Robyn Dixon’s Black Croc Leather Blazer at Lunch with Gizelle

Real Housewives of Potomac Season 7 Episode 2 Fashion

Robyn Dixon looked chic af in her black croc leather blazer at lunch with Gizelle. Now we don’t mean to pull a Gizelle and share Robyn business, but when it comes to her fashion it’s our job! Which is exactly why we’ve spilled the tea on where her jacket it from below. And trust me you’ll want one just like it to slide right into your DM’s closet ASAP.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to See Her Veronica Beard Blazer

Originally posted at: Robyn Dixon’s Black Croc Leather Blazer

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

I’m often on the fence about incorporating exfoliating treatments into my regimen—as someone with easily stressed-out skin, I have to tread lightly or I risk irritation, redness and dry patches. That’s why I tend to lean closer to resurfacing masks that only require weekly or bi-weekly use; it’s a great way to reap real benefits without potentially infuriating your skin on the reg. All the more better if said mask was formulated to remain gentle on the skin, like the Three Ships Superfruit AHA Exfoliating Mask, which has been my top choice as of late.

For starters, the mask primarily contains lactic acid, which is deemed one of the more forgiving alpha hydroxy acids out there. Don’t get it twisted though, the ingredient still provides visible results straight from the get-go, especially when paired with collagen-boosting fruit acids and antioxidant-rich rice powder. Within just five minutes (or two minutes if you have especially sensitive skin), the mask brightens dullness—one reviewer claims it gives a “nice refreshed look” after a long day or terrible nights sleep—removes dead skin cells across the face and softens and nourishes. 

Three Ships

You may or may not know the difference between chemical and physical exfoliants, that being, one manually buffs away the skin’s surface while the other sinks deeper within the skin’s layers to bring change from within. The Superfruit AHA Exfoliating Mask can be utilized in both ways; its exfoliating rice powders polish the skin physically while the combination of acids help encourage cell renewal. 

RELATED: Tula Has Launched a Brand New Holiday Gift Shop—Score Up to 42% In Savings Through December

Considering the mask has already sold out before, you may want to get your hands on it sooner rather than later. With dozens upon dozens of glowing reviews from shoppers, it’s safe to say I’m not the only one constantly reaching for this from their bathroom cabinet. One person referred to it as a “spa in a jar” after seeing “amazing results” from use, while a second person also claimed using the product “truly feels like having a facial.”

“I have not seen a product like this from other brands—the mask applies on smoothly and you can ‘feel’ the product working once you let it sit without irritating your skin,” raved another fan. “My face looks and feels brighter and more awake!”

“Absolutely LIVING for this mask,” wrote a different one. “I have dry, sensitive skin and always have trouble finding a product that works well for me. It didn’t feel like it burned or stripped my skin, like so many other exfoliators, which is a HUGE win. Seriously magical.”

The Three Ships Superfruit AHA Exfoliating Mask is available for just $25 on the brand’s website.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

I’m often on the fence about incorporating exfoliating treatments into my regimen—as someone with easily stressed-out skin, I have to tread lightly or I risk irritation, redness and dry patches. That’s why I tend to lean closer to resurfacing masks that only require weekly or bi-weekly use; it’s a great way to reap real benefits without potentially infuriating your skin on the reg. All the more better if said mask was formulated to remain gentle on the skin, like the Three Ships Superfruit AHA Exfoliating Mask, which has been my top choice as of late.

For starters, the mask primarily contains lactic acid, which is deemed one of the more forgiving alpha hydroxy acids out there. Don’t get it twisted though, the ingredient still provides visible results straight from the get-go, especially when paired with collagen-boosting fruit acids and antioxidant-rich rice powder. Within just five minutes (or two minutes if you have especially sensitive skin), the mask brightens dullness—one reviewer claims it gives a “nice refreshed look” after a long day or terrible nights sleep—removes dead skin cells across the face and softens and nourishes. 

Three Ships

You may or may not know the difference between chemical and physical exfoliants, that being, one manually buffs away the skin’s surface while the other sinks deeper within the skin’s layers to bring change from within. The Superfruit AHA Exfoliating Mask can be utilized in both ways; its exfoliating rice powders polish the skin physically while the combination of acids help encourage cell renewal. 

