Women's Journal

Pressed in Time: How Jennine Greaves Is Reviving Classic Elegance With Real Flowers and Plaster

In an era of digital design, fast decor, and AI-generated everything, there’s something profoundly grounding about art that’s slow, tactile, and deeply human. One Kentucky-based artist, Jennine Greaves, is helping to revive the spirit of centuries-old craftsmanship by marrying nature with nostalgia. Through her work at YSF Intaglio Art, she’s reimagining the timeless elegance of Wedgwood pottery with a modern, botanical twist.

Each of Jennine’s artworks features real flowers pressed into plaster, resulting in graceful, three-dimensional impressions that echo the style of classic bas-reliefs. Colored in soft, chalky hues like vintage blues, pale greens, and blushing pinks, her pieces evoke the delicate romance of English neoclassical design, yet feel well-suited to today’s interiors.

Pressed in Time: How Jennine Greaves Is Reviving Classic Elegance With Real Flowers and Plaster

Photo Courtesy: Jennine Greaves

The Wedgwood Legacy

To understand the subtle power of Jennine’s art, it helps to understand her inspiration.
In the 1700s, English potter Josiah Wedgwood revolutionized decorative art by introducing Jasperware, a unique ceramic with a matte, unglazed finish and delicate white relief designs, often featuring mythological scenes or nature motifs. These pastel-hued cameos became highly sought-after among aristocrats and royalty, defining a look that still evokes elegance, restraint, and refinement.

While Jennine’s work doesn’t involve ceramics, her approach reflects Wedgwood’s in spirit: timeless design, attention to detail, and a love of nature as muse.

Handmade Botanical Process

Every piece Jennine creates begins with live botanical material—flowers or greenery she forages herself or grows in her garden. She presses these delicate specimens into clay, forming molds that capture the veins of leaves, the curls of petals, and the structure of stems with remarkable detail.
From there, she hand-mixes and pours a custom plaster blend into the mold. Once dry, she paints and finishes each piece with a painter’s eye and a craftswoman’s touch, sometimes layering color, other times letting the pure white of the plaster speak for itself.

Pressed in Time: How Jennine Greaves Is Reviving Classic Elegance With Real Flowers and Plaster

Photo Courtesy: Jennine Greaves

It’s a process that benefits from patience. It can take days, even weeks, from the moment a flower is picked to the moment its imprint is framed and ready for a wall.

Capturing Nature, Capturing Hearts

There’s a reason Jennine’s work is resonating across platforms like Etsy and Instagram, and why it’s being lovingly styled in nurseries, entryways, reading nooks, and wedding altars.
Her art aligns with several cultural and emotional trends:

  • The appreciation for slow, intentional living. Her process and pieces reflect a growing shift toward craftsmanship, sustainability, and mindfulness.
  • The appeal of personalization. Each piece is one-of-a-kind. Some customers even send Jennine flowers from weddings, memorials, or gardens to be pressed and preserved in a bespoke piece.
  • The reconnection with nature. In a digitally saturated world, people crave the grounding presence of natural forms in their homes.
  • Emotional resonance. Whether used to memorialize a loved one or celebrate a season of life, Jennine’s pieces carry emotional weight.

Bridging Past and Present in Home Design

Pressed in Time: How Jennine Greaves Is Reviving Classic Elegance With Real Flowers and Plaster

Photo Courtesy: Jennine Greaves

Designers and homemakers alike are drawn to Jennine’s work because it bridges eras and aesthetics. Her art speaks equally to fans of French country chic, modern farmhouse, English cottagecore, and even minimalism, thanks to its simple palette, organic forms, and timeless charm.
Whether displayed solo or as part of a gallery wall, each piece holds its own presence. You’re not just decorating—you’re curating something soulful.

A Living Legacy in Plaster

Jennine Greaves’ work doesn’t just pay homage to a historical art form; it reinterprets it. By pressing real plants into plaster and reviving the gentle palettes of Georgian-era decor, she’s carved out a niche all her own. Part botanical, part historical, all heart.
In a world that often rushes to the next trend, her art invites us to pause, look closer, and appreciate the things that are quietly beautiful, softly fading, and deeply meaningful.
And in doing so, she suggests that even the most fleeting flower can become something lasting.

