Brown Girl Gumbo

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-23T10:07:00.004-05:00

Hello BGG Readers!

I'm going to take a mini-break from BGG to enjoy the holidays. My energy level is slowly depleting since I'm rapidly approaching my due date - I can't believe Baby BGG will be here sometime next month! Anyway, I'm wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I actually may be back before the New Year, so be sure to check in from time to time next week! Be safe and thanks for all of your love, support and feedback! :-)

Must-Have Holiday Hair Accessories!

2009-12-21T00:00:00.001-05:00

With the holiday season in full swing, it's a great idea to add a festive flair to your tresses with super cute hair accessories! From grown-up sparkly rhinestone barrettes to head-turning headbands, these hair ornaments will take your hair from flat to festive in seconds!

Would you wear hair adornments this holiday season?

Check out some of these:

Crystal Patch Headband available at www.express.com for $19.50

Adornment Bobby Pins available at www.forever21.com for $3.80

Double Metallic Embellishment Headband available at www.express.com for $19.50

Juicy Couture Sequin Stone Hair Clips available at www.couture.zappos.com for $55

Ropy Headband available at www.anthropologie.com for $32

Rhinestone Barrettes available at www.windsorstore.com for $6.90

Rhinestone Cluster Headband available at www.charlotterusse.com for $3.99

Tasha "Funfetti" Headband available at www.nordstrom.com for $28

Fabulous Photos of the Week!

2009-12-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Mariah Carey and Nick Canon at an event in D.C.

Zoe Saldana at an event in L.A.

Kimora Lee with Djimon Hounsou at an event in L.A.

Cuba Gooding Jr. at an event in L.A.

Beenie Man and Alicia Keys at an event in NYC.

Leona Lewis out and about in NYC.

Sean Combs admiring his wax figure in NYC.

Zoe Kravitz at an event in NYC.

John Legend and Mos Def at an event in NYC.

What's your favorite photo of the week?

**The winner of the Bio-Oil is Amina Etana! Congrats! Please send me your mailing address.

My Favorite Beauty Buys for the Mommy-to-Be and Beyond!

2009-12-16T10:42:00.008-05:00

We all know that there are myriad products on the market geared toward pregnant women, but the truth is that some of these products are just as great for non-expectant women. Since I've received quite a few emails from fellow moms-to-be, I thought that it would be a good idea to share some of my favorite products (all of which have been reviewed on BGG in the past) that are good for all, but especially beneficial to us pregnant BGs.

Have you tried these products? One lucky winner will win a bottle of Bio Oil. Just leave a comment and a winner will be announced on Friday!

BTW - The winner of The Princess & the Frog Carol's Daughter set is Mimieyes. Congrats and please send me your mailing address!

Bio-Oil available at www.walmart.com (and most drugstores nationwide) for $11.99

Mask of Magnaminty Cleanser available at www.lushusa.com for $20

Priti Organic Nail Polishes available at www.pritinyc.com. Check website for pricing.

Carol's Daughter Sexy Belly available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $20

Yes to Carrots Body Butter available at www.drugstore.com for $12.99

The Princess & The Frog #1 at the Box Office!

2009-12-14T09:52:00.011-05:00

For all of you with little girls (and boys) in your life, Disney's first animated film starring an African-American princess, The Princess and the Frog hopped to the top spot at the box office this weekend grossing $25 million! Oh how I wish Baby BGG was born and already 4-years-old so we could've gone to see this ground-breaking movie together, but oh well, I'll wait patiently for her arrival next month!

As many of you know, my favorite natural bath & body line, Carol's Daughter, has teamed up with Disney to create a special The Princess & the Frog shampoo, conditioner, bubble bath and loofah in a super cute drawstring bag for your little princess!

Gift Set available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $24

Did you take your daughter, niece or little sister to see this movie? If not, do you plan on seeing it this holiday season? One lucky reader will win the Carol's Daughter Princess & the Frog gift set! Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced on Wednesday.

Fabulous Photos of the Week!

2009-12-11T09:16:00.006-05:00

Halle Berry at an event in L.A.

Thandie Newton at an event in London.

Rihanna at an event in London.

Holly Robinson-Peete with her husband and Babyface at an event in L.A.

Tatyana Ali at an event in L.A.

Sean Combs at an event in NYC.

India.Arie at an event in NYC.

Pharrell at an event in L.A.

What's your favorite photo this week?

The Best Beauty Sets of the Season!

2009-12-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Now is the time to stock up on limited edition makeup palettes for you or the makeup maven in your life. During the holiday season you can always find great deals on luxury cosmetic sets, from lip glosses to brush sets. My favorites are the lip-gloss sets from Victoria's Secret. Get them while you can because they definitely won't last long!

