Give Dad the Gift of Grooming with Aveeno

It’s no secret that men typically don’t know as much about quality skincare products as we women do. That’s why it’s our job to keep them informed.

What better time than Father’s Day to introduce them to Aveeno’s brand new Active Naturals Men’s Collection?  Specially formulated with super soothing colloidal oats, the line consists of a moisturizing Face Wash, Shave Gel and After-Shave Lotion.

My husband tried it a couple of weeks ago and was impressed with how smooth and hydrated the trio left his skin. Plus, unlike most shaving creams, this gel is fragrance free!

So grab a nice basket or masculine case, head to your local drugstore and give dad the gift of grooming this Sunday!

Face-WashAveeno Active Naturals Men’s Face Wash available here, $5.99

Shave-Gel

Aveeno Active Naturals Men’s Shave Gel available here, $3.99

After-Shave-Lotion

Aveeno Active Naturals Men’s After Shave Lotion available here, $5.99

What are you giving dad this Father’s Day?

Tia Mowry-Hardrict Gets Fresh for PETA

Our favorite twin sisters stay busy!

Tia Mowry-Hardrict is one of the latest celebrities to pose for PETA’s popular and sometimes controversial ads. Wearing an apron made out of fresh lettuce, Tia shows off her sassy side in the new ad campaign that reads, ” Let Veganism Grown On You.”

The “Tia and Tamera” star, 34, who has become incredibly health conscious since the birth of her son in 2011, wants to help educate her fans about the benefits of veganism.

Photo Courtesy: Robert Sebree/PETA

Photo Courtesy: Robert Sebree/PETA

“I wanted to become a voice for my community. … I wanted to educate my culture about the benefits of becoming vegan,” Mowry explained in an exclusive PETA interview. “The more you learn about the benefits of being vegan, the more you become alive and the more you become aware of why it’s a really great decision. Not only am I helping myself, I’m helping the animals out there, I’m helping the environment—going vegan, I feel great.”

According to PETA, going vegan has tremendous health benefits including, reducing the risks of heart disease, cancer, strokes, diabetes, and obesity.

Is veganism a lifestyle that you’d consider?

In Case You Missed It: Fabulous Celebrity TwitPics of the Week!

Check out this week’s fabulous Twitter and Instagram photos from some of our fave celebs!

Angela Simmons

Angela Simmons

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan

Christina Milian with her daughter, Violet.

Christina Milian with her daughter, Violet.

Brandy

Brandy

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey

Marlon Wayans

Marlon Wayans

 

What’s your favorite photo from the bunch?

Sneak Peek: Preview of ASPiRE’s New Talk Show ‘Exhale’

It’s about time we BGs got a new view!

Starting June 27, “Exhale,” a new talk show similar to the popular ABC chat fest, “The View,” will premiere on Magic Johnson’s cable network ASPiRE.

With co-hosts  journalist Angela Burt-Murray, producer and creator of online hit “Awkward Black Girl” Issa Rae, actress Malinda Williams, news anchor Rene Syler and comedian Erin Jackson, the weekly series is sure to be full of candid conversations, funny tidbits, fresh perspectives and showcase entertaining guests.

“Exhale,” is produced by Lynne Robinson and Black Robin Media, and is ASPiRE’s third original series. The show will produce an eight-episode first run.

It won’t be the only talk show featuring BG co-hosts. Fox network’s “The Real,” will follow a similar format with co-hosts:  Tamera Mowry-Housley, Tamar Braxton, Adrienne Bailon, Jeannie Maiy and Loni Love. It’s scheduled to premiere July 8.

Check out the “Exhale” preview clip below:

Check your local listings for the ASPiRE channel in your area. “Exhale” premieres June 27 at 8pm (EST). 

Will you be tuning in?

Interview: Renaissance Woman Amanda Seales Talks Beauty, Music and More!

We all have our creative sides, but it seems like God gave Amanda Seales  (formerly known as Amanda Diva) a little more than the rest of us!

The Los Angeles native, 31,  who calls New York City home is an all-around Renaissance woman. If being one of the hottest and most sought-after DJs in the city isn’t enough, the multi-talented Columbia University alum is also a visual artist, poet, playwright, singer/songwiter, entrepreneur, TV personality and the host of the recently wrapped VH1 show, “Masters of the Mix: Season 3.”

I recently caught up with the girl-about-town diva to dish about her inspiration, beauty routine and of course, music!

Check out the Q&A below:

Amanda-Seales

BGG: Your artwork is absolutely beautiful! What do you enjoy creating the most?

Amanda Seales: Thank you! Lately I’ve found myself becoming more interested in going the fashion route with my art I’ve really enjoyed spicing up pieces like purses, bangles, denim. Eventually I’d like to have my own clothing and home lines. I also really love doing big pieces. I don’t really get the chance to because of time and space (these NYC apartments aren’t great for that) but I love the feeling of accomplishment after I finish and seeing what started as a little thought in my mind realized tangibly on a big canvas.