You can explore Jennine’s collection at ysfintaglioartbyjenninegreaves.com and follow her process on Instagram @ysfintaglioart. Commissions and custom memorial pieces are also available upon request.

 

Published by Joseph T.

How to Capture Celebrity Vintage Fashion in Modern Wear

Recreating Celebrity Vintage Fashion Moments: Timeless Style Revival

Vintage fashion carries a special allure. It speaks of eras gone by, moments frozen in time, and a style that transcends generations. For decades, celebrities have set fashion trends that resonate far beyond the red carpet. Their vintage looks, often iconic and unforgettable, continue to inspire fashion enthusiasts today. Recreating these moments involves more than copying an outfit; it’s about capturing the spirit and elegance that made them timeless.

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Why Vintage Celebrity Fashion Remains Popular

The appeal of vintage celebrity fashion lies in its authenticity. These looks represent a fusion of personal style and the cultural atmosphere of their time. Whether it’s Audrey Hepburn’s classic little black dress or David Bowie’s glam rock outfits, vintage fashion tells a story.

Modern fashion cycles regularly revisit past decades, drawing inspiration from distinct silhouettes, fabrics, and colors. Celebrities of today often emulate vintage styles to make bold statements or pay homage to fashion legends. This cyclical nature of fashion keeps vintage moments relevant and sought after.

Key Elements to Capture When Recreating Vintage Looks

Successfully recreating a celebrity’s vintage look requires attention to detail. The right fabric choice, cut, and accessories can transform a modern outfit into an authentic vintage-inspired ensemble.

Textures like velvet, lace, and tweed were staples in different eras. Understanding the fashion language of the 1920s flapper era, 1950s elegance, or 1970s bohemian chic helps in selecting pieces that feel genuine.

Accessories often complete the look. Vintage hats, gloves, statement jewelry, and retro hairstyles add layers of authenticity. For example, replicating Marilyn Monroe’s iconic red lipstick and curled hairstyle is as important as her dress.

Where to Find Authentic Vintage Pieces

Sourcing genuine vintage pieces requires patience and a keen eye. Specialty boutiques and vintage stores are treasure troves for those seeking authentic garments. Online marketplaces have also grown, offering wider access to vintage fashion but require caution to ensure authenticity.

Thrift shopping presents opportunities to find unique items while promoting sustainable fashion. The thrill of discovering a rare piece once worn by someone decades ago adds to the charm.

Custom tailors and designers also help recreate vintage looks by crafting garments using authentic patterns and fabrics. This option ensures fit and quality while preserving the vintage essence.

Modern Adaptations of Vintage Celebrity Fashion

While some prefer authentic vintage pieces, others opt for modern adaptations that blend classic style with contemporary comfort and materials. Fashion brands frequently release collections inspired by vintage trends, making the style more accessible.

This approach allows for creativity — combining vintage silhouettes with modern cuts or fabrics. It also makes vintage style practical for everyday wear, allowing more people to participate in the timeless fashion revival.

Celebrities today often mix vintage elements with their personal flair. For instance, wearing a vintage jacket over modern jeans or pairing retro accessories with a contemporary dress demonstrates how vintage fashion remains flexible and alive.

Iconic Celebrity Vintage Looks to Recreate

Certain celebrity vintage moments continue to define style milestones:

  • Audrey Hepburn’s black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s embodies effortless elegance.

  • Elvis Presley’s leather jackets and slicked-back hair captured the rebellious spirit of the 1950s.

  • Grace Kelly’s polished gowns and structured handbags set standards for sophisticated glamour.

  • Madonna’s 1980s punk-inspired ensembles, featuring lace gloves and layered jewelry, introduced edgy femininity.

  • Princess Diana’s bold shoulder pads and tailored suits from the 1980s brought power dressing to the forefront.

Each of these moments offers lessons in silhouette, color, and attitude that help recreate the look authentically.

Challenges When Recreating Vintage Celebrity Fashion

Recreating vintage looks is not without challenges. Authentic materials may be rare or fragile. Sizes from past decades often differ, making fit an issue. Some vintage pieces require delicate care or restoration.