Happy Shopping!

Do you buy makeup gift sets during the holiday season?

Victoria's Secret Lip Gloss & Balm Gift Set available at www.victoriassecret.com for $21.99

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Glitter Lip Palette available at www.barneys.com for $40

Clinique Limited Edition High Shine-to-Go set available at www.bergdorfgoodman.com for $30

Lancome Holiday Eye Palette available at www.bloomingdales.com for $39.50

Laura Mercier Limited Edition Palette and Lip Glaze Set available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $48

Laura Mercier Baked Eye Color Palette available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $48

Laura Mercier Limited Edition Deluxe Mini Brush Set available at www.bergdorfgoodman.com for $85

Limited Edition Juicy Tubes available at www.bergdorfgoodman.com for $39.50

Lord & Taylor Beauty Now Face Palette available at www.lordandtaylor.com for $16

Curl Power!

2009-12-08T00:00:00.004-05:00

For all of you curly-haired BGs, if you haven't tried Kinky Curly products, your tresses are missing out on a sensational treat! Now that I haven't had my hair chemically relaxed in well over a year, I've been trying products that are better suited for natural hair. Kinky Curly was on top of my list of products to try because I've always heard such great things about them.

Their Midnight Miracle overnight treatment was like a magic concoction infused with castor bean extract, silk protein and meadowfoam oil seed that left my usually tangled, dry strands easy to comb and softer than ever before! Plus, it had a very pleasant scent that didn't bother my sensitive nose (remember pregnant women's senses become superhuman). :-)

Midnight Miracle available at www.kinky-curly.com for $22

Have you ever used Kinky Curly products? For all you natural-haired BGs, what are some of your favorite products to use? Please share!

**The winner of the IMAN Luxury Liner is Product Junkie Diva!! Yay! Please email me your mailing address. :-)

All that Shimmers!

2009-12-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

This holiday season why not play up your peepers with pretty metallic shades? Your eyes are sure to take center-stage at all of your holiday soirees with glistening greys, shimmery silvers and glittery blacks. Whether you like to add a bit of festive pizzaz to your eyes with shadows, mascaras or liners, there's a holiday inspired-hue just for you!

Do you like to switch up your makeup for special holiday occasions? Check out some of these products to create merry makeup magic!

IMAN Luxury Liquid Eyeliner available at www.target.com for $10.99

Eye Glitter Gel available at www.sephora.com for $10

CoverGirl Lash Blast Luxe Shimmer Mascara available at www.drugstore.com for $7.99

Lorac Sparkle Pencil available at www.beauty.com for $16

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Goldstone Long-Wear Eye Palette available at www.bergdorfgoodman.com for $40

Paul & Joe Limited Edition Pearl Powder in Smoked Black available at www.beautyhabit.com for $25

Colorful Eye Shadow Palette for Brown Eyes available at www.sephora.com for $26

MAC Gold Solar Bits available at www.maccosmetics.com for $19.50

**One lucky reader will win an IMAN Luxury Liquid Liner, just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

Brown Sugar Bliss (the Winners!)

2009-12-02T00:00:00.005-05:00

As many of you know, I'm usually a body wash kind of girl, but Caress' Evenly Gorgeous Burnt Brown Sugar & Karite Butter Beauty Bar has me trading in my shower gels for this heavenly cleansing suds bar!

This sweet smelling exfoliating soap is infused with brown sugar leaving skin silky smooth. Plus, the karite butter component deeply moisturizes the body like no other. Who says sugar isn't good for you?

Have you ever tried this product? Two lucky winners will get a chance to try it! Just leave a comment and the winners will be selected randomly and announced on Friday.

**The winners are Chrissy and K.D. please email me your mailing addresses. Congrats!!

Star Studded

2009-12-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

No longer are studs reserved for biker babes or the bad girls' club. This season you're sure to find super chic handbags with grommets and studs that will create a fun and edgy look without looking too hardcore.

Handbags are a great way to change up your style from time to time. Go ahead, let out your inner rock star with a studded purse or wallet. If you aren't up for the trend, it could make a great gift for your fashion-forward friend or sister!

