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MUSIC: Destiny’s Child To Release New Music

January 10, 2013

Destiny’s Child, is gearing up for a comeback!

Well not exactly, but the R&B trio is set to release new music. On Thursday DC frontwoman, Beyoncé, took to Facebook to announce to fans that she along with bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams will be releasing a new Destiny’s Child compilation album, titled Love Songs, which will feature their new Pharrell-produced single “Nuclear.”

Love Songs is available for pre-order here; $$10

“I am so proud to announce the first original Destiny’s Child music in eight years!” Beyoncé wrote along with a photo of the album cover, which will be released January 29.

While the entire album will be new to fans, it will include old material that was recorded between 1997 to 2004, but was never released. It will also feature three songs that were quite popular for the group: “Emotion,” “Say My Name,” and “Cater 2 U.”

I’ve been a Destiny’s Child fan since my teen years so I’m excited to hear some new music from the trio!

Are you looking forward to hearing songs from “Love Songs?” Who’s your favorite girl-group of all time?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 2 Comments

Make Basic Beauty Products Green With Envy!

January 9, 2013

Bye-bye tangerine dreams, hello emerald green!

By now you’ve heard that Pantone announced that the majestic shade will be all the rage this year. For us beauty buffs, that means 2013 will be all about making our basic makeup shades green with envy. Why not choose a fresh new hue for a fun alternative to boring blacks and browns? And what’s fresher than emerald green?

During the holidays, I played around with the jewel-toned shade on my eyes. I applied a L’Oreal emerald liner to my lower lids for an unexpected pop of color. While it didn’t quite give me the sultry, dark-rimmed look I’ve come to love, I will continue experimenting with the lively shade for spring.

Whether you want to try the color on your lids or nails, there are countless options to get in on the grass-is-greener trend!

Check out these finds:

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in ‘Emerald Green’ available here; $23

Tarte Waterproof Eye Liner in ‘Sunstone Jade’ available here; $19

Urban Decay ‘The Vice Palette’ available here; $59

Butter London Nail Lacquer in ‘British Racing Green’ available here; $14

Will incorporate emerald green into your beauty routine this year?

Interview & GIVEAWAY: Dr. Ian Smith On Shredding Pounds Once and For All!

January 7, 2013

Now that we’re a full week into the new year, are you still on track with your resolutions? If you’re like countless Americans who’ve made the commitment to get in shape this year, Dr. Ian K. Smith’s new book, Shred: The Revolutionary Diet—Six Weeks, Four Inches, Two Sizes, will make it easier to keep your promise, and keep those pesky unwanted pounds in the past.

The New York Times best-selling author’s latest effort serves as a comprehensive weight-loss manual. Think of it as a book version of a hard-nosed personal trainer and nutritionist, outlining in reader-friendly detail what it takes to well, shred those hard-to-ditch pounds. From stressing the importance of meal planning to strategic ways to switch up workout routines to increase weight loss, Shred doesn’t skimp on articulating the methods and techniques needed to complete the six-week program. Plus, it includes easy recipes for delicious smoothies, soups and stews to help maintain the plan.

But don’t be mistaken, this isn’t your typical diet book. There are no gimmicks to getting in shape. It takes hard work, dedication and will power to see successful results as the former “Celebrity Fit Club” medical expert expresses throughout the book.

I recently spoke with Dr. Smith to discuss Shred, working with the president and his favorite pig-out food!

The Shred: Revolutionary Diet—6 Weeks, 4 Inches, 2 inches

Shred: The Revolutionary Diet—6 Weeks, 4 Inches, 2 inches; Available here, $15

BGG: What sets Shred apart from your other books?

Dr. Ian Smith: It’s all of my best strategies in one place!

BGG: Tell me your thoughts on the key to losing weight with Shred.

DS: It’s not really a diet, it’s a way of life. It’s about a way of living. A lot of people think that they should go on a diet if they’re going to a reunion, birthday or on vacation. It’s fine to lose weight for those purposes, but I am interested in you losing weight permanently and for long-term healthy reasons, as well as aesthetic reasons.

BGG: Why is it so difficult for individuals to lose those last few pounds?

DS: When you’re so close to your target weight, it’s in general just more difficult to lose weight. People who have been successful at losing weight reach a plateau because they’ve done what they’ve been doing and their body has settled in and now they have to shake it up. The body has to see different foods, different quantities, etc. That’s what “Diet Confusion” is all about. “Diet Confusion” is about keeping the body off kilter so that you keep your metabolism going and your body won’t get adjusted to the same foods.

