Travel

Get SUN-day Schooled with Summer Skincare Tips from Dr. Jen

June 28, 2016

Now that summer is officially underway, it’s time to get SUN-day schooled. Taking the proper measures to prevent sun damage should be implemented year-round, but especially during the summer months. With longer, hotter days – protecting your skin from UV-rays is crucial. And for us moms, protecting our little ones is even more important.

I recently caught up with New York pediatrician and Dove ambassador Dr. Jen Trachtenberg to get the 411 on the best ways to ensure that our children are covered—literally. From the most effective sunscreens to easy ways to keep skin soft and smooth, we chatted about all things summer skincare.

So, before your family heads to the beach or park, be sure to keep the following tips in mind for a safe day out.

*Keep your kids cool and comfy by dressing them in loose-fitting, breathable clothing.

*Outfit your tot with sunglasses. They’re not just for fashion statements, but they actually help prevent sun damage to the eyes.

*Buy sunscreen with a physical barrier and one that’s broad spectrum and protects against UVA and UVB rays.

*Apply, apply and reapply sunscreen! Yep, Dr. Jen recommends slathering or spraying sunscreen on your children at least once every 3 hours, and always after they’ve been in the water.

*After a day out, cleanse your child with a mild cleanser such as the Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar because it will keep her soft and smooth all summer long. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and unscented.

How do you keep your kids’ skin protected during the summer?

Category: Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment

Event Recap: GoGo squeeZ YogurtZ Launch Party

June 22, 2016

In celebration of GoGo squeeZ’s YogurtZ launch, my family and I were invited to attend a super cool event to kick off the new offering.

First, I was giddy with excitement at the mere fact that the popular squeezable fruit brand was expanding into the yogurt realm. My daughter, Ava, has been enjoying the applesauce packets for years and is also huge yogurt fan—so, having a trusted brand include another family staple to their lineup was awesome!

Throughout the event, all attendees were treated to tasty bites and of course yogurt—which my kids couldn’t stop eating it. Available in three delicious flavors: Strawberry, Banana, and Berry, the yogurt is the perfect healthy snack for school-age children. Free of artificial flavors and colors, parents don’t have to worry fake ingredients and harmful dyes. Plus, it doesn’t require refrigeration making it an ideal grab-and-go treat. Hence their clever tagline, “So cool, it doesn’t have to be cold.” Wondering how that’s possible? It’s simple: the yogurt goes through a heating step that ensures that the product can be stored at room temperature.

From create-your-own yogurt smiley face stations to dance contests to “ice” skating, the launch party was packed with fun activities for kids.

Overall, we had a wonderful time and can’t wait to see what else GoGo squeeZ comes up with next!

Is your family a fan of GoGo squeeZ products? What’s your kids’ favorite on-the-go snack?

Category: Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment

The Period Shop: A Place to Celebrate Our Cycles

May 13, 2016

Periods. We women all have them. It’s something that unites us in femininity, yet it’s still a rather taboo topic. Well, that’s about to change! Thanks to U by Kotex, this weekend women in New York City can celebrate their menstrual cycles by shopping for kitschy and practical items that will get them through that special time of the month.

Inspired by Sarah M., an NYC-based college student’s Tumblr page denouncing the stigma attached to shopping for feminine products, she dreamed of having a place where women could get items without feeling ashamed of this ‘unmentionable’ natural occurrence that we all experience. Enter U by Kotex. Through their #PeriodProjects initiative, the Kimberly-Clark brand brought her vision to life in a gorgeous girly space filled with products that would probably make your great-grandmother blush.

I got a sneak peek of The Period Shop during a media preview and it is out-of-this-world cute. The ultra-feminine setting is inviting and comfy.

