#brandspokesperson

[deckbagz]

Sharing the #stoke with friends 😉😁 #DeckBagZ paddleboard gear in 9 colorways, something for everyone. See it all at https://www.DeckBagZ.com 🌞🌊🌊🌊 #DeckBagZohana #supdeckbags #retrostyle #surfstyle #hawaiianstyle #brandspokesperson #ambassador #BrandAmbassador #sharethestoke #getstoked #paddleboarding #supstyle #lifestylebrand. #ilovesup #suppose #bestgiftever #holidaygifts #greatgifts #grom #gromsquad #quicksilver #treasureislandflorida #florida #floridabeaches #betterwithfriends (at Treasure Island, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpc3kP5jAfl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1jhs3ej87yqci

[shelleyseale]

3 Ways to Effectively Assess a Legal Cannabis Company

How to scrutinize a legal cannabis company to mitigate risk, and best ensure your investment, partnership, employment or other involvement doesn’t ‘go up in smoke.’

The legal cannabis industry is projected to exceed $50 billion by 2022, according to Cowen & Co., and another report states that, from just January to September 2017, alone, “cultivation and retail investments tripled to $718 million.” With areas like agricultural technology, infused products, and software attracting copious investor dollars, the future for many stakeholders is decidedly green. Given the extent of near-guaranteed growth and financial upside of the legalized cannabis industry — and throngs of sectors related to it — there’s a gold rush mentality prompting people to invest in cannabis stocks, partner with cannabis companies, accept employment opportunities and otherwise stake their claim as the so-called “wild west of cannabis” unfolds. Flourish seems to be a better characterization, given that the legal cannabis industry is reported to be the single fastest-growing industry in the United States—one that added over 64,000 full-time legal cannabis jobs in 2018, bringing the total number of positions for the year to 211,000. That's a 44% rise from the prior year, according to a new report from Leafly and Whitney Economics.

An Insider Perspective

So, it’s certainly no surprise that trend-driven, profit-minded companies, entrepreneurs, investors and even job seekers are putting politics and value judgements aside, finding ways to leverage legalized cannabis interests to boost their own bottom lines. However, Zachary Venegas, CEO of Helix TCS, Inc., warns that “given the extent and complexity of issues surrounding safety and security, regulatory and compliance matters, technology and other key concerns that can vary from state to state, there are a number of key factors to examine before formally engaging or investing with a company operating in this space to best protect your interests.” Venegas' publicly-traded company (OTCQB:HLIX) is the industry’s leading provider of integrated operating solutions in the legal cannabis industry, and is heavily staffed with military veterans and law enforcement specialists, oversees security and transport, data analytics and compliance tracking concerns for legal cannabis businesses across the industry spectrum. According to Venegas, a pioneering executive helping drive cannabis industry maturation, “It's imperative to proceed with extreme caution, as seemingly legitimate purveyors in this space can still be riddled with red flags and hazards that they themselves may or may not be aware of, which are often not apparent to an outsider without proper due diligence. No profit-minded professional would prudently ignore such a market, but one must be mindful that this unique sector is rife with complex legal and regulatory risks.”

To help professionals and businesses at large better navigate what can be a treacherous field of issues while engaging with a cannabis company, Venegas offers this advice on a few ways to effectively scrutinize a legal cannabis company (whether private sector or publicly-traded).   Be skeptical of fast expansion This can be an indication that a company is prioritizing growth over regulatory compliance, which varies drastically by state. Professionals will understand that an appetite for risk is often a plus, and that companies that play it safe usually aren’t the ones to end up making waves. But, when it comes to the cannabis industry, there’s a caveat: according to Venegas, being cautious with regulatory requirements isn’t a mistake–it’s good management.