BGG: What do you want to convey to women about weight loss?

DS: I want women to know that weight loss is possible and weight loss is possible through making lifestyle changes. It is not about gimmicks to get those last few pounds off because once you stop the gimmick, the weight is going to come back. It’s not about perfection. It’s about finding a way to eat and exercising comfortably. It’s about making smart choices and balance.

BGG: Did you always want to work in the healthcare field?

DS: I always wanted to be a physician since I was a little boy; so my dream has come true. I was supposed to be a surgeon, but I got into weight loss and nutrition by accident. I was a columnist for Time magazine and a lot of my readers would and in questions about diet, weight loss and supplements. In order to fulfill the needs of my readers to understand in a complicated and frustrated marketplace I started becoming an expert in nutrition and weight loss.

BGG: Tell me about your involvement with President Barack Obama’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

DS: We (ambassadors for the White House) go around the country whether it’s on TV, in schools or churches to spread the importance of getting people to eat better and exercise more.

BGG: You’ve had many notable accomplishments throughout your career. What makes you the most proud?

DS: I think the 50-million pound challenge and having the ability to enhance the national dialogue about the need for us to lose weight and to be healthier. I think that was a big deal.

BGG: We all know that you’re incredibly fit, but what’s your indulgence when you just want to pig out?

DS: I was recently on “Rachael Ray” making barbecue steak, buttered mashed potatoes, and honey glazed carrots!

Watch Dr. Smith cooking in the kitchen below:

Be sure to follow @DoctorIanSmith on Twitter for daily health tips, quotes, etc.

Is losing weight one of your New Year’s resolutions? If so, leave a comment below and you could win a copy of Shred! One lucky reader will be randomly selected and announced later this week!

Category: Featured, Features, Giveaway, Giveaways, Health, Interviews, Travel & Lifestyle, Uncategorized, Wellness | 6 Comments

New Year, New Goals!

January 3, 2013

Although the New Year didn’t get off to a good start for me (I’ve been sick with the flu the last few days), I’m still very excited about the year ahead!

I hope to incorporate more exciting elements such as videos, new columns and more interviews to keep you guys engaged and reading. Aside from BGG, my personal resolutions include reading more books per month, attending more mom meet-ups and mentoring. Plus, I want to be more adventurous when it comes to trying new hairstyles and makeup. Cutting back on carbs and replacing them with healthier options such as vitamin-rich fruits and veggies also tops my resolutions list.

Hopefully, this year will be full of new beginnings and fun experiences.

What are a few of your resolutions for 2013? What would you like to see more of on BGG this year?

Category: Featured, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Interview: Oscar James Talks Party-Ready Hair, Hollywood Styling and Trends

December 27, 2012

There’s no denying that Beyoncé, Halle Berry, Tyra Banks and Vanessa Williams are naturally gorgeous. But like the rest of us, they get a little help from professional hair stylists to amp up their beauty. At some point in each of their careers, Oscar James has been that stylist.

For over 20 years, he’s styled some of the hottest stars in Hollywood. From magazine covers to monumental career milestones, James has made sure that his celebrity clients always turn heads. I recently caught up with the Emmy-winning stylist to talk go-to styles for the holiday, dry hair and more!

Check out the Q&A:

BGG: I know that you believe that taking care of the scalp is the foundation to having beautiful, healthy hair. What’s the best way to treat excessively dry scalp?

OJ: Look for nourishing shampoos and conditioners that really focus on the scalp and include vitamins and moisturizing ingredients like shea butter. After washing, make sure you condition your scalp properly to help lock-in moisture. You’ll want to use a lightweight oil to moisturize dry areas of your scalp on a regular basis. A great option is CLEAR Ultra Shea, a new line of shampoo, conditioner, and treatments (oil and balm).

CLEAR Ultra Shea available here; $5.99 (each)

BGG: Many women are beginning to transition from relaxed to non-chemically-straightened (natural) hair. What protective styles do you recommend for women during this process?

OJ: During the transitioning process, the hair can be fragile at the “break line” or the point where the relaxed and natural hair strand meet. If you’re going natural, make the transition easier with styles like braids, weaves and wigs.

BGG: Now that most of the country has entered into cold-weather territory, how can we prevent our hair from becoming dull and brittle?

