UK-Based Home & Bedding Brand bluebellgray Launches in the U.S

December 2, 2015

If you’re like me and love pretty pastels and feminine designs for your home, keep reading because you’re in for a treat.

bluebellgray, the popular UK-based home and bedding brand has launched a stateside collection exclusively sold at Macy’s. Known for its gorgeous, hand-painted watercolor prints, the collection includes everything from bath towels to bed linens—it’s a floral lover’s dream.

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The bluebellgray collection is exclusively sold at Macy’s.

The brand’s founder and designer, Fi Douglas, is an acclaimed watercolorist who masterfully brings her eye for beautiful simplicity to your bath and bedroom. The clean, abstract designs exude tranquility without compromising style.

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A peek at the bluebellgray luncheon held at Park Avenue Autumn in New York City on November 18, 2015.

In celebration of the U.S. launch, the brand and Douglas held an intimate luncheon last month at Park Avenue Autumn in New York City. Unfortunately, due to an incredibly hefty workload on the day of the event, I regrettably wasn’t able to attend. I’m still disappointed about my last-minute cancellation because it was indeed a lovely afternoon. Who wouldn’t regret not being surrounded by beautiful blooms and delicious food?

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Although I wasn’t able to attend the luncheon, I’m still thrilled that I can now purchase some of these eye-catching pieces for my place.

What’s your design personality? Feminine, minimalistic, modern, country chic, etc.? 

Category: Gumbo Mix, Misc. | Leave a Comment

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.

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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.

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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!

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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

Coca-Cola & Hello Beautiful Presents: The Kitchen Table with Chef Huda

November 4, 2015

Several weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a lovely dinner celebrating the launch of Hello Beautiful’s and Coca-Cola’s web series, “The Kitchen Table.”

Hosted by TV personality and former media maven Bevy Smith, the family-style dinner was held at celebrity chef, Marcus Samuelsson’s popular Red Rooster/Ginny’s Supper Club in Harlem.

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The eclectic restaurant was the perfect setting to kick-off the food-centric web series, starring “Cut-throat Kitchen” winner Chef Huda, and actresses Tisha Campbell-Martin and Holly Robinson-Peete.

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Source: Property of iOne Studios

Throughout the 4-part web series, the women share stories and laughter, while providing viewers with quick and easy recipes including:  Tisha’s macaroni-and-cheese cupcakes, Chef Huda’s mini pizzas and Holly’s chicken ‘wangs.’


The final video features Brooklyn-based artist, Sylvia Mair, who was chosen to immortalize the series with one of her alluring paintings. She speaks about how her mother inspired her artwork and the influence Coca-Cola had on her childhood.

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Source: Property of iOne Studios

Now with Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s the perfect time to try Tisha’s mac-and-cheese! Click here for the full recipe.

Have you checked out this web series?

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Take the My Black Is Beautiful ‘All Together Beautiful’ Challenge!

July 13, 2015

With Misty Copeland becoming the first African-American principal dancer at the American Theatre Ballet last week and Serena Williams making history with her four consecutive Grand Slam titles in Wimbledon this past weekend, we know that black girls rock! There’s no denying that we can accomplish any feat and break down any barrier placed before us. We are smart, beautiful and powerful!

That’s why Procter & Gamble’s (the company behind beauty brands such as Covergirl, Pantene and Olay) My Black Is Beautiful “All Together Beautiful” campaign is the perfect way to celebrate us. In a world where beauty is often defined by the outer exterior, this challenge invites Black women and girls to redefine the standard of beauty as a standard that defines beauty by – integrity, strength, character and spirit, as well as values positive actions, and celebrates those who are reaffirm this standard everyday.

Far too often neither our inner nor outer beauty is appreciated or acknowledged in mainstream media, TV or films—leaving it up to us to honor ourselves.  And, while self-love is great, it’s just as important to support, uplift and encourage our fellow BGs too! That’s why I’m thrilled to share this “pay it forward” challenge with you!

ESSENCE relationship editor Charreah Jackson is one of the editors who has embraced the "All Together Beautiful" campaign.

ESSENCE relationship editor Charreah Jackson is one of the editors who has embraced the “All Together Beautiful” campaign.

Simply follow these 3 easy steps:

1. Record a video that celebrates a woman who you believe is “All Together Beautiful”.
2. Share this video across your social media pages using hashtags #MBIB & #AllTogetherBeautiful
3. Challenge another woman by tagging them on social media to do the same for someone else.

Check out the video below to hear whom a few editors and online influencers believe are “all together beautiful!”:

Who do you believe is “All Together Beautiful?” 

Category: Beauty, Gumbo Mix | 1 Comment

GIVEAWAY: Warner’s Bra & Panties Set

July 7, 2015

Since my boobs are no longer going up and down in size due to breastfeeding, it’s time to get a bra fitting and go shopping!

