Event Recap: Dark & Lovely and Everyday People Brunch

A couple of weeks ago I was invited by Dark & Lovely to attend the Everyday People brunch here in New York City.

If you’re unfamiliar with the popular brunch series, it’s held monthly at trendy The DL on the lower east side and hosted by stylish girl-about-town, Saada Ahmed and Bravo TV’s Chef Roblé.

Prior to brunch, we bloggers/editors were seated in a comfy “style suite” area of the restaurant where we learned about the haircare brand’s Au Naturale Anti-Breakagé and Au Naturalé Anti-Shrinkage lines (I love the Anti-Breakage line, but still haven’t tried the latter) from Soft-Sheen Carson’s Artistic Director Mezel Jefferson.

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Me taking a selfie at the Everyday People brunch held in conjunction with Dark & Lovely at The DL in New York City on Sunday, September 21, 2014.

After we received the rundown on the various products, we were encouraged to move into the main room for a lovely brunch buffet of eggs, french toast, fried chicken, biscuits, potatoes, bacon and other yummy offerings.

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Soft-Sheen Carson’s Artistic Director Mezel Jefferson, guest, Saada Ahmed and Chef Roble. Photo By: Pete Monsanto of Fly Life Images/Dark and Lovely

Photo By: Pete Monsanto of Fly Life Images/Dark and Lovely

Photo By: Pete Monsanto of Fly Life Images/Dark and Lovely

It was a fun afternoon of mingling with fellow bloggers, editors and trendsetters (aka “the cool kids”) with awesome hair and eye-catching fashions. The food, networking and people watching was good, but the music made the event! I’m a true ’80’s baby, so listening to the hits of the 90s was a treat. Hearing old school Usher and Mase songs made me feel nostalgic and provided such a cool vibe. There was also a performance by R&B duo and neo-soul pioneers, Les Nubians, but I left  (mommy duties called) before their set started.

Les Nubians performing at the Dark & Lovely and Everyday People Brunch at DL in New York City on Saturday, September 21, 2014.

Les Nubians performing at the Dark & Lovely and Everyday People Brunch at DL in New York City on Saturday, September 21, 2014.

If you’re ever able to attend (not sure if it’s ticketed or invite-only since I was invited by Dark & Lovely), I highly recommend it because the mix of food, people and music makes for an unforgettable brunch!

Have you ever attended an Everyday People brunch? If not, do you get together for monthly brunch dates with your friends?

GIVEAWAY: Take the Dove Body Wash #OneShowerChallenge

When I think of quality body washes for sensitive skin, Dove is the first to come to mind.

Its signature, creamy formula is now improved to provide an even more luxurious shower experience. The new body washes are infused with a milder cleanser (Glycinate) coupled with super moisturizing components making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin like me.

NEW Dove Body Washes are available at food, drug, mass, value, club and online retailers, $6.99.

NEW Dove Body Washes are available at food, drug, mass, value, club and online retailers, $6.99.

Also, unlike most shower cleansers that boast a gentler formula, the lather I’ve come to love is pretty non-existent. Luckily, that’s not the case with these washes. I can suds up and still leave the shower feeling clean and moisturized all without compromising my easily irritated skin.  Oh and did I mention, I felt an immediate difference after ONE shower! Usually, results aren’t noticed until after a few uses, but my skin was smoother and softer following my first use.

If you like milder body washes and looking for a new one, definitely give Dove a go! Plus, who doesn’t love how the brand uplifts and encourages women to just be our naturally beautiful selves?

Check out their latest video, “Legacy,” that speaks to how we mothers pass our beauty ideals and insecurities on to our daughters:

**GIVEAWAY: Simply tell me how you inspire the little girls or young women in your lives to embrace their natural beauty for your chance to win a Dove Body Wash along with a necklace. One lucky reader will be randomly selected and announced (and contacted) next week, Tuesday, Oct. 7th. 

6 Chic Capes to Rock this Fall

From fresh beginnings to fab new fashions, fall is by far my favorite season. It’s a time to recharge and adjust wardrobes to accommodate chilly temps without compromising style.

So, what better way to usher in the brisk season than with a cool cape?  Yes, this sleek outerwear option has been a staple in fashionistas’ closets for a while, but admittedly—I’m late to the cape party.

This chic alternative to traditional coats and jackets will turn heads while keeping you warm. Plus, there’s just something sophisticated and undeniably ladylike about its free-flowing shape.