Graph courtesy of Leafly However inevitable as it might seem, legal cannabis hasn’t yet hit mainstream acceptance. Not being methodical in complying with regulations at both the local and federal level means these businesses are a step away from disaster. While any number of companies have so far skirted the minefield of regulations without consequence, they may have been lulled into a false sense of security as heavier enforcement is only a matter of time. Early adopter states like California intend to get tough on illegal pot purveyors, amid widespread reports that Nicole Elliott, senior adviser on cannabis to Gov. Gavin Newsom, said state funds for enforcement would nearly double in the fiscal year that begins July 1, to $113 million. California is also actively driving public information campaigns helping consumers get "#weedwise" to best ensure their purchases are legal and from properly state-licensed cannabis businesses. This includes production, manufacturing, retail, delivery, distributors, testing laboratories. Using tools like those the California Bureau of Cannabis Control offers at CApotcheck.com, consumers and industry players alike can readily vet an organization. One other way to evaluate a business on this point is to examine their legal team; any legitimate business who plans to stay in this particular game must have proper legal advice. If they don’t have lawyers, it’s highly possibly they’re not being mindful of this sector’s ever-changing legal landscape.

Avoid businesses without foundational advantages When trying to predict which companies will be around for the long-haul, investors should look to Canada, which legalized recreational marijuana in 2018. Nine out of the world’s top 10 largest cannabis companies, all Canadian, first had a solid grounding in supplying medical cannabis before branching into recreational products. “An advantage in infrastructure is huge,” Venegas notes. “We all tend to like the story of the tiny startup blowing up overnight, but the businesses most likely to take advantage of legalization are those who have existing footholds in the industry and the connections to exploit them. A lot of these smaller operations will be squeezed out of the market once legalization is widespread and larger players join in.” In other words, be wary when engaging companies entering the market—or even currently operating—without sound infrastructure, though they might seem like good prospects in the existing competitive environment. The only thing constant is change as the saying goes, so a company must be willing and able to scale, pivot and adapt as needed. Also consider that companies with operations in adjacent industries, like hydroponics equipment, also have a head start. A red flag: no executive experience in a heavily regulated industry

Graphic courtesy of Leafly A must in any engagement scenario is studying a company’s team, but this takes on another level of importance when it comes to cannabis. The mess of varying state regulatory environments, future legal developments and political concerns means any business planning to succeed in the industry will face a set of unique challenges that few other companies will. Experience is needed to mitigate those challenges and ensure that growth doesn’t hit a landmine. Executives or advisors with a background in the medical cannabis industry is the ideal scenario, as this can well-prepare a company for future changes across various verticals beyond pharma with respect to recreational marijuana and a litany of CBD and hemp-oriented consumer goods. Even executives or advisors in other industries that comparably navigate stringent regulatory and compliance challenges can be a boon. This might be why tobacco companies are betting big to become major players in the cannabis market. Even professionals with backgrounds in alcohol, gaming, cryptocurrency and the like may be able to adapt quicker to the fast-changing environment of the current cannabis market than the norm. “In my extensive work helping legitimate and legal cannabis operations secure the various resources needed to scale their businesses and capitalize on revenue and other growth opportunities, coupled with my private equity and frontier market launches of multi-million dollar businesses across three continents, I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly at this point in my career—including how each of these scenarios has impacted the marketplace at large,” notes Venegas. “I’m thrilled to boil some of this key learning down to tips and tools that other professionals and businesses can utilize to keep themselves out of harm’s way...financially, legally and otherwise.” It would seem that even keeping this bit of baseline wisdom in mind can proffer a make or break difference, helping you avoid getting “burned” by endeavoring into the legal cannabis trade. Sources: https://cannabiz.media/2017/11/28/2018-marijuana-industry-trends-and-predictions/ https://mjbizdaily.com/report-north-america-marijuana-sales-hit-6-7-billion-in-2016/ https://d3atagt0rnqk7k.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/01141121/CANNABIS-JOBS-REPORT-FINAL-2.27.191.pdf https://tinyurl.com/y88geh62 https://tinyurl.com/yxlo5hqs https://aca5.accela.com/bcc/customization/bcc/cap/licenseSearch.aspx https://marijuanaindex.com https://www.marketwatch.com/story/cronos-ceo-says-altria-investment-is-just-the-beginning-2018-12-07 Read the full article

[nickmaniwa]

@mouses_wrestling_adventures makes sure I always look like a million bucks but with the freshness that is @collarxelbow, I'm lookin like 2 million bucks! Definitely keep your eyes on #COLLARxELBOW. Be sure to find them on all social media & go like my bruther Mouse's page on FB as well! #mouseswrestlingadventures #nickmaniwa #me #papamaniwa #papamaniwaapproved #prowrestlingsbff #iwams #CXE #collarxelbowbrand #brandambassador #collarandelbow #brandspokesperson

[shelleyseale]

9 Great Finds for Summer

From new style staples to smart hair and skincare to ways to amp up that summer soirée, these 9 finds will help get you through the summer season in fab form.