Would you wear a studded handbag? Check out some of these:

Tory Burch Studded Satchel available at www.nordstrom.com for $394.90

Donna Karan Messenger Luxe Studded Leather Bag available at www.nordstrom.com for $1,195.00

Kenneth Cole Studding on French Purse available at www.kennethcole.com for $78

Large Studded Wallet available at www.shopintuition.com for $35

Leather Studded Cross-Body Bag available at www.topshop.com for $55

Be & D Garbo Studded Lambskin Pouchette available at www.bloomingdales.com for $95

Leather Studded Clutch available at www.bananarepublic.com for $125

Steven by Steve Madden Stud Muffin Purse available at www.piperlime.com for $198

Studded Flap Clutch available at www.expressfashion.com for $27.65

Tory Burch Utility Hobo available at www.nordstrom.com for $450

Countdown to Turkey Day!

2009-11-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

This year I have so much to be thankful for. Words can't describe how grateful I am to have loyal BGG readers, friends and family who love me unconditionally and most of all - the brand new life that's growing inside of me. Although I won't have the pleasure of spending this Thanksgiving in Chicago with my loved ones (outside of my hubby), I'm certainly in no position to complain. :-)

What are you thankful for this year? Please share! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! :-)

Fabulous Photos!

2009-11-23T09:18:00.014-05:00

Just in case you missed the American Music Awards last night, here are a few photos from the event!

Whitney Houston

50 Cent

Alicia Keys

Janet Jackson

Keri Hilson

Mary J. Blige

Ne-yo and guest

Rihanna

Snoop dog with his wife Shante.

Toni Braxton

Day 26

What's your favorite photo from the bunch?

Miss Jackson

2009-11-18T16:15:00.006-05:00

Not many artists can sell millions of records, sell out stadiums and stand tall next to a MEGA-superstar sibling, but that's not the case for Miss Janet Jackson. Always one of my favorite artists, Janet has released another greatest hits CD aptly titled, "Number Ones." Fan favorites such as "Pleasure Principle," "That's the Way Love Goes, and "Control," are among some of the tracks included, in addition to her latest single, "Make Me."

If you're a fan of Janet's be sure to catch her first televised interview since the passing her beloved brother, Michael, tonight on ABC with Robin Roberts at 10/9C. Also, don't miss Janet opening the American Music Awards this Sunday on ABC. 8/7C.

What's your favorite Janet Jackson song?

Peeled Perfection!

2009-11-18T00:00:00.001-05:00

Since I've traded in my favorite treat - gummi bears for healthier bites, I've tried many nuts and fruit snacks, but none have stacked up to Peeled Snacks. This fairly new line of all-natural, organic dried fruits and nuts have been my go-to treats throughout my pregnancy.

Not only are Peeled Snacks packed with tons of nutritional benefits, they are all very tasty too! It's hard to believe that there is no sugar or oil added. Since I love tart and tangy goodies, my favorite ones are the dried pineapples and cherries.

Visit www.peeledsnacks.com to find a store near you that carries Peeled Snacks.

Are you a fan of dried fruit and nuts? What do you snack on to stay healthy?

**Btw, the winner of the brow powder from Monday was Shawnta!

Wow Brow!

2009-11-16T00:00:00.003-05:00

Whether you have your brows plucked, tweezed or threaded, many women like to fill in their brows with a powder or pencil to create a polished look. We all know that brows help frame the face so having them well-groomed and shaped should be a part of every BG's beauty regime. I like using Vanitymark's brow powder in Choco Noir to add that extra "wow" to my brows.

Ideal for dark-haired beauties, this deep-brown shade provides a natural look that doesn't look too harsh and blends in well with my brow hairs. Remember when choosing a powder, it's best to get a shade a wee bit lighter than your hair color for the most natural look.

Available at www.vanitymark.com for $16

Do you use brow powders? One lucky reader will win a VanityMark brow powder ($16 value) in a shade of her choice. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be chosen randomly and announced tomorrow.

**UPDATE - The winner is Shawnta, congratulations!

BGG Reviews "Precious"

2009-11-13T09:07:00.010-05:00

In theaters nationwide today.

After a failed attempt to see the much-hyped and buzzed-about movie, Precious: Based on the Novel 'PUSH' by Sapphire, last week, I was finally able to get my hands on tickets for the film on Wednesday. Not often do you see a movie that lives up to all of its critical acclaim, but thankfully Precious does. Based on the 1996 Sapphire novel entitled, "PUSH," Precious is a tale of a physically and sexually abused, illiterate overweight teenage mother named Precious, played by the charismatic Gabourey Sidibe who is subjected to more torture and condemnation than one could ever imagine.

Mo'Nique steps outside of her usual comedic character to bring to life Precious's monster of a mother who spews so much hate and wickedness that she is often hard to watch. Supporting cast members include Paula Patton who shows Precious hope and the importance of education. While songbird Mariah Carey leaves behind her powerful voice to portray a surprisingly believable dowdy social worker. The story of Precious is an intense, gritty, no-holds barred tale of a strong young girl who manages to survive despite unfathomable hardships.

