Cocoa Cure

While chocolate typically serves as an one of the most delicious indulgences on the planet, it also boasts a bounty of beauty benefits. The cocoa plant is rich in anti-oxidants, which provides natural skin-enhancing properties. Plus, it’s packed with magnesium and vitamin B1 that are known to produce calming effects.

From slowing down the appearance of Mother Nature’s aging process to stress-relief to filling heart-shaped boxes, cocoa and chocolate can be a woman’s secret beauty weapon and ultimate sweet-tooth fix.

Check out some of these cocoa-enriched beauty picks:

Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Whipped Souffle Shea Cocoa Butter available at www.walgreens.com for $8.50

Chocolala Massage Bars available at www.lushusa.com for $12.95

Cocoa Butter Hand & Body Lotion available at www.thebodyshop.com for $12

Carol’s Daughter Chocolat Smooth Curly to Straight Set available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $54

Yuzu & Cocoa Bubbleroon available at www.lushusa.com for $5.95

L’Occitane Limited Edition Cocoa Flower Ultra Rich Body Cream available at www.usaloccitane.com for $24

Hurraw Chocoloate Lip Balm available at www.americanapparel.com for $.3.80
Ron Robinson 100% Pure Organic Cocoa Kona Coffee Body Scrub available at www.ronrobinson.com for $25
Vaseline Vitalizing Gel Body Oil available at www.walgreens.com for $7.50

Are you a chocolate lover? Do you purchase cocoa-based products?

Sole Savior: Dr. Teal’s Giveaway

You may have survived the stress of the holidays, but surely your soles could use a bit of TLC. Whether they stood in those long Black Friday lines or were squeezed into uncomfortable (but fabulous) stilettos at your New Year’s Eve soiree, Dr. Teal’s is just what the doctor ordered.

Soak your soles in their Epsom salt foot bath for a heavenly experience. Not only does the soak relax tired feet, but it also provides a cooling peppermint sensation. To go that extra mile, follow-up with  their rich and soothing foot cream for maximum moisture. 
Visit www.drteals.com for pricing
Do you use foot soak treatments at home or do you typically opt for a professional pedicure? One lucky winner will win a Foot Scrub and the Cracked Heel Therapy. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week. 

Happy New Year!

It’s a brand new year, which means it’s time to leave the past in the past and start anew. Whether you want to start your morning off with a quick run or implement a new skincare regimen, the top of the year is always a great place to start.

I typically don’t make new year resolutions, but I do strive to be the best me that I can possibly be. For me, that means being more patient, eating less candy, and keeping in touch with my loved ones more. I’m ready and embracing everything that 2012 has to offer. Change is in the air and it feels so good!

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? If so, do you usually stick to them?

The Eyes Have It

Have plans to party for the new year? If so, do your eyes a favor and pick up a shimmering palette to make them pop with festive flair.

From bold golds to chic silvers, prettifying your peepers with rich, sparkly eye shadow creates drama while brightening your face for a flattering effect.

Check out a few of these palettes that will have all eyes on you:

Bare Minerals ‘The Playlist’ Palette available at www.beauty.com for $40

Bobbi Brown Onyx Silver Eye Paint Palette available at www.nordstrom.com for $45

Smashbox ‘Girls On Film’ Smokebox Palette available at www.smashbox.com for $42

Guerlain Ombre Eclat Eyeshadow Palette available at www.nordstrom.com for $59

Lancome Eye Brightening All-In-One 5 Shadow Liner Palette in ‘Mauve Cherie’ available at www.sephora.com for $48

Bobbi Brown Party Shimmer Brick available at www.nordstrom.com for $40

Nars Night Series Eyeshadow Palette available at www.saks.com for $55

Dior 5 Coleurs Eyeshadow Collection available at www.nordstrom.com for $59

Shimmer Cubes Palette available at www.thebodyshop-usa.com for $22

Do you enjoy playing up your eyes with shadows?

Dazzling Holiday Shades for Your Digits

Want to make your nails a knock-out this holiday season? Essie is always my go-to brand for brilliant shades. Their eye-catching colors always have the perfect saturation and pigment that make my digits pop.

Plus, it typically lasts a week at minimum without chipping.

As Gold As It Gets – gilded lamé, Shine of the Times – scintillating opalescence, A Cut Above – shattered pink diamond glitz, Pure PearlfectionDecadent Iridescence,  – disco mirror ball chaos
What is your favorite color from this Holiday 2011 collection?

**One lucky reader will win one of these dazzling shades. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced on Wednesday.

BGG’s Christmas Wish List

If you celebrate the holidays, now’s the time to catch those last-minute deals and stock up on cool gifts and stocking stuffers for everyone on your list.

Here is a round-up of what I’d love to see under my Christmas tree:

Chloe ‘Ethel’ Leather Tote available at www.nordstrom.com for $1,350

O’s Best Advice Ever! available at www.amazon.com for $19.95

Forzieri Hot Pink Leather Gloves available at www.forzieri.com for $87

Papyrus Bird & Butterfly Gift Box available at www.papyrusonline.com for $17.95

Christopher Kon Credit Card Wallet available at www.lastcall.com for $35

Lord & Taylor 14K Gold Initial Pendant Necklace available at www.lordandtaylor.com for $162.50

Victoria’s Secret Thermal Sleep Shirt available at www.victoriassecret.com for $39.50

Have you started your holiday shopping?


Btw, the winner of the Aveeno prize pack is Becky! Please send me your mailing address. Congrats!

And The Winner Is…Plus Another Giveaway!

The winner of the Mally Roncal, “My Favorite Things Collection,” is Areeba!! Congratulations, please email me your mailing address.

Since we’re feeling a bit in the holiday gifting spirit, my good friends at Aveeno would love for you to try their haircare line – Nourish + Collection with Active Naturals Wheat Complex below.

They’re the kings of moisturizing and use the same technique and quality approach to nourishing consumers’ strands.

Simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced next week!