Blog

10 Great Gifts Under $50 & GIVEAWAY!!

December 10, 2012

If you’re still unsure of what to get your BFF, sister, aunt, mother or co-worker for Christmas, let this list be your guide! With only a little over two weeks left in the gift-giving season, these affordable finds are fun, thoughtful and incredibly wallet-friendly.

From personalized mugs to makeup palettes, these stocking stuffers and gifts are great for the deserving BG (or YOU) on your list!

This lip balm set makes the perfect stocking stuffer for the hard-to-please tween on your list! Burt’s Bees Lip Balm Quartet available here; $9.99

Your co-worker will love you for this personalized pick-me-up mug. C Wonder Monogram Mug available here; $10

Show your mom how much she means to you with this 18K gold-plated Nadri Thin Cubic Zirconia Bangle available here; $50

Impress your shower-gel-obsessed sister with this champagne-inspired set. ‘Berry’ Bubbly Raspberry Champagne Body Butter and Bath Wash available here; $32

Spray on your inner “Sasha Fierce” with this tantalizing plum and starfruit scented fragrance. Beyoncé Midnight Heat 1.7 FL. OZ. available here; $24.99

Stuff your BFF’s stocking with these striking Merona Leather Zipper Gloves available here; $17

Send your aunt a heartfelt message for the holidays with this magnetic video memo. PLAY Video Memo available here; $49.99

For your nail-crazed niece, Essie’s Winter Collection Set is a must-have! Available here, $18

Your hair-product-loving pal will ooh and ahh over Oyin Handmade’s All-Natural Sugar Berries Hair Pomade available here; $12 **Stay tuned for my Q&A with the founder!

The unofficial makeup artist in your family will rave for Avon’s Ultimate Makeup Palette available here; $29.99

**You can win it for the makeup maven in your life or yourself!! Simply leave a comment, Tweet or post a comment on BGG’s Facebook page for your chance to win! The winner will be randomly selected and notified on Monday, December 17th.

Have you already completed your holiday shopping or are you just getting started?

Category: Beauty, Fragrance, Gadgets, Gifts, Giveaway, Giveaways, Gumbo Mix, Uncategorized | 13 Comments

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

December 7, 2012

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

Jamie Foxx and Oprah

Laila Ali with her babies.

Terrence J and Kerry Washington

Melanie Fiona

Alicia Keys with her husband, Swizz Beatz.

Laz Alonso and Megan Good on the set of their NBC series, “Deception.”

Shaun Robinson and Usher.

What’s your favorite photo from the bunch!

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Celebrity Photos, Featured, Features | 4 Comments

Bling Around the Collar!

December 6, 2012

Why should Christmas trees be the only things shining brightly this holiday season? Light up your ensemble in an eye-catching necklace or collar to give those scene-stealing evergreens some competition!

Whether you’re wearing a T-shirt and jeans or a sexy LBD, a sparkly jewel-encrusted necklace instantly amps up ordinary outfits, ideal for this time of year. Be a standout at your next holiday soirée in a pretty, bling-worthy statement piece.

Check out these shining stars:

Crystal Color Statement Necklace available here; $138

T Tahari Necklace, Crystal and Embossed Python Statement Necklace available here; $25

Fossil Rose Glitz Statement Necklace available here; $95

Givenchy Hematite-Tone Multicolor Crystal Statement Necklace available here; $175

Noir Jewelry Nightfall Statement Collar available here; $352

Cayetano Legacy Collection ‘The Delia’ Multicolor Necklace available here; $139

ASOS Statement ‘Pharaoh’ Collar available here; $60.36

Are you a statement jewelry wearer or are you more into simple, subtle styles?

Category: Fashion, Style | Leave a Comment

Sneak Peek: Beyoncé’s HBO Documentary Special

December 4, 2012

I’m an unapologetic Beyoncé fan. Needless to say, I’ll be tuning in to her upcoming documentary on HBO; even if that means ordering the premium cable channel just to see the special!

Premiering February 16, the film (directed by the singer) will treat viewers to a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the mega-superstar and mom’s rise to fame to her current seemingly nearly-perfect life.

In the less-than-30-second clip, she shows off her baby bump, hugs her hubby, Jay-Z, and rocks it out onstage. If the teaser is any indication of what fans can expect, it’s going to be a great film!

“Everybody knows Beyoncé’s music, but few know Beyoncé the person,” Michael Lombardo, president of HBO programming tells PEOPLE. “Along with electrifying footage of Beyoncé onstage, this unique special looks beyond the glamour to reveal a vibrant, vulnerable, unforgettable woman.”

Take a peek of the documentary below:

Will you be watching?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured | 3 Comments

Battle of the Seasonal Beverages: Hot Chocolate vs. Egg Nog

December 3, 2012

Is it me, or is this year is flying by faster than you can say, “Brown Girl Gumbo?” It seems like it was only yesterday the little ones were out trick-or-treating!