If you haven't seen it already, I highly recommend it! For those of you who have seen and/or read the book, what are your thoughts? I'd love to hear from people who have read the book and watched the movie to see how the feature film stacks up to the written word. Please share!

Blushing Beauty

2009-11-11T00:00:00.001-05:00

Iman, Rihanna and June Ambrose (celebrity fashion stylist).

Even though we're used to seeing blacks, greys, and creams on the red carpet during the colder months, it seems like a few fashionistas have stepped out of that boring box and have opted for blush tones to add a bit of softness and femininity to the fall/winter color palette. This fleshy shade is flattering on most skin tones and creates a subtle sexiness.

Are you a fan of this shade? Check out some of these items:

Antik Batik Silk Blouse available at www.yoox.com for $185

Antik Batik Dress available at www.yoox.com for $470.25

Charm Ruched Tube Dress available at www.ardenb.com for $54

Crista Dress by Guess by Marciano available at www.marciano.com for $185

Masscob Silk Dress available at www.yoox.com for $208

Steve Madden Women's Regal Pump available at www.endless.com for $89.95

Miu Miu Leather Lambskin Gloves available at www.yoox.com for $128

Sonoma Beanie Hat available at www.kohls.com for $14

Vanessa Bruno Slik Top available at www.yoox.com for $190

Carlos Falchi Metallic Blush Tote available at www.shirise.com for $225

Candy Girl

2009-11-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Carol's Daughter is known for their fantastic bath & body products, but their lip glosses are just as fabulous! I've been on the hunt for the perfect pink lip gloss shade for months, if not years and their All Natural Candy Paint lip gloss in Razz-Berry Beret has been the answer to my pink lipped-prayers. It's a universal pink that will complement all skin tones.

All Natural Candy Paint in Razz-Matazz available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $13.50

Staying true to the au naturel mantra that Carol's Daughter touts, Candy Paint glosses are infused with natural moisturizing ingredients like grape seed oil, shea butter, aloe, etc., which helps repair lips while creating a beautiful shine. Plus, this luxurious gloss isn't sticky like so many others.

Have you ever tried any of Carol's Daughter lip glosses? If not, you should definitely give them a try!

Fabulous Photos of the Week!

2009-11-06T09:09:00.007-05:00

Beyonce at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

John Legend at an event in L.A.

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon at an event in L.A.

Alicia Keys at an event in Las Vegas.

50 Cent at an event in NYC.

Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon at an event in L.A.

R. Kelly performing in L.A.

Kimora Lee with hubby Djimon Hounsou at an event in London.

Stacey Dash at an event in L.A.

What's your favorite photo this week?

Fine Job

2009-11-05T00:00:00.005-05:00

One of my absolute favorite celebrity makeup artists, Sam Fine, has worked his makeup magic again - this time on actress/comedienne Mo'Nique. In preparation for her L.A premiere of the much-buzzed-about movie, Precious, Mr. Fine gave her a gorgeous glow that complemented her beautifully beaded gold gown.

Sam working his magic on Mo'Nique before the premiere of Precious in L.A.

If you'd like to find out how to get Mo'Nique's bronzed and beautiful look, follow these steps provided by Sam Fine himself:

Face: “The key here is to layer [subtle] your bronzer and blush until it looks like a sculpted version of you. After finishing her base, I used a dark hued bronzer from the CoverGirl Queen, and then layered it with the Iman Sheer Finishing Bronzer in Afterglow, which contains a bronzer, blush and highlighter trio.”

Eyes: “This is a bleached brow – and no it doesn’t match her hair! I did this to allow her brows and eyes to really pop and stand out – again this goes back to being part of the ‘carved out’ look, and just allowed her to glow even more. I lined her eyes, and then used a beige liner – not a white liner because that would create too much of a contrast – on the inner rim of her lower lash line. The beige liner is much more subtle than white but still opens up the eye area. I then used golden hues on her lids, like Stila Eyeshadow in Twig ($18), and Nars Eyeshadow in NightsStar ($22). Lashes are a must on the red carpet so of course I used false lashes! I fused her natural lashes and the falsies with L’Oréal Voluminous Mascara ($7.50) I finished the look by adding a touch of gold glitter on the inner corners of her eyes to offset her dress!”

Lips: “ I also used golden hues on the lips but took the same ‘layering’ approach like I did with the rest of the face. This means I used lip liner, lipstick and a golden gloss (try Dior Addict Ultra Gloss) to complete this look.”

