Giveaway Alert: Red-Hot Must-Haves for Valentine’s Day

Now that the Super Bowl is over, it’s time to shift gears and focus on the next big occasion – Valentine’s Day. From chocolate-flavored lip balms to mouthwatering red velvet cupcakes this list of sweet and sexy items will help make this romantic day one to remember.

However, if you don’t have a special someone to spend the day, these products also make great gifts to buy for the most important person in your life – you!

**Rebelle by Rihanna Eau de Parfum 3.4 oz: The singer’s follow-up fragrance is a scentsational mix of tantalizing notes of ginger, vanilla, strawberry, plum, and other tropical splendor. Plus the underlying creamy musk makes this the perfect scent for the sweet and sassy rebel at heart. 
Available at www.macys.com for $59
Crumbs Bake Shop Valentine Gourmet Taste 12-Pack available at www.crumbs.com for $24
Palmer’s Dark Chocolate & Peppermint Lip Butter available at www.drugstore.com for $2.39
Victoria’s Secret Super Soft Babydoll Set available at www.victoriassecret.com for $50
The Body Shop Chocomania Body Scrub available at www.thebodyshop-usa.com for $18

Tiffany Lock Heart Ring in Sterling Silver and 18K Rose Gold available at www.tiffany.com for $325
Baby-G Shock Women’s Red Resin Watch available at www.amazon.com for $79
Victoria’s Secret Mini Gift Set (includes: body mist and lotion) available at www.victoriassecret.com for $18
**One lucky winner will win a bottle of Rihanna’s Rebelle. Simply leave a V-day related comment and/or retweet this giveaway on Twitter. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday. Thanks in advance for participating. 

EVENT: Celebrate Romare Bearden’s 100th Birthday w/Macy’s

Between New York Fashion Week and events commemorating our history, February is shaping up to be a month chock full of fetes.  
In conjunction with Black History Month and the late Romare Bearden’s 100th birthday, Macy’s is celebrating the famed African-American artist and author’s work. 
A series of Macy’s stores across the country will highlight and pay tribute to the North Carolina native’s artistic contributions by showcasing his renowned masterpieces. In addition to displaying his remarkable paintings, reception attendees’ ears will also be treated to the delightful sounds of live jazz by artists performing Bearden’s music.
Whether you’re heading to Macy’s this month to pick up a Rachel Roy frock for Valentine’s Day or a new compact from the MAC counter, be sure to check out this don’t-miss-event at a store near you. 
If you’re in the New York City area and plan to attend the reception you’ll get a perk! With any purchase of $50 or more, you’ll receive a complimentary scarf printed with Bearden’s most lauded piece, “The Lamp.”
Check out the details:
What: Macy’s Celebrates Romare Bearden’s 100th Birthday
When: February 9, 2012 at 6pm (Exhibit runs 2/9 – 2/12)
Where: Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W. 34th Street

Who’s your favorite artist?

*This was a sponsored post by BeEverywhere

Ring Around the Collar

Move over blingy notice-me necklaces and make room for more refined designs. Sleek gold collar statement pieces are popping up on celebrities and fashionistas for a chic, bold look.

Whether hammered or hard-studded, these necklaces are an easy way to instantly add polish to any ensemble.

From L-R: Christina Milian, Angela Simmons, and Kelis rocking eye-catching gold collars.

Check out these picks:

Allen Schwartz Canary Coast Gold Tone Collar Necklace available at www.endless.com for $85

Alexis Bittar Liquid Gold Collar available at www.bloomingdales.com for $375

Kenneth Jay Lane Satin Gold Hinged Collar available at www.shopbop.com for $215

Hard-Studded Collar Necklace available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $24

Hive and Honey Hammered Collar Necklace available at www.piperlime.com for $26

Are you a fan of statement necklaces?

President Barack Obama Loves Black People

In an effort to ensure that we BGs and guys get out and re-elect President Barack Obama into office, he announced via video the 2012 launch of African-Americans for Obama campaign to rally African-American voters.

In the video, the president says, “I don’t think there’s a better time than African-American history month to consider the tremendous progress that we’ve made through the sacrifices of so many, or a better time to commit to meeting the very real challenges we face right now.”

He added that he wants us “to continue making history,” by using our voting power at the polls.

Watch the entire video below:

Do you think President Barack Obama will be re-elected?

Must-See TV: Black History Month

It’s hard to believe it’s February since we’re experiencing such a mild winter, but it’s here, which means it’s our month to celebrate and recognize our contributions to the country. PBS has several programs that highlight African-American history and showcase our stories.

From a documentary on the abolition of slavery to an exploration of our communities in the 60s and 70s through film and music, PBS will air a slew of programs that will enlighten and inform during Black History Month.

Check out my must-see choices:

Slavery By Another Name: Wall Street Journal senior writer Douglas A. Blackmon, explores the little-known story of the post-Emancipation era and the labor practices and laws that effectively created a new form of slavery in the South that persisted well into the 20th century.
Airing Monday, February 13 at 9PM, EST

Independent Lens: The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975: Audio and visual interviews from African-American artists, activists, musicians, and scholars. Pictured: Angela Davis.
Airing Thursday, February 9 at 10pm, EST

Independent Lens “Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock”: This program tells the story of Daisy Bates’ life and public support of nine black students who registered to attend the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, which culminated in a constitutional crisis — pitting a president against a governor and a community against itself.
Airing Thursday, February 2 at 10 pm, EST

How will you celebrate Black History Month? Will you be watching these programs?

Thank You, Don Cornelius

The news of Soul Train founder, Don Cornelius’s death leaves me with a heavy heart. Like so many little young brown girls and guys, I made it a point to catch Soul Train every Saturday morning for years.

I remember tuning in to see my favorite acts at the time, Bell Biv DevoeAnother Bad Creation, and En Vogue perform on that famous Los Angeles soundstage. Just thinking about those music-filled mornings brings back such fond memories.

Music is the universal language and Mr. Cornelius showcased it on a weekly basis for decades. His contributions to our rich, cultural history is unprecedented and he will live on forever in our hearts and as we stroll down the next “Soul Train,” line at a wedding. 🙂

May he rest in love, peace and soul!

Natural Hair Files: Go-To Transitioning Styles

With so many of us women of color embracing our natural hair textures, it’s no surprise that many of us grappling with finding styles that work well with our newfound curls, kinks, and coils. While I didn’t go for the BC (big chop), I found styles that would camouflage my chemically-straightened strands with my newly grown thicker texture.

Throughout my journey, roller sets and two-strand twists were my go-to styles while I learned how to care for my natural hair. Those styles made my mane manageable while still looking chic and polished. In addition to those common transitioning styles, I also opted for top-knots and buns (with a scarf or simple headband), which I still wear if I’m too lazy to style it after a wash.

What styles did you or do you currently wear as you transitioned to natural hair?