Anyway, now that it’s already December, that means the two quintessential seasonal beverages are back to satisfy taste buds: classic hot chocolate and egg nog. These decadent drinks bring back childhood memories and serve as the ultimate cozy component to a cold, winter’s night.

Hot Chocolate or Egg Nog, which do you prefer?

While I’m not a huge fan of either, I am partial to hot chocolate simply because I like dropping in a few mini marshmallows just for fun. The kid in me still loves the idea of adding cloud-like bites of sweetness to anything.

I’ve tasted egg nog once or twice, but I don’t remember it being mind-blowingly delicious. Even though I never order the frothy treat, I still like seeing it on menus because it signifies that the holidays have officially arrived!

And, if you prefer your “hot cocoa” or “egg nog” in the tub rather than a mug, these limited edition 3-in-1 shower gels are a must!

Philosophy’s Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath available here; $16

Philosophy’s Old-Fashioned Egg Nog Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath available here; $16

Which of these rich, old-fashioned drinks do you like to indulge in during the holidays? Would you ever purchase “hot cocoa” or “egg nog” shower gel/bubble bath?

Category: Beauty, Gumbo Mix | 4 Comments

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

November 30, 2012

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

Kelly Rowland and Trey Songz

Soledad O’Brien

Sanaa Lathan, Garcelle Beavais and a friend.

Monica Brown

Gabrielle Douglas and a friend.

Lebron James with his children.

Kevin Hart and Keri Hilson

Tia Mowry-Hardrict

What’s your favorite photo from the bunch?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Celebrity Photos | 3 Comments

Prevent Chapped Lips with L’Occitane

November 29, 2012

I usually don’t suffer from chapped lips, but so far this season my lips have been drier than the Sahara Desert! Luckily, I have an arsenal of treatments to slather on my lips when they’re in need of TLC.

Balms are great at keeping lips moist and supple throughout cold-weather season, but sometimes certain brands leave behind that icky white residue. That’s why I’ve been obsessing over L’Occitane’s Limited Edition Mango Flower Lip Balm for the past few days. It’s chock full of natural ingredients such as organic shea and mango butters. Plus, it manages to hydrate and soothe my lips without creating that nasty film that gathers in the creases. Its non-sticky formula makes it stand out from so many others that I’ve tested.

If you’re on the market for a bomb lip balm, this is by far one of my faves!

L’Occitane Shea Butter Mango Flower Lip Balm available here; $12

What do you use to prevent chapped lips?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features | Leave a Comment

Celebrate the Holidays In Style!

November 27, 2012

Now that Thanksgiving’s over, it’s safe to say that the holidays have officially started. And with the holidays, come holiday parties!

From formal office fêtes to festive family shindigs, ’tis the season to throw on a cute cocktail dress or a chic pair of pants to celebrate the most wonderful time of year, in style!

Check out these fashionable finds:

Kenzo Metallic Brocade and Taffeta Top available here; $210

Milly ‘Like Honey’ Dress available here; $50 (rental) or $377

ASOS Petite Exclusive Lace Dress w/Cut Out Back available here; $80

Chico’s Black Label Brocade Pants available here; $71

French Connection Reverse Sequined Cocktail Dress available here; $161

Anthropologie ‘Prunus’ Brocade Skirt available here; $50

Ark & Co. Sequin Sleeve Blouse available here; $69

Category: Fashion, Featured, Style | Leave a Comment

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 22, 2012

This is the first Thanksgiving that I’ve spent in Chicago, my hometown, in a few years. I’m overjoyed to be surrounded by my family, and of course, FOOD!

While this year has had its ups and downs, I still have SO much to be thankful for. I’m alive, I’m healthy and I’m loved by my family and friends. No matter what hardships we’re facing, there’s always something to be grateful for. Whether it’s something small as smile from a stranger or as grand as winning the lottery, always give thanks.

I thank YOU for reading BGG every day. Your readership and support these past five years means more to me than you’ll ever know!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Category: Gumbo Mix | 1 Comment

Must-See: Michael Jackson ‘Bad25’ Documentary

November 21, 2012

After gobbling down your fair share of turkey, be sure to tune in to Michael Jackson: “Bad25” special airing Thanksgiving (Nov. 22) night on ABC (9:30EST/8:30 CST).

The Spike Lee-directed documentary will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the late King of Pop’s legendary “Bad” album and tour. The film will feature never-before-seen footage and interviews from Jackson around the time of the 1987 record-breaking release.

In addition, it will give viewers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes genius that made Jackson a legend. Lee also interviews those who collaborated with the singer for the history-making album and concerts.