BGG Chats w/Brandy


Grammy-award-winning singer, TV star, former Covergirl and mother — Brandy has already done what would take most people a lifetime to accomplish. And, at 31, the entertainer proves that she’s still ready for business.

Tell me a little about R&B Productions. Will you and your brother Ray J produce other artists?
“Right now we’re just focusing on the Ray J and Brandy movement — as a team. It’s always been our dream to be like the new Donny & Marie, so we’ve been working on developing a sitcom. I’m really trying to get [Ray J] in the studio. We need to do an album together. We’re just waiting for the right time. Timing is everything, so I’m really excited about that because I know it will happen.”

So you’re working on a new TV show?
“Yes, because that’s where we come from. Together on camera is where we’re skilled. The chemistry between Ray and I is so magical, so we have to explore that.”

Speaking of Ray J, you guys are so close. Was there ever any sibling rivalry between the two of you?
“We are very close, almost scary close! [laughs] We don’t have sibling rivalry, but discovering different aspects of our relationships on the show is very interesting. For example, Ray is very business savvy while I’m not. I’m very emotional and very artistic. He is too, but he’s more into ‘I’ve got to make money.’ Sometimes I want him to just be my brother all the time, but he can’t because he’s a businessman.

Click here for the full Q&A to find out why she thinks it’s best for her to be a friend to her daughter and more!

“Un-Nappily in Love” Book Winners Announced!

Remember a few weeks ago when I said there would be a giveaway of Trisha R. Thomas’ new book, “Un-Nappily In Love?” well that time has come! The two lucky winners are Miss Mika and B! Please email me your mailing addresses.


“Un-Nappily in Love,” by Trisha R. Thomas available at www.borders.com for

If you missed my Q&A with the author. You can check it out here!

Cute Kicks for Summer

If you want to know what’s the best weekend shoe for the summer, click here to find out!

Take a Walk on the Dyed Side

Summer is the time to switch up your hair hue. If turning your tresses fire-engine red like Rihanna might be too daring, there is certainly a color that will suit your style.

From soft highlights to bold golds, we BGs are never afraid to play with different shades for our strands. Several years ago, I even took a brief walk on the dyed side, but I’m not sure if I’d get up the courage to color again!

Have you ever colored your hair? If so, did you regret it? Take a peek at some of these recent dye-jobs.


Gabrielle Union

Rihanna

Mel B.

Beauty Tips from the East

If you can’t afford to take a trip to Abu Dhabi — like Carrie and her crew in Sex & the City 2 — but want to create a timeless, exotic, Eastern-influenced look like BG, Freida Pinto, click here for the deets.

Get Your Oil Under Control

Having a dewy glow is always in vogue during the summer – having oily skin is not. Since our skin tends to produce more oil during the warmer months, it’s important to use products that will keep our faces fresh and oil-free. That’s why for the past two weeks I’ve been able to avoid oil-triggered makeup meltdowns with Skindinavia’s No More Shine Makeup Finish.

This oil-free, weightless mist holds foundation, eye shadows, blush and concealer in place creating a matte finish. It absorbs excess oil, which in turn reduces shine so that your face will glow, but not glisten. In the past I’ve used blotting papers, but this is much better and quite refreshing!


Spray on just before your makeup and after. Available at Skindinavia for $29 for a 4 oz. bottle (which lasts about 4 months).

What do you use to curtail oily skin?

Is Bitch the New Black?

After reading Helena Andrews’s profile in the Washington Post a few months ago, I’ve been anxiously anticipating her memoir, “Bitch is the New Black,” which hit bookstores yesterday.

Comprised of candid, yet heartfelt essays that document the life of a young, single, highly-educated BG with a successful career who’s on the quest for love, “Bitch is the New Black,” is sassy as it is insightful. Told in a singular, witty voice, Andrews shares her life experiences up until her late 20s in a relatable girlfriend style. With film rights already sold, this book will resonate with many BGs who realize that finding “Mr. Right” and embracing adulthood isn’t as easy at it may seem.


Available at www.borders.com for $24.99

Would you read this book? What are your thoughts? One lucky reader will win a copy. Just leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week.

**UPDATE** The winner of the book is K-Bear! Congrats! Please send me your mailing address info.