Arts and Entertainment

GIVEAWAY: Tickets to ‘ANNIE’ at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn!

December 1, 2015

One of the most beloved characters and timeless stories is coming to Kings Theatre in Brooklyn this month—”Annie the Musical!”

The classic tale of the curly-haired orphan is making its debut at the beautiful, newly restored theatre on December 15th. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charmin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, the Tony award-winning production will have a fresh new feel. But, don’t worry—original songs like “Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow” still remain as the soundtrack to this sentimental rags-to-riches story.

“Annie” runs through December, 27th. Click here for ticket information and show times.

If you’re in the New York City area this holiday season, this is a show you don’t want to miss. Adults and children alike will enjoy watching this musical live on stage. My daughter is already excited about seeing it. I’m just shocked that she’s already familiar with some of the songs!

**I’m giving away 4 tickets to the opening show on Tuesday, December 15th at 7:30pm. One winner will be randomly selected and notified via email on December 10th. Simply leave a comment below or tweet me telling me what’s your favorite stage play and/or musical. This contest is only open to U.S residents.

What’s your favorite stage play and/or musical?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 7 Comments

STEM-centric ‘Molecules to the MAX!’ DVD Giveaway

November 17, 2015

Like most moms, I want my 5-year-old daughter to grow up knowing that she can be absolutely anything that she wants to be in this world.

That’s why I’m so happy that young children today, especially girls are being exposed to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) based programs, activities, toys and movies at a far more than the generations before them.

So when I received information about, Giant Screen Film Molecules to the MAX!, a new animated film about science I was excited! The super cute 40-minute movie teaches children about the basic atomic makeup of ordinary items such as snowflakes, pennies and chewing gum. The adorable colorful characters coupled with the brilliant computer animation had my kids glued to their DVD player. It’s so well-written that it holds their attention while educating them at the same time.

The award-winning movie transported me back to middle school when I was fascinated by molecules and all the science-y stuff that little girls oftentimes aren’t encouraged to be interested in.

If you’re looking for ways to get your kids off of their tablets to watch something of substance, this is an excellent choice!

Molecules to the Max! is available here, $20

For those in the Eastern New York and Western New England area, you can catch the movie airing on PBS affiliate WMHT on the following dates/times:

Monday, 11/30 at 7am

Tuesday, 12/1 at 6am

Wednesday, 12/2 at 4pm

Thursday, 12/3 at 11am

Friday, 12/4 8am

**One lucky winner will win a copy of the DVD. Simply leave a comment or tweet me (@browngirlgumbo) telling me what your favorite subject in school was when you were a kid. A winner will be randomly selected and notified via email on 12/1/15. This contest is only open to U.S residents.

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Giveaway, Giveaways, Gumbo Mix, Misc. | 1 Comment

Actor Taye Diggs Releases New Children’s Book “Mixed Me!”

November 17, 2015

Last week I had the opportunity to take the kids to a private reading of actor/author Taye Diggs’ new children’s book, “Mixed Me!”

Hosted by The Moms Network, the event was held at Aeropostale, a popular clothing store in the heart of Times Square. Prior to the reading and meet-and-greet, attendees were encouraged to donate gently used plastic toys to Second Chance Toys for the holidays. We were also treated to cupcakes and light refreshments.

Once the moms and kids were settled in, Taye Diggs and the book’s illustrator Shane W. Evans (also one of Taye’s closest friends) began to read the well-written tale. Inspired by Taye’s son, the book is about a little boy named Mike whose mom is described as being “rich cream and honey” and his dad as “deep brown.” His hue falls somewhere in between, which his parents explains to him as being “mixed just right!”

The story encourages children to be confident and celebrate their physical differences. While the title suggests the story’s about being bi-racial, it’s truly a universal story about embracing and accepting individuality.

Ava and MJ look on as actor/author Taye Diggs and illustrator Shane W. Evans sign copies of their new book, “Mixed Me!”

Shane, the illustrator spoke eloquently about how important it was for him to get the pictures just right. He told the audience that he specifically chose each complexion and every curl meticulously to give credence to children whose hair and skin tone might stand out from the crowd.

Surprisingly, both Ava and MJ sat attentively while the story was being read and seemed to be quite entertained.

Overall, it was a fun afternoon for the kids and me. I plan on reading the book at Ava’s school next month.

“Mixed Me!” by Taye Diggs and illustrated by Shane W. Evans is available here, $13

If you’re a parent to a young child, how do you encourage them to be confident? Please share your thoughts!

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment

Pharrell Williams’ New Book Will Make Children Very ‘Happy!’

October 8, 2015

For all of the children around the world who sang along with and danced to Pharrell Williams’ hit song, “Happy!,” they’re in for a real treat.

The Grammy-award winning musician has turned his popular tune into a beautiful, full color book that children and adults alike will love. Packed with undeniable energy, the book’s catchy lyrics at times seem as if they could dance right off the page! We all know that the lyrics are entertaining and upbeat, but the adorable photographs of the children really bring the song to life. For example, the line “Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof,” is illustrated with a little boy sitting in a makeshift house with the roof blowing off above his head—so adorable.

Pharrell Williams | Photo by Mimi Valdes

While the the book is fun, Pharrell’s purpose for turning the song into a book is to promote literacy. “I’m committed to encouraging child literacy and this project is the perfect vehicle to accomplish that goal,” Pharrell says in a release. “The “Happy” lyrics and pictures are an opportunity to inspire kids to read and promote imagination.

When I received my review copy in the mail, my daughter was BEYOND excited! Like many children across the country, it is one of her favorite songs. Her elation was catapulted when she saw the bright, eye-catching cover. We read (and couldn’t help but sing too) and danced at the same time. This book personifies joy and I can’t wait to read it to my daughter’s kindergarten class next month.

