Are You a Frugalista?

January 10, 2011

Since the recession went into full-swing back in 2007, most of us have tried to cut back on our expenses. Author and blogger and fellow BG, Natalie P. McNeal took her scaled-back spending efforts a step further and documented her debt online for the world to see with her blog, TheFrugalista.com.

After divulging her $20,000 secret (debt) and having successfully found ways to stay fabulous while being frugal has resulted in a must-read book titled, The Frugalista Files. Formatted as a detailed debt diary, McNeal takes readers along on her journey towards financial freedom.

If you enjoy getting weekly manis and pedis and watching cable TV, but know that it’s killing your bottom line, then this book is for you!

How do you cut costs, while staying fabulous? Three lucky readers will win a copy. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week.

**Congratulations to Product Junkie Diva for winning the Queen Collection lipstick. Please email me your shade of your choice and your mailing address!

Category: Book | 25 Comments

Queen Collection Launches New Lip Colors!

January 5, 2011

Looking for a new lip color to kick-start the New Year? Look no further than our favorite Covergirl, Queen Latifah’s, new Queen Collection Lip Color.

Each of the 24 richly pigmented, stand-out shades were made with us BGs in mind; so they’re sure to complement our lovely skin-tones. Not only do the colors pop, but they also moisturize giving us a pretty and hydrated pucker. From deep browns and spices to corals and reds hues, you’re certain to find your perfect shade!


Available at drugstores nationwide.

Do you plan on switching up your makeup style this year? One lucky reader will win one of the Queen Collection lipsticks (winner will select shade). Simply tell me why you’d like to try this new lip collection. The winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week.

Category: Beauty | 8 Comments

Great Makeup/Hair YouTube Tutorial Page

January 4, 2011

If you’re ever in the need for a fun, quick, and comprehensible makeup/hair tutorial, please check out one of the best – Bombshell Artistry! Plus, if you’re in the Chicagoland area and need to be beautified, check her out for personal bookings!

Do you use YouTube for makeup/hair tutorials?

Category: Beauty | 2 Comments

Event Alert: Urban Decay Gives a Sneak Peek!

January 4, 2011

Hello all of my beauty-loving Bostonian babes and fellow NYC makeup mavens, Urban Decay is coming to your town to celebrate its 15 Year Anniversary.

In honor of the fabulous milestone, the always on trend beauty brand is conducting makeovers and also introducing the 15-Year Anniversary 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set for an exclusive sneak peek before its February launch.

Packed in a reusable, windowed and magnetic silver-foil box, the 15 pencils feature 9 existing and 6 brand new shades of the 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, plus a sharpener.


$92 (if sold separately it would cost a whopping $264!)

The super luxe set will only be available for purchase ONLY at each store on the corresponding event dates on a first come first served basis. You know we girls love to get our hands on stuff before the masses, so here’s your heads-up!

Thursday, January 6th from 11am – 5pm at Sephora’s Prudential Center location (1800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA)

Friday, January 7th from 1pm – 7pm at Sephora’s Times Square location (1500 Broadway, New York, NY)

Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

Happy New Year!!

January 3, 2011

I can hardly believe that it’s 2011! Last year was an amazing year for me simply because I gave birth to an angel on earth – my daughter, Ava. It’s because of her that I work harder everyday and aim to be the best mother and role model for her that I can possibly be. Although I try not to set resolutions at the top of the year, I do have a few goals that I’d like to accomplish within the next 12 months.

One of them being, making more time for Brown Girl Gumbo. This year I hope to update more regularly and keep you guys engaged. I know that there are a bevy of blogs and other websites out there that you can choose from, but you continue to read BGG. I am forever grateful for your support and will strive to stay on your must-read list. Here’s to a great new year!!

What are some of your goals for the upcoming year?

Category: Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Great Gifts for Everyone on Your List

December 15, 2010

With only ten days left to shop before Christmas, now is the time to get those last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers. Whether you have to get a gift for your boyfriend, BFF, mom, tween nephew, sister, dad or co-worker, BGG has a round-up that will have you jumping with yuletide joy!


Barnes & Noble NOOKcolor E-Reader
Your book-loving mother will adore you for giving her this cool and colorful eReader. Available at www.bestbuy.com for $249


Sally Hansen Lacrosse Gift Set
This set would make a great stocking stuffer for your prissy sis. Available at drugstores nationwide for $4.99.


Who doesn’t love a great body scub and gel? This cranberry-scented set will make your aunt or mother-in-law swoon with delight. Available at www.thebodyshop.com for $29.


Write N’ Roll Flexible Keyboard
This convenient, full-sized silicone keyboard makes a great gift for the techie in your life. Available at Gift Shop at Macy’s for $25 www.macys.com.


Sonic Colors Video Game for Nintendo DS
Your game-crazy nephew will be glued to his console with the popular Sonic Colors video game. Available at www.bestbuy.com for $29.99


Anthony Logistics Face Kit
Give your guy some face time with this nature-based facial kit. The set includes an all-purpose moisturizer, cleansing clay, cleanser and scrub that will keep your guy well-groomed. Available at www.anthonylogistics.com for $30


Ihome iP3 Studio Series Audio System
Get your guy grooving to his iTunes with this super sleek sound system. Available at www.ihomeaudio.com for $199.99.