Replicating hairstyles and makeup from different eras also demands skill and practice. The beauty trends that complemented vintage fashion were integral to the overall look. Missing these elements can make the recreation feel incomplete.

Additionally, blending vintage fashion into modern life requires balancing authenticity with practicality. Some vintage garments may not suit today’s lifestyle or climate.

Tips for a Successful Vintage Fashion Recreation

Start with research. Study photographs, movies, and interviews to understand the look beyond just clothing. Note how celebrities carried themselves, their makeup, and accessories.

Focus on one era or celebrity at a time to avoid overwhelming the process. Build your wardrobe gradually, sourcing pieces thoughtfully.

Experiment with modern alternatives when authentic items aren’t accessible. Quality modern fabrics can mimic vintage textures effectively.

Consult professionals for hairstyling and makeup to truly capture the vintage vibe.

Finally, wear the look with confidence. Vintage fashion is as much about attitude as it is about garments. Confidence brings the recreation to life.

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The Cultural Impact of Vintage Celebrity Fashion

Vintage celebrity fashion carries cultural significance. It reflects changing social values, artistic movements, and historical moments. By recreating these looks, fashion enthusiasts keep these stories alive.

These styles often challenge contemporary norms and inspire new conversations about beauty, identity, and expression. Vintage fashion is more than nostalgia — it’s a living dialogue between past and present.

Unlock Your Volume: Essential Guide to Big Curl Hairstyles

Big curls have long been a symbol of boldness, confidence, and natural beauty. They bring movement, dimension, and personality to any look. For those with curly hair or anyone longing to embrace voluminous curls, understanding how to care for and style these textures is key to unlocking their full potential.

Curly hair requires a unique approach compared to straight hair. It tends to be drier and more fragile because natural oils have a harder time traveling down its twists and turns. This means moisture, gentle handling, and the right products are essential to achieving big, gorgeous curls that last.

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How Can You Prepare Curly Hair for Maximum Volume?

Preparation starts with hydration. The foundation for healthy curls is deeply moisturized strands. Using sulfate-free shampoos helps cleanse the hair without stripping away essential oils. Follow with a rich conditioner or a deep conditioning treatment to replenish moisture.

Detangling wet hair with a wide-tooth comb or fingers prevents breakage and preserves curl pattern. Avoid harsh brushing or rough towel drying, which can cause frizz and disrupt curl formation.

Many curl experts recommend the “plopping” method after washing. This involves wrapping damp hair in a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt to enhance curl definition and reduce frizz without flattening volume.

Which Products Enhance Big Curl Volume?

Not all curl products are created equal. The best volume comes from products that provide hold without stiffness. Lightweight mousses, curl creams, and gels designed for curls are excellent options.

Look for ingredients that hydrate while controlling frizz, such as aloe vera, shea butter, and glycerin. Avoid heavy oils or silicones that weigh curls down and reduce bounce.

Layering products is a popular technique. Applying a leave-in conditioner first, followed by a volumizing mousse or curl-enhancing gel, can give curls definition and lift. Diffusing hair while scrunching gently with hands boosts volume and creates soft, touchable curls.

What Styling Techniques Help Achieve Big, Bouncy Curls?

The way curls are styled can dramatically influence their volume. One effective method is the “pineapple” technique, which involves loosely gathering hair on top of the head before sleeping. This preserves curl shape and prevents flattening.

Using a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer while scrunching hair encourages natural curl formation and adds lift at the roots. It’s best to use low heat and speed settings to avoid heat damage.

For those looking to add even more volume, techniques like twist-outs or braid-outs can be employed. These involve twisting or braiding damp hair and allowing it to dry before unraveling, resulting in stretched curls with enhanced fullness.

How to Maintain Big Curl Volume Throughout the Day

Maintaining volume requires care throughout the day. Avoid touching curls excessively, as this can cause frizz and break the curl pattern. A light mist of water or curl refresher spray can revive curls between washes.

Carrying a small pick or wide-tooth comb allows for gentle root lifting when volume dips. Protective hairstyles, like loose buns or braids, help preserve curl shape while minimizing tangles.

Nighttime care is crucial. Sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase reduces friction, which helps maintain curl integrity. Wearing a satin bonnet or scarf adds extra protection.

Can You Protect Big Curls While Sleeping?