OJ: Make sure that you use a deep conditioning treatment on your hair and scalp every two weeks. It’ll hydrate your scalp and protect your hair. You can use the heat from a heating cap or hood dryer for 15 minutes to help seal in moisture.

BGG: With New Year’s Eve right around the corner, what are simple yet festive styles that readers can try at home to dress up their hair?

OJ: The holiday season is the perfect time to go all out with something very chic and glamorous. Right now, I love the top knot and a high ponytail. It’s the perfect ‘do for a holiday party or a night out dancing. It’s a great way to look chic while partying the night away because you won’t have to worry about sweating your hair out because it will be swept up and off the face. The best style always comes back to starting at the right end of hair, the scalp, so make sure that you pay attention to your hair and your scalp.

BGG: You’ve styled some of the most glamorous women in Hollywood, what’s your all-time favorite look?

OJ: I’ve worked with countless celebrities during my 20 year career span so it’s difficult to select a favorite look! One of my favorite looks was Halle Berry when she won her Academy Award. It was just such a special day and to be included in history in that way was (and is) priceless.

Halle Berry during her acceptance speech for winning the Academy Award for Best Actress at the 2002 Oscars.

I also love Vanessa Williams on the cover of the October 1994 issue of Essence. It was one of my first covers and is still one of my favorites. Then, there’s the New York Times Magazine cover with Tyra Banks. It still takes my breath away. Sometimes everything just comes together and that cover was one of those times.

Tyra Banks on the cover of the Tk issue of the New York Times magazine.

Tyra Banks on the cover of the June 1, 2008 issue of New York Times Magazine.

BGG: What hair trends do you predict will be huge in 2013?

OJ: I’m not big on trends. I feel that healthy, well-nourished hair and scalp are always in fashion. The goal is always healthy hair that shines and is full of body.

Follow Oscar James on Twitter: @OscarJamesHair

What do you think of his popular styles for Halle and Tyra? Do you have your style planned for New Year’s Eve?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features, Hair, Halle Berry, Interviews, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

A Very Merry Christmas Message!

December 25, 2012

I’m wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! Your support is one of the greatest gifts that a writer/blogger like me could ever receive. Your readership means the world to me! Happy Holidays!! 🙂

My husband, Ava and me during the holidays!

Category: Uncategorized | 3 Comments

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

December 21, 2012

Check out this week’s fabulous photos from some of our fave celebs! Have a wonderful weekend!

Alicia Keys

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade

Angela Simmons

Lance Gross

Beyoncé

Usher Raymond

Jennifer Hudson with her sister Julia.

What’s your favorite photo from the bunch?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Celebrity Photos, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Calling All Moms: The Children’s Place $25 Gift Card Giveaway!

December 19, 2012

Ever since my daughter, Ava, was born (nearly 3 years ago!), she’s been heavily outfitted in clothing from The Children’s Place.

Her entire wardrobe is at least 90% TCP, while the other 10% is divided between Target and GapKids. The fact that it’s only a couple of blocks away from my apartment probably helps, but even if it weren’t conveniently located, I’d still shop there frequently. The prices are always affordable and the clothes are nothing short of adorable. Plus, the quality is excellent, which is a huge selling point because we parents all know how quickly kids can wear out clothes!

Last week, I was invited to a “shop day” at the store for a mini shopping spree. And since I enjoy shopping for Ava more than for myself, it was a real treat!

Ava and I were surrounded by sparkly sequin skirts, glittery holiday dresses and plenty of comfy PJs. There was so much cute stuff to choose from, I had to tear Ava away from the overload of goodies, especially the eye-catching accessories. After about an hour or so, we left with several items including: boots, jewelry, tops and bottoms!

One of my favorite pieces, Sequin Ombre Skirt; $24.99

If I had a son, I’d totally buy this cozy-looking Flannel Shirt for him; $9

We couldn’t have walked out of the store without these snazzy purple Pom-Pom Chalet Boots; $17

Whether you have a newborn, toddler or tween, TCP is a great place to stock up on fashionable finds for less.

With only days left before Christmas, I’d love to give a lucky reader a $25 gift card to pick up a few last-minute stocking stuffers for the little BG or guy in your life!

Simply leave a comment telling me your favorite Christmas song and I’ll randomly select a reader and notify the winner tomorrow (to get it in the mail in time before the holidays).

