Brown Girl Gumbo

Palmer’s Purifying Sheet Mask is My Skin’s New Best Friend

May 30, 2019

Who doesn’t want smooth, flawless skin?

For me, it’s the ultimate beauty goal. Clear, blemish-free skin gives me the confidence to face the day. When my skin isn’t up to par, it dims my mood and hardly anything can turn it around. That’s why I do my best to keep my face in tip-top shape.

However, despite my diligent skincare regimen, breakouts seem to be the new norm for me. Thankfully, Palmer’s Purifying Sheet Mask has been a lifesaver. It soothes my temperamental skin giving it an undeniable glow. Not only does it make my skin shine (in a good way), it shrinks my large pores, which prevents clogging and excess oil buildup, a breeding ground for acne. When visible pores vanish, it creates a vibrant, even complexion.

Infused with a botanical-based blend of natural charcoal, willowbark, and marshmallow, this calming mask packs a major bang for your buck. Plus, it’s just so relaxing! Pampering yourself is key to a healthy, balanced life, especially in this always-on culture. Throwing on a mask is the perfect way to unwind while taking care of yourself at the same time.

While Palmer’s Purifying Sheet Mask is available at several mass retailers, we found one at Walmart for the best deal!

Do you use sheet masks to keep your skin in check? If so, what are some of your favorites and why?

Category: Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Say Goodbye to Shiny Skin with this Mattifying Moisturizer

May 23, 2019

With the unofficial start of summer underway, now’s the time to switch up our beauty routines.

For us with oily skin, that means lighter moisturizers are key to keeping our faces glowy, not greasy. Lately, I’ve been suffering from cystic acne and large pores. That means I have to be even more mindful about the products I use on my skin.

Thankfully, I’ve been using Arbonne RE9 Advanced Prepwork Hydrating Dew Cream to moisturize without the dreaded shine. While it doesn’t treat my excess oil production, it does keep it in check. Formulated with lentil seed and apple extracts, it provides a flawless matte finish that works well with my foundation and concealer. Unlike most moisturizers, this unique cream-to-gel formula is perfect for summer. Plus, it keeps skin soft, supple and dewy.

Arbonne RE9 Advanced Prepwork Hydrating Dew Cream
available here, $46.

Contrary to popular belief, moisturizing oily skin is necessary. Don’t skimp hydrating shine-prone skin because if you do, it’ll backfire and cause even more oil and possibly breakouts. Whether dry or oily, skin needs moisture regardless. Just be sure to find a lightweight hydrating cream or gel that won’t clog pores, especially during the warmer months.

I’ve been using it for a month now and I’ve been able to put my best face forward, shine free!

What are your favorite products to keep your skin moisturized during the summer?

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Dashing Diva’s Nail Polish Strips are a Godsend for Impatient Beauty Buffs

May 16, 2019

I’m a fairly patient person. However, when it comes to waiting for my nails to dry after a nice manicure, all my patience goes out the window! As a working mom of two, I always feel like I’m wasting so much time sitting in a salon literally watching paint dry. Sure, some might make a mad dash after the first or second UV fan cycle stops, but not me. Since I always manage to smudge or chip my fresh manicure before stepping foot outside, I wait at least 30-40 minutes before leaving to ensure my polish stays perfectly in place. But not anymore.

Enter Dashing Diva’s Ultra-Shine Gel Strips.

Dashing Diva Gloss Gel Nail Strips are available here, $8 and up

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending a press preview of the popular nail brand’s newest offerings and was blown away with these gel strips. Available in a wide range of shades, prints and fun decals, these polish alternatives are a game-changer for me. Thanks to the easy, mess-free application, I can get a pretty manicure without the painstaking wait. Plus, I can say good-bye to those pesky smudges that always find a way to ruin my mani. Oh and the best part of all is that these gel color, high-shine and wrinkle-free strips last up to 14 days! I’m going on three weeks of wear and they’re still looking good. I love them so much that I haven’t taken them off yet, which will be as easy as 1-2-3. To remove, all I’ll have to do is simply apply cuticle oil or coconut oil to my cuticles, lift and peel – leaving my nails damage-free! Seriously, can these strips get any better?

dashing-diva-nail-gel-strips

dashing-diva-gel-nail-strips

If you’re like me and get impatient at the nail salon and freak out at the thought of messing up your mani, these gel strips might be your answer. Get a beautiful manicure minus the hassle.

Have you ever used gel strips? If so, describe your experience.

Category: Beauty | 1 Comment

‘History of Memory’ Documentary Celebrates the Power of Printed Photos

May 8, 2019

In today’s digital-first world, some of our best memories are stored on our phones.

