Plan a Girlfriend Getaway

September 15, 2011

Not ready to say goodbye to summer (which officially ends at the end of the month)? Gather up your girlfriends and plan a quick end-of-season getaway. With countless last-minute summer deals, finding a vacation spot that complements your group’s personality should be easy.

The iconic Fontainebleau in Miami Beach is an ideal destination for BFF bonding due to its innumerous amenities. Whether having a dance-filled night out on the town, enjoying delicious dinners, shopping till you drop, or relaxing with luxurious spa services is what you’re looking for, then this celebrity hangout has you covered.

Renovated in 2008 from its 1950s art-deco design during the Rat Pack heyday, The Fontainebleau boasts 22-acres and houses two of the city’s most popular nightclubs, 12 restaurants, 3 shopping boutiques, and the incomparable 40,000-square foot Lapis Spa.

I recently had the pleasure of indulging in an invigorating, complimentary massage at the aforementioned lavish resort. The treatment was the perfect antidote to the demands and ongoing duties of a busy mom like me. Lapis surpassed all of my previous spa experiences with its ultra-chic design and serene atmosphere. While I enjoyed the spa, my only regret is not having a few of my best girlfriends with me to share the experience.

Pefect for BFFs and bridal parties, the spa offers great packages to make any getaway a grand-slam.

If you’re looking to plan your own girls getaway, be sure to follow these tips:

Stash Cash: Prior to the trip, make sure that everyone sets aside extra cash to go towards the vacation pool that will cover tips, taxis and meals.

Consolidate Your Packing: If your BFF has a fabulous flat iron ask her to bring it so that you don’t have to and vice versa. This way, the group can use certain items/products without having to lug around individual ones.

Pick Activities that the Entire Group will Enjoy: Nothing is worse than being on a trip with friends who aren’t on the same page when it comes to the excursion’s activities. Let everyone know in advance if there will be planned activities to ensure that you’re all in agreement.

Dine with Your Friends in Mind: Dining can be one of the most enjoyable parts of a girls getaway. That’s why it’s important to make sure that the places you visit offer food selections that the entire group can enjoy.

Lapis Spa is offering $99 treatments as part of Miami Spa Months now through the rest of the month. Click here for more information.

Have you taken a girlfriend getaway this year? If so, where did you go?

Category: Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Plan a Girlfriend Getaway

September 15, 2011
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Your Chance to Win a Cetaphil Prize Pack!

September 13, 2011

As some of you may know, I was selected by Galderma to attend the 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards this Sunday in Los Angeles. Besides being incredibly giddy about dressing up and walking the red carpet, I’m excited  to let you guys in on the fun too.

Prior to the event, my guest and I will be getting glam by an expert stylist and makeup artist. Here’s where you come in…simply email or post a question in the comments section asking Dr. Luftman and/or the stylists and beauty experts who will be on-hand any questions related to the skin condition rosacea.

Because we BGs and guys aren’t usually affected by the skin ailment, it does occur. It’s especially important for us to seek treatment early in order to avoid hyper-pigmentation.

I’ll choose TWO lucky readers’ questions who will then receive a Cetaphil prize pack which will include a Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser and Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer. Some of my loyal readers may remember how I highly recommended both products a few years ago – it’s the best stuff on the market, especially for sensitive skin. 

Category: Beauty | 5 Comments

Fashion Week Spotlight: Atelier AZZA

September 13, 2011

With all of the Fashion Week hubbub taking place in New York, I’d be remiss if I didn’t feature the show that brought me the most excitement – Atelier AZZA. OK, the designer, Azeeza Desai, does happen to be my BFF, but her luxurious designs speak for themselves.

The sophisticated, Indian-inspired “Monarch,” line included embellished cardigans, jewel-encrusted red-carpet worthy floor-length gowns, billowy blouses, and other sleek, eye-catching designs. Seeing her one-of-a-kind pieces grace the catwalk at the Say We’s (South Asian Young Women Entrepreneurs) Fashion for Compassion show at the Ritz-Carlton last night was by far my Fashion Week highlight.

Photos by: Errol Dunlap

Even if Azeeza wasn’t my closest friend I’d still be certain that Atelier AZZA is well on it’s way to becoming a coveted brand.


I am unable to rotate the video. Sorry, but at least it’s a glimpse. 

Who’s your favorite designer? Have you been following this Fashion Week’s trends? If so, what lines have caught your eye for spring?

Category: Fashion | 7 Comments

Missoni To Hit a Bullseye Tomorrow

September 12, 2011

In case you missed the Fashion’s Night Out Missoni for Target pop-up store festivities last week, don’t fret – the coveted zig-zag, striped brand is officially launching at Tar-jay tomorrow.

From chic accessories, to children’s attire to home goods, the luxury label’s affordable debut is sure to cause a frenzy.

Are you a fan of the famed Missoni brand? If so, are you excited for its Target line?

Category: Fashion | 1 Comment

Fashion’s Night Out: Say Goodbye to Boring Band-Aid Shades

September 8, 2011

Tonight is the night that fashionistas around the country, (especially in New York City) have been waiting for – Fashion’s Night Out (FNO). Back for its third year, countless stores and design houses will host special shopping soirees to serve as the unofficial kick-off to Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week.

