Cute Carry-Ons for Seasonal Getaways

April 5, 2012
With sky-high baggage fees and the overall hassle of traveling by air, getting to your spring and summer destinations can seem more like a dread than a dream.

In an effort to ease my traveling experience, I pack strategically so that I only bring a bright and bold carry-on to avoid standing in those never-ending check-in lines and avoid those ever-increasing baggage fees. 

Opting for a fashionable, roomy bag will make for a more seamless and affordable B-line to your vacation getaway. 
Check out a few of these cute carry-ons:

Samsonite Bright Lite 29″ Hardship Spinner available at www.samsonite.com for $160
Lacoste Gymnasium Roll Bag available at www.zappos.com for $166
Rebecca Minkoff Carry-On Oversized Bag available at www.amazon.com for $795
Kipling USA Brixen Wheeled Luggage available at www.zappos.com for $230

The Crown Edition Crown-X 30″ Hard-sided Spinner Suitcase available at www.sears.com for $399.95

Tumi Super Leger International Carry-On available at www.6pm.com
American Tourister iLite Carry-On-available at www.samsonite.com for $80.99
Do you typically carry-on or check your bags when traveling?
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Over the Moon in Cancun

March 28, 2012

A few weeks ago I shared with you that I was taking a mini-vacation. Well, that much-needed break involved a ton of sun, great food, and even better music in Cancun, Mexico! I know what you’re thinking, “Isn’t BGG well beyond her wild partying college days?”

You’re correct, my college years are behind me (I still can’t believe it’s been 10 years since I graduated – yikes!), but you’re wrong if you think Cancun is solely the hotspot synonymous with rowdy college spring breaks and nonstop partying.

Granted, you will have a good time in Cancun if co-ed crowds are what you’re looking for, but the city has so much more to offer if you’re not. The city is becoming the go-to-spot for luxurious lounging, exquisite dining, and even music.

During my stay at the Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort, I experienced top-notch service in addition to a full-on concert (it was included in the package) by Latin pop sensation Enrique Iglesias, which was attended by over 10,000. Plus, the mouthwatering cuisine from room-service and the numerous restaurants on site satiated my bottomless pit appetite.
From sipping strawberry margaritas by the pool to visiting an exotic crocodile zoo to dancing the night away at a concert, I found Cancun’s Palace Resorts to be a destination ideal for music-lovers looking for relaxation, good food, and outstanding service. 
Check out some of my pics:
On my way to a cocktail party.
One of several pool areas on the resort.

During my visit to the CrocoCun Zoo.
I LOVED this lime sorbet. It was refreshing and had just the right amount of tang.
A lovely view from my room.
I didn’t realize just how hot Enrique Iglesias was until I saw him in concert!

Do you have any spring break or summer trips on the horizons?

Category: Travel | 3 Comments

Sponsored – Aveeno’s Beautiful Change Challenge: Part 1

March 26, 2012

While beautifying our bodies with blushes, bronzers and other cosmetics is fun and makes us feel and look good on the outside, it’s what goes inside our bodies that’s the most important. That’s why lately I’ve been approaching the grocery aisles like I do makeup counters – the bolder the color of the product or produce the better! Whether it’s a ripe cantaloupe, crisp cucumber, or a pretty coral nail polish, I  enjoy shopping for vibrant fruits and vegetables just as much as I do for beauty products.

Fueling our bodies with fresh produce and lean proteins is imperative to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Plus, eating well contributes to improving our skin, hair, and nails. So if you feel good and energized, you’re going to radiate from within no matter what makeup, body or haircare products you use. But, if you can find products that give you the best of both worlds like Aveeno’s Active Naturals by incorporating quality ingredients such as oats, seaweed extract, soy, and shiitake mushrooms into their products it’s a win-win!

Bottom-line, stocking up on with richly-hued produce and products made with naturally enriching ingredients is always a good look.

New AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL™ lets you renew your hair to its naturally balanced state daily. Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy, most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair. Learn more here http://bit.ly/A1cjWg

“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by AVEENO® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AVEENO®”

I challenge you to make a beautiful change with your diet to uncover a healthy and even more gorgeous you! What foods do you enjoy eating to keep your skin and hair flawless?

Category: Beauty, Travel & Lifestyle | 2 Comments

Let Nicole Ari Parker “Save Your Do”

March 15, 2012

Nicole Ari Parker, one of our favorite BG actresses is now a budding entrepreneur. The former Soul Food star is on a quest to “save our ‘dos,” with the launch of her revolutionary “Save Your Do Gymwrap,” to help keep our hair sweat-free during workouts.

While I’ve never sacrificed exercising for the sake of my strands, I do know many women who do. We all know those who see the gym as instant “kryptonite” when it comes to maintaining their styles. For those lock-loving ladies, this souped up sweatband is an answer to their hair-preserving prayers.
Save Your Do GymWrap is available here starting at $24.95
I recently used the “SYDGW” during a strenuous workout in in Park Slope and was incredibly pleased with the results. It kept my hair dry by keeping moisture away from the skin while letting cool air in. Even though I have natural hair, I still have it blown out periodically and it kept my edges smooth and frizz-free. 
Not only is this brilliantly-designed wrap good at protecting our ‘dos, but it also gives back to a great cause.  10% of proceeds will go toward the Sophie’s Voice Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 2008 by Parker and her husband, actor Boris Kodjoe, whose mission is to help individuals diagnosed with spina bifida.

Remember ladies, hair is hair; leading a healthy lifestyle is what’s really important. Also, if you’re wondering if Parker has given up her thespian roots, don’t worry; you can catch her this spring starring in the Broadway revival of “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

Have you ever halted your workout plans to preserve your ‘do? Would you wear the “Save Your Do Gymwrap?”
Category: Beauty, Travel & Lifestyle | 3 Comments

She’s Baaack…Beyonce Shows of Post-Baby Body

February 7, 2012

Looks like Beyonce will continue to be the envy of onlookers. The slim, superstar singer stepped out publicly in New York City for the first time since giving birth to her daughter, Blue Ivy, to celebrate her husband Jay-Z’s upcoming concert dates at Carnegie Hall.

Merely a month after welcoming her new bundle of joy, Beyonce’s body looks as if it’s already bounced back into shape. Last night the new mom was spotted at the 40/40 club wearing a reddish-orange, Alice Temperly dress that accentuated her curves and of course a pair of embellished Christian Louboutin heels to top off her pulled-together look.

Beyonce at her first public appearance since giving birth at the 40/40 Club in New York City.

I must admit, I didn’t have a hard time dropping my baby weight after having my daughter in 2010, but I credit it genetics and breastfeeding. Not sure what Mrs. Carter’s secret is, but I’m sure we’ll here about it in due time.

If you’re a mother, how long did it take you to flaunt your pre-baby body again? How did you drop the weight?

Category: Travel & Lifestyle | 5 Comments

Happy New Year!

January 2, 2012

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?

Category: Beauty, Travel & Lifestyle | 2 Comments

NEWS: World AIDS Day

December 1, 2011

There’s a startling statistic that was featured in a recent article in PARADE that states: AIDS as being the third leading cause of death among African-American women in their 30s and 40s, and the number of new infections among gay and bisexual black men under 30 increased 48 percent between 2006 and 2009 (the latest U.S. figures available). This epidemic’s epicenter falls in the South, where poverty and lack of affordable health care are thwarting education, testing, and treatment.

The fact that we’re the largest part of the demographic that’s disproportionately suffering from this preventable epidemic, speaks volumes. That’s why it’s so important that we BGs educate ourselves and spread that knowledge to our loved ones near and far so that our mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters, and friends can stop dying from this deadly disease.

Have you been tested? If not, do so TODAY.

Category: Travel & Lifestyle | Leave a Comment