From birthday parties to graduations to random everyday events, photographs capture a moment in time. And with quality-grade cameras in the palm of our hands, we’re creating those memories at lightning speed. However, whether momentous or mundane, many of those images never leave the digital realm. In the new documentary, “History of Memory,” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last week, shows viewers that printed photographs can be a vital key to our history and more.

Through four intriguing real-life stories, the 23-minute short documentary takes viewers on a journey of how a printed photograph changed their lives. From love at first sight to a remarkable discovery that uncovers a deep family secret, “History of Memory,” shares in great detail the power and impact a printed photo can have on a person.

Directed by filmmaking duo Sarah Klein and Tom Mason, the four stories are incredibly emotional and enlightening. In ‘The Secret Album,’ a woman learns about falsehoods surrounding her family’s identity. This account proves just how important photographs can be to preserving our history and past. In ‘At First Sight,’ love is centerstage as a photograph ignites an unrelenting passion between two strangers across continents. Who says love at first sight only applies to in-person encounters?

Courtesy of HP

In ‘China Lost and Found,’ one man’s trash becomes a treasure for thousands. A French archivist finds a treasure trove of film in the trash in China and turns the photos into a fascinating global exhibit for all to see. ‘It’s a Boy,’ is a sentimental nod to the beauty and impact of baby photos – especially for families who adopt children beyond that stage.

Courtesy of HP

Watch a clip from the film’s second chapter, ‘The Secret Album’:

Each of the clips beautifully reminds us how printed photographs can impact lives in ways unimaginable. As someone who has thousands of photos on my phone, this documentary inspired me to print some of the special ones. First, I have to find the right printer that makes it easy to print them from my phone.

Me with my husband Marcus during the Tribeca Film Festival premiere of “History of Memory,” in New York City on May 3, 2019.

HP has a few that might be the answer to my phone-trapped photos. The company, which sponsored the film offers a variety of pocket-size printers that are ideal for people like me who take tons of photos daily, but never get them printed. With a portable printer, you can print swoon-worthy selfies or snaps from unforgettable fête at your fingertips.

HP Sprocket Plus Portable Printer available here, $149.

Do you print photos taken from your cell phone? If so, how often?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 1 Comment

Review: Our Night at the American Museum of Natural History Sleepover

May 1, 2019

In a city as large as New York, parents are never at a loss for finding fun stuff to do with their children. As a mom of two, I’ve definitely done my fair share of cool kid outings in the Big Apple. From Broadway shows to historic sites to sporting events, we’ve attended and visited countless interesting, entertaining and culturally-rich places the city has to offer. But nothing compares to our epic “Night at the Museum,” this past weekend.

To say it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience would be an understatement. Our excitement and anticipation of having a sleepover at the American Museum of Natural History, the largest natural history museum in the world, was palpable leading up to the big night.

The adventure got underway as soon as we packed our slumber bags, hopped on the subway and made our way to the iconic museum for an unforgettable evening. In case you’re unfamiliar with the concept of sleeping in a nature-filled museum, the idea stems from the hit movie franchise, “Night at the Museum,” starring Ben Stiller. In the original movie, the animals and historical artifacts come to life at night. Thankfully, that didn’t happen during our visit.

Upon our arrival, we participated in the informative orientation, which detailed the night’s order of events. I was pleasantly surprised that the itinerary wasn’t overwhelming and allotted for a lot of free exploration. As we walked through the halls to our sleeping quarters, my 9-year-old daughter was a bit apprehensive, but quickly got used to her surroundings. I mean, I can’t blame her. Being surrounded by stuffed lions, tigers and bears can be a bit frightening at first. Luckily, after the initial fear and shock wore off, she was fine.

A whale of a time
As we proceeded to the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life (our home for the night), our enthusiasm hit the roof once we saw the massive, 94-foot-long, 21,000-pound blue whale model suspended from the ceiling. The majestic room was filled with ocean creatures like polar bears, walruses and beautiful coral reefs lining the walls. We unpacked our sleeping bags and made our space comfortable with the cots provided. The realization that we’d be sleeping in one of the most revered rooms in the museum started to sink in, causing our elation to escalate. After we happily unloaded, we were off to snack time where we were treated to cookies, chips, fresh fruit and drinks. Fueling up on healthy bites was a smart move because we needed sustenance to fully enjoy our fun-filled night.

Lions, tigers and bears, oh my!
Next, we made our way to the live animal show. My son was super excited to see living creatures up close and personal. And the 45-minute show’s main attractions didn’t disappoint. Kids were able to learn fun and interesting facts about several animals including an owl, snake, eagle and a crocodile. At one point the eagle spread its wings to the audience’s amazement and delight. After feeding our live critter curiosity, we were off to explore some much older elements.