Check out these eye-catching buys:

dkny-capeDKNY Pure Wool Knit Cape available here, $235

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Michael Kors Pea Coat Cape available here, $295

Cavalleria-Toscana-Cape

Cavalleria Toscana Cape available here, $170

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DKNY “Blythe” Hooded Wool Blend Cape available here, $158

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Yoox Back Cape available here, $95

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Nordstrom Leather Trim Colorblock Cape available here, $148

Will you be rocking a cape this fall?

Oprah Winfrey Wants to Read to You: ‘What I Know For Sure’ Column Released as Audiobook

If you’re a fan of O, The Oprah Magazine’s inspirational monthly column, “What I Know For Sure,” you’re in luck!

Earlier this month, Oprah Winfrey released an audiobook of the same title including some of her most insightful words of wisdom and revelations spanning 14 years from the popular column.

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Narrated by the media mogul, the updated and revised collection of essays exemplifies her superb oratory skills making them even more compelling.

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What I Know For Sure (Audiobook),” by Oprah Winfrey available here, $18

The 4-disc book is organized by themes such as: gratitude, clarity, resilience, connection and similar categories. Ideal for those times when you need a little pick-me-up, this audiobook allows you to listen to one of the most powerful and uplifting individuals for knowledgeable nuggets for navigating your best life.

This will surely be my go-to self-help guide for years to come!

Listen below for an excerpt:

Check Out My Family Travel Tips on ESSENCE.com!

Recently, I had the opportunity to write for ESSENCE.com’s mom blog (Chic Busy Mom) to share some of my tips on family travel.

It was an honor to lend my “expertise” to such a beloved outlet such as ESSENCE. Please check my must-have travel-friendly products here!

BGG-Essence

 

Get ‘Melted’ with Too Faced

Last week, I had the opportunity to check out the latest offerings from Too Faced at the Mondrian Hotel in Soho.

Being a fan of the brand for years, I expected cool packaging, quirky names and quality products—needless to say, I was not disappointed!

Although there’s notable fanfare for their bronzers and shadows, I rarely hear much buzz about their lip products—but, that’s all about to change.

Melted, their new liquified long-lasting lip color is sure to be a coveted beauty buy. The super pigmented lippie goes on with ease and precision thanks to its built-in brush like tip applicator. With just a slight squeeze the color is transferred seamlessly to lips. No need to worry about a liner or brush because the innovative design makes application effortless. While it goes on like a liquid lipstick, it sets into a rich semi-gloss akin to a stain that lasts for hours!

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Too Faced Melted Liquified Long-Wear Lipstick available at Sephora, $21

Available in six shades : Nude, Peony, Coral, Fuchsia, and Ruby.  I’m totally obsessed with the Ruby offering. It is one of the few red-based lip colors that doesn’t look clownish with my complexion. Take that Ruby Woo (MAC)! I even rocked it for my birthday dinner (more on that in a future post) and  after the meal, my lips still looked good.

If long-lasting, incredibly saturated lip colors are what you’re looking for to update your spring and summer looks, these Melted lippies are a must!

Which shade would you be inclined to try? 

GIVEAWAY & Interview: Sarah Jakes Author of ‘Lost & Found’

Sarah Jakes may have a famous father (Bishop T.D. Jakes), but the mom of two is well on her way to becoming a household name in her own right.

In her brand new memoir “Lost & Found: Finding Hope in the Detours of Life,” Jakes shares her story of being a mom at 14, living under a microscope, becoming a divorcée and overcoming life’s obstacles while strengthening and maintaining her faith.

Photo via: sarahjakes.com

Photo via: sarahjakes.com

At only 25, Jakes has mastered a writing style that is conversational and completely transparent. “Lost & Found,” draws readers in as if you’re peeking into your best friend’s or sister’s diary. She doesn’t shy away from providing in-depth details about her life that some may view as less-than-favorable (especially being the daughter of a renowned pastor), but instead includes them in hopes that they will serve as examples to inspire and encourage other young women.

I recently spoke with the West Virginia-born author to discuss her book, her favorite beauty product and more!

Sarah-Jakes“Lost & Found” will be released April 1st here, $18.49

Check out the Q&A below:

BGG: Congratulations on such a great read! I know that you will touch so many young women with your story.

Sarah Jakes: Thank you so much. I’m so excited and anxious to finally get it out.

BGG: The entire book is so enlightening, but what is the most important thing that you’d want readers to take from your book?

