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New Year, New Workout

January 6, 2014

Happy New Year, I hope you guys had a wonderful holiday!

Although I didn’t go to Chicago (my hometown) for Christmas or NYE, I had a fantastic time here in New York with my family. And, when I tell you that I took advantage of the season (since Thanksgiving) to indulge in some of my favorite treats, I REALLY did.

From countless bags of gummy bears to bite-size marshmallow bliss, I had my fair share (and then some) of sugary snacks. Now I’m left with those dreaded, pesky post-holiday pounds. Plus, I still haven’t completely shed my pregnancy weight.

Needless to say, since mid-December I’ve been hitting the gym harder than ever. Well, I actually really never worked out before, but that’s not the point! Thanks to Beyoncé’s surprise HOT release, it’s kept me moving and motivated to melt these pounds away by March.

I’ll keep you guys posted on my progress!

Did you overindulge during the holidays? Did you make a New Year’s resolution? I know it’s been out for nearly a month, but what do you think of Beyoncé‘s new CD/DVD?

Category: Wellness | 1 Comment

Beauty Gifts For The BGs On Your List!

December 10, 2013

The holidays are in full swing!

Whether you’re shopping for your sister, BFF, mom, aunt, co-worker or cousin, the following stocking stuffers will make all of their Christmases bright and beautiful.

From seasonal lip balms to super cute body wash sets, these gifts prove once again that good things really do come in small packages.

jane iredale The Skincare Makeup Glamour Eye & Lip Palette available here, $75

Bliss Merry ‘Kiss’-Mas Lip Balm Duo in Vanilla & Peppermint available here, $18

Caudalie Hand Cream Trio available here, $25

H20+ ‘All The Pretty Brights’ Bath Basics Set available here, $14.50

Deborah Lippman ‘Rock This Town’ Nail Polish Set available here, $35

Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Starter Set available here, $25

Urban Decay ‘Ocho Loco 2’ 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set available here, $60

DVF Lip Print Cosmetics Set Trio available here, $88

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Category: Beauty, Carol's Daughter | Leave a Comment

7 Sequin Sweaters Perfect for the Holidays!

November 26, 2013

This holiday season skip the ugly Christmas sweater and opt for a chic sequined one instead!

The tiny sparklers are a favorite this time of year because they add an instant festive flair to boring ensembles.

From holiday parties to shopping excursions, wearing these cheery sweaters will brighten your day (or night!). Plus, they’ll keep you warm and cozy without compromising style or comfort.

Check out these fashionable finds:

JC Penney Sequin Sweater available here, $25

J.Crew Scattered Sequin Sweater available here, $118

Press Dot Sequin Sweater available here, $78

Markus Lupfer Christmas Bauble Sweater available here, $385

Jones New York Sequin Dolman V-Neck Sweater available here, $64

J. Crew Collection Cashmere Tiny-Sequin Sweater available here, $268

Bisou Bisou Long-Sleeve Sequined Sweater available here, $30

What’s your go-to style for the holidays?

Category: Fashion, Style, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

GIVEAWAY: ‘The Best Man Holiday’ Black Opal Cosmetics Collection

November 11, 2013

If you’re anything like me, you’re counting down the days until the release of “The Best Man Holiday!”

The original film is one of my all-time favorites so I can’t wait to see the gorgeous cast back on the big screen this Friday. For the sequel, Black Opal Cosmetics is serving as the movie’s official US cosmetics partner. In this role, Black Opal is hosting a “Win an L.A Holiday Vacay,” sweepstakes (open until Nov. 17) for a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to the City of Angels. Click here to enter!

“The Best Man Holiday” in theaters nationwide Friday, November 15

**Also, one lucky BGG reader will win a “Best Man Holiday” beauty collection comprised of products inspired by looks from the film. Simply tell me if you’d be as forgiving as Morris Chestnut’s character Lance (from the original movie) if you found out that your best friend had slept with your soon-to-be husband? Leave your answer in the comments and a winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday.

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features, Giveaway | 2 Comments

Product Review: Evenflo’s Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump

November 4, 2013

It’s hard to believe that my little bundle of joy is already over a month old!

While these past few weeks have been nothing short of amazing, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that in the very beginning breastfeeding made them challenging too. Luckily, I had support and a good pump.

EvenFlo’s new Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump was a godsend during those sleepless nights when I contemplated giving up breastfeeding all together. The ease of being able to express milk pain-free allowed me to bottle-feed my son when I couldn’t do it directly. The compact and virtually quiet design made pumping a breeze when it was just too painful (due to improper latches) to nurse him or to simply freeze and stockpile.

Unlike some other brands (I’ve used a couple others with my firstborn), this pump is more affordable and just as effective. With several levels of speed and suction, you can pump effectively depending on the desired setting. And, it’s also one of the few pumps that has closed system, which keeps it sanitary and prevents bacteria from creeping into milk. Plus, it comes with three flange sizes for a more customized and comfortable fit.

Now that I’ve finally mastered nursing my newborn, I don’t use the pump as much as I did during the first days. That said, I do use it occasionally while nursing since it can be used as a single pump. But, I’ll definitely use it a lot more once I go back to work full-time. Again, its compact size makes it easy for toting and traveling.

If you or someone you know is expecting and looking for a quality breast pump that won’t break the bank, this is an excellent choice!

Evenflo Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump available here, $99

If you’re a mom, did breastfeeding come easily for you or did you have a difficult time?

Category: Baby, Uncategorized, Wellness | 3 Comments

Brown Baby ‘Boy’ Gumbo Is Here!

October 8, 2013

If you’ve been wondering why I haven’t updated my blog in over a week, it’s been for a very good reason—the birth of my son!

