Is Bitch the New Black?

June 2, 2010

After reading Helena Andrews’s profile in the Washington Post a few months ago, I’ve been anxiously anticipating her memoir, “Bitch is the New Black,” which hit bookstores yesterday.

Comprised of candid, yet heartfelt essays that document the life of a young, single, highly-educated BG with a successful career who’s on the quest for love, “Bitch is the New Black,” is sassy as it is insightful. Told in a singular, witty voice, Andrews shares her life experiences up until her late 20s in a relatable girlfriend style. With film rights already sold, this book will resonate with many BGs who realize that finding “Mr. Right” and embracing adulthood isn’t as easy at it may seem.


Available at www.borders.com for $24.99

Would you read this book? What are your thoughts? One lucky reader will win a copy. Just leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week.

**UPDATE** The winner of the book is K-Bear! Congrats! Please send me your mailing address info.

Category: Book | 7 Comments

Winner Announced – Bangles with a Bang!

June 1, 2010

What woman doesn’t like to express herself through clothing and accessories? Well, there’s a new brand of bangles that will let fashionistas wear their expressions on their wrists. Bangleism is a line of custom-made bangles that allows you to choose from a host of popular affirmations such as “I Am Extraordinary” and “Believe in Yourself,” or gives you the option to be original and create your own designs.

Founded by fellow BG, Arika Pierce, 30, who has a background in law and politics, Bangleism serves as her creative outlet. “I have been working on this for about 9 months now, perfecting the process and now I finally feel ready to share my creations with the world,” she says. Her signature hot pink paint can be seen inside all of the bracelets giving them that distinct, pretty pop of color.

So this summer while you’re donning sundresses and tank tops, add that extra oomph to your outfit with one of these bold, bright, and unique bangles.


Available at www.bangleism.com for $12

Do you wear bangles? One lucky reader will win her own Bangleism bangle. Just leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced on Tuesday.

**The winner of the Bangleism bangle is K. Rock. Please email me your mailing address info! Congrats. 🙂

Category: Fashion | 27 Comments

Belly Bandit Believer!

May 25, 2010

Being a new mom comes with many challenges. Fortunately for me, battling the post-baby belly bulge is no longer one of them. Immediately after giving birth to Ava, I used the Belly Bandit, which, according to their website, “helps tighten and shrink your tummy post pregnancy.”

Prior to using the abdominal wrap, I had heard conflicting stories from other mothers about whether or not the concept of binding actually helps flatten stomachs and redefine waists. I asked myself, What could it hurt to try? So I decided to give it a go and hoped for the best.

Throughout weeks of feedings and never-ending diaper duty, my once-burgeoning belly stayed bound with this band. While helping to hold everything in place, it also provided back support, which was an added bonus. Around 6 weeks post-partum (I took it off from time to time) I decided to give the wrap a rest and couldn’t have been more pleased with the results.

Granted, I’m not sure how my belly would’ve looked post-partum had I not used the wrap, but I’d like to think that this nifty undergarment played a part in helping me regain my pre-pregnancy figure fast.


This photo was taken a little less than 7 weeks after giving birth.

Prices start at $45.95. Visit www.bellybandit.com for more information.

Have you ever used an abdominal wrap after childbirth?

Category: Mommyhood, Pregnancy | 19 Comments

BGG Chats w/Celebrity Hair Stylist Ted Gibson!

May 21, 2010


From magazine spreads to red carpet looks, Ted Gibson has styled the hair of some of today’s hottest celebrities, including Gabrielle Union, Angelina Jolie, Zoe Saldana and more.

Ted’s effervescent attitude and knowledge of hair has made him one of the country’s most sought-after stylists. He’s appeared on a number of shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, and most recently as the resident hair guru on TLC’s hit series, What Not To Wear. His mantra, “Beauty is Individual,” is a testament to celebrating every woman’s uniqueness.

Click here for our Q&A!

What’s styles are you wearing this summer?

Category: Hair, Interviews | 7 Comments

Pink Eggs & Glam!

May 19, 2010

If you’ve ever had a blemish that you want to conceal, but it’s in a hard-to-reach place like near the crevice of your nose, there’s a spectacular sponge that will get the job done! Thanks to my makeup artist cousin, Nicole Rogers, I was introduced to this pink, ergonomically-designed egg-shaped sponge by BeautyBlender. It’s ideal for those nooks and crannies where you can’t properly apply foundation or concealer with your fingertips or a brush. The suede textured-sponge is super soft and blends areas with precision. Plus, this set comes with its own cleanser to keep pesky germs and bacteria at bay.


Beauty Blender Duo Set available at www.sephora.com for $39.95

Have you ever used one of these sponges? How often do you clean your makeup sponges?

**The winner of the Delipscious Sheer Lip Color is CY. Congrats! Please email me your mailing address.

Category: Beauty | 8 Comments

Puffs & Stuff

May 18, 2010





Category: Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Get Delipscious Lips

May 17, 2010

For neutral-lip-loving BGs who want to transition into a bit of color for summer, The Body Shop has the ideal lip treat for you! Their new line, Delipscious, has a range of sheer lip colors that provide your kisser with just the right amount of tint, but isn’t too bold.

Not only does it give lips a sheer color, but it also moisturizes and is made from food-grade ingredients, including blueberry and pomegranate seed oils. I typically go for glosses, but for a more pigmented pout this is the perfect product. Plus, each of their seven shades work for all skin tones!


Available at the www.thebodyshop.com for $10

Have you tried any Delipscious Sheer Colors? One lucky winner will win a tube. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week.

Category: Beauty | 17 Comments

Common Knowledge

May 14, 2010

Having a successful rap career isn’t the only thing Common has in common with Will Smith, Ice Cube, and Queen Latifah. He shares the love of acting with each of these rappers-turned-actors.

In his first leading role as down-to-earth basketball star Scott McKnight in the new romantic comedy Just Wright, Common is showing Hollywood that he has more to offer than just music. I recently had the chance to catch up with him to dish about his new role and why you won’t hear him playing the piano anytime soon.

For the rest of my interview click here.

Category: Interviews | 9 Comments

BGG is Joining the Parade!

May 12, 2010

You guys have been with me since my first post nearly 3 years ago. Words can’t describe my gratitude for your comments and feedback. Because of your support, I’ve been given the awesome opportunity to have my own blog on PARADE.com. Although I’m not ending Brown Girl Gumbo, my new blog – Trend Blend will be very similar in content, but will have some exclusive celebrity Q&As.

I hope that you’ll join me at PARADE.com and continue to check out BGG!

XOXO

Category: Uncategorized | 27 Comments

BGG Remembers Lena Horne

May 10, 2010

Lena Horne, the beautiful legendary actress and singer, passed away yesterday in New York City. She was 92. Most known for her role in the all-black screen musical, Stormy Weather, Horne was a trailblazer for African-American actresses. I will always remember her as being Diana Ross’s fairy godmother in one of my favorite movies, The Wiz. She will be missed!

Category: Classic BGs | Leave a Comment