**The winner is Soraya! Congrats! Thanks to all who entered. Stay tuned for more fun giveaways, etc!

Category: Baby, Fashion, Giveaway, Giveaways, Style, Uncategorized | 12 Comments

Give Gifts that Give Back with St. Jude!

December 17, 2012

With our country still reeling from the senseless tragedy that claimed the lives of 20 innocent children and six adults in Connecticut last week, it’s a sad reminder that we have to truly cherish every moment that we spend with our loved ones.

Now that the gift-giving season is in full-swing, giving to children who suffer from life-threatening illnesses while simultaneously brightening the faces of friends and family is a winning combo. That’s why donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by shopping at stores affiliated with the world-class institution is a great way to spread your holiday cheer while supporting the hospital’s efforts.

During the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign, many of the top retailers nationwide are making it simple to give thanks and donate. Whether it’s adding a dollar to your last-minute purchase at Claire’s or picking up a cute stuffed St. Jude pooch from Target, you can help save a child’s life while bringing joy to someone on your list.

St. Jude’s Bullseye available here; $14.99

Here is a list of some of the retailers participating in the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign this holiday season:

Check out St. Jude’s gift shop here! Read about my experience visiting the hospital in October here.

My prayers go out to everyone affected by the school shooting in CT. God bless the families, friends and the entire Newtown community.

How do you give back during the holidays?

Category: Gifts, Gumbo Mix | Leave a Comment

BGG Chats w/Oyin Handmade’s Jamyla Bennu

December 12, 2012

I’m always on the hunt for new natural products that are made with our hair and skin in mind. When I heard about Oyin Handmade (I know, where have I been?) I knew it was a line that I had to try!

Created by wife-and-husband team, Jamyla & Pierre Bennu in 2001, Oyin has become a coveted brands amongst consumers who appreciate quality, hand-made (no mass manufacturing here!) all-natural hair and body care products.

From herbal “juices and berries” conditioners to almost good-enough-to-eat ash-fighting whipped puddings, Oyin only uses the finest “good-for-you” ingredients to keep our hair and skin looking good. Plus, the packaging is fun, fresh, and incredibly eye-catching.

Jamyla Bennu

I recently caught up with Jamyla to talk Oyin’s loyal following, entrepreneurship, and more!

Check it out below:

BGG: With so many natural beauty care brands in the marketplace now, why do you think your customers keep coming back for more Oyin Handmade?

Jamyla: We work hard to make awesome products that are simple, packed with nutrition, effective, and great smelling. We think folks keep coming back because the products help their hair be the best it can be. But with limited distribution people do go out of their way to get our goodies, purchasing online most of the time; and we think they are willing to keep doing that because we make the experience fun and rewarding for them. It’s another thing we work very hard at—thanking our customers for their business with personable customer service and communication, little gifts in the packages, fun packaging, and a sense of connectedness with the people whose hands make the products. As a smaller-scale company, that fun and the personal connection is something unique that we can offer.

BGG: I know that all of your products are individually special like your children, but if you had to choose one that you’d recommend for everybody what would it be?

Jamyla: Yes, this is a tough one. Maybe the Honey-Hemp conditioner, because it’s such an all-purpose workhorse of a product. You can use it to deep-condition, to co-wash, as a leave-in and as styler.

Honey Hemp Conditioner, available here; $12

BGG: How does the Oyin philosophy of only using natural and “good-for-you” ingredients translate into your overall lifestyle?

Jamyla: I live for nutritional density, not using ‘filler’ in my products or my diet. Every ingredient in our products has work to do, and I strive for the same in the foods I eat and feed my family. For instance, why ‘spend’ my carbs on nutritionally vacant refined or processed starches when I can choose healthy whole grains, brown rice, etc.? That being said, I’m a believer in balance. I feel food offers us an opportunity for both nourishment AND enjoyment—and if you want to ‘spend’ some of your belly space on a decadent dessert or a treasured comfort food, I think that can be satisfying emotionally if not nutritionally (laughing). The key is balance, education, and making sure our bodies’ needs are met.

BGG: Did you always have aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur?

Jamyla: I’ve always valued freedom and creativity, but didn’t always know how to arrive at a career where those attributes came in handy. I arrived at a small business career quite through trial and error.

BGG: What’s been the key to successfully balancing your business and family life?

Jamyla: I don’t think anyone has the ‘key’ to that. We are still working to achieve that balance every day. Having a partner who is a full team player in business and home is vital.