GIVEAWAY: Celebrate Stonyfield Organic YoBaby Yogurt’s Sweet 16!

With two little finicky eaters in my home, it’s hard to find healthy food and snacks that will satisfy their picky palates. But, when all else fails there’s one thing that’s always a go—yogurt!

My five-year-old daughter has loved Stonyfield Organic YoBaby yogurt since she was two and it’s also my 19-month-old son’s go-to dessert. For years I had been giving the single packets to my daughter straight from the fridge, but just recently discovered that freezing them turns them into a delicious froyo treat.

Packed with  good bacteria aka probiotics to keep digestive systems happy, yogurt is the perfect alternative to sugar-laden ice cream. Unlike other brands, YoBaby is completely organic with whole milk and fruit and isn’t made with any antibiotics, artificial hormones or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).  Plus, they’re super convenient and relatively mess-free.

Screen Shot 2015-05-12 at 10.56.20 AM

Stonyfield Organic Yogurt is available at grocery stores nationwide. Check them out in the dairy aisle!

So when I was invited to attend YoBaby’s Sweet 16 celebration brunch at the lovely Bouley Botanical event space in Manhattan last month, I was thrilled! It’s always great to gain more insight and information about a brand or company that my family uses and loves.  Not only did my kids enjoy the yummy yogurt on hand at the event, but I learned about the company’s 16-year history and received great tips on how to get them to eat more than just yogurt!  While it’s a nutritious snack option, their diet definitely needs to be well-balanced with more veggies, grains and protein.

mj-yogurt

Me and my son enjoying some yogurt at the Stonyfield Organic YoBaby Sweet 16 celebration in New York City on April 28, 2015.

YoBaby partnered with dietician and mom blogger, Sally Kuzemchak, MS, RD of RealMomNutrtion.com to give us moms and editors in attendance feeding ideas to encourage successful eating for babies at different stages.

Check out a few of the tips:

6 months—Purees are the standard first foods for babies but if your little one is interested in self-feeding, experiment with soft, long pieces of finger foods he can easily hold in his hand like wedges of ripe avocado or roasted sweet potatoes.

9 months—Give your baby some yogurt or cooked cereal and a spoon, she can try her hand at self-feeding. Also, introducing whole grains and eggs are a great option at this stage.

12 months—Phase out formula and opt for whole milk for your growing tot. Small finger foods like chickpeas and tofu cubes are fun to eat and nutritious!

24 months—Avoid making separate “kid food” and make meals that your whole family will enjoy. Serving your toddler the same meals as the family will encourage them to try more foods like healthy leafy greens.

Do you have a picky eater in your family? Do your babies/tots/kids enjoy yogurt? If so, I’m giving away a prize pack of YoBaby yogurt to one lucky reader. Simply leave a comment below or Tweet me (@browngirlgumbo) telling me how you get your child to eat different foods to maintain a healthy diet. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, May 26th. This giveaway is only open to U.S residents. 

BGG’s Back-to-School Checklist: Get An A+ in Eye Care

It’s hard to believe that my baby girl, Ava, will be starting preschool in a few short weeks.

Like many moms, there are plenty of errands that I need to do in preparation for her big day. From shopping for school supplies to updating her wardrobe, my checklist seems to be endless. While those tasks are priorities, scheduling an appointment with her eye doctor tops the list.

Last month, I attended an event hosted by The Eye Solution/Kids Vision for Life where I learned more about the importance of good eye health. We all know that children need to visit their pediatricians annually, but oftentimes we parents forget to get our little one’s eyes checked out too. Oh, and those quick “eye exams” during routine physicals don’t count.

eye-event

During the event, I spoke with several experts and learned that this oversight (no pun intended) can lead to mislabeling in school, which can ultimately have avoidable negative effects on students.

For example, a child may not be able to see the blackboard/whiteboard in class and will subsequently say the wrong answer simply because he’s suffering from vision problems. Initially, teachers or parents may conclude that the child is having academic challenges when in fact all he needs is a pair of glasses.