Ava now has a baby brother who will surely become her partner in crime. Since he came into the world 10 days ago, I’ve already had my fair share of emotional mommy meltdowns and unwarranted anxiety, but those feelings pale in comparison to the love and adoration I have for my baby boy!

For the next few weeks, my posts will probably be sporadic since I’m still navigating the world of mommy-hood part two!

Here’s a pick of my pride and joy:

Category: Featured, Features, Gumbo Mix, Health, Misc., Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 9 Comments

GIVEAWAY: Grace Hightower De Niro & Coffee of Rwanda Gift Set

September 27, 2013

In case you didn’t know, today is National Coffee Day!

Although I’m not a ‘cup of joe’ drinker, Grace Hightower De Niro is making me reconsider. Wife of the legendary actor, Robert De Niro, Grace is the woman behind the newly launched Grace Hightower De Niro & Coffee of Rwanda.

Inspired by the spirit of Rwandans, De Niro decided to create this line of fair trade coffees to celebrate, support and give back to the coffee farmers and citizens of the African country. Through direct sourcing, ethical practices and environmental stewardship, her commitment to the betterment of the hardworking farmers and their surrounding communities allows them to create a sustainable business that can be passed from one generation to the next.

Through Grace’s dedication, she helps make it possible for their products to be enjoyed and shared with people from all over the world. Available in four unique blends ranging from citrusy medium light roasts to deep espresso roasts, Coffees of Rwanda will surely satisfy the cravings of any coffee consumer!

Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda available here and at specialty stores including Whole Foods, $12.50 each

As a celebration of her journey to Rwanda, check out this video titled, “LOVE!”

**GIVEAWAY: One lucky reader will win a Coffees of Rwanda gift set, a $25 value! Simply leave a comment sharing your favorite coffee flavor! The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Monday, Sept. 30.

Also, in honor of National Coffee Day, Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda will have a GH&COR food truck driving around NYC giving out free coffee on Friday, September 27th and Saturday, September 28th from 8 AM to 5 PM! Be sure to follow @coffeeofgrace on Twitter and on Facebook.com/CoffeeOfGrace for updates, etc.

Category: Gumbo Mix, Health, Misc., Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 4 Comments

GIVEAWAY: Terrence J’s New Book ‘The Wealth of My Mother’s Wisdom’

September 25, 2013

Terrence Jenkins, better known as Terrence J has proven that he’s no one-trick pony.

Known mostly for his stint as the co-host of BET’s “106 & Park” back in 2006 (until earlier this year), Jenkins has gone on to act on the big and small screens while currently co-anchoring “E!’ News.” The popular television personality and actor can now add “author” to his growing résumé.

Jenkins’ book, The Wealth of My Mother’s Wisdom: Lessons That Made My Life Rich, is set to be released Oct 1st. Not quite a memoir, but still very telling of his upbringing/life; Jenkins provides readers with advice and inspiring personal stories that will encourage them to follow their dreams. He credits his mother, Lisa, for all of his success and dedicates this book to her as a gift of gratitude for all of the valuable life lessons she instilled in him.

In addition to sharing his own stories, the book also encouraging stories from T.I, Kevin Hart, Laz Alonso and Ludacris.

On sale October 1st here, $19.99

**Two lucky readers will win a copy of Terrence J’s The Wealth of My Mother’s Wisdom: The Lessons That Made My Life Rich. Simply leave a comment sharing one of the most valuable lessons that either your mom or dad gave to you or that you will give to your child. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Oct. 1st.

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Book, Book Reviews, Books, Gumbo Mix, Misc. | 7 Comments

Beauty Buy: ChapStick Hydration Lock

September 24, 2013

Now that temps are taking a slight dip, it’s time to protect our lips from the elements and keep them moisturized.

ChapStick’s new Hydration Lock is the perfect product to provide the ideal protection. A mainstay in the marketplace, ChapStick’s latest balm from its moisturizer line, promises to keep kissers hydrated for up to 8 hours! While I haven’t worn it for that many hours just yet, it did leave my lips super soft and smooth. Plus, it works as a great base for glosses and lipsticks.

And, if you’re a fan of vanilla flavored beauty buys, you won’t be disappointed. The light-weight balm is packed with Vitamin E and has just the right amount of vanilla flavoring to make lips lick-worthy!

Since giving birth tends to dry out lips, this particular ChapStick will definitely make its way into my hospital bag very soon!

ChapStick Hydration Lock available at drugstores nationwide for $2.99

* Disclosure: “The ChapStick® product and information have been provided by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.”

Do you wear protective lip balms during the cooler months?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | Leave a Comment

Beauty News: Celebrity Makeup Artist Sam Fine Reunites with CoverGirl!

September 24, 2013

Celebrity makeup artist Sam Fine is officially back with CoverGirl!

After working in the industry for over 20 years, the incredibly talented Fine has once again joined forces with the popular makeup brand.

As the Brand Ambassador, Fine will provide beauty advice, how-to’s and more to the CoverGirl community. Plus, be sure to keep an eye out for him on the new “Queen Latifah Show,” as he will surely partake in makeovers and other beauty-related show topics throughout the season. Also, if you’ve tuned in to her show since it premiered last week, you probably noticed how absolutely stunning and radiate she looks. Yep, that’s all the handiwork of Mr. Fine!

Just when some of us were still loving (ahem, definitely me!) his Fashion Fair products, we can only expect even better things to come now that he’s reunited with CoverGirl. Not only is he exceptionally good at what he does, he happens to be one of the nicest celebrity makeup artists I’ve met since I began covering beauty.

Congrats, Sam!