Yes. The best way to protect curls overnight is by using the pineapple method or loosely tying hair up with a silk or satin scrunchie. This prevents curls from getting crushed or tangled during sleep.

Satin or silk pillowcases also reduce moisture loss and friction, keeping curls hydrated and intact. This simple swap can make a significant difference in morning curl volume and health.

What Are Common Mistakes That Flatten Big Curls?

Over-washing curls can strip natural oils, causing dryness and limpness. Many curl specialists recommend washing hair no more than two to three times a week.

Using heavy products or applying too much product can weigh curls down. It’s important to find the right balance and product amount for your hair type.

Brushing dry curls disrupts the pattern and creates frizz. Instead, detangle when hair is wet and conditioned.

Using high heat or harsh styling tools can damage curls, leading to breakage and loss of volume. Protecting curls from heat and using heat tools sparingly is essential.

How Do You Customize Big Curl Hairstyles for Different Occasions?

Big curls can be styled in countless ways to suit any event. For casual days, loose, natural curls can be left free-flowing or pinned back with clips.

For formal occasions, curls can be gathered into elegant updos, half-up styles, or braided crowns, maintaining volume while creating polished looks.

Adding accessories like headbands, scarves, or decorative pins enhances curls without sacrificing fullness.

Read Also: Understanding the Cultural and Biological Significance of Eyelashes

Why Is Embracing Your Natural Texture Important?

Embracing natural curls is more than a beauty choice — it’s a celebration of identity and self-expression. Caring for curls with love and patience unlocks their true potential and reveals unique beauty.

When curls are nurtured properly, they radiate health and confidence. The journey to gorgeous big curls is as much about acceptance as it is about technique.

Empowering Women in Tech: Dr. Tamara Patzer’s Ethical AI Revolution

By: Alena Wiese

Reclaiming Space in a Male-Dominated Tech World

In a technology landscape that often amplifies automation over authenticity, Dr. Tamara Patzer is restoring balance. She is pioneering ethical frameworks that ensure women’s voices are not just included, but cited, surfaced, and protected in the AI era.

Dr. Patzer, a best-selling author, award-winning media strategist, and founder of Women Innovators Publishing, is the architect of the People-AI Trust Protocol™, the first framework designed to verify that human beings—not machines—are the originators of thought, strategy, and authorship in content creation.

For women navigating traditionally male-dominated sectors like tech, medicine, finance, or publishing, the stakes are even higher. AI systems often reinforce historical biases. Dr. Patzer’s solution? A trust-first system that anchors all content to original, verifiable authorship through human-centered design.

“In a world where algorithms have the power to decide who gets heard, trust is non-negotiable,” says Dr. Patzer. “AI is not here to replace us—it’s here to reflect the structure and clarity we provide.”

Her second major contribution, the AI-Human Trust Seal™, gives women content creators, entrepreneurs, and executives the power to mark their content as both ethical and AI-compatible. It’s already being used across books, blogs, podcasts, and press campaigns to ensure women’s voices are indexed, quoted, and protected from misattribution.

Her book, Prompt Ready: Write Your Way Into the Algorithm, is more than a publishing achievement. It’s a toolkit for women who want to use AI without losing their voice. Inside, Dr. Patzer breaks down how to:

Write AI-suggestible content that preserves your authorship

Use prompts to amplify—not replace—your thinking

Ensure your name is cited when your content is surfaced by AI engines like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude

Dr. Patzer’s work is reshaping the way visibility is earned. Through platforms like Women Innovators Publishing and the Daily Success® Institute, she equips women with strategic media training, publishing access, and visibility ecosystems. Her programs have helped hundreds of women become best-selling authors, recognized thought leaders, and syndicated contributors across national media.

Her signature framework, TKLLT™—Trust, Know, Like, Love, Thanks—is at the heart of every campaign. It’s not just a method; it’s a mindset for how women can build legacy visibility with ethical power.

As AI becomes more present in how we read, think, and act, Dr. Patzer’s systems offer women a clear pathway to thrive—not by adapting to automation, but by leading it with integrity.

“AI needs to learn from truth. That means it needs to learn from us—women who lead with insight, creativity, and ethical authorship,” she says.