Ah, summer. Sun in our face, wind in our hair, flowing fashions and travel...lots and lots of travel! Such an eagerly anticipated and exceedingly enjoyed season indubitably ushers in an array of covet-worthy beauty and style solutions and, lucky for you, I’ve found nine fine ones among them.

William Henry ‘Zurich’ Design Money Clips

Photo Courtesy of William Henry First are the stunningly gorgeous money clips from William Henry, a luxury jewelry and accessory brand. The company’s Zurich design money clips are stellar for summer. This striking ‘Raven’ design features a hand-forged 'brain wave' Damascus frame by Chad Nichols, inlaid with carbon fiber and a blazing red topaz. A beautiful engraving is bright cut against the matte-finished background. The Zurich ‘Panama’ design features hand-forging by Mike Sakmar using an ancient Japanese art used to decorate samurai swords. The inlay is cocobolo wood, punctuated with smoky quartz. Its engraving is also bright cut against the matte-finished background. Only 1,000 pieces of this special design are available. The Zurich ‘Talon’ money clip features a hand-carved sterling silver frame, inlaid with Kingman turquoise and a white topaz gemstone. This exquisite piece is another limited edition with just 250 available. Known for its meticulous use of classic natural materials, precious metals, gemstones, and state-of-the-art alloys, William Henry is a benchmark luxury brand that has an upper echelon following world-wide. Just visit the “Proud Owners” section of its web site to see what entertainment power players like Harrison Ford, Nick Jonas, Jared Leto, Laurence Fishburne, John Varvatos, Luke Bryan, Pierce Brosnan, and Adrien Brody own from the company’s collections. Evan A-list ladies like Cameron Diaz have bought this brand’s baubles.

Photo Courtesy of William Henry

Kut from the Kloth Apparel

Embodying the summer season and spirit of California overall, Kut from the Kloth is a vibrant, contemporary lifestyle brand. With innovative fabrics, a flawless fit and sophisticated style, the Kut collection is designed with your busy life in mind so you can confidently go from day to play. They recently debuted the go-anywhere “vacation vibes” line of ultra-fashionable travel staples designed for easy packing, wearing and washing. In fact, you can vacation with on-trend pieces created to wear right out of the suitcase. An online boutique beloved for blending modern trends with coastal flavor, Kut from the Kloth makes couture-inspired fashion both accessible and affordable. Their essential summer escape collection is great for jet-setters who want to look like a million bucks and still have plenty of cocktail cash. Short-sleeved button-ups feature palm fronds and pastel pinstripes, perfect underneath a soft, quilted sweatshirt or white denim jacket for chilly evenings. So feel those vacation vibes of delicate florals in shades of pink, coral and yellow that’ll help you stand out in the crowd.

Metalicious Silver Shark Tooth Necklace 

Photo Courtesy of Metalicious Thanks to the Metalicious line of luxury jewelry made from recycled metals, ocean-lovers can tell people their wearing the tooth of a maneater! The company’s Small Silver Shark Tooth Necklace is cast in sterling silver from an original shark tooth, then oxidized to bring out the details and give it a soft finish. Available with choice of a 17", 20" or 22" sterling curb chain to ensure it falls in that perfect spot on your necklace, the shark tooth pendant itself is 1" long x 3/4" wide. I like this piece because it can be edgy and sophisticated, but sweet and subtle also. It looks like a work of modern art! You can wear this every day, mixing and matching it with various looks. Metalicious sources recycled metals and ethically mined gemstones to create meaningful, handcrafted heirlooms that adhere to strict environmental and sustainability standards. Also charity-minded, the company donates a portion of its profits to City Harvest, a non-profit organization that provides meals to over 1.4 million New Yorkers a year.

