Brown Girl Gumbo

Review: Amazing Beauty Hair Extensions

February 18, 2019

Last year was hard. The unexpected loss of my beloved cousin and several other relatives who passed, 2018 was a depressing year. The trauma and stress of losing loved ones took a toll on me mentally and physically. The most noticeable setback was on my head, front and center: my hair. I suffered extreme shedding and multiple seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups, which also cause temporary hair loss. To say my hair was under attack would be an understatement.

Enter: Amazing Beauty Hair, 100 percent natural hair extensions. I’ve never worn clip-ins. In fact, last year was the first time I ever wore extensions of any sort (I donned two cornrow braids). That might be hard to believe, but prior to last year, I always had thick and healthy medium-length hair. But thanks to the unwelcome stress, my cherished strands took a major hit.

Thanks to Amazing Beauty Hair Extensions, I was able to restore the fullness that I’d had most of my life. The afro texture (12 inch) was spot-on with my 4c kinky-coily hair. Being an extensions amateur, I was afraid that they wouldn’t match my hair and I wouldn’t know how to properly install the all-natural human hair clip-ins. To my surprise, it was so easy that my 9-year-old daughter could do it!

It’s as simple as sticking a few bobby pins in your hair and voila! Each box comes with varying widths to customize your style. Instantly, my lackluster twist-out was transformed into a thick mane of luscious curls. I couldn’t believe how effortless it was for a hair extensions novice like me. Plus, it restored my confidence. As a woman, having hair issues can wreak havoc on our self-esteem, which I experienced firsthand.

Amazing Beauty Hair Afro Kinky Coily (12 inch) clip-in extensions available here, $85.

While I’ve taken the proper steps to manage my stress levels and seek treatment for my scalp problems, Amazing Beauty Hair clip-ins keep me looking and feeling good in the meantime. And they look so natural that no one notices when I’m wearing them—not even my husband! They blend in so well that it subtly adds oomph.

Now that I’ve discovered how simple they are to install, I’ll use them whenever I want to switch things up or add length. Whether you’re a clip-in newbie or master, these extensions are a must for upgrading your look.

Have you ever used clip-in extensions? If so, what do you love the most about them?

Category: Beauty | 1 Comment

Why The Mane Choice’s Tropical Moringa Is a Top Pick for Curly Hair

February 8, 2019

When it comes to hair care, The Mane Choice is one of my main choices (pun intended). Finding brands that work for me and my daughter’s hair can be challenging, but The Mane Choice is one that I can count on to satisfy our individual hair care needs.

I’ve tried several of the black-owned brand’s collections and have been thoroughly impressed — Tropical Moringa, one of their latest, is no exception. The delightfully-scented line includes a shampoo, conditioner and hair mask. The fragrance is so inviting that it mentally transports you to an exotic Caribbean island where coconut piña coladas and pineapple smoothies are on deck.

Infused with biotin, sweet oil, honey and moringa seed oil, each of the products brings out the best in both of our unique hair patterns. As someone who suffers from dandruff and occasional seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups, the shampoo effortlessly removes stubborn flakes, leaving my curls fresh and scalp clean. Also, since my hair sheds a lot during the winter months, the refreshing lather locks in moisture to prevent breakage. For my daughter who doesn’t have dandruff or breakage issues, the shampoo leaves her hair strong and smelling good without drying it out.

It’s no secret that we natural girls love a good conditioner, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s thick and rich, which I love because it saturates my coarse, kinky-coily hair providing it with ultimate hydration. Thanks to the sweet oil and honey, it provides an enviable gloss that’s hard to achieve with other products. For my daughter, who has finer, looser curls, it isn’t too heavy and doesn’t make her hair feel dense or weighted down. Instead, it restores moisture and defines her natural texture by enhancing her springy ringlets.

While I haven’t tried the other products from the line, since they’re packed with the same restorative and strengthening ingredients, I’m sure they’ll deliver the same supreme results.

Have you ever used any products from The Mane Choice? If so, what are some of your favorites?

Category: Beauty, Hair | Leave a Comment

‘Emily Brown and the Thing’ Unlocks Imaginations at New Victory Theater

January 28, 2019

Who says that family fun has to stop in the winter? Sure, chilly temps can make going out less tempting, but there are so many reasons to brave the wintry air and live theater is one of them!

New Victory Theater is currently showing, “Emily Brown and the Thing,” an outstanding London-based musical performance that taps into kids’ imaginations with a wonderful tale of kindness and adventure. Adapted from the popular children’s book by Neal Layton and award-winning author Cressida Cowell, the 60-minute show tells the story of a bright young girl named Emily Brown who is on a mission to turn in with her best stuffed bunny. However, her quest for dreamland is thwarted by several inane requests made by a pesky, yet endearing unidentifiable creature, better known as a thing.

Photo courtesy Tall Stories and New Victory Theater

Throughout the show, Emily and her beloved bunny, Stanley embark on fanciful journeys to save the day and appease the “thing” by satisfying his requests. Each of their adventures are accompanied by fun songs and funny antics that keeps young audiences amused. Themes of friendship, bravery and determination are exemplified in the show providing kids with valuable lessons in lively, engaging ways.

Aimed at children ages 4-7, “Emily Brown and the Thing,” is a great way to introduce little ones to theater and keep them entertained on a cold winter day.

“Emily Brown and the Thing” is playing at New Victory Theater, located 229 W. 42nd Street, New York, NY and runs through February 3rd, 2019. Click here for ticket information.

What do you do to keep your kids entertained during the winter months?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | Leave a Comment

Trolls the Experience is an Unforgettable Musical Adventure for Kids

January 26, 2019

“I got this feeling, inside my soul…it goes electric wavy when I turn it on!”

That lyric from Justin Timberlake’s Grammy award-winning song, “Can’t Stop the Feeling!,” from DreamWorks “Trolls” sums up how my kids felt when they entered Trolls the Experience on Friday: electric.

In Celebration of Hug Week (January 22 – January 27) we were invited to check out Troll Village in the heart of Manhattan. Based on the 2016 hit animated movie, the immersive production is a sprawling space of interactive stations, photo ops and endless fun.

Upon entry, kids are invited to Poppy’s Best Day Ever Bash where they’re given exclusive passes to the hottest party in town. The exclusive ticket outlines the adventurous journey that lies ahead along the rainbow-painted path. Troll ambassadors also explain to attendees that there’s an exciting scavenger hunt at each of the four main stations, where they can pick up and collect cool mementos to include in their scrapbook at the After Party.

The four main interactive checkpoints leading up to Poppy’s party include: Branch’s Musical Mash-Up, Sparkle On Caterbus, Critter Creek, and, of course, Poppy’s Best Day Ever. From making music to catching confetti “gems” on a bug-inspired bus, little ones are treated to an unforgettable time that let’s their imaginations run wild.

For those lucky VIP members (an add-on to the general admission ticket), the first stop on the colorful road to Poppy’s big bash is Hair-Up where kids can get their hair styled a la Trolls (wigs) and eye-catching makeup done to wear throughout the experience.

The immersive journey culminated with a 3D dance party and a personal meet-and-greet with Poppy herself! From start to finish, my kids enjoyed every aspect of Trolls the Experience. Plus, they even got the opportunity to indulge in sweet treats and purchase merchandise at the super cute gift shop. To say it was the “best day ever” would be an understatement!

In celebration of Hug Week, Trolls the Experience is offering special surprises and amazing deals like buy one, get one free tickets (must purchase by January 27) and more! Click here for more information.

Trolls the Experience is located 218 W. 57th, New York, NY

**Disclosure: My family and I were comped four tickets for review purposes only.

Have you kids ever visited Trolls the Experience? If not, did they enjoy the movie?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 2 Comments

Review: ‘My City, My Song’ Takes Young Audiences On a Global Music Ride

January 25, 2019

Music is the universal language that makes our ears rejoice and hearts sing. That was the case when my children and I attended the “My City, My Song,” family concert at Carnegie Hall this past weekend.

The spellbinding 60-minute show featured three musicians hailing from Mali, Greece and Mumbai who now reside in New York City. Each performer introduced the audience to their incredibly distinct music genres including Indian Classical, Greek Folk and Malian Traditions — that many of the young concertgoers probably weren’t familiar with.

Enchanting melodies from around the globe were beautifully woven throughout the show. Plus, each of the artists’ sets spotlighted prominent musical instruments from their respective countries. From the accordion to the kora, children in the audience were treated to a lesson on the unique sounds each of the instruments made, which provided a fun educational element.

In addition to learning, the audience got the chance to sing and dance along thanks to the interactive portions of the show.

The first artist to grace the stage was Falu Shah. Dressed in a gorgeous magenta sari, the Mumbai native instantly commanded attention. Her melodic, captivating voice was pure perfection. Her Indian classical tunes of “Rabba” and “Allahoo” mesmerized the audience with its invigorating, upbeat syncopation.

Next up was Magda Giannikou, a Queens, N.Y resident who was born and raised near Athens, Greece. Magda was a ball of energy whose sound was reminiscent of Irish folk. The accordion plays a huge role in the foundation of Greek folk music, which was showcased throughout her songs,“Trata” and “Thalassaki Mou.” Both were enthralling and calming with the latter calling on crowd participation.

Last, but definitely not least was Yacouba Sissoko who showcased music from his native Mali. The West African country is known for its rhythmic sounds derived from stringed instruments like the guitar, ngoni and kora. The kora was highlighted on Yacouba’s renditions of “Kelefab” and “Wawanko,” which got people grooving and feet tapping in the theater.

Since New York City is the epicenter of blended cultures and a melting pot for music, the iconic Carnegie Hall was the perfect venue to feature the talented, multicultural artists.

Parents looking to introduce children to rich music from different cultures, Carnegie Hall’s family concerts are a sure bet. They provide outstanding entertainment that keeps kids’ attention while providing enriching education about global music genres. Who knows? The show just might inspire the next great in music!

Click here to learn more about Carnegie Hall performances.

Have you ever attended one of Carnegie Hall’s family concerts? Do your kids play any musical instruments?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 1 Comment

Dermatologist-Approved Winter Skin Tips To Keep Skin Healthy All Season Long

January 23, 2019

It’s no denying that Old Man Winter has arrived. With cities across the country dipping into the single digits over the weekend, freezing weather is officially here. That means keeping skin moisturized is more important than ever. Frigid winds and cold temperatures can wreak havoc on skin so taking the proper steps to keeping it healthy is key.

I caught up with Dove dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara to get her tips and advice on how to keep skin in tip-top shape all season long.

BGG: What are the biggest changes your skin undergoes during the colder months?
Dr. Mona Gohara: In the winter months, your skin is subject to cold temperatures outside and the jacked-up heat inside. Both can irritate the skin barrier causing inflamed, itchy and flaky skin.

BGG: For women suffering from skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, what’s the most crucial tip to help them protect and treat their skin during the winter?
DG: Be gentle to your skin and avoid irritants. Wool sweaters or a harsh cleanser used in the shower that strip our protective skin barrier could be stoking the fire.

BGG: Should you apply extra moisturizer during the winter to your skin? If so, why is it important to your skincare regime? What do you recommend?
DG: I think it is important to provide moisture to your skin every single day. This can be in the form of cleanser, such as Dove Body Wash, which has a formula with 1/4 moisturizing cream, leaving your skin softer after just one shower. If additional moisture is needed, using a cream instead of a lotion will give you the most bang for your buck. Creams are mainly oils, while lotions are primarily water based. Moisturizing right after the shower within 3 minutes is optimal.

BGG: There’s a misconception that SPF is only necessary during the summer and warmer months, why is it critical to apply year-round?
DG: If you can see your hand in front of your face, then there is enough UV light to cause skin cancer or damage. Also, visible light which comes in the form of lightbulbs in your office or home can cause skin damage. Therefore, SPF 30 or higher should be a part of your daily routine, not just when the sun is shining bright.

BGG: What temperature is the best for showering during the winter?
DG: Warm water is the best temperature. Keep it not too hot and not too cold.

BGG: When it comes to properly cleansing the body via bathing or showering, is one better than the other for your skin?
DG: It’s a personal preference, but I prefer showers.

BGG:Is there a motion (circular, etc.) that you tell your patients to use that’s more beneficial for washing your skin? Loofah sponge or wash cloth? Which is less harsh for the skin?
DG: Soft cotton washcloths or your hands are the best to use. Loofahs can be a bit too harsh and can do damage to the skin barrier. Use a circular motion to stimulate blood flow.

BGG: How often should the skin be exfoliated with scrubs, polishes, etc.? Why?
DG: Exfoliate once a week at minimum. We lose 50 million dead skin cells a day – that’s a lot! Leaving them to linger can leave the skin dull and less vibrant.

BGG: Why do you recommend Dove’s Body Wash and/or Foam Wash?
DG: Dove Body Wash and Shower Foam are made of the gentlest cleansers, are sulfate free, pH neutral and Dove Body Wash is also microbiome gentle. The skin microbiome is a living protective layer and requires gentle skin care to remain balanced. Harsh cleansers can disrupt the microbiome, but Dove Body Wash is microbiome gentle. A win-win!

What moisturizers and body wash do you use to combat harsh winters?

Category: Beauty, Gumbo Mix, Interviews, Travel & Lifestyle | 1 Comment

Things to Do: 3 Shows Your Kids Will Love this Holiday Season

December 17, 2018

Now that winter is underway, it’s time to find the fun, indoors. Keeping little ones entertained without the option of outside play can be challenging. But, thanks to New York City’s robust theater offerings for kids, there’s always an enriching live performance to harness their attention.

From interactive tales to modern twists on fabled classics, when it comes to live shows, the city that never sleeps doesn’t disappoint. Plus, introducing children to the Great White Way is a wonderful way to get them interested in the arts and culturally-rich entertainment at an early age.

Below, I’ve rounded up three must-see shows that’ll thrill your mini-mes this holiday season.

Laurie Berkner’s Pillowland

What parent hasn’t been faced with a sleepless child? This fanciful tale tells the story of a little boy who struggles with falling asleep and the usual solutions are no feat for his insomnia. Not even Mr. Sand Man himself can help him drift off to slumberville. That is until the sleepless tot goes on an imaginary journey to the Kingdom of Pillowland where sleeplessness is no longer a challenge. Set in an enchanted dreamy land where twinkling lights and of course, pillows abound, this magical show takes little theatergoers on a mesmerizing ride that lets them get in on the fun. Plus, they get to wear their own favorite pajamas and sing along to Laurie Berkner’s hit song.

Photo by Carol Rosegg

When: Now through April 14, 2019

Best for kids ages: 2-5

Where: The Pete Theater at The Flea Theater, 20 Thomas Street, New York, NY 10017

Click here for more information.

The Emperor’s New Clothes

There are storytellers and then there is Hans Christian Andersen. The famous author’s classic fairytales: The Princess and the Pea, The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Nightingale and the Ugly Duckling have all been given a slight update thanks to the modern twist that sets the stage in this new production. Kids will be captivated by the storytelling while parents take a walk down memory lane as these classic fables unfold. The Emperor’s New Clothes is the flagship performance of the four-act show and tells the unforgettable story of pride and vanity.

When: Now through December 22, 2018

Best for kids ages: 5-8

Where: Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036

Click here for more information.

Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams

If you enjoy circuses, Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams is a must-see. Jam-packed with tricks, acrobatics and unbelievable death-defying stunts, this show is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. With ten jaw-dropping acts, there’s something for everyone. From astonishing contortions to mind-blowing juggling, the show is filled with exceptional talent. Plus, unlike traditional circuses that include plate spinning, this vibrantly unique performance infuses elements of Ethiopian culture like cloth spinning that put an ethnic twist on the classic trick. Throughout the electrifying show, audiences are treated to incredible feats with hula hoops, cinderblocks, chains and more.