Finding fossil facts
I didn’t tell my kids much about our sleepover prior to our visit, but I did tell them that we had to bring flashlights! For kids, there’s something about turning on a flashlight that instantly sparks joy and lights up excitement. They were so thrilled when we whipped out our flashlights in hopes of finding some hidden fossil facts. While not exactly a scavenger hunt, the kids were able to learn some pretty awesome tidbits about prehistoric creatures like which dinosaur groups have duckbills and more. Armed with flashlights and scurrying around in search of uncovering dino facts was a huge highlight of the night. My daughter was obsessed with answering all the questions on her fossil-finding quest.

Movie magic
Following our prehistoric creature lesson, we were invited to watch the museum’s latest 3D feature film, Backyard Wilderness in the LeFrak Theater. Decked out in 3D glasses, we settled into our seats and enjoyed the super entertaining, awe-inspiring and highly-educational film about the beauty of nature and the importance of respecting it at all costs. I especially enjoyed the modern twist that was woven throughout the narrative via a social media lens. The 45-minute movie provided kids and adults alike with fascinating facts about the cycle of life and how we all play a role in our environment and ecosystem.

A story for the books
After being fully engrossed in an exhilarating film that heightened our senses, it was time to wind down. Dressed in their pajamas, the kids convened on the lower level of the Milstein Hall to hear a bedtime story that inspired the entire event, “The Night at the Museum.” Since my kids had never seen the movie, they were intrigued and enjoyed every minute of the book. Plus, it was the perfect substitute for their nightly bedtime story that they have at home. It was a great way to mellow the kids out so they’d be ready to turn in at midnight.

An enchanted experience
After a surprisingly restful yet chilly night (be sure to pack warm blankets), we woke up to a healthy continental breakfast. Later, we finally made our way to the gift shop for a private shopping experience. My son was over-the-moon walking up and down the aisles on the hunt for a new stuffed toy to join his cherished animal kingdom.

Even though we’d spent the night in the museum, there was still so much more to see. With more than 30 million specimen on display, we knew we hadn’t even scratched the surface. At any rate, we proceeded to venture into the Hall of the Universe where the kids learned about the solar system, volcanoes and other planet-centric stuff.

Before the museum re-opened for the public at 10:00 a.m., we made our last rounds and took in everything we could before we headed home. We had a fantastic time that my kids, husband and I won’t soon forget. My expectations were high, but the experience exceeded them. If you ever get the opportunity to participate in the American Museum of Natural History sleepover program, do it. It’s an incredible, wild adventure!

Here are the remaining sleepover dates:

May 3, 2019
May 10, 2019
May 17, 2019
June 7, 2019
June 14, 2019
June 21, 2019

For tickets and more information, please click here.

**Disclosure: My family and I were comped four tickets to visit the museum for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Have you ever visited the American Museum of Natural History? If so, what’s your favorite hall and/or exhibit?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured, Features | 1 Comment

Microsoft Wants to Teach Your Child How to Code with Free Summer Camps

April 26, 2019

It’s hard to believe, but school will be out before we know it.

With summer rapidly approaching, keeping kids busy over the break is no small feat. Thanks to free programs like the Microsoft Store Summer Camps, kids can be empowered to gain technical skills in a camp that’s right for them.

We’re living in a digital age and tech advances are only getting more sophisticated. As the leaders of future, it’s important that we set children up to be at the forefront of this leading industry. Through Microsoft Store Summer Camp offerings, kids ages 6 and up can get hands-on skills to learn the basics and fundamental elements of coding and robotics needed to excel in professions in coding and video game development.

Courtesy of Microsoft

This year, Microsoft Store Summer Camps is back with seven workshops including two new additions that that tap into children’s passions with fun, pop-culture themes. From Fortnite to Harry Potter, camp attendees will get the chance to learn the essentials through the lens of some of their favorite characters and games. With camps like, “Harry Potter Creative Coding Camp” and “Design and Create Your Own Video Game with MakeCode Arcade,” kids who enjoy STEM-focused activities will have a blast.

Led by trained Microsoft Store associates, students will be in good hands as they’re guided through the education-based curriculum developed by industry experts.

Not only do these camps teach skills that will prepare them for future careers, but they also foster environments that encourage communication and a sense of community. Plus, they equip students with life skills that are key to a productive existence outside of keyboards and codes. Now that’s a win-win!

Below, check out a few of their latest camp offerings:

Harry Potter Creative Coding Workshop, ages 6+
“Harry Potter Kano Coding” is the perfect camp for first time or beginner coders. Students ages 6+ get free hands-on access to the Harry Potter Kano Coding kit, available at Microsoft Store. In this immersive Harry Potter experience, students use their very own wand to build a coding skills foundation by casting spells to make sparks fly and even feeding Fluffy.