From tampon-emblazoned sweatshirts and pins to walls filled with chocolate bars, you can buy ultra-feminine merchandise including attire, accessories, home goods, beauty products, food and snacks, and of course U by Kotex products too! Plus, female DJs and musicians will be providing the soundtrack to this one-of-a-kind experience. The best part is that all proceeds from The Period Shop will be donated to Susan’s Place, a transitional residence that provides homeless women with housing support and a safe, supportive environment.

This pop-up shop is such an awesome concept and sends a great message. We shouldn’t be embarrassed by our bodies and what they do. Remember, without periods none of us would be here!

If you’re in NYC, don’t miss it!

The Period Shop is open to the public from Friday, May 13 – Sunday, May 15 and is located at 138 Fifth Avenue in New York City.

Do you have a specific craving or weird habit that you do during your period?

Category: Gumbo Mix, Misc., Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment

Ikuzi Dolls: Representing the Diversity of Black Beauty

May 12, 2016

Like many little girls who were born in the 1980s, I was obsessed with Cabbage Patch dolls. I remember writing letters to Santa Claus pleading that he’d leave one of the yarn-haired dolls under my Christmas tree.

Fast forward 30 years and now I have the pleasure of watching my 6-year-old daughter obsess over her gorgeous Ikuzi Dolls.

Ikuzi Dolls are available here, $80

Unlike the dolls of my era, Ikuzi Dolls come in a variety of shades to reflect and celebrate diverse skin tones. The beautifully crafted dolls are also decked out in designer African-inspired outfits that serve as a stylish nod to our rich heritage. Plus, the dolls’ facial features, hair texture and eye colors have all been thoughtfully crafted with us BGs in mind.

Ava holding her “Dark Brown” Ikuzi doll.

Founded by Ozi Okaro, a mom of four who was inspired to create dolls that looked like her daughters, the collection is a lovely representation of black beauty.

It’s so important for our young girls to see beautiful images of themselves and these dolls provide just that. Plus, Ozi aims to add more skin tones and hair textures to reflect the world’s growing diversity. Wondering if the dolls have names? They don’t. Ozi encourages children to use their imaginations and name their dolls as they see fit. Traveling this summer? Don’t worry, Ikuzi dolls come with a super cute pink carrying case that makes transporting easy.

If you have a little girl in your life, these dolls would make the perfect gift for her birthday, kindergarten graduation or simply as a “just because” present. You’ll bring her joy while supporting a black-owned business. Now that’s a win-win!

**Use the code: KARLA at check-out and you can get $10 off your purchase!

What was your favorite doll growing up?

Category: Gumbo Mix, Misc., Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment

3 Things I’ve Learned Since Becoming a Full-Time Working Mom

April 4, 2016

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Since I started blogging back in 2007, I’ve rarely missed more than a week of writing on BGG. Even after the birth of both of my children, I somehow managed to squeeze in time for my blog. However, now that I’m a mom of two small kids (ages 6 and 2) and working full-time, I’ve found keeping my blog current more challenging than ever.

After working from home for years and being thrust back into the outside professional world has been a huge adjustment. From finding a reputable nanny to scheduling extra-curricular activities, my mommy duties have shifted into high gear. Plus, the fact that I’ve only been on my new job for three months, is a challenge in of itself.

Even with the full support of my husband, being a working mother is one of the hardest, most fulfilling aspects of my life. I know my struggle with balancing it all isn’t unique, which is why I applaud all of my fellow mothers and the mothers before me, including my own.

This first quarter has definitely had its ups and downs, but I’m looking forward to what’s to come. Here’s how I plan to make the rest of the year better than ever!

Schedule some “me” time. If my batteries aren’t charged, I can’t be my best as a wife, mother or as an employee. Frankly, if I don’t allow time to relax and do things that I enjoy, I am doing everyone in my life a disservice.
Time Management. We all know that time is our most precious commodity. If we waste it on unproductive activities, we’re cheating ourselves out of time that could go towards tackling something of substance from your to-do list. I often fall victim to the swiping and scrolling rabbit hole of social media.
Accept that there’s no perfect balance. Acknowledging that there is no special formula to balancing it all is the best thing that we can do for ourselves. Sure, some things will suffer while other things flourish, but that’s just how life goes. The sooner we realize that no one has super powers—we just make the best out of our situations the better off we’ll all be!