For more detailed, step-by-step tips on how to create a winning look, be sure to pick up Sam Fine's DVD, The Basics of Beauty available at www.amazon.com for $24.99

Do you like Mo'Nique's look? Would you try this at home for a special night out/occasion?

Gold Rush

2009-11-04T00:00:00.002-05:00

Just like the boyfriend blazer and the boyfriend jeans, sometimes we girls just want to borrow a few fashions from the fellas. Right now, it's all about men's style wristwatches.

This season the gold-tone link bracelet watch is the perfect accessory because it's pretty, yet practical. It adds a bit of an edge to any ensemble, while still providing a subtle feminine flair with a few delicate details.

Would you wear a watch of this style?

Check out some of these:

SEIKO SG788 available at fredmeyerjewelers.com for $188

Betsey Johnson Metallic Link Watch available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $95

AK Anne Klein Ceramic Bracelet Watch available at www.nordstrom.com for $95

Marc by Marc Henry Watch available at www.shopbop.com for $225

Seiko Kinetic SKA401 available at www.jcpenny.com for $318.75

D & G Time Pampelonne 46mm Chrono Watch available at www.bloomingdales.com for $350

**Btw, the winner of the Vaseline Cocoa Butter line is Rebee! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address info. Thanks to all who entered! :-)

Cocoa Butter Delight

2009-11-02T00:00:00.001-05:00

Although Vaseline's Cocoa Butter line has been on the market for a couple of years, I'm still a huge fan. As some of you know, I've written about the Vaseline Cocoa Butter Gel Body Oil in the past because I was so pleased with the product. Since I'm constantly on the lookout for the perfect moisturizers, I figured, why not to try some of their other Cocoa Butter products?

Plus, being pregnant, all you hear is "apply cocoa butter" to prevent stretch marks and keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. So for the past week, I've been using the cocoa butter body cream and smoothing butter. I apply it after I get out of the shower and it manages to keep my skin soft and smooth all day. I am still testing a lot of other products, but right now I'm in love with this particular line of the Vaseline brand.

All Vaseline Cocoa Butter products are available at www.drugstore.com

Are you a fan of cocoa butter-based products? One lucky winner will win the entire Vaseline Cocoa Butter Line, which includes the Vitalizing Gel Body, Deep Conditioning Body Lotion, Body Cream and the Smoothing Butter. Just leave a comment today and tomorrow and a winner will be selected randomly and announced on Wednesday.

Fabulous Photos of the Week!

2009-10-30T00:00:00.001-04:00

For those of you who haven't seen, "This is It," I highly recommend it. Michael Jackson was a true musical genius who will be missed by millions. Do you plan on seeing the movie? What's your favorite shot of the week? Have a great weekend!

The Jacksons at the "This Is It" premiere in L.A.

Keri Hilson at an event in NYC.

Martin Lawrence and family at the the "This Is It" premiere in L.A.

Paula Patton at an event in NYC.

Rashida Jones at an event in L.A.

Vivica Fox at the "This Is It" premiere in L.A.

Will Smith at the "This Is It" premiere in L.A.

**Btw, the winner is Blair! Congrats, please send me your mailing address.

Pumpkin Power!

2009-10-29T00:00:00.003-04:00

Before you toss out your old jack o' lanterns this weekend, be aware that pumpkins pack a powerful punch of beauty benefits. Chock full of Vitamins A & C, pumpkins are ideal for making moisturizing masks. Plus, their flesh contain enzymes and antioxidants that can help dissolve dead skin cells and leave your face feeling refreshed while creating a healthy glow.

Not only are pumpkins good for pies and decorating, they're great for you too!

Have you ever used a pumpkin-based beauty product? As my treat for you, I'm giving away one bottle of Rapid Lash (a $49 value) (it's made with pumpkin seed extracts) to one lucky reader. My friend SWEARS by this product. The reader will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

Check out some of these pumpkin products!

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Peel available at www.sephora.com for $44

Desert Essence Hand Repair Cream in Pumpkin available at www.drugstore.com for $8.99

Nesti Dante Horto Botanico Pumpkin Soap available at www.beautyhabit.com for $9

Pumpkin Spice Hand & Body Lotion available at www.avon.com for $6

Pumpkin Spice Muffin Lip Flavored Lip Shine available at www.sephora.com for $12

The Great Pumpkin Soap available at www.lushusa.com for $5.95

Pumpkin Spice Muffin Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath available at www.sephora.com for $16

Rapid Lash Eye Lash Renewal Serum available at www.target.com for $49.99 (it's been proven to lengthen & strengthen eye lashes)

Pumpkin Spice Shower Gel available at www.ulta.com for $8