AS-Soul_Fro_BagSoul Fro Canvas Tote Bag available here, $30

BGG: During your travels, what country or city inspires you the most?

AS: Paris. Hands down. It’s so aesthetically beautiful yet gritty. It is as if it were built for the specific purpose of inspiring artists!

BGG: What do you think are the challenges (if any) that female DJs experience that their male counterparts don’t have to deal with?

AS: Dudes hollering at us while we’re in the booth. (laughing) You have no idea how annoying it is and the insipid questions like, “So you be djaying??” CLEARLY.

BGG: Being the epitome of a Renaissance woman with a super busy schedule, what are your beauty & hair secrets to always looking camera-ready?

AS: As far as beauty secrets I’m pretty simple. I wash my face daily with Oil of Olay Total Effects. In regard to makeup, I use the Bobbi Brown Bronze “Shimmer Brick” as a shimmer and love a pop (of color) on the lip and I try to get creative with my eyes. On shoots, I have makeup artists use a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation as it’s less wearing on my skin. Dairy gives me pimples on my forehead so I try to stay away but damn, that Haagen-Daz is SO inviting!

Bobbi-Brown-Shimmer-Brick

As far as my hair, I also keep that simple too! I wash my hair about every other day and comb it out and condition on weekends. In the shower I use Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream Moisturizing No Suds Shampoo and Hair Rules Quench Ultra Rich Conditioner. For daily upkeep, I use Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk as a leave-in to keep my curls defined and voluminous.

BGG: You have such a refreshing personal style. How would you describe it in three words?

AS: Thanks! I never really considered myself stylish but I’ve really been giving more effort to it so that means a lot! Amazing designer Sharufa Walker of Jinaki gave me some great advice she said, “Amanda you are gifted with use of color on canvas. Use that same gift and apply it and treat yourself like the canvas and your clothes like the paints.” That has totally changed my mind frame and given foundation to my style over night! I would describe it as Colorful. Classy. Feminine.

BGG: Like most of us, music is a huge part of your life. When did you know that you wanted to make a profession out of it?

AS: I honestly never knew. It just happened. One day I was doing poetry and after the show was offered a job as a radio host at Sirius Satellite Show. I was always a music lover but it was then that the hobby became a profession.

BGG: Being an ‘80s baby, you’ve seen hip-hop undergo many changes. What do you think of today’s hip-hop landscape?

AS: Blechhhh.

BGG: If you could only play one album for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why?

AS: Bob Marley “Legend” because it is multi-dynamic musically and emotionally. There is a song for every feeling and mood.

Bob-Marley

BGG: Being so multi-talented, what do you envision for your future career-path?

AS: In the future I want to continue to raise the platform on which I’m hosting and creating. Whether it’s programming content, art, djaying, or written work (plays/books), I am ready to elevate and have my own television show, book, branded endorsement featuring my art, etc . I also hope to be able to one day live comfortably and consistently off of my prolific mind.

AS-Afro-Series-Poster-Print

BGG: I know that you often speak with young women in college, what has been your best advice to them?

AS: I feel like only they would know what my best advice to them has been, but I try to always instill in them the importance of preservation of integrity and the importance of education. Those are two things that no one  can take from you!

6 Summertime Beauty & Style Essentials

Now with the unofficial start to summer underway, what better time than now to share some of my fave warm weather style and beauty essentials?

From the best sunscreen to the most luminous lip gloss to the perfect pair of sandals. These summertime must-haves will keep you looking and feeling good too!

L'Oreal Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil Spray, SPF

Keep skin protected and sunkissed with L’Oreal Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil Spray SPF 15 available here, $8

Jane-Iredale-PureGloss

A perfect mix of creamy and translucent tint makes this gloss my go-to for summer. jane iredale PureGloss Lip Gloss in Sugar Plum available here, $24Gap-Leather-Tote

This carryall will punch up any ensemble whether poolside or shopping. Gap Leather Tote in Neon Orange available here, $95

Monoi-Oil-Sacred-Strenghtening-Serum-30

This protective serum provides sheen and moisture without weighing down hair. Carol’s Daughter Monoi  Oil Sacred Strengthening Serum available here, (1.7 oz) $30

Yanagita-Sandals

This vibrant summertime shade puts a fresh spin on ordinary sandals. Aldo ‘Yanagita’ Flat Leather Sandals available here, $60

Aveeno-Positively-Radiant-Night-Cream

This oil-free night cream works wonders while you slumber, helping make skin look refreshed by sunrise. Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream available here, $16.49

What are some of your favorite summertime essentials?

In Case You Missed It: Fabulous Celebrity TwitPics of the Week!