Now that we’re a quarter of the way into the new year, what practices do you plan on implementing to ensure that the rest of 2016 is as great as possible?

Category: Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 1 Comment

5 Things I Learned from the Burlington & WomenHeart Panel

February 8, 2016

If you’re a BG and haven’t had your heart checked in the past six months, keep reading.

Last week I had the opportunity to attend an eye-opening panel discussion on heart health and how it affects women, especially us African-Americans. Presented by Burlington in partnership with WomenHeart, the esteemed group of speakers included popular TV talk show host and personality, Wendy Williams; four heart disease survivors and a renowned cardiologist.

While Wendy Williams doesn’t personally suffer from heart disease, she aims to use her platform – “The Wendy Williams Show,” to help educate women about the illness. She provided some hilarious sound bites throughout the discussion that served as a bit of comic relief for a very serious topic. “Eating shrimp can give you ‘the heart’ right, doc?” she jokingly asked. Although heart disease is no laughing matter, Wendy’s humor and candor opened the conversation to some troubling facts.

Here are some of the top five things I learned from the panel:

1. Heart disease doesn’t discriminate. It kills more women than breast and lung cancer combined. In fact, one in four women will die from heart disease.

2. Thin doesn’t necessarily mean healthy. You can be thin and exercise and STILL be faced with heart disease. One of the panelists, Essence Harris-Banks was a dancer and very active prior to being diagnosed with coronary artery disease.

3. Watch your weight. The more you weigh, the more your heart has to work pump. Even losing 5 pounds can make a big difference.

4. Don’t Stress. We all know stress is a killer. Meditation, yoga and deep breathing can help relieve stress, ultimately reducing your chance of heart disease.

5. We BGs have a higher risk. Women with diabetes have a 2.5-fold higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease. African-Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes, which contributes to the 81.9% higher risk of developing heart disease .

Even though National Wear Red Day for heart disease is behind us, the fight against this disease is ongoing! That’s why Burlington customers have the opportunity to donate $1 or more at a checkout and their funds will support WomenHeart. The contributions will go toward further educating women about heart disease and their health.

Want to learn more and help the cause? Throughout February, tune in to the Wendy Williams Show to get fun and easy daily healthy heart tips. If you’re a Wendy-watcher, simply snap a photo of how you are using that tip or show what heart health means to you be posting a #HealthyHeartSelfie. For every photo posted with that hashtag, Burlington will donate $1, up to $25,000, to benefit WomenHeart.

In the words of Wendy, “Don’t talk so loud and breathe. Love yourself now, tomorrow may be too late.”

How do you take of your heart?

Category: Featured, Features, Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment

Get Cupid-Approved Clothing from The Children’s Place

February 7, 2016

This Valentine’s Day I’m outfitting my two sweethearts in the hottest fashions from my favorite kids’ clothing store—The Children’s Place!

They have some of the most adorable and always affordable finds that you and your children will love. From red frilly dresses to plaid shirts, you’re sure to discover quality clothing that will set your heart aflutter. Plus, they have a bevy of darling accessories to top off any ensemble.

MJ is wearing the Long Sleeve Plaid Shirt ($6.80) and Ava is modeling the Sleeveless Ruffle Lace Floral Mesh Dress ($20).

While these outfits are undeniably cute and Cupid-approved, they can certainly be worn throughout the spring season. Ava has already made plans to wear her dress for Easter!

My children have been wearing items from The Children’s Place since they were infants and will continue until they outgrow it. They should really consider expanding their brand to the “Teen” and “Adult” Place, hey, they’d have a customer in me!

Are you planning to get festive and dress your kids up for Valentine’s Day?

Category: Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 1 Comment