Being an ’80’s baby who grew up watching the popular ’90’s TV show, “Beverly Hills, 90210,” I was pleased to know that actress Jennie Garth, is teaming up with The Eye Solution to launch the “Get An A+ in Eye Care” campaign, a program that inspires people to help provide good eye health and vision correction for children (ages 5-12) in need across the U.S. The campaign is simple: see good, share good, and make good happen.

Plus, there’s a social media component that encourages people to “like” The Eye Solution on Facebook to help give back.” For every “like” on The Eye Solution Facebook page, (Alcon) will donate $1 up to $50,000 to help fund more than 1000 eye exams and eyeglasses for underserved children across the country.

Remember, our children’s vision health is incredibly important to their overall well-being and academic success. Don’t forget to make time for them to see an eye doctor annually after the age of 3.

Check out these Eye-Opening Facts from Kids Vision For Life:

  • *1 out of 4 children in the U.S has a vision problem significant enough to affect learning
  • *80% of learning in a child’s first 12 years comes through his eyes
  • *25% of all school children in the U.S have a vision problem significant enough to affect learning
  • *90% of children who need glasses do not have them
  • *44% of parents are not aware that behavioral problems can be an indication that a child’s vision is impaired

 **GIVEAWAY**In celebration of Back-to-School season, I’m giving away a gift bag filled with eye care goodies for the whole family. Simply leave a comment below and a winner will be randomly selected and announced next Monday, August 18th. This giveaway is open to U.S residents only. 

If you have a school-aged child at home, do you schedule annual eye exams for him/her?

(Sponsored): BGG Attends Blogging While Brown Conference + AT&T ‘Inspired Mobility’ iPad Mini GIVEAWAY!

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend my very first Blogging While Brown conference.

Thanks to AT&T, who sponsored my attendance, I was able to convene with fellow bloggers at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. Since I’ve been blogging consistently since 2007, I’m not sure why I had never gone to the conference prior to this year. But, as the saying goes, “better late than never!”

Throughout the two-day event there were various sessions customized to address the needs of us African-American bloggers. From learning how to earn six figures as a professional blogger to the importance of building relationships with like-minded bloggers, I sat in on several informative sessions. Surprisingly, a couple of the seminars were quite interactive, which helped facilitate networking. I’m always a bit shy when introducing myself, so I felt that having attendees talk and work together was an excellent idea on behalf of the organizers. I even got the opportunity to meet media personality, Jacque Reid, whose career I’ve admired since her days at BET.

Jacque-Reid-KBP-BWBJacque Reid and I at the Blogging While Brown Conference in NYC on Saturday, June 28, 2014.

While I enjoyed hearing about effective tactics on building traffic, ways to monetize my blog, as well as how to get invited to speak at conferences, I was mostly anticipating AT&T’s panel discussion on “Inspired Mobilitya national conversation about the cultural shift in how people use mobile and Internet technology to enhance their faith experience.

As a blogging partner with the popular telecommunications company, I knew about the “ministry meets mobile” initiative, but was excited to hear their team share it publicly at the conference. Plus, I wanted to learn about the findings from the survey that AT&T conducted in collaboration with Ebony magazine on this subject. Prior to being approached by AT&T for this campaign, I honestly had never thought about how faith and mobile technology could be merged.

AT&T U.S. Diversity Corporate Communications Executive L. Michelle Smith, Technology and Social Media Director, T.D. Jakes Ministries/ AT&T consultant Jason Caston, Digital and Social Media Expert Tiffani Robinson, and Ministry Multimedia Expert Chip Dizard led the engaging discussion. They talked about how using mobile technology apps such as Twitter are a great way to share the spiritual and faith-based conversation beyond places of worship. In fact, Robinson stated that using these easy online tools could ultimately reach a generation that would probably not hear certain scriptures and inspiring words outside of social media. According to Caston, “We’re witnessing a cultural shift. Mobility allows churches to expand their reach and connect with more people.”