Ekster 3.0 Parliament Smart Wallet 

Photo Courtesy of Ekster After reportedly raising over $1,000,000 in their previous crowd- funding campaign, Ekster, the world’s largest smart wallet brand, has launched their latest edition perfect for discerning men: the Ekster 3.0. This time they have engineered both the slimmest and the first voice-activated smart wallet to date. Owners can now call their wallet, find it on a map or even make use of the widespread Chipolo community to help locate their missing belongings easier than ever before. Battery issues are also no longer a problem due to Ekster’s patented solar-powered tracking solution, which on a full charge can last up to two whole months. These identity theft, RFID- blocking wallets also look extremely handsome. They’re held together by handcrafted premium leather for a luxury look and feel, while the design provides instant card access whenever necessary.

Dining Elevated Utensil ‘Uplifts’ 

Create a more stylish table setting and eat smarter at your summer soirées with the help of Dining Elevated Uplifts. These offer a cleaner, more sophisticated dining experience by elegantly raising all flatware and cutlery above a table's surface. Similar to a chopstick rest, Uplifts elevate western-style utensils to establish an improved aesthetic and hygienic standard. Uplifts look, feel and function better than the traditional table setups. Supported by research from the University of Arkansas and showcased by the National Environmental Health Association, Dining Elevated brings the highest level of food safety to hospitality. Featured on Top Chef and reportedly showcased in some of the finest hotels and restaurants, Uplifts are a game-changing addition to place setting design that the world never realized it always needed. Of course, there are a myriad to styled, materials and designs available to suit your desired aesthetic and complement your tableware.

Bloomers Frosé and More

Courtesy of Bloomers Frosé Bloomers Frosé is a vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free and kosher non-alcoholic mixer that’s ready to use and enjoy. They enable anyone to whip up an icy-smooth version of their favorite beverage in just minutes—important when you’d rather be poolside soaking up those rays. Bloomers Frosé makes it simple to take different variations of Rosé, Prosecco, Sparkling Wine, Sauvignon Blanc and spirits to the next level with easy-to-create frozen concoctions that are sure to please both intimate groups and large crowds, alike. Because what summer gathering is complete without the frozen beverage brigade? There are also brand new, low-calorie and low-sugar formulas offered by the company so, for those who want to keep their summer bod in check, there are plentiful options on that front as well.

Gleamin Vitamin C Clay Mask 

Photo Courtesy of Gleamin Gleamin is a yellow Australian Vitamin C Clay mask that's helping women worldwide achieve a natural glow! In fact, all over Instagram customers are talking about how this skincare solution has helped their skin tremendously, which is part of the reason this product actually sold out at least twice since it launched. The product is formulated from 100% vegan, natural and ethically-sourced ingredients like Yellow Clay, Aloe Vera, Turmeric, Kakadu Plum, Desert Lime, and Finger Lime Caviar. It’s designed to banish dark spots and hyperpigmentation, replacing these areas with a natural brightness. This Vitamin C-infused Clay Mask also revitalizes skin and replenishes moisture thanks to the Aloe Vera, while turmeric enhances and revives skin tone. Native to Australia, the Desert Lime, Kakadu Plum, and Finger Lime Caviar ingredients are among the richest known sources of Vitamin C. Together, this trio fights acne, heals imperfections, evens the skin tone, and prevents future breakouts. It’s especially helpful for users with deep skin tones. Gleamin offers a Glow-and-Go single kit that features a 60 gram jar of the vitamin c clay mask, plus a brightening brush, for just $39.99.  Value-minded customers can even save 25% if they purchase the Glow-and-Go Duo package that includes two masks and two brushes, available for $59.99. And, the company offers free shipping on all orders, so gotta love that!

Herban Body Care 

Imagine being able to hand-make soaps and elixirs from scratch, like a batch of fresh-baked cookies or homemade soup. Using only plant-based and concentrated formulas, you’d mix organic ingredients with herbs and essential oils from around the world. Now imagine if these soaps incorporated only body-nurturing ingredients which possess healing properties and promote a feeling of rejuvenation for all skin types. No need to get out the mixing bowl for such hand-crafted skincare, as you can turn to Herban, instead. Their collections are unisex and their custom-molded versions of different soap varietals are even featured at high-end wellness retreats and boutique hotels around the United States. All of their formulas are created in-house, so you never have to worry about outsourced ingredients. Particularly popular items include their Plant Bar soap and Salted Butter moisture scrubs. The company’s name has significant meaning as well. Breaking it down: Herb - they use herbs in all of the formulas; Ban - they ban all chemicals from their formulas; Her – it’s "her" company (woman owned); and Herban - originally targeting an underground urban culture. The line is also entirely gift-worthy!

Pura D'or Hair Care 

Photo Courtesy of Pura D'Or Get the shiny, chic hair with voluminous undertones that you can flaunt all summer long with the help of Pura D'or Hair Care. This brand features proprietary blend of organic extracts and oils helps heal your hair. With ingredients like Tea Tree Oil, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Vanilla, among other natural vitamins and nutrients, there is no shortage of quality that helps to get the job done quite effectively. This cold press, preservation-harvested oil, known for centuries as pure gold, fuses inside each formula to help solve problems like thinning hair and hair loss due to breakage and dandruff. With products such as Hair Thinning Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner, Energizing Scalp Serum, Volumizing Styling Spray and Moisturizing Masque, Smoothing Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner, Smoothing Therapy Cream, Curl Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner and Curl Therapy Cream, take your next step to healthier hair this summer, all season long. Rest assured that, o matter what your particular hair challenges might be, there is a Pura D'or formula with a solution just for you. ~~~ ***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.*** Read the full article

[shelleyseale]

5 Must-Visit Southwest Vacation Destinations

Whether for a stress-relieving holiday getaway or vacation in the New Year, or for experiential gift-giving targeted to those on your “nice list,” travel is top of mind for many this time of year. With that in mind, I wanted to share a collection of my top travel picks of late in the American southwest that are all tried-and-true...by yours truly. I can personally attest that these are five locales you’re sure to love. Kona Kai Resort & Spa  First, I hope you can make it over to San Diego, as America’s Finest City boasts some extraordinary properties. This most certainly includes the recently-expanded Kona Kai Resort and Spa, a Noble House resort that I recently experienced. Located on the tip of San Diego’s Shelter Island, it offers a range of amenities and experiences unique to its beautiful waterfront location and rich history. The property has 170 luxurious guest rooms, including 41 brand new suites that feature contemporary island-inspired decor, deep soaking tubs and oversized balconies. The new suite I stayed in had an elegant and dramatic glass fireplace with lighting that can be set to the color of your choice. I love Kona Kai because it’s intimate, especially with décor touches like this, yet all-encompassing.

The resort boasts its very own private beach replete with multiple cozy gas fire pits where you can make s’mores each evening (with kits the hotel offers) as well as multiple swimming pools, waterfront restaurants, an award-winning spa, a superbly picturesque 500-slip marina and the renowned private Kona Kai club. For groups, there’s 55,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor event space. You can sip and savor at the Paloma pool and bar, Kona Kai’s new and exclusive adults-only pool area allowing guests to enjoy poolside craft cocktails and California coastal cuisine while overlooking the marina and some of the region’s most breathtaking sunsets just beyond. Take advantage of their bicycle program and take a refreshing cruise along the sparkling bay in front of the resort, which is replete with impressive sea craft. The property is also extremely well-situated in the city, located just minutes away from San Diego International Airport, the historic downtown Gaslamp Quarter and all of the area’s top attractions. In all, Kona Kai Resort and Spa is a prime destination for both locals and visitors, and a perfect choice for families and couples looking for a convenient getaway. Parq Restaurant & Nightclub Next, for fun-loving gastro travelers heading to San Diego, consider planning a night full of dinner and dancing at Parq, a venue offering an unparalleled nightlife experience in the city’s famed Gaslamp district. Its restaurant offers superb chef-driven cuisine and delectable craft cocktails in a chic and trendy dining space. After dinner, hit the adjacent Parq nightclub boasting the latest technologies and advances in entertainment, premium VIP services, and ongoing live shows featuring top artists. Plus, live DJs will have you dancing all night long!

