Holiday Cheer or Holiday Fear? A Guide to Avoiding Scams and Frauds

For most of us, the holiday season is a time of joy, generosity, and goodwill. Unfortunately, it's also a time when scammers and con artists take advantage of people's festive spirits. Without proper caution, you might unwittingly grant fraudsters access to your funds.

In today's landscape, scammers are actively targeting busy shoppers, aiming to deceive them. Here are some key tips to help you steer clear of holiday scams that could deplete your bank account or escalate your upcoming credit card statement.

'Tis the Season to Support Small Business Gift Guide

'Tis the season of twinkling lights, festive carols, and the joy of giving. As we gear up for another magical Christmas, let's make this holiday season even more special by supporting the heartbeat of our communities – small businesses. In a world dominated by big-box retailers, there's something truly enchanting about choosing unique, well crafted gifts that tell a story and contribute to the livelihood of local entrepreneurs.

Deck the Halls with This Season's Hottest Decorating Trends

With Halloween now behind us, it's the perfect moment to usher in the magic of Christmas by adorning our homes with the latest in holiday decor. According to interior design professionals, this year’s trends are all about embracing bejeweled elegance, earthy neutrals, and sustainable splendor. Whether you're a seasoned decorator or a newbie looking for inspiration, we've got you covered.

How to Be the Perfect Party Guest: 7 Etiquette Essentials

The holiday season has arrived, offering a wonderful opportunity to rekindle connections with friends and family. It's a time when invitations to house parties and gatherings become a frequent part of the season. Whether you find yourself attending a relaxed Super Bowl get-together or an elegant dinner party, here are some well-meaning reminders to gracefully navigate this season's social calendar and help you be the perfect party guest.

Millionaire Women's Club: A Safe Space to Connect and Prosper

GoBundance Women is an exclusive community of accomplished female entrepreneurs, business executives, and successful women, all of whom possess a net worth of at least $1 million. This members-only club, founded by Fintech Executive Kelly Resendez, Serial Entrepreneur Cathy Christen, and Real Estate Investor Mandy McAllister, offers an array of benefits, including private club privileges, access to unique events, invigorating trips, masterclasses, and opportunities for business networking. Beyond the tangible perks, the founders emphasize that the true essence of GoBundance Women lies in the deep and lasting friendships it fosters.

Retail Expansion Fuels U.S. Luxury Brands Across The Nation

Despite gloomy economic news and viral social media videos of stores closing, there is proof that the luxury retail sector in the United States is thriving, and it's due to a wave of retail expansion. According to a recent report by the global real estate services company JLL, luxury brands are making significant strides, with more than half of new luxury stores opening their doors in the ever-iconic states of New York and California. Even more intriguing, nearly 40% of these new store leases were secured in high-end malls across the nation.

Easy Fall Winter Trends to Elevate Your Style Today

As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, fashion takes a turn towards sophistication and understated luxury. This fall and winter, it's all about embracing understated opulence and timeless pieces. We've sifted through the latest fashion week highlights and celebrities' style choices to curate a selection of current trends and classic styles that will effortlessly enhance your chic appearance.

Sustainable Beauty Luminary: Attila Koronczay and Eminence Organic Skin Care

Attila Koronczay is the co-owner and General Manager of Eminence Organic Skin Care, a spa-grade skincare company that employs sustainable farming and green practices to craft natural, organic, and Biodynamic® products. A recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, Attila has helped Eminence achieve the distinction of being the first professional skincare company in Canada to attain certification as a B Corporation. This certification underscores the company's dedication to upholding high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and ethical accountability.

Study Reveals Higher Levels of PFAS Exposure Among Asian Americans

A recent study has shed light on concerning disparities in the exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals," among various ethnic and racial groups in the United States. The research, conducted by a team of experts from Mount Sinai, utilized an innovative methodology to measure PFAS exposure, offering insights that challenge conventional perceptions of these exposure patterns.

Catalyzing Creativity: Seed&Spark Raises $50 Million in Funding for Films and TV

An advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, Emily Best founded Atlanta based Seed&Spark, a crowdfunding platform where creators, audiences, and organizations work together to tell stories that celebrate diverse voices and foster vibrant conversation. Since its inception in 2012, Seed&Spark has helped filmmakers raise more than $50 million to make thousands of movies and shows.

Price of Beauty: The Link Between Women of Color and Carcinogenic Chemicals

The U.S. is behind the rest of the world when it comes to regulating toxic chemicals in beauty products: At least 80 other countries have enacted more stringent regulations on chemicals in cosmetics than the US. For example, the European Union has banned or restricted more than 2,400 chemicals in cosmetics, while the US has banned or restricted just 9 chemicals. As a result, harmful chemicals that are banned in cosmetics elsewhere regularly show up on ingredient lists for products sold here, including substances that can raise our cancer risk.

Forever Chemicals Contaminating Waters of Millions of Americans

In a concerning revelation, the drinking water sources of millions of Americans have been found to be tainted with persistent and harmful chemicals. Scientists estimate that over 200 million Americans, more than 60% of the country’s population, are drinking water contaminated with PFAS. Giants in the chemical industry, including 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva, have found themselves agreeing to settlements reaching into the billions due to their role in contaminating drinking water with these concerning 'forever chemicals'.

Love Is Not Enough: 8 Pillars of Relationship Success

Love has long been hailed as the cornerstone of successful relationships, and rightly so. However, as the statistics reveal, the journey from "I do" to forever isn't always paved with rose petals. While 88% of couples in America tie the knot driven by love, and 86% believe in the existence of true love, the stark reality is that 40-50% of marriages still end in divorce. This paints a compelling picture: love alone does not guarantee relationship triumph.

Staying Connected: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Their Mental Wellness

As the challenges of modern education take their toll on student well-being, it is evident that student mental health is a critical concern. A study by the Healthy Minds Study revealed that during the 2020-2021 school year, over 60% of college students faced at least one mental health problem. Additionally, in 2022, Best Colleges reported a staggering 77% of college students experiencing moderate to serious psychological distress, with anxiety affecting 35% and depression impacting 27%.