BWB-ATT-Panelists

Pictured L to R: L. Michelle Smith, Tiffani Robinson, Chip Dizard and Jason Caston during the AT&T “Inspired Mobility” panel discussion during the Blogging While Brown conference on Saturday, June 28, 2014 in New York City.

After the discussion from the experts, the floor was open for questions from the Blogging While Brown audience. The conversation got interesting with inquiries such as the appropriate ways to use social media while in church. Caston provided a few tips during the panel discussion and he also has compiled a list of guidelines here.

Throughout the conference I interviewed a few people and asked them their opinions about the church using mobile technology. Not surprisingly, I found that all of them embraced the concept. No one really feels like using iPads and cell phones during church is taboo anymore.

Check out the clips below:


Sarah, the founder of the Colorism Healing blog, shares her thoughts on bridging the gap between mobile technology and the church during the Blogging While Brown conference.

Blogging While Brown attendee, Leah of Washington, D.C., shares her thoughts on bridging the gap between mobile technology and the church.

Blogging While Brown attendee, Nancy of Brooklyn, shares her thoughts on bridging the gap between mobile technology and the church.

Overall, it was a wonderful weekend full of learning, networking and being a part of a special initiative. Thanks again to AT&T for giving me the opportunity to attend the conference and be a part of the “Inspired Mobility” campaign.

*Disclosure: I received an iPad Mini and other accessories from AT&T.

UPDATE: Winner Announced!! Congratulations, Netta! You’re the winner of the iPad Mini Giveaway! Please send me your mailing address for shipment. Thanks to EVERYONE who participated and left a comment. Be sure to check out BGG daily for more giveaway opportunities!

**GIVEAWAY: In celebration of AT&T’s “Inspired Mobility” campaign, I’m giving away a Gift Pack which includes: (1) iPad Mini and AT& T accessories. Simply leave a comment telling me your thoughts on using mobile technology at church. Do you use Twitter, Facebook or Instagram during service? One lucky reader will be randomly selected and announced Tuesday, August 5th. This giveaway is only open to U.S residents.

GIVEAWAY: Vaseline Wants to Make Your Valentine’s Day Rosy

Whether you’re single, married or dating, Vaseline wants to make your Valentine’s Day rosy and sweet.

The popular household brand is giving away a jar of their Lip Therapy Rosy Lips along with a box of  chocolates in honor of the romantic holiday. The slightly tinted, sheer lip treatment will leave pouts super soft and totally kissable in case Cupid comes calling.

Due to its cute compact size, it easily fits into a purse or clutch much like a small pot of gloss. And after Valentine’s Day, this small wonder will keep lips moisturized all winter long.

VSLVaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips available at food, drug and retailers nationwide, $2.29

Plus, the winner will also receive an array of decadent chocolates from MarieBelle, a boutique chocolatier here in New York City.

Chocolate_Rosy Lips

MarieBelle chocolates

Simply visit their Facebook page here to enter for a chance to win. The contest ends February 12th at 3pm EST.

Not only can you have a shot of winning on the Vaseline FB page, one lucky reader (US residents only) will have a chance to win right here on BGG! Just leave a comment telling me if you celebrate Valentine’s Day or simply see it as a Hallmark holiday. The winner will be randomly selected and notified via email by 2/13.

GIVEAWAY: ‘The Best Man Holiday’ Black Opal Cosmetics Collection

If you’re anything like me, you’re counting down the days until the release of “The Best Man Holiday!”

The original film is one of my all-time favorites so I can’t wait to see the gorgeous cast back on the big screen this Friday. For the sequel, Black Opal Cosmetics is serving as the movie’s official US cosmetics partner. In this role, Black Opal is hosting a “Win an L.A Holiday Vacay,” sweepstakes (open until Nov. 17) for a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to the City of Angels. Click here to enter!

The-Best-Man-Holiday“The Best Man Holiday” in theaters nationwide Friday, November 15

Black-Opal-Cosmetics

**Also, one lucky BGG reader will win a “Best Man Holiday” beauty collection comprised of products inspired by looks from the film. Simply tell me if you’d be as forgiving as Morris Chestnut’s character Lance (from the original movie) if you found out that your best friend had slept with your soon-to-be husband? Leave your answer in the comments and a winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday. 