Hats off to Pharrell for breathing new life into such an amazing and beautifully written song. We all need a bit of happiness.

“Happy!” by Pharrell Williams available here, $19 (hardcover)

Below, check out Pharrell speaking about the book on TODAY:

What song automatically boosts your mood and makes you feel happy?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 1 Comment

Get the Look: Brandy’s Hair at the 2015 BET Awards

June 29, 2015

Last night’s BET’s Awards was one to remember. From the Bad Boy to the Janet Jackson dance tribute, the night was filled with moving speeches and memorable performances.

But, being the hair and beauty buff that I am, I couldn’t help but notice Brandy’s gorgeous blow-out! Since joining the cast of “The Game,” it seems like the former teen pop star/actress has been more daring with her hairstyles. Perhaps her character, Chardonnay, has inspired her to step outside the box and rock looks beyond the braids that she made famous in the ’90s.

Hair stylist Tymothe Wallace for Motions Hair Care created her eye-catching ‘do. Inspired by Barbie, Wallace put a natural spin on the typically long and straight look. “Brandy is an icon—she can do no wrong! Tonight she wanted to look like Barbie in her metallic party dress so we went for the natural version,” he said. Plus, Wallace gave it an ultra-modern edge so it didn’t look too retro.

I’m a huge fan of celebrities and fashionistas wearing natural and textured hairstyles on the red carpet. Just a few years ago (in the era of relaxers) this would not have been as acceptable or deemed as beautiful as it is today. Kudos to Brandy for embracing this statement-making style!

Photo via Brandy’s Instagram

To get her lovely look, check out the following steps:

How to:

Prep hair with Motions Natural Textures Pre-Wash Detangling Butter to tame hair and reduce breakage. Next, wash hair with Motions Natural Textures Moisturizing Cleanser and Smoothing Conditioner to add moisture and improve manageability. Lock in moisture with Motions Active Moisture Leave-In Detangler to enhance natural texture. Finish with Motions Light Hold Working Spritz for hold and Motions Indulgent Oil Spray for shine

Products Used:

*Motions Natural Textures Pre-Wash Detangling Butter

*Motions Natural Textures Moisturizing Cleanser

*Motions Natural Textures Smoothing Conditioner

*Motions Active Moisture Leave-in Detangler

*Motions Light Hold Working Spritz

*Motions Indulgent Oil Spray

Did you like Brandy’s hair? Whose style did you like the most last night?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty, Fashion, Hair | 1 Comment

Event Recap: Disney Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ Advance Screening

June 16, 2015

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend an advance screening of Disney Pixar’s new animated movie, “Inside Out.”

Hosted by The MOMS, the viewing was held at the Dolby Screening Room located in midtown. Yep, I braved the subway all the way from Brooklyn with two small kids to see the movie. Usually, that wouldn’t be such a big deal, but the fact that one is still in a stroller and it was nearly 90 degrees makes it a feat in my book! Luckily, my little one slept during the entire 35-minute ride into the city. However, that meant that he was wide-awake once we got to the theater.

Ava and her brother (not pictured) were excited for their surprise trip to the movies!

Up and ready for the movie, the three of us settled into the last row and waited for it to start. Since I’d seen a few commercials for the film, I was eager to finally see it on the big screen. The movie tells a clever story of a young girl who is uprooted from her hometown to a new city as she grapples with the various emotions (joy, fear, anger, sadness and disgust) that relocating entails. Her emotions, as well as her parents’ are illustrated with fun-loving characters voiced by popular actors Amy Poehler (Joy), Mindy Kaeling (Disgust) and Bill Hader (Fear). In fact, Hader was on hand at the screening to the delight of the children in attendance. The movie was chock full of funny one-liners and witty remarks. As I expected, it was an outstanding movie that both parents and kids will enjoy.

Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out” hits theaters nationwide on Friday, June 19th.

Oh, and despite my daughter needing FOUR bathroom breaks and my son having two meltdowns, it was a great way to spend a Friday afternoon!

Check out the trailer below:

What’s your favorite Disney movie?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Health, Travel & Lifestyle | Leave a Comment

Must-See TV: TLC’s ‘Dare to Wear’ Hosted by Tai Beauchamp Premieres TONIGHT!

June 12, 2015

If you’re into beauty and fashion, chances are you’re very familiar with Tai Beauchamp.

The super savvy former editor and style influencer is now the host of TLC’s brand new series, “Dare to Wear.” The makeover show premieres tonight and won’t be your typical transformative style series. Each show will feature two participants with opposite fashion tastes who will be forced to swap wardrobes. Once they realize that they have to wear the other person’s “out there” clothes, they’ll discover a sense of self-worth and learn to embrace change…in a good way.

Tai Beauchamp Photo Credit: Courtesy of TLC

Tai has most recently been a regular on “The View’s” “Must-Have Mondays” segment, but I’ve been following her work since I was in college. She’s worked as a writer/editor at some of the most prominent magazines in the industry, including Seventeen, O, The Oprah Magazine and Vibe Vixen. In fact, when I first moved to NYC over 12 years ago, I reached out to Tai in hopes of getting some insight into the magazine publishing industry. She graciously obliged and treated me to a lovely lunch at the now closed, posh brunch hotspot—Mayrose. I valued her sage advice about the business and have admired and rooted for her success ever since!

So, please tune in tonight to catch Tai doing what she does best, helping individuals realize their beauty (and style) from the inside out.

Check a clip from the show below:

Style Expert Tai Beauchamp’s “Dare to Wear” airs on TLC, Fridays at 10Pm, EST

Are you a fan of makeover shows? Will you be tuning in tonight?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty, Fashion | Leave a Comment