SJ: It’s my prayer that people will read the book and not just see my story but see parts of themselves and their thought patterns that they may have had about themselves and then hopefully take those thoughts (like I had to learn how to do) and use them to empower yourself and be more transparent with our fellow sisters. I think Sometimes we can feel isolated when we have an opportunity to help one another by discussing the challneges that we face. I hope that it opens a discussion that continues for years and years to come.

BGG: What if any was the most difficult part of your memoir to write?

SJ: I think talking about my marriage was probably one of the most difficult parts becaues I’m not sure that I realized until I sat down to read the book exactly how lost I was and how hurt and broken I was. Reliving those moments and revisiting them were very hard.

BGG: When you were approached by book publishers (after telling your story at a women’s conference), did you ever have any hesitation about essentially sharing your story with the world?

SJ: Well, when they first approached me about writing my memoir I didn’t think I had enough material to write a memoir. So that was my only hesitancy. After I wrote the memoir, I said there are quite a few things in here! (laughing)

BGG: Growing up did you ever think you’d become an author?

SJ: Absolutely not. I never thought that writing was a gift. We learned to write in grade school so I thought that everyone wrote. I never thought it was anything special; I thought everyone did it. It wasn’t until I started my blog that I recognized that I might really have a gift.

BGG: Would you say starting your blog (in 2010) essentially changed your life?

SJ: It completely changded my life. That’s why I could never regret any of the things that I faced with my marriage because it allowed me to learn and develop a gift that I had not discovered. Also, I think there was something about knowing that I wasn’t alone that made me feel like if everyone is hurting maybe we can all heal.

BGG: Besides your father, is there anyone else whom you look to for spiritual guidance?

SJ: Funny as this may sound, I really look at my children. I admire their ability to bounce back and to make amends with friends. They have such forgiving and loving hearts because they haven’t been jaded by life yet. So I always try to look at them and say if they can laugh after wailing and crying seconds ago, then I can too. We are more resilient than we give ourselves credit for.

BGG: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

SJ: Most recently someone told me to be careful reading the book reviews with the negative headlines and I thought that was really good for me. A lot of times critics might look at my story and compare it to other authors. I didn’t grow up feeling like I wanted to be this author, I’m just a person who’s sharing her story. Also, Dr. Nicole (her marriage counselor) told me to own my process. Meaning, don’t let your process fit other people’s expectations.

BGG: In this nonstop digital age with so many distractions at our fingertips, how do you stay spiritually connected on a daily basis?

SJ: The one thing I do constantly is that I’m always checking in with God. I’m always praying in some form all throughout the day. They’re not long expressive prayers like we have at night and in the morning, but there are so many opportunities to thank Him for the smallest things. I’ve found that since I’ve done that and made it my mission to find something to be thankful for at every moment beautiful things have bloomed in my life. It’s like we’re planting seeds.

BGG: I’m going to shift gears a bit. What’s the one beauty product that you can’t live without?

SJ: Whoop Ash body lotion! I saw it on TV (“Hollywood Exes” star Sheree Fletcher created the brand) and thought the name was funny. I buy like 10 jars at a time! I also give them out as gifts. I love it! (Check out my review here)

BGG: Who are some of your favorite clothing designers?

SJ: I’m pretty classic with my style. Every now and then I’ll add something trendy to the classic look. From day-to-day it’s probably tomboy chic because I’m always running the kids to school or running errands. Oh and Target is my favorite store. When I have to get dressed up for events I always call on J. Bolin who’s been styling me. He gets me together whether it’s a piece from H&M that we jazz up with accessories from J. Crew, but I try to be economical because I’m still a mom and I’m planning for the future. I don’t go too far into the really expensive designers.

BGG: Where do you hope to be in 5 years when you’re 30?

SJ: I believe people will be probably be comparing me to Oprah because I’ll have my own talk show! I pray that whatever I do whether it’s blogging, writing or ending up on television that my message continues to be relatable, transparent and leads people back to God.

BGG: If you could tell your 15-year-old self one thing what would it be?

SJ: Slow down and pace yourself; you don’t have to move that fast.

Sarah oversees the women’s ministry at The Potter’s House of Dallas, the church led by her parents, Bishop T.D. Jakes and Mrs. Serita Jakes. Also, be sure to check out her blog sarahjakes.com.

**One lucky reader will win a copy of “Lost & Found.” Simply leave a comment sharing what bit of advice would you tell your teenage self? The winner will be randomly selected and announced next Wednesday, April 2nd. This giveaway is only open to U.S residents)