To celebrate the night of style, esteemed designer, Cynthia Rowley, is teaming with Band-Aid for a second year in a row with their collaboration of practical, yet pretty adhesive bandages. Made for fashionistas who want to cover their scrapes in style, fix a broken heel or solve another fashion accident, these trendy patterns make boring nude shades take a backseat to these chic options. A must-have for any fashionista’s emergency kit or medicine cabinet, these bandages are a fashion statement on their own.

Also, if you’re in the NYC area, be on the lookout for the Glambulance, which will be fully equipped with a glam squad to take care of all of your beautiful boo-boos, style woes, fashion emergencies, and more!

September 8 – 5th Avenue between 56th & 57th
September 9 – 65th and Broadway 


Plus, the designer and company are hosting a contest where you could possibly win a $2,500 Cynthia Rowley shopping spree. Simply share your worst fashion emergency for a chance to win. Check out the details here: www.facebook.com/bandaid.  


Will you partake in any FNO festivities tonight? 

Category: Fashion | 2 Comments

Review: Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Line

September 7, 2011

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of trying out the shampoo, conditioner and repairing mask from the new Carol’s Daughter Monoi Reparing line. I was excited about the Monoi line because of the unique ingredients each item contained. Monoi oil, coconut cleansers, hibiscus extract, and bamboo water are just a few of the natural ingredients used to help undo and prevent future damage.

Although I only shampoo my hair about once a month due to the excessive drying ingredients found in most shampoos, I was pleasantly surprised with the Monoi Repairing Shampoo. It’s sulfate-free, which made my 4B natural strands very happy. This shampoo not only smells good but my hair didn’t feel dry and brittle after my first use.

The one thing I noticed most about the Monoi Repairing Conditioner was its ability to moderately detangle and moisturize my hair. I wouldn’t necessarily purchase or use this particular conditioner on its own, but it does work well in conjunction with the Monoi Repairing Shampoo.

Lastly, I really enjoyed applying the Monoi Repairing Mask. Used as a deep conditioning treatment, this mask is very buttery, thick and smooth with a light floral scent. The mask claims to put back your hair’s natural softness and conditions for better manageability. I kept the mask on my hair for about 10 minutes before rinsing out. So, did I notice a difference? Unfortunately, I think it’s too soon to tell. I will need to deep condition more often to see if the claims hold true.

Invincible Hair Set (includes, Monoi Repairing Shampoo 8.5 fl oz., Monoi Repairing Conditioner 8.5 fl oz., and Monoi Repairing Hair Mask 7 oz.) available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $67

So what’s the verdict? Overall, I do like many of the products in the Monoi Repairing line. However, if I was to actually purchase any of these products, my money would definitely go to the Monoi Repairing Shampoo.

Will you be trying the Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing hair care line?
Submitted by Khadijah C.

Category: Beauty, Hair | 2 Comments

Easy Canvas Turns Family Photos Into Works of Art

September 1, 2011

Being a bit of a photo fanatic, I couldn’t have been more excited when I received an email from Easy Canvas Prints. They asked if I’d like to receive a complimentary 8 x 10 canvas in exchange for an honest review. Since I had always wanted to have a canvas print made, I jumped at the offer.

Now for the hard part…deciding on a photo that I deemed worthy of “canvassing.” Having a photography background made my task of narrowing down the chosen pic seem unsurmountable. It literally took me days and countless questions of “do you like this one,” to my annoyed husband.

After sifting and sorting through my collection, I finally decided on a simple photo of my daughter, Ava. I don’t know what made me select this particular photo (taken on my camera phone), but perhaps it was her innocence captured or the fact that she’s wearing stripes, my favorite.

Ava at about 3-months old.

Whatever made me choose this photo, I was surprisingly pleased with the final product. The fact that it was taken on an old Blackberry camera phone made me skeptical about my selection, but the quality of the canvas was outstanding! The image was sharp and the colors were clear and vibrant.

If you’re on the market for turning a regular print into a masterpiece, definitely give Easy Canvas Prints a call.

Have you ever turned a picture into a canvas print?

Category: Misc. | 8 Comments

The Moment All Beyonce Fans Have Been Waiting For…

August 29, 2011

Yes, Beyonce Knowles, is going to be a mom! It seems like fans have been dying for Beyonce and her hubby, Jay-Z, to have a baby ever since they tied the knot 3 years ago. Now that the singer will be sporting a bump, I’m sure moms-to-be will be taking note of what’s sure to be a chic pregnancy.

What did you think of her two baby-bump ensembles? Did you prefer the orange flowy gown or the sequined jacket and tuxedo pants?

In case you missed it, here’s the clip where she revealed her growing belly to the world!

Category: Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Remembering Aaliyah

August 25, 2011

It’s truly hard to believe that it was 10 years ago today that the entertainment industry lost a budding superstar. Granted, Aaliyah was our original Princess of R&B (sorry Ashanti) for years, but she was well on her way to becoming an incredibly major mainstream artist. With her budding acting career coupled with her marketability, Aaliyah was ready to take the world by storm before her life was cut short at the age of 22.

Although that avoidable airplane crash took her away physically, her music and movies will live on forever.

Be sure to catch, “Aaliyah: One in a Million,” tonight on BET at 8pm EST.

What was your favorite Aaliyah song? 

Category: Music | 4 Comments