Celebrate National Girl Scout Cookie Day!

In case you didn’t know, today (Feb. 8) is National Girl Scout Cookie Day!

Get ready to stock up on these classic treats in honor of the world’s largest girl-led business. Whether you crave Thin Mints, Trefoils, Peanut Butter Patties, Samoas (my personal favorite), or one of the other traditional flavors, you’ll be satisfying your sweet tooth while exercising girl power.

In fact, when you purchase a box of cookies from a Girl Scout, you are helping her gain life skills that can only be developed through personal interaction. It’s important for them to experience what it’s like to run their own cookie business through working directly with others.

GSCookies

Photo Courtesy: www.girlscouts.org

In today’s digital age, many people have lost the art of face-to-face exchanges and overall people skills that we don’t want to pass that on to our future generations. That’s why they don’t sell cookies online;  but that doesn’t mean that they haven’t made it easy to get your cookie fix.

Thanks to the newly revamped “Cookie Locater” app, customers can find cookies sales, nearby Girl Scout Cookie Professionals and other pertinent cookie-tracking information with a simple tap on your phone.

If you’re braving the imminent winter storm that’s headed toward New York City today, be sure to stop by one of these pop-up Sweetery truck locations to help a troop and indulge in a delicious snack:

  • The 1st stop – 8:30-10:30am – 42nd St & Madison Ave;
  • The 2nd stop – 11:30am-1:30pm – 57th St between 5th & 6th Ave;
  • The 3rd stop – 2:30-4:30pm – Park Ave between 52nd & 53rd St; and
  • The 4th stop – 5:30-7:30pm – Amsterdam Ave between 70th & 71st St.

You can follow the truck on twitter @GirlScouts and @SweeteryNYC.

It seems like yesterday when I was a little 8-year-old girl in my green and white uniform. Yep, like countless other women, I, too, was once a girl scout!  Oh the memories, and of course tasty cookies!

GIVEAWAY: What’s your favorite Girl Scout cookie? One lucky reader will win five boxes of your choice. For a chance to win, simply leave a comment below or tweet your answer to: @girlscouts with #onemorebox. 

GIVEAWAY: Halle Berry’s ‘Closer’ & Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

It’s hard to believe that in just over a week, our Instagram and Facebook feeds will be filled with candy hearts, red roses and other lovey-dovey sentiments all in the name of Valentine’s Day.

Whether you’re single, married or somewhere in-between, the often referred to “Hallmark” holiday is the perfect excuse to treat yourself or receive a few goodies. From a fresh fragrance to decadent cupcakes, let my following wish list serve as a bit of Valentine’s Day gift-giving (and getting) inspiration!

Closer-Halle-Berry-35

Closer by Halle Berry available at drugstores nationwide; $35

Hanky-Panky-Long-Stem-Thong-Bouqet-Roses-130

Hanky Panky: Long Stem Lovin’ Original Thong Bouquet (Half-Dozen) available here; $130

Kissy-Face-Medium-Cosmetic-Bag-Felix-Rey-95

‘Kissy Face’ Cosmetic Bag by Felix Rey available here; $95

I-Love-Lavanila-Gift-Set-Vanilla-Grapefruit-49.50

I Love Lavanila Vanilla Grapefruit Gift Set available here; $49.50

Marc-By-Marc-Jacobs-Marci-Pave-Watch-275

Marc by Marc Jacobs Marci Pave Watch available here; $275

The-Me-And-You-Book

Perfect gift for couples!! “The You & Me Book: A Love Journal” by Rachel Kempster & Meg Leder available here; $11

Dozen-Roses-Classic-Collection-Crumbs

Crumbs Dozen Roses Classic Collection available here; $42

**Will you be celebrating Valentine’s Day this year? One lucky reader will win a bottle of Halle Berry’s Closer fragrance. Simply tell me how you plan to celebrate the holiday or your most memorable Valentine’s Day. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday!