Belly Bandit Believer!

Being a new mom comes with many challenges. Fortunately for me, battling the post-baby belly bulge is no longer one of them. Immediately after giving birth to Ava, I used the Belly Bandit, which, according to their website, “helps tighten and shrink your tummy post pregnancy.”

Prior to using the abdominal wrap, I had heard conflicting stories from other mothers about whether or not the concept of binding actually helps flatten stomachs and redefine waists. I asked myself, What could it hurt to try? So I decided to give it a go and hoped for the best.

Throughout weeks of feedings and never-ending diaper duty, my once-burgeoning belly stayed bound with this band. While helping to hold everything in place, it also provided back support, which was an added bonus. Around 6 weeks post-partum (I took it off from time to time) I decided to give the wrap a rest and couldn’t have been more pleased with the results.

Granted, I’m not sure how my belly would’ve looked post-partum had I not used the wrap, but I’d like to think that this nifty undergarment played a part in helping me regain my pre-pregnancy figure fast.


This photo was taken a little less than 7 weeks after giving birth.

Prices start at $45.95. Visit www.bellybandit.com for more information.

Have you ever used an abdominal wrap after childbirth?

BGG Chats w/Celebrity Hair Stylist Ted Gibson!


From magazine spreads to red carpet looks, Ted Gibson has styled the hair of some of today’s hottest celebrities, including Gabrielle Union, Angelina Jolie, Zoe Saldana and more.

Ted’s effervescent attitude and knowledge of hair has made him one of the country’s most sought-after stylists. He’s appeared on a number of shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, and most recently as the resident hair guru on TLC’s hit series, What Not To Wear. His mantra, “Beauty is Individual,” is a testament to celebrating every woman’s uniqueness.

Click here for our Q&A!

What’s styles are you wearing this summer?

Pink Eggs & Glam!

If you’ve ever had a blemish that you want to conceal, but it’s in a hard-to-reach place like near the crevice of your nose, there’s a spectacular sponge that will get the job done! Thanks to my makeup artist cousin, Nicole Rogers, I was introduced to this pink, ergonomically-designed egg-shaped sponge by BeautyBlender. It’s ideal for those nooks and crannies where you can’t properly apply foundation or concealer with your fingertips or a brush. The suede textured-sponge is super soft and blends areas with precision. Plus, this set comes with its own cleanser to keep pesky germs and bacteria at bay.


Beauty Blender Duo Set available at www.sephora.com for $39.95

Have you ever used one of these sponges? How often do you clean your makeup sponges?

**The winner of the Delipscious Sheer Lip Color is CY. Congrats! Please email me your mailing address.

Puffs & Stuff





Get Delipscious Lips

For neutral-lip-loving BGs who want to transition into a bit of color for summer, The Body Shop has the ideal lip treat for you! Their new line, Delipscious, has a range of sheer lip colors that provide your kisser with just the right amount of tint, but isn’t too bold.

Not only does it give lips a sheer color, but it also moisturizes and is made from food-grade ingredients, including blueberry and pomegranate seed oils. I typically go for glosses, but for a more pigmented pout this is the perfect product. Plus, each of their seven shades work for all skin tones!


Available at the www.thebodyshop.com for $10

Have you tried any Delipscious Sheer Colors? One lucky winner will win a tube. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week.

Common Knowledge

Having a successful rap career isn’t the only thing Common has in common with Will Smith, Ice Cube, and Queen Latifah. He shares the love of acting with each of these rappers-turned-actors.

In his first leading role as down-to-earth basketball star Scott McKnight in the new romantic comedy Just Wright, Common is showing Hollywood that he has more to offer than just music. I recently had the chance to catch up with him to dish about his new role and why you won’t hear him playing the piano anytime soon.

For the rest of my interview click here.

BGG is Joining the Parade!

You guys have been with me since my first post nearly 3 years ago. Words can’t describe my gratitude for your comments and feedback. Because of your support, I’ve been given the awesome opportunity to have my own blog on PARADE.com. Although I’m not ending Brown Girl Gumbo, my new blog – Trend Blend will be very similar in content, but will have some exclusive celebrity Q&As.

I hope that you’ll join me at PARADE.com and continue to check out BGG!

XOXO