Warner’s has a line of bra and panties that won’t pinch or tug in all the wrong places. Launching this month, the No Pinching. No Problem. collection promises to provide smooth silhouettes. For me, comfort trumps style—luckily, these bra and panties don’t lack in either department. The seamless underwire or front-closure wire-free bra designs contours to the body creating a functional, yet sexy look. Plus, the hipster and hi-cut panties are soft and practical. Gone are the unflattering creases and painful digs that tight elastic panty bands and ill-fitting bras can cause. Who wants to be tugging and adjusting their unmentionables all day?

Not only can some bras and panties be uncomfortable, but wearing the wrong undergarments can wreak havoc on outfits too! That’s why it’s just as important to put thought into what you’re putting on underneath as what you put on top.

 

warner-bra-panties Warner’s No Pinching. No Problems. collection available here, starting at $12

**GIVEAWAY: If you’re looking to add to your intimate apparel wardrobe, you’re in luck. I’ve partnered with Warner’s to give two readers a bra and panties set valued at approximately $55. Simply leave a comment below or Tweet me (@BrownGirlGumbo) telling me what’s more important to you when it comes to intimate apparel: comfort or style? The giveaway is only open to U.S residents. The winners will be randomly selected and notified via email on Tuesday July 21, 2015 (contest ends 11:59 pm July 20, 2015).

Category: Fashion, Giveaway, Gumbo Mix, Uncategorized | 31 Comments

Product Review: Dyson V6 Absolute Cordless Vacuum

July 6, 2015

With two small kids under the age of 5, my apartment is a magnet for mess.

From pretzel crumbs to colored pencil shavings to Cheerios, my floor can be subjected to just about anything at any given moment. Luckily, we have a Dyson V6 Absolute Cordless to help clean up the never-ending mess. Calling this household device a vacuum cleaner doesn’t do it justice—this is a MACHINE! While it’s completely compact and easy to use, it packs such a powerful punch that lumping it in a group of average vacuums just doesn’t seem right.

Unlike others on the market, this two-speed Dyson lifts layers of dirt in addition to picking up surface crumbs and the like with the ease of a trigger. The suction is so intense that it sucks up the most stubborn dirt and dust for an unmatched deep cleaning. It works brilliantly on carpets, hardwood and  linoleum. Plus, it comes with four attachments (dusting brush, crevice tool, dusting tool and rotating brush turbine tool) for multi-use. We use it to remove dirt and dust from those hard-to-reach places, such as vents, ceilings and walls. I also enjoy using the crevice tool to suck up the nibbles and bits from my son’s highchair and stroller. The slender attachment is also great for cleaning out nooks and crannies from around large kitchen appliances such as stoves and refrigerators. Not only are the attachments huge bonuses, but the V6 can also turn into a handy handheld. Simply remove the handle and you’re equipped with a pint-size picker-upper, ideal for cleaning couches and cars.

There’s no denying that the functionality is the most important aspect, the sleek, hi-tech design makes it even more appealing. My husband constantly raves about how cool it looks. He once said that it “seems like a gadget straight out of the “Jetsons!”‘ In addition to the performance and feel, the convenience of it being cordless, bagless and compact is a huge benefit for those of us who live in small spaces.

If you’re looking for a vacuum cleaner with incredible pickup power, look no further. The price might seem steep, but you get what you pay for. Trust me, it’s a splurge—but it’s well worth it!

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Dyson V6 Absolute Cordless Vacuum available here, $599

*Disclosure: I received a Dyson V6 vacuum to conduct this product review. All thoughts, opinions and expressions are my own.  

What’s the one household device/gadget that you can’t live without?

Category: Gumbo Mix | 2 Comments

3 Tips to Keep In Mind At Your Next Barbecue

July 3, 2015

When it comes to the Fourth of July, fireworks might be the first thing to come to mind. But, food is probably a pretty close second! In fact, the 4th is  the most popular holiday for grilling, followed by Memorial Day.

Who can resist the taste of juicy burgers, finger-licking BBQ and delectable hot dogs? Oh and don’t forget the American quintessential sides of potato salad and baked beans! These decadent summer staples are synonymous with the holiday and help make it fun and festive. While it’s ok to indulge in some of these mouth-watering dishes, it’s important to be smart and sensible.

Dr. Michele Reed, a board certified family physician in New York, shares a few tips on how to stay active and avoid derailing a healthy diet at your next backyard barbecue:

*Prep for Success: Set the menu, shop smart and have fun. Make sure lean meats, creative salads, in-season fruits and veggies and better-for-you marinades are all part of the plan.

*Get Moving: In between the food and drinks comes all that great activity. Keep a playlist of tunes going, have some water balloons on reserve or play an impromptu volleyball game – there are tons of crowd-pleasing activities that you can do in your own backyard.

*Portion-Control Gear: Whether you’re bringing your favorite summertime salad or a delectable dessert make sure to include a serving utensil that promotes portion sized eating. If hosting, choose a theme, decorate your space and remember to encourage portion controlled eating by stocking up on salad-sized plates.

What’s your favorite Fourth of July fare? How do you make healthy choices while being tempted with tasty summer treats?

Category: Gumbo Mix, Health, Travel & Lifestyle | Leave a Comment