As Mardi Gras celebrations fill the streets of New Orleans, one scientist has proposed making the festival more eco-friendly by replacing plastic beads with ones made from algae. Mardi Gras beads, thrown into the crowds by parading krewes on Fat Tuesday, add tens of thousands of pounds of plastic waste into the environment every year. The scientist’s biggest hurdle is the high cost of his eco-friendly bead alternative. Algae cultures grown in LSU biologist Naohiro Kato’s lab. Louisiana State University Department of Biological Sciences Professor Naohiro Kato has patent applications pending for the process of making biodegradable beads from the aquatic organisms. We have great resources to make our Mardi Gras celebrations more sustainable and to protect our environment and health,’ Kato said in a statement. I believe we can change and do better. My student was supposed to come into the lab three nights in a row to move our test tube samples of algae from the centrifuge to the freezer, but one night he forgot,’ Kato said. Members of the Krewe Of Saint Anne march down Royal Street Mardi Gras Day on Tuesday in New Orleans. After experimentation, Kato found that a gallon of microalgae culture could produce a few biodegradable beads. A VERY elaborate gender reveal! Kato estimates that it will cost about $40,000 to produce the first batch of 3,000 biodegradable bead necklaces, or about $13 per necklace. Kato stumbled across his biodegradable alternative accidentally, after one of his lab assistants botched his assignment. The next morning, Kato found a large glob of algae in the centrifuge accumulating oils, one of the ingredients used for bioplastic production.
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That is about ten times the cost of traditional plastic beads. The by-product after extracting fucoxanthin includes other proteins from the algae that would be used to make the biodegradable beads. Kato claims that he can sell about one pound of the powered form of fucoxanthin for roughly $50,000. Every year, beads add tens of thousands of pounds to the environment after Mardi Gras. Meanwhile, Kato hopes another market for his algae products could offset the costs of making biodegradable beads. From the diatoms he has grown, Kato has been able to extract an antioxidant called fucoxanthin, which is highly sought in the nutritional supplement industry. LSU Professor in Composites and Engineered Wood Products Qinglin Wu is also working on developing a variation of beads made with wood fiber, which also could be used to make Mardi Gras throws more environmentally friendly. Kato said he is in discussion with a nutraceutical company and awaiting a contract in order to begin production of biodegradable Mardi Gras beads. Kato claims a second batch could be produced for $1 or less per necklace, and has been raising money from grants and angel investors.
If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver.
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The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. So she decided to make her own. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver (backtoglamour.com) or gold vermeil and natural gemstones.
Somewhere, there’s a family dog going to sleep in a miniature pet palace that cost more than the average annual rent in most US cities. Brands that cater to the mega-rich (and the not-so-rich who just have very poor money management skills) make houses, beds, leashes, and even jewelry for the most financially-secure canines, which can cost thousands upon thousands of dollars. More bling for your bark! While it’s not surprising that many dog owners love to pamper their pups, it may come as a shock to learn just how far the wealthy can go ensure their furry friends’ lives are anything but ruff – uh, rough. Man’s best friend meets man’s blank check! And she may or may not be able to tell the difference between that and a pillow on the floor. For the haute hound! According to the ASPCA, the first year of owning a dog costs people an average of $1,270. But that’s spare change compared to what some people splash out on dog houses alone. Owning a pet certainly isn’t cheap.

Kristin Cavallari is ready to rise and grind to get the week started right. She comes running right up to us, so, so sweet’ she wrote. The 33-year-old Uncommon James designer took to social media on Monday morning with a very early workout as shared a fitness snap with her 4M fans. For her morning kick off, Kristin stunned in a matching Dalmatian spotted workout set and kept her hair up in a ponytail. She showed off her abs in a sports bra as she crouched down for the snap surrounded by weights. The blonde wrote on her Insta story, ‘Workout done, Monday let’s go! Kristin posted that the trip had her ‘feeling revived and refreshed’ as she has been back to work since landing back in Nashville. The former MTV star is preparing for the launch of her gluten free cookbook True Comfort. It isn’t Fall until the first batch of these carrot cake cupcakes are made. Sharing the sweet snaps of her only daughter, Kristin seemed to adore the little chicken just as much as her daughter as she shared videos of Fluffy up close. The blonde beauty teased the book launch as she shared herself indulging in one of her recipes on social media. The Laguna Beach star threw her hand up in the air and flashed a peace sign as she looked accomplished after her morning grind. Later on Monday, Kristin took to social media to share that they had expanded their family by one as daughter Saylor is now the proud owner of a three-month-old white silkie chicken. Rise n’ grind: Kristin Cavallari, 33, looked accomplished as she gave her four million instagram fans a glimpse at her morning routine. Kirstin recently took a tropical vacation trip with her longtime pal and hairstylist Justin Anderson and his boyfriend Austin. A mother to Camden, eight, Jaxon, six, and Saylor, four, while running her clothing line, Kristin is a busy woman who has to balance self-care with her other obligations. Fluffy is the newest member of the family, a little 3 month old silkie. The mother-of-three was up at the crack of dawn to sneak in some body movement before starting the day as she smiled in a mirror selfie.