Check out this week’s fabulous Twitter and Instagram photos from some of our fave celebs!

Alicia Keys, Lala and Kerry Washington

Alicia Keys, Lala and Kerry Washington

Joan Smalls

Joan Smalls

Angela Simmons, Bow Wow and Floyd Mayweather

Angela Simmons, Bow Wow and Floyd Mayweather

Regina Hall

Regina Hall

Solange

Solange

Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Tia Mowry-Housley

Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Tia Mowry-Housley

For all the moms, have a Happy Mother’s Day! What’s your favorite photo of the week? 

5 Great Last-Minute Gifts for Mom

If you haven’t gotten around to getting your mom a gift for Mother’s Day yet, don’t fret! I’ve rounded up the perfect last-minute presents that my fellow procrastinators and moms will love.

From spa gift cards to Broadway tickets, give mom a gift that will allow her to have fun, relax and enjoy!

Motown-MusicalSurprise mom with tickets to Broadway’s hottest show in town, Motown the Musical! If you don’t live in New York City, make this experience even more special with a trip to the Big Apple for a weekend. The show runs through November. Motown the Musical tickets available here, starting at $65.

flowers

Wow mom with flowers year-long with a new bouquet delivered to her doorstep for 3, 6 or 12 months! ProFlowers available here, starting at $130

Oprah-iPad-AppTreat your tech-savvy mom with a subscription to O, The Oprah Magazine. She’ll enjoy getting advice and tips from Lady O at her fingertips! Subscriptions can be purchased here, $20.

SpaFinder

Give mom the gift of relaxation with a spa day in her area. SpaFinder gift certificates are available here.

Red-Box-Night

Grab the popcorn! Your movie-loving mom will appreciate this box of goodies including 5 RedBox gift certificates. If you’re really strapped for time, you can create your own basket of snacks and pick up movie vouchers from your local theater! RedBox Movie Night Gift Basket available here, $52.

What are you getting your mom for Mother’s Day? If you’re a mom, what are you hoping to receive on Sunday?

3 Life Lessons I’ve Learned Since Turning 30

This past Saturday I celebrated my 33rd birthday. The weather was great, my husband showered me with goodies, my daughter was giddy with excitement and I feasted on one of my favorite dishes (seafood pasta). After such a wonderful day, I stopped to ponder three of the most significant things I’ve learned so far in my thirties.

Ava and me on my birthday.

Ava and me on my birthday.

33-candles

Thought I’d share them with you guys!

1. Some friendships aren’t meant to last a lifetime. It took me until I was 30 years old to realize that all friends aren’t supposed to be in my life forever. I had to learn how to recognize when a friendship’s season has passed and move forward!

2. Worrying about what other people think of me is pretty pointless. In my 20s, I spent far too much time concerned about how people perceived me. In these last few years, I’m the most comfortable I’ve ever been in my own skin and people’s opinions of me no longer have a place in my life.

3. Happiness is a choice! I have read my fair share of self-help books pertaining to the pursuit of happiness and have finally concluded that happiness isn’t just a state of being, but a choice. We have the ability to make the most out of our less-than-ideal situations and see the silver lining in every aspect of our lives. And Oprah is right, happiness and gratefulness goes hand-in-hand!

If you’re in your 30s (or beyond), what’s been the most significant thing you’ve learned during the third decade of your life?

Happy Earth Day: My Green Beauty Go-Tos

Being a mother, I care about the future of our earth even more than before I became a parent. That’s why I try to do my part to help preserve our wonderful planet by making a conscious effort to purchase eco-friendly products. If we don’t do our best to keep our resources bountiful, we’re bound for environmental disaster.

From biodegradable shower gel to cruelty-free cosmetics brushes to all-natural lip gloss packaged in easily recyclable plastic, here are a few of my fave green go-tos:

earth-lovers-shower-gel-apricot-basil_zThe Body Shop Earth Lovers Apricot & Basil Shower Gel available here, $5. Cleanse skin with this completely biodegradable bottle of fragrant apricot and basil bliss.

Jane-Iredale-Quad-Bronzer

Jane Iredale Quad Bronzer available here, $48. This compact is packed with quality minerals that leaves skin brilliant yet natural. Eco-Tools-Bamboo-Brush-Set

EcoTools Bamboo 5-Piece Brush Set available here, $12. Made of 100% recycled materials, these brushes will allow you to apply your makeup in

Mixed-Chicks-Kids-Shampoo

Mixed Chicks Kids Shampoo available here, $12. This tear-free all-natural shampoo will leave your kids’ hair soft and tangle-free and is never tested on animals. Burts-Bees-Lip-Shine

Burt’s Bees Lip Shine available here, $5.49. This pucker-fixer-up is packaged in the most environmentally-friendly plastic available.

What are some of your favorite earth-friendly products?