeper than just their physical appearance. We recognize their kindness, empathy, and integrity and remind them that these traits are more valuable than any external attributes. It's a powerful way to uplift someone's spirit and let them know their presence shines brightly and radiates positivity just being in the room. 

7.      🤗⚓ You're Always There When I Need You: Reliability and support are invaluable qualities in any relationship. By expressing gratitude for someone's consistent presence and support, you're reinforcing the importance of dependable friendships and nurturing a sense of trust and loyalty. 

8.      💃You Handle Challenges with Grace: Life is full of challenges, and how we navigate them speaks volumes about our character. Complimenting someone on their ability to handle adversity with grace and resilience acknowledges their strength and inspires them to persevere in the face of future obstacles.

9.     💚 You're a Genuine Person: Authenticity is a rare and precious quality today. By complimenting someone's genuineness, you affirm their integrity, honesty, and sincerity, which are foundational to building meaningful connections and fostering trust. We sense when someone lacks genuine character and its exhausting for everyone. Being in the presence of someone being themselves allows us to do the same. 

10.  😃You Bring Joy into My Life: Ultimately, one of the greatest compliments you can give someone is acknowledging the joy and positivity they bring into your life. Whether through their laughter, kindness, or mere presence, letting someone know they make your world brighter is a beautiful testament to your bond.