Gumbo Mix

GIVEAWAY: Terrence J’s New Book ‘The Wealth of My Mother’s Wisdom’

September 25, 2013

Terrence Jenkins, better known as Terrence J has proven that he’s no one-trick pony.

Known mostly for his stint as the co-host of BET’s “106 & Park” back in 2006 (until earlier this year), Jenkins has gone on to act on the big and small screens while currently co-anchoring “E!’ News.” The popular television personality and actor can now add “author” to his growing résumé.

Jenkins’ book, The Wealth of My Mother’s Wisdom: Lessons That Made My Life Rich, is set to be released Oct 1st. Not quite a memoir, but still very telling of his upbringing/life; Jenkins provides readers with advice and inspiring personal stories that will encourage them to follow their dreams. He credits his mother, Lisa, for all of his success and dedicates this book to her as a gift of gratitude for all of the valuable life lessons she instilled in him.

In addition to sharing his own stories, the book also encouraging stories from T.I, Kevin Hart, Laz Alonso and Ludacris.

On sale October 1st here, $19.99

**Two lucky readers will win a copy of Terrence J’s The Wealth of My Mother’s Wisdom: The Lessons That Made My Life Rich. Simply leave a comment sharing one of the most valuable lessons that either your mom or dad gave to you or that you will give to your child. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Oct. 1st.

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Book, Book Reviews, Books, Gumbo Mix, Misc. | 7 Comments

BGG Featured on Style31 Mag!

September 23, 2013

Today I am so honored to be featured on Style31mag.com!

Launched earlier this year, the site is dedicated to the encouragement of faith-centered women and is a reliable media source on the subjects of relationships, fashion, beauty, travel, health and business. The name “Style 31″stems from Proverbs 31, which focuses on Christian women’s ministries.

The day I got the request for an interview I was debating whether or not I should continue BGG. I took the extremely timely email from Style31’s editor as a form of confirmation that I should not give up. Like many women, I struggle with not giving myself enough credit and falling into the trap of comparing myself to others (in my case to other bloggers). I’ve since come to the realization that there is only one Brown Girl Gumbo and I can’t be anyone else!

That said, please check out the Q&A and bookmark Style31:

In this day of social media, do you ever fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others?

Category: Featured, Features, Gumbo Mix | 4 Comments

New Addition Coming to BGG!

August 19, 2013

For those who don’t follow me on Instagram (@browngirlgumbo), I just wanted to share some exciting news with you: I’m expecting my second child!

Yep, Ava is going to be a big sister and she couldn’t be happier. In fact, we’re all excited in the BGG household. It seems just like yesterday when I announced that I was expecting my first child on the site four years ago! Parenting is definitely the hardest job I’ve ever had, but it’s by far the most satisfying and rewarding. However, this time around I’ve been much sicker and unable to post as frequently as I’d like, but I’ve since passed that hurdle. Now, I can’t wait for our new addition and am counting down the days.

Last Saturday, I had a small “sprinkle” (that’s what people are calling subsequent baby showers these days) in my backyard in Brooklyn. A few of my friends and family members were in attendance to celebrate our impending arrival. My dear friends over at Aveeno were kind enough to sponsor the gift bags for my guests, which included a daily moisturizer and my favorite sunscreen. It was a lovely occasion and I’m so grateful to have wonderful people in my life.

Surprisingly, in this day and age of creating digital memories, I didn’t take many pictures. Luckily, I was able to salvage a collage out of the few photos I did manage to snap. Check it out below:

I never thought that I’d be anxiously awaiting the end of summer, but this year I am and for great reason! 🙂

Also, please be sure to follow me on Instagram @browngirlgumbo!!

Category: Baby, Featured, Gumbo Mix, Misc. | 2 Comments

5 Great Last-Minute Gifts for Mom

May 9, 2013

If you haven’t gotten around to getting your mom a gift for Mother’s Day yet, don’t fret! I’ve rounded up the perfect last-minute presents that my fellow procrastinators and moms will love.

From spa gift cards to Broadway tickets, give mom a gift that will allow her to have fun, relax and enjoy!

Surprise mom with tickets to Broadway’s hottest show in town, Motown the Musical! If you don’t live in New York City, make this experience even more special with a trip to the Big Apple for a weekend. The show runs through November. Motown the Musical tickets available here, starting at $65.

Wow mom with flowers year-long with a new bouquet delivered to her doorstep for 3, 6 or 12 months! ProFlowers available here, starting at $130

Treat your tech-savvy mom with a subscription to O, The Oprah Magazine. She’ll enjoy getting advice and tips from Lady O at her fingertips! Subscriptions can be purchased here, $20.

Give mom the gift of relaxation with a spa day in her area. SpaFinder gift certificates are available here.

Grab the popcorn! Your movie-loving mom will appreciate this box of goodies including 5 RedBox gift certificates. If you’re really strapped for time, you can create your own basket of snacks and pick up movie vouchers from your local theater! RedBox Movie Night Gift Basket available here, $52.

What are you getting your mom for Mother’s Day? If you’re a mom, what are you hoping to receive on Sunday?

Category: Gifts, Gumbo Mix, Misc., Mother's Day | 2 Comments

BGG is Back in Bloom!

April 1, 2013

I’m sure some of my loyal readers have been wondering where I’ve been these past few weeks. Well, I haven’t felt my best for for a while and just decided to take some much needed time off. For nearly six years, I’ve been writing style/beauty/celebrity posts on an nearly daily basis. Needless to say, I was feeling uninspired and a bit burnt out.

That said, I’m back and hopefully will be better than ever! As promised, I hope to introduce a new column within a few weeks that will profile BGs who are doing wonderful things in their communities, etc.

I hope you all had a wonderful start to spring and an even better Easter.

Thanks for reading!!

What’s the thing you love the most about spring?

Category: Gumbo Mix, Misc. | 5 Comments

Love Is In the Air: 7 Fun Valentine’s Day Facts!

February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine’s Day my lovely BGs!

I hope your day is filled with love, chocolate, red roses and all of your heart’s desires! In the meantime, check out these fun Valentine’s Day facts:

*Approximately 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine’s Day the second most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas. (Source: StValentinesDay.org)

*More than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are sold for Valentine’s Day each year. (Source: History.com)

*2.2 million marriages take place in the United States annually. That breaks down to more than 6,000 a day. (Source: History.com)

*California produces 60 percent of American roses, but the vast number sold on Valentine’s Day in the United States are imported, mostly from South America. Approximately 110 million roses, the majority red, will be sold and delivered within a three-day time period. (Source: StValentinesDay.org)

*Over 50 percent of all Valentine’s Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the observance, making Valentine’s Day a procrastinator’s delight. (Source: Hallmark Research)

*In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling. (Source: StValentinesDay.org)

*The oldest surviving love poem till date is written in a clay tablet from the times of the Sumerians around 3500 BC. (Source: StValentinesDay.org)

Ava has this new awkward smile thing going on, but she’s still my special Valentine!

XOXO,

BGG

What’s your favorite gift to receive on Valentine’s Day?

Category: Gumbo Mix, Misc. | 3 Comments

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

February 5, 2013

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 by Halle Berry available at drugstores nationwide; $35

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Category: Beauty, Gifts, Giveaway, Giveaways, Gumbo Mix | 6 Comments