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Fashion

A Home Bike

Snow and ice on the sidewalk make a long run difficult. Gyms are closed. Ninety minutes of my day remain blank. Staying at home is now normal. For gym enthusiasts locked up with pent up energy, what to do? Digital at home fitness devices have become popular. Personally, I am in the market for one, but I live in a 70 square meter apartment. Adjustments would have to made to fit in workout space. However, if my gym stays closed this entire year. Out goes the washer machine and bathroom sink. My hygiene may suffer but I’ll be in shape. Back to the subject of exercise equipment, The Paleoton Bike went from zero to a $2,500 lockdown tech trendsetter in less than a year.  Having exercise equipment in the living is no longer juvenile.

I decided to look for alternatives. After all, success breeds competitors. Hammer produces a $950 option. The Inspire has over 150 speed bike programs with app and small screen for a hard home workout. I have not tried the bike. Nonetheless, the Hammer in door cycle looks on paper.

As I wrote, if the fitness studios are still closed in September, I will make a decision concerning a home equipment investment. 

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Feature

CHAMPAGNE 2020

The top Champagne Brand in the world goes to Moet and sister brands, Dom Perignon and Veuve Clicquot, which sold a combined 64.7 million bottles with prices starting at $40 a bottle.

Moet Chandon tops the list

Celebrate the New Year with the drink celebrations.

Sadly, Champagne sales dropped 23% in 2020 due to closures resulting in 100 million unsold bottles this year. Let’s get rid rid of that stat in 2021. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Champagne Statistics from:https://bolddata.nl/en/companies/champagne-companies/

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Fashion

We Aren’t Writing “Eat Cake”

The Coronavirus marches on, the world hold its breath. The economic, social, and political flood gates have been open. What to expect next? Conversation after conversation, I draw the same conclusion, “say a pray”. There is no answer. Never in modern times has the world faced a challenge. “Uncertainty” is the daily trending word. Jobs are uncertain. Salaries have been slashed. In the US, millions face housing evictions.  People do not feel safe.  

Posting and writing about fashion feels a bit out of touch. Before March, “living the best life” was popular. Today, showing off aspirational things to buy, we are not saying “eat cake”. Just inspire readers. Plus, we love clothes. 

The fashion industry struggles to survive the hard reality of buyers not shopping. I ask myself, Does anyone care about my fashion weeks commentary? 

Looking over the financial numbers of the big brands, HORRIFIC! Sales are down by as much as 60%.  Just know, you are not the only one forgoing buying expensive these days. 

The lust for the latest looks in the middle of pandemic can seem a bit imbecilic. Posting a pair of pants, sweater, and top  from a luxury house that costs $2,000.  Questionable. It looks great for the home office. The latest Givenchy bag may not resonate with buyers in these times.  

“If we like it we post it” is Black and Paper’s philosophy, but we had to address these crazy times. All of us are affected by Covid-19. The future is unclear. How long will this madness last? Personally, I stopped making weekly plans. 

Unlike other blogs, sites, and magazines, we can type “empathy” on the keyboard.  

A world that provides equality, certainty, and health is good for all. 

Stay Safe. Stay Strong. See you soon.  We are all in this together.   

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Feature

Music For Hope

Andrea Bocelli gave an Easter Concert for “Hope” in Milan Italy.  In front of the famed Duomo.  The tenor streamed the uplifting event of “Hope” via YouTube. Bonelli’s foundation is engaged in raising funds for hospitals. The accompaniment included AVA MARIE and AMAZING GRACE.

With Milan still in lockdown, this is an expression of “We Will Triumph Over This”.   Yes, we will.  Seeing Milan again is on my wish list.   

Stay Positive! Stay Safe!