Click and Be Happy
A combo of perfume and lip gloss is the perfect multi-purpose must-have for your BFF on the go. This customizable fragrance and gloss set comes with three variations on the popular ‘Happy’ scent and corresponding shades making it an ideal match. Available at www.clinique.com for $28.


Icon Rose Quilt Multi Pouch
This pretty leather pouch is a chic option for your niece. It’s just the right size for carrying cards, cash and change. Available at Fossil for $35 www.fossil.com


Kenneth Cole Cufflinks
These cute cufflinks will transform ordinary shirts into standouts, which will make the metrosexual on your list very happy. Available at Gift Shop at Macy’s for $60 www.macys.com

Category: Gifts | Leave a Comment

Let Friendships Flourish!

December 9, 2010

I recently read an article online that said spending time with our gal pals is as important to our health as heading to the gym. It’s a known fact that we women connect with each other differently than men and the support of our girlfriends help us deal with stress and life experiences, but who knew that cultivating those relationships with our girls could actually lower blood pressure, heart rate and even cholesterol!?

So the next time you think about rescheduling girl time, think again – your heart will thank you for it.

Me with one of my BFFs Azeeza (I only take pics when I’m with her!!) Even though she lives in Chicago, we still stay in touch. I do need to find more NY friends. LOL!

When was the last time you hung out with your friends? Do you have one or two BFFs or do you have a group of friends that all hang out together?

Category: Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Carol’s Daughter Gift Set Giveaway!

December 7, 2010

‘Tis the season for sensational holiday sets! Carol’s Daughter has several sweet-smelling gifts that will make the people on your Christmas list jump for joy! Since I’m a huge fan, I plan on giving and receiving a few treats from this beloved brand. These lovely sets are a sure bet for your mother, aunt, sister or BFF.


Feeling Nice Hair Set $28.50 (includes: Tui Herbal Shampoo 8 fl oz, Tui Leave-in Conditioner 8 fl oz, Sugar-Dipped Vanilla All Over Sheen 4 fl oz, Nice Head Band)


Naughty & Nice Body Set $28.50 (includes: Ecstasy Body Cleansing Gel 8 fl oz, Almond Cookie Shea Soufflé 4 oz, Sugar-Dipped Vanilla All Over Sheen 4 fl oz, Hit-the-Spot Body Massager)


Sugar-Dipped Trio $30 (includes: Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Body Cleansing Gel 8 fl oz, Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Body Cream 2 oz, Sugar-Dipped Vanilla All Over Sheen 4 fl oz)


Feeling Naughty Hair Set $28.50 (includes: Black Vanilla Shampoo 8 fl oz, Black Vanilla Leave-in Conditioner 8 fl oz, Sugar-Dipped Vanilla All Over Sheen 4 fl oz, Flirty Head Band)


Naughty & Nice Body Cleansing Gel Trio $30 (includes: Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Body Cleansing Gel 8 fl oz, Almond Cookie Body Cleansing Gel 8 fl oz, Ecstasy Body Cleansing Gel 8 fl oz, Shower Poof)

*All sets are available at www.carolsdaughter.com

Have you started your Christmas shopping? Are you a fan of Carol’s Daughter? One lucky winner will win a set of her choice. Simply leave a comment telling me why you like the brand and a winner will be randomly selected and announced late this week.

Category: Beauty, Carol's Daughter, Giveaway | 29 Comments

World AIDS Day

December 1, 2010

Alicia Keys and a host of other celebrities (Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Kim Kardashian, etc) are staging their digital deaths in honor of World AIDS Day. Her Keep-A-Child-Alive foundation is hoping to raise money in an effort to save millions of lives affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. She along with fellow celebrity friends are sacrificing their social media updates until $1,000,000 is raised to buy her life back. So if you’re following them on Twitter or are a Facebook friend, you won’t get any new updates until their goals are met.


Visit www.keepachildalive.org for information on how you can help.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, we African-Americans face the most severe burden of HIV in the United States. At the end of 2007, we accounted for almost half (46%) of people living with a diagnosis of HIV infection in the 37 states and 5 US dependent areas with long-term, confidential, name-based HIV reporting.

Do you know your status? If not, GET TESTED!

Category: News | Leave a Comment

Vaseline Just Got Butter

November 30, 2010

Just when you thought a good thing couldn’t get better – it has. In celebration of its 140th anniversary, the tried and true Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is now available in rich conditioning Cocoa Butter. The newest addition to the beloved multi-purpose product comes in a cool new flip top and still soothes skin making it silky and supple. The lovely cocoa butter scent simply adds to an already great thing.


Available at drugstores nationwide for $3.49

To help celebrate Vaseline Petroleum Jelly’s 140th anniversary, Vaseline has included contests for VPJ users on its NEW Facebook community page. They’re are asking users to submit their favorite uses of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly! Each week, they’ll select a winner to receive a Limited Edition Swarovski Crystal Jar of VPJ (worth around $100) and a $500 gift card! They will also be randomly selecting 5 winners, who take the extra time to submit a video, to win a Limited Edition Swarovski Crystal Jar set (worth around $750) & a $1,000 gift card! You can check out that contest at www.facebook.com/vaseline.


How do you use Vaseline Petroleum Jelly?

Category: Beauty | 5 Comments