Parq is definitely a venue like none other in San Diego, making it a stellar venue for an exciting night out on the town. It’s also the perfect locale for celebratory occasions like milestone birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, as well as large guest events like receptions and other private group events seeking a customizable menu and kinetic atmosphere. Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel Head north a bit and land at the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel—the only hotel on Beverly Hills’ iconic Rodeo Drive. A blend of modern style, relaxed southern California spirit and the elegance of Beverly Hills, this boutique hotel features inspired spaces from famed designer Vicente Wolf and genuine hospitality from a dedicated staff.

Revel in unmatched access to world-class shopping, dining and entertainment even just steps from the front door. You’ll also enjoy partaking in the hotel’s exclusive Luxe Club amenities. Like a home-away-from-home, the hotel’s Luxe Club benefits include delicious breakfasts, light lunches, evening tastings with happy hour house wines and cocktails. The happy hour in particular is a fun, lively and communal atmosphere among guests, and there’s plenty of affable staffers on hand to ensure every craving and necessity is met. This hotel also features complimentary bicycle rentals, a second floor outdoor mezzanine and a 360-degree rooftop view that provides incredible sights of the Los Angeles hills and skyline. That fresh outdoor space also hosts the fitness center and weekend “cinema under the stars” events. Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel is certainly a premier choice for an immersive visit to Beverly Hills. JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa For those who love a southwest desert-chic ambiance is the legendary JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. Nestled on 125 acres, this AAA Four Diamond resort’s tranquil setting, private hiking trails, world-class amenities and dynamic interior and exterior architecture offer an authentic Arizona getaway.

It features 453 pet-friendly casita-style accommodations and suites with private patios, seven restaurants, a 32,000 square foot award-winning spa, two championship golf courses, tennis courts and sparkling pools. It even offers a myriad of outdoor hiking and biking adventures.  It’s only minutes away from downtown Scottsdale, and just a 20-minute drive to both downtown Phoenix and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. If you’re a gastro-traveler like myself, food and beverage is a downright essential part of a vacation experience and, fortunately, Camelback Inn delivers on this front as well with seven eateries at your disposal. Their signature on-site restaurant—Lincoln, a JW Steakhouse—is unequivocally one to not be missed. It offers a traditional steakhouse concept with modern touches, including decadent dishes and processes that exemplify culinary ingenuity. The resort also houses Rita’s Kitchen for fabulous breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner either indoors or al fresco, as well as Sprouts at the Spa and the pool-side Hoppin’ Jacks, which offers casual options such as pizza and sandwiches. In addition to the dining options on the main property, Acacia at Camelback Golf Club has an open-air lounge with an outdoor fireplace where patrons can partake in American style fare. In addition to its unique setting and fabulous amenities, the resort is known for its impeccable customer service, which workers credit to the company’s philosophy that taking care of its employees will result in an enhanced ability to best care for customers. The satisfaction among staffers is exuded in every touch-point throughout a guest’s experience, throughout which smiles and “above and beyond” service abound. For more than 82 years, this destination has maintained a legacy and standard of excellence by welcoming generations of guests, Hollywood celebrities and U.S. Presidents since its opening in 1936. It’s a favorite vacation spot for the Marriott family, and myself, to this day! iPic Theaters Scottsdale For a fun night out while in Scottsdale or Phoenix check out iPic Theaters. This premier luxury restaurant-and-theater brand, with locations throughout the U.S., is a pioneer of the dine-in theater concept. iPic Scottsdale provides chef-driven culinary and mixology offerings inside premium movie theaters as well as an artisanal Italian on-site bar and restaurant called Tanzy. Be sure to order the mozzarella appetizer prepared tableside!