They’re dairy free with a cashew frosting and so, so yummy. And what I do know is, our 3 kids are lucky to have him as their daddy’ she wrote. Modern family? Co-parenting? Whatever you want to call it, we are navigating it the best way we know how. Since their split Jay was rumored to be linked to political commentator Tomi Lahren after the two were spotted out to dinner in Tennessee but have since shot down those rumors on social media. Kristin is in the process of moving on as she announced her has moved on after splitting from ex Jay Cutler in April. Kristin has since been focusing on nurturing her good friendships, running her business and being the best mom she can to her three children. My fave!!’ she wrote. Kristin has also launched a new venture with regards to her Uncommon James line of jewels. Taking to social media Kristin to wish her ex a happy father’s day she touched on their situation. I couldn’t be more excited about this next venture’ she wrote. Happier times: Kristin and Jay were married for nearly seven years. I started learning about demi-fine and quickly realized this was the route for us. The couple were married for nearly seven years are learning to work the trials that come with this new phase in their lives. Perfect for life’s special moments. The pair who share three children are both still residing in Nashville with Jay spending time on his farm and Kristin purchasing a new house. To promote the new collection Kristin posted a sizzling shot of her wearing a revealing bra and a sheer button down as she showed off the dainty diamond necklace and a pair of simple huggies. She shared with her followers that the next chapter in her line will feature a new demi-fine collection of 14k gold plated, 
As part of his efforts to expand his empire, Stephan said, Horten sought Jewish-occupied businesses in German-occupied territories. By the time he died in 1987, Helmut left Heidi with nearly a $1billion inheritance. We are aware there is a painful history,’ Peers told the New York Times. This man immediately fired my father because he opposed Aryanization and advised the owner not to sell,’ she said. Hauser’s family then sued Christie’s London last June in Paris civil court, and in February a judge sided with them. In his report, Hoeres acknowledges Horten had exploited Jewish business owners, he had initially paid ‘quite normal market prices’ for their business. She said her father, Reinhold, had been working for Gerzon, the largest department store in Amsterdam when Horten ‘used his influence with the German occupiers in the Netherlands to appoint a German administrator’ who would steer the businesses to him. Before she died last year, Heidi commissioned historian Peter Hoeres to research and write about her late husband’s past. But, he also said his report surfaced information that Horten used forced labor at a Berlin company he purchased in 1943 that repaired airplanes. But when Christie’s sold the painting in 2005 for $115,185 its sale did not include a provenance history that mentioned Hauser’s previous ownership. He had planned to escape to America, but was soon captured by the Nazis. Helmut married Heidi in 1966 when she was 19 and he was around 50 years old. My father led a lawsuit against Horten, consulted lawyers and spent a lot of money in the process,’ Stephan recounted. Christie’s must now pay the family a $545 daily fine for any delays identifying the painting’s current owner and location, as well as $10,900 in procedural fees. The French government later included photographs of the stolen artwork in its official catalog of items looted by Nazis in the country. He also cited several instances where Horten kept Jews on as wither employees or suppliers, and noted that although he was a member of the Nazi party, h was later expelled. Then in 2017 when the painting’s current owner, an anonymous British collector, approached Christie’s about selling the painting again its researchers discovered it once belonged to Hauser, at which point its legal team contacted his heirs and offered to split the proceeds from the sale between the heirs and the current owner. Unfortunately, the Jewish business owner did not heed her father’s advice, and sold his business after being pressured. The painting was originally owned by Lionel Hauser, an art collector and Jewish banker in Paris who reported in 1945 the Nazis confiscated his entire art collection – including The Penitent Magdalene – from his Paris home three years earlier.