Dr. Patzer’s work ensures that in the AI-powered future, women are not only participants—they’re leaders, authors, and the original sources of wisdom.

Connect with Dr. Tamara Patzer on LinkedIn or Facebook. She is available for media interviews, expert commentary, and strategic consultations. 

Published by Joseph T.

You Belong Here: Inclusive Fitness for Real People, Real Bodies, and Real Journeys

By: Ian S.

Apogee and FitNext are redefining what fitness looks like — because everyone deserves to feel welcome.

Dr. Wahl created Apogee after years of witnessing people excluded from fitness spaces that should’ve empowered them. From small-town Washington gyms to earning his Doctorate in Physical Therapy, he’s led with a message of compassion, inclusion, and progress. His vision? A high-level, judgment-free fitness platform that supports every stage of your wellness journey — without pressure or shame.

The Traditional Fitness Industry and Its Challenges

The mainstream fitness industry has long been criticized for promoting a narrow and often unattainable image of health and fitness. Advertisements often focus on quick transformations and extreme workout regimens, leaving many people feeling excluded or unmotivated. Social media intensifies this pressure, with fitness influencers showcasing only the most idealized versions of health.

This culture of comparison can be harmful, making it harder for people to engage with fitness in a way that feels healthy or sustainable. The message often becomes: You must be at a certain level of fitness to start, or you must achieve visible results quickly.

A Shift Towards Inclusivity

Inclusive fitness challenges this traditional model by focusing on the idea that fitness is for everyone, no matter your size, shape, age, or fitness history. It acknowledges that every individual’s journey is different and that progress doesn’t have to be measured by extreme physical changes or aesthetics.

Inclusive fitness emphasizes:

  • Effort over aesthetics: Fitness is about feeling better and building strength, not just how you look.
  • Consistency over comparison: The goal is progress over time, not competing with others or adhering to unrealistic ideals.
  • Compassion over criticism: Everyone’s fitness journey deserves to be supported, without judgment or shame.

This approach aims to remove barriers that prevent people from feeling like they belong in fitness spaces. Whether you’re someone who’s just starting out, returning to fitness after a long break, or simply trying to maintain an active lifestyle, inclusivity ensures that you are welcomed and supported at every step.

FitNext: A Fitness App That Builds Community, Not Competition

An inclusive fitness environment is not only about personal progress but also about fostering a sense of community. When people feel connected to others who are on similar journeys, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated. FitNext creates a supportive social experience that encourages connection — not comparison.

Community Features Include:

  • Social Progress Feed: Share wins, comment on others’ success, and celebrate effort
  • Accountability Partnerships: Team up with friends or connect with like-minded users
  • Streaks & Badges: Visual rewards for your milestones — no matter how big or small
  • In-App Perks & Discounts: Earn real rewards for showing up, not just showing off

Progress That’s Personal — and Always Worth Celebrating

FitNext is a personalized wellness platform that tracks your unique journey.

Your dashboard helps you:

  • Log daily activity and effort
  • Track mood and recovery trends
  • Set achievable micro-goals
  • Celebrate every win — from 10-minute walks to mental resilience

💬 Our approach? Nudges, not nags. Encouragement, not criticism.

FitNext Is a Judgment-Free Zone — And That Changes Everything

It doesn’t matter your:

  • Age
  • Size
  • Identity
  • Fitness experience
  • Or how long you’ve been away from movement

If you’re ready to start, FitNext is here to meet you with patience and power.

This isn’t about proving yourself. It’s about showing up, at your pace, with the support you deserve.

Fitness That Moves With You — Not Against You

If you’ve ever felt that fitness wasn’t made for you,
If you’ve been shamed, sidelined, or made to feel “less than,”
If you’re ready for a space that welcomes your humanity, your effort, and your comeback.

Ready to join a fitness movement that moves with you?

Subscribe to the Apogee newsletter for encouragement, success stories, and community highlights. Start your inclusive fitness journey with FitNext.

 

Disclaimer: The content in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, professional, or fitness advice. The information provided is based on the author’s perspective and experiences and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional guidance. Always consult with a healthcare provider, fitness professional, or other qualified individuals before making any significant changes to your fitness routine, health, or lifestyle.

 

Published by Jeremy S.