RELATED: Tula Has Launched a Brand New Holiday Gift Shop—Score Up to 42% In Savings Through December

Considering the mask has already sold out before, you may want to get your hands on it sooner rather than later. With dozens upon dozens of glowing reviews from shoppers, it’s safe to say I’m not the only one constantly reaching for this from their bathroom cabinet. One person referred to it as a “spa in a jar” after seeing “amazing results” from use, while a second person also claimed using the product “truly feels like having a facial.”

“I have not seen a product like this from other brands—the mask applies on smoothly and you can ‘feel’ the product working once you let it sit without irritating your skin,” raved another fan. “My face looks and feels brighter and more awake!”

“Absolutely LIVING for this mask,” wrote a different one. “I have dry, sensitive skin and always have trouble finding a product that works well for me. It didn’t feel like it burned or stripped my skin, like so many other exfoliators, which is a HUGE win. Seriously magical.”

The Three Ships Superfruit AHA Exfoliating Mask is available for just $25 on the brand’s website.

In funeral parlance, ‘green burial’ may be the most hyped phrase around. References to this ‘new’ and seemingly popular type of disposition seem to be everywhere these days, particularly in the press. And since we, or a loved one, may be headed in that direction, we might have looked up the subject.

Reading those stories would make one believe that green funerals are the biggest trend in funeral service. But, in fact, they are not. What’s more, they are certainly not anything new.

Those of the Jewish and Muslim faiths have been having green burials for as long as anyone can remember. The modern concept is an extension of an environmentally concerned society which advocates for a greener lifestyle as a way to leave a gentler footprint on the earth.

For burial to be considered green, a number of elements are essential: no chemical embalming, clothing made of natural fabrics, no cut stone monuments, no vault and a biodegradable casket. The deceased can also be wrapped in a burial shroud depending on cemetery regulations.

But while these burials sound simple – and at first glance may seem inexpensive – that is hardly the case. A number of myths surround this type of disposition.

Green Burial Is Less Costly

Perhaps the biggest myth that circulates the media is that green burial is more economical than traditional burial. Quite to the contrary though, green burial can be just as costly – if not more.

Think organically grown fruits and vegetables vs those traditionally farmed. And some of those oft-promoted eco-friendly wicker, willow and bamboo caskets retail for around $2,000 – comparable to the price of a traditional casket.

Shrouds, too, can be pricey, ranging from about $150 for a simple muslin cloak to $800 for a silk shroud lined in a choice of herbs, such as sage.

You Don’t Need to Purchase Cemetery Property

As with traditional burial, you must purchase a gravesite. In many states, certified green cemeteries are few and far between, and often a great distance from major cities. And some states, according to the Green Burial Council website, have none.

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery

While some cemeteries are entirely green, others are considered hybrids, reserving a section for such burials. Historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, in Valhalla, New York, has set aside about half an acre for natural burial. It is the only cemetery in Westchester County, New York, to provide this alternative.

Called Riverview, the cost of a grave for one interment is $4,000, and the opening charge is $1,830. A flat, natural stone can be placed at the site through a monument company.

To get a sense of the price differential, graves in other sections of Sleepy Hollow for two interments cost between $5,000 and $6,000, with the same opening charge.

Joshua Tree Memorial Park

Joshua Tree Memorial Park, at the other end of the country, is the only natural burial cemetery in Southern California, according to a spokeswoman. A grave for one costs $3,700.

In addition, there is a grave opening charge of $1,300 plus an endowment fee of $250. Graves are marked by indigenous plants such as cacti to “maintain the integrity of the land.”

Woodlawn Cemetery

In the city of Santa Monica, California, is Woodlawn Cemetery, where a green burial grave for one adult is listed on their website as $13,050.00, plus $4,567.50 for endowment care. Elsewhere in the cemetery, graves sell for $9,918.00 with an endowment fee of $2,279.50.

Environmental Impact

While some estimate that 827,000 plus gallons of formaldehyde are used each year (thus ending up in the ground), Melissa Johnson Williams, a funeral director and the former head of the American Association of Embalmers, believes those numbers seem too high based on normal use.