She’s known for her quirky sense of style. Moore, who recently took home the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama in the role, was a vision in a Grecian off the shoulder gown. The Twilight star’s dress was made of a diaphanous material and flashed more than a little flesh as she stood tall in strappy stilettos. But the biggest surprise Bosworth had in store was a new haircut, as she displayed a shorter bob. The 24-year-old was joined at the Cinema Society event by her co-stars in the film Julianne Moore and Kate Bosworth who both opted for lighter brighter tones for the evening. Bosworth, meanwhile, was gorgeous at the screening, co-hosted by Montblanc and Dom Pérignon,in a silvery gown by Oscar de la Renta teamed with shiny silver heels by Jimmy Choo. The 32-year-old blonde also wore around $20,000 in H. Stern jewelry – including, a Moonlight Bracelet, Stars Earrings and a Stars Ring. The 54-year-old’s red mane flowed in luxurious waves over her shoulders as she smiled brightly with red lip paint. Kristen’s hair was sculpted in a retro Fifties hairstyle as she made a dramatic statement in a thick coating of dark eyeliner. But on Tuesday Kristen Stewart upped the glamour in a sheer black Roksanda dress – albeit a bit Gothic for the occasion – at a screening in 

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – Detectives have recovered four diamond earrings from a suspected thief two weeks after he gulped the Tiffany & Co. jewelry worth nearly $770,000 during his arrest on the side of a highway in the Florida Panhandle, authorities said Friday. Sales associates escorted the man to a VIP room where he could view the jewelry. State troopers tracked the car from tag readers on the Florida Turnpike and Interstate 10 until he was pulled over for driving without rear lights in Washington County, almost 340 miles (550 kilometers) away, the Orlando police report said. In the squad car, a state trooper heard the suspect say, “I should have thrown them out the window,” and at the Washington County jail he asked staff, “Am I going to be charged with what is in my stomach?” according to the arrest report. A short time later, he jumped out of his chair, grabbed the jewelry and tried to force his way out of the door. After the jewelry was recovered, the Texas man was taken to the Orange County Jail where he faces charges of robbery with a mask and first-degree grand theft. During the theft, the man allegedly told Tiffany sales associates he was interested in purchasing diamond earrings and a diamond ring on behalf of an Orlando Magic basketball player. The suspect was transferred from a jail to a hospital while detectives waited to collect the evidence, police officials said in a statement. Three of the earrings were recovered two days before that, along with two other unidentified diamond earrings. The four stolen earrings matched the serial numbers from the jewelry taken from the Tiffany store last month, detectives said. The last of the four earrings stolen from the Tiffany store in Orlando was recovered from the suspect last week, the Orlando Police Department said Friday. Detectives obtained the license plate of the suspect´s car through shopping mall security footage and believe he was driving back to Texas.
If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated
HIGH STREET (RIGHT): Rose-gold- plated and leather watch, £79.99, Radley, from H Samuel. Shoes, £130, Kurt Geiger. Sunglasses, £24.99, and BLUE BAG, £39.99, both Mango. Bag, £35, Therapy at House of Fraser. Sunglasses, £106, Carrera. Blue bag, £795, Anya Hindmarch. Boots, £475, Hilfiger Collection. ROCK CHICK: Clockwise from top left: Bandana, £15, Levi’s. Sandals, £155, Vince, from Harvey Nichols. Hat, £145, Zadig & Voltaire. £129, Rotary. mini bag, £45, Dune. £14, Freedom at Topshop. £149, Guess Watches. bag, £3,910, Michael Kors Collection. £495, House of Holland. Shoes, £290, Coach. Bag, £32, Dorothy Perkins. LADYLIKE: From top, left to right: Scarf, £70, Mulberry. Bag, £22, Next. Clogs, £79.99, Zara. Sunglasses, £25, Quay Australia. Steel and ceramic watch, £1,100, Tag Heuer. £19, Finery. red and green ring, £14.50, Freedom at Topshop. Pouch, £40, Karen Millen. Loafers, £455, Tod’s. Goldtone watch, £49.99, Casio, from H Samuel. Watch, £105,Swatch. Sandals, £28, Office. £160, Whistles. Bag, £370, CH Carolina Herrera.Sandals, £441, Tibi. NATURAL: Clockwise from top left: Hat, £19.99, Zara. £115, Shore Projects. sandals, £125, Russell & Bromley. SANDALS, £675,Nicholas Kirkwood. Boots, £155, Karen Millen. £6, River Island. Sunglasses, £188, Ray-Ban, from Sunglass Hut. Bikini top, £14.99, and bottoms, £7.99, both New Look. Necklace, £225, Michael Michael Kors. SPORTY: HIGH STREET (LEFT): Red Bag, £28, Topshop. CREAM Bag, £35, Aldo. Scarf, £8, Accessorize. Bag, £89.99, Zara. Boots, £435, MaxMara. Necklace, £449, and bracelet, £319, both Swarovski. HIGH END (RIGHT): Green bag, £450, Sophie Hulme, from Fenwick. RETRO: Clockwise from top left: belt, £25.99, Zara. Suede skirt, £50, Red Herring at Debenhams. Clutch, £185, LK Bennett. £245, Gucci. Espadrilles, £99, Dune Black. Sunglasses, £13, River Island. MAXIMALIST: Clockwise from top left: SHOES, £49, Boden. RIVIERA: Clockwise from top left: mules, £39.99, New Look. Ring, £24.90, Lola and Grace.