Harry Potter Creative Coding Camp, ages 8+
With “Harry Potter Kano Coding” camp, students ages 8+ not only get free hands-on access to the Harry Potter Kano Coding kit, available at Microsoft Store, but get an immersive experience using their very own wand to create, explore and learn code in the popular world of Harry Potter by casting fan-favorite spells like Wingardium Leviosa and competing in a Quidditch match.

Gaming Summer Camp: Grow Your Passion for Gaming and Learn Positive Life Skills (Ages 8+ and Ages 13+)
“Gaming Summer Camp” supports the next generation of gamers by offering ways to explore life skills and practice healthy habits that can be used in gaming and everyday life. Students explore teamwork, effective communication and resilience while strategizing how to put these skills into action during Rocket League and Fortnite tournaments each day of the camp.

Design and Create Your Own Video Games with MakeCode Arcade (ages 8+)
“Design and Create Your Own Video Games with MakeCode Arcade” teaches students the basics of building video games with MakeCode Arcade, while introducing them to computer science fundamentals and video game concepts. The camp culminates in a tournament where students play the video games created by their peers. At the end of the camp, students are encouraged to publish their games to MakeCode Arcade so they can continue the game play at home and share it with friends and family!

To register, visit your local Microsoft Store in person or online.

Have you ever signed your child up for STEM-based camps or extra-curricular activities?

Category: Gumbo Mix | Leave a Comment

3 Makeup Trends To Keep On Your Radar this Season

April 22, 2019

Photo by Eloise Ambursley on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again! Yup, The Makeup Show is coming back to New York City and is expected to be even better than before.

The epicenter of beauty will reconvene at the Metropolitan Pavilion where professional artists, legends and industry experts will gather this spring (May 5-6, 2019) in the name of makeup. From stocking makeup kits to the highly-anticipated Beauty Brunch (May 4^th), attendees will have the opportunity to relish in a fun-filled weekend of networking, mingling and educational activities. For those who aren’t exactly pros and won’t be attendance, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

James Vincent, The Makeup Show’s Director of Education & Artist Relations and one of the biggest names in beauty, shared some of the major makeup trends we can expect to see and of course, try this spring/summer season. Our biggest takeaway: glitter isn’t just for little girls.

Check them out below:

The Year of the Cat
Who doesn’t love a classic cat eye? There is not much in makeup that gives such immediate drama as the perfect feline flick. This season sees cat eyes in new colors and more dramatic shapes that allow the wearer to be more individual. Many designers brought dramatic shapes to the runway, but brands like Burberry did it in shades like taupe. Take a look at Danessa Myricks Color Fix or Cushion Color for a large array of color that is also waterproof. Classic houses like Dior showed more artistic flare and finish and many challenged the size and shape of the cat eye. Crown Brush eyeliner pens come in an array of shades and at less than $10 do not break the bank. Kevyn Aucoin at Camera Ready Cosmetics has the most beautiful black liner with a perfect tip for natural or dramatic looks. Kryolan Skin Liner pens come in shades that range from taupe to red and bold blues and allow any person to perfect the cat eye like a pro.

Shimmer and Shine
Glitter has managed to make its way from kids craft projects to fashion in a major way. We saw glitter and shimmer in the form of jewel and foil finishes on the eyes at Giambattista Valli, glitter lips at Jeremy Scott, crystal finish at Valentino and metallic eyes at Versace. Every artist from Val Garland to Pat McGrath are bringing it again this season. Lemonhead at Alcone offers easy to control glitter without the difficult clean up. Shadow palettes like Viseart and MustaeV make it easy to bring jewel tones on to the eyes. For metallics, Mehron Metallic Powder is ideal for real gold and silver touches, try the rose gold for the eyes and lips for an unforgettable look. Stila at Frends beauty gives glitter a fashion forward look for eye and lip with a while collection of jewel tones, glitters and metallics that are perfect for the pro or everyday makeup wearers.

Skin Gang
This season it was a truly glowing, natural look. Every day skin care and beauty routines help to bring a gorgeous complexion all summer long. Start by gently exfoliating with Twinmedix Resurface, a non-granular exfoliant that gets rid of all the dry and dead skin. Rebels and Outlaws Potion are the perfect blend of organic Hydrosol and essential oils infused with Crystal to balance your skin PH and your energy. Protect and moisturize with celebrity secrets from brands like Perricone MD and Mario Badescu Skin Care. For coverage, try airbrush with Mineral Air or Kett Cosmetics for a flawless finish that looks natural and lasts through the intense Texas summer. Try Limelife by Alcone One Drop Wonder and Dew Date for skin that has exceptional glow without the grease.

For tickets and more information, please visit The Makeup Show.

Which beauty trends are you looking forward to trying this season?

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