“There is no way for 827,000 gallons of formaldehyde to be used in one year, based on the way it’s actually used by embalmers.”

And in an article for The Dodge Magazine John “Jay” Rhodes, past president of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice wrote that “Studies also show that a sewer system can effectively break down formaldehyde rendering it safe.” Rhodes continued, “Up to now, I have not seen anything proving otherwise.”

The Bottom Line

In 1998, North America’s first green cemetery opened in Westminster, South Carolina. Twenty years later, the concept doesn’t seem to have taken the industry by storm.

An official of Batesville, the country’s largest casket manufacturer, said the company did a trial a few years ago but did not see a big demand from funeral homes for eco-friendly products.

“There’s a difference between people expressing an interest and speaking with their pocketbook when the time comes. They do not follow through,” she stated.

A 2018 article in Forbes titled What Does ‘Going Green’ Mean for the Funeral Industry? was more skeptical, noting, “All in all, green funerals remain a fascination of the fringe.”

Still, if you decide to opt for a green burial for yourself or for a family member, keep in mind that this is a service any funeral home can provide for you. Do not be constrained by the Approved Provider of the Green Burial Council logo on a funeral home’s website.

Funeral homes no more specialize in green burial than they do in traditional burial or cremation. Green burial is just another funeral option, not a trend.

Factors to Consider if Going Green

• Lack of embalming will likely preclude an open-casket visitation.
• Cost of the burial plot, grave opening and maintenance charges.
• Higher transportation cost to a non-local cemetery.
• Increased carbon emissions due to distant travel on the day of the burial, and on future visits.
• May prevent future disinterment for cremation or traditional burial if family wishes change.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you heard about green burial? Have you considered the option for yourself or a loved one? What did you expect it would provide, in comparison to traditional burial? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Many
people dislike the word elder. I never had a reaction to it because I never
really thought of myself in those terms. But a recent spontaneous and
heart-warming exchange made me realize I unintentionally assumed the role for
at least one young person.

I was
seated next to him, this man in his late 20s, whom I’ve known his entire life.
He’s part of my extended family, and he spent considerable time at my home
growing up.

As we settled
in at a long table for a family celebration, he placed his napkin on his lap, then
turned to me and said:

“You know,
Fran, I was thinking the other night, as I spread my napkin while out on a dinner
date, that my parents never made me do that growing up. It wasn’t important in
our house. But spending time at your table I watched you and learned some very
important etiquette. Thank you for that.”

I was so
touched, I teared up a little. I never intentionally taught him anything, I was
just doing what I do. He apparently was watching, and what he learned must have
made an impression and served him well. That pleases me.

I’ve thought
about that conversation many times since and have come to understand that being
an elder is an honor. It offers the opportunity to impart knowledge, to
encourage and offer help to those who are eager to learn. We can help in so
many subtle but impactful ways – if we are
present, patient, and willing.

After some
serious introspection, I’ve decided there are a few key elements to being a
good elder that I intend to follow from now on to ensure I am the best elder I
can be.

Always Be Kind

I will share
what I know in a considerate and thoughtful way; teaching without ever
criticizing.

Show, Don’t Tell

I will be an
example, always remembering that young people may be watching and learning by
how I behave.

Offer Support When It Matters

Being
young and inexperienced is challenging; mistakes happen. My gentle hand is
strong enough to guide someone back onto the right path.

Listen to Understand

I will
suspend judgement and do my best to see the situation from their perspective.

It’s Their Journey – Not Mine

There will
be times when I can foresee the hardship heading their way and warning them is
appropriate, but I will remember it’s their life to live as they choose.

I feel
some obligation, in return for the fruitful and fulfilling life I’ve lived, to
offer what I can to those who may benefit from my experiences.

Aging is
inevitable – but aging with purpose makes it
worthwhile. So, elder is a title I gratefully and mindfully accept. It’s all
part of this new era in an ever evolving life.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

When was
the last time you felt you made a difference in a young person’s life? Did you
count it as an accomplishment? What truths about being an elder can you share?
Please use the comment box below.