At iPic, guests enjoy an elevated entertainment experience with plush, fully reclining leather chairs encapsulated within their own private viewing pod, which also come furnished with courtesy pillows, blankets and unlimited popcorn. Premium plus seating pods harness revolutionary acoustic technology for superior sound. Each pod has a swivel dining table and seat-side service call button. Relax and enjoy a movie while savoring cuisine from a signature menu designed by a three-time James Beard award-winning chef. Now that’s entertainment! ~~~ ***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.*** Read the full article

[deckbagz]

Get to know our "Official Brand Spokesperson" at ! Meet Chris Emmert, known around here as Paddleboard Chris. (Some light reading for your afternoon!). Thank you @PaddleboardChris for coming onboard with our ! We are so glad you're energy is part of our brand and our vibe! https://www.deckbagz.com/blogs/tiki-talk/introducing-deckbagz-official-spokesperson . . . .

[shelleyseale]

The Original Soupman Reinforces NYC Roots Delighting Travelers, Locals & Soup-Lovers Nationwide

Ever since the phrase “No Soup For You!” was coined on the NBC sitcom “Seinfeld” back in the mid 90’s, The Original Soupman has endured not only as a cultural icon, but a culinary one as well. Over two decades later, this New York City-born food brand has again turned its attentions to capturing the hearts, minds and palates of soup aficionados in the Big Apple and beyond—reviving the legendary brand by realizing several notable milestones. First, this December The Original Soupman debuted an exclusive, seasonal 44th Street Kiosk allowing its fresh, authentic, local, artisanal soups to “return with a vengeance back to their rightful place as a heritage-driven NYC brand” as the company emphatically asserts. This is the first of other such kiosks the company plans to roll out, and is additional to The Original Soupman’s other retail foodservice endeavors—four franchise locations, one each in Albany (NY), Astoria (NY), Atlantic City (NJ) and Uncasville (CT) (noting the original 55th street location is no longer Original Soupman).

In a clear-cut strategic effort to proliferate The Original Soupman food service in NYC and bolster their overarching national franchise business, the new kiosk will operate in the heart of the Times Square hub through April 2019. It will avail four varieties of the company’s internationally-celebrated savory, artisanal soups to the throngs of passersby—to the delight of both locals and tourists alike. Reportedly delivered fresh from the Bronx every morning, the soups are crafted with locally-sourced ingredients from Hunts Point, ostensibly the largest produce market in the world. “We have one story, the NYC story,” said Emmy-nominated Larry Thomas, the Original Soupman who brought this soup to life on Seinfeld in 1995. “What would make you stand in line, even risk ridicule? The best damn soup in the world. We are SOUP. Premium, fresh, and redefining our NYC roots.” As if the Times Square kiosk was not exciting enough, The Original Soupman has further entrenched itself within the NYC community by helping school children eat healthier. Pursuant to a successful pilot partnership with NYC Public Schools on their K-12 menu initiative (designed to promote healthfulness by switching Mondays to an all-vegetarian menu), The Original Soupman has created a specialty bean recipe now featured as the main ingredient in a popular “veggie taco” lunch program menu item for select schools in the region. Company materials report The Original Soupman implemented its special Mexicali Bean and Stewed Pinto bean recipes, which are authentic, fresh, preservative-free and also locally produced, making them a great addition to the offerings at the public institutions. It seems there may be a larger school cafeteria effort brewing beyond New York’s borders, with Thomas declaring, “The kids love it and parents approve! We look forward to expanding this initiative to improve the health and taste profile of school menus for students nationwide.”

Speaking of national endeavors, you notably don’t have to step foot in NYC to partake in The Original Soupman’s divine artisanal offerings. In another key company development, those hungering to savor the brand for themselves can now find a selection of Original Soupman varieties in Tetra Pak cartons (helping preserve the soup’s nutritional value and taste) both in supermarkets across the country and online at www.originalsoupman.com. This includes its Legendary Lobster Bisque and Chicken Noodle, as well as the soon-to-be-announced special edition flavors like Chicken Tortilla. Those opting to visit the web site will find soup club memberships, innovative recipes and seasonal flash sales, and can buy socially-minded soups whereby a portion of each sale supports veterans via the “Soups for Troops” nonprofit organization. It’s heartwarming to see The Original Soupman not only reviving itself in the city where it all started, but also embarking on a national retail renaissance. Amid the tremendous opportunity knocking on The Original Soupman’s door, the sentiment has seemingly fortuitously shifted from “No Soup For You,” to “Soup For Everyone!” ~~~ ***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or sponsored at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.*** Read the full article