BGG Turns 2!

September 22, 2009


Today marks my 2nd year anniversary for Brown Girl Gumbo! I am truly grateful for all of the readers that frequent my site every day. There are a few readers who have been there with me from the very beginning and I’d like to thank them personally, they probably already know how much I love them!! I want to thank: K-Bear, Rebee, Kwana, B, T, Antithesis, Nerd Girl, PJD, and Kittyvodka for all of your support. You always leave comments and give feedback and it’s greatly appreciated. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for all of my readers – new and old, but I must express my gratitude to those who have been there consistently since day one.

Anyway, I am going to take the day off just to reflect on how far BGG has come. I never imagined that I’d have anyone read my blog and now it seems like it’s slowly but surely growing and I owe it all to you guys!!

In celebration, I’m in the process of putting together the ultimate BGG goodie bag for one lucky reader, so stay tuned!!! 🙂

Category: Uncategorized | 28 Comments

Baby BGG On Board!

September 21, 2009

Some of you already know, but for those who don’t, my husband and I are expecting our first child (a baby girl) this January! I’ve been sick quite a bit, which has resulted in inconsistent posts. Now that I’m beginning to feel better, I wanted to share this extremely exciting time in my life with my valued readers. Plus, I’d also love to share some beauty products that I’m currently trying that are actually beneficial to non-preggers BGs.


Me last weekend at 5 1/2 months.

In fact, I’m currently taking the advice of many and keeping my skin moisturized with Carol’s Daughter’s Sexy Belly in an effort to prevent those unsightly stretch marks that 75% of women get during pregnancy. So far so good, but I still have a few more months to go! Even if this popular cocoa and shea butter-enriched product doesn’t completely prevent the ugly squiggly lines, it sure makes my skin super supple and smooth in the process, which is something that every woman wants – soft skin!

Sexy Belly available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $17

Have you ever tried this product? For fellow moms-to-be and moms, do you have any stretch mark prevention suggestions?

Category: Beauty, Pregnancy | 48 Comments

Computer Love

September 17, 2009

Now that school is officially back in session and the vacations have ceased bringing everyone back to work, why not tote your most important professional tool – your laptop – in style! From basic black to funky polka-dot motifs, why not let your personality shine through with a unique, yet practical laptop bag?

Do you own a laptop bag? If not, check out some of these:


Brenthaven Metrolite Laptop Case available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $79.99


Acme Slim Cargo Laptop Bag available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $129.99


Laptop Tote available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $33.99


Built NY French Bull Laptop Sleeve available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $45.99


Knomo Toyah Laptop Briefcase available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $169


California Leash Laptop Sleeve available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $31.99


Urban Junket Tote Laptop Messenger Backpack available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $143


Black & White Laptop Case available at www.target.com for $24.99


Bellwether Front Pleat Laptop Bag available at www.endless.com for $279


McKlein USA Series Forest Leather Laptop Bag available at www.ebags.com for $139


Mango Tango Portfolio Laptop Bag available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $49.99

Category: Fashion | 16 Comments

Mizani’s Marvelous Mist

September 16, 2009

Mizani products are a staple at most hair salons around the country and for good reason. Recently, I had the opportunity to try their popular Gloss Veil on my hair and was completely satisfied with the results. It goes on as a weightless mist, but packs a powerful punch of sheen. It leaves hair shiny and not heavy. Plus, it is preservative-free with a non-drying formula, which includes moisturizing avocado and rice bran oils. It’s perfect for obtaining a light shine without the unwanted greasiness that similar brand sprays typically cause.


Mizani Gloss Veil available at fine salons nationwide and select retailers. Click here for the list of salons.

Have you ever tried Mizani hair products? What do you use for a bit of sheen?

Category: Hair | 12 Comments

Hot New Clothing Line: RACHEL Rachel Roy

September 10, 2009

Last night I had the pleasure of taking an exclusive sneak peek at fellow BG Rachel Roy’s new and more affordable line, RACHEL Rachel Roy at a pop-up store in Soho. I was excited to take a look at this line because I’ve always admired her style, but the prices for her high-end pieces never aligned with my budget – until now.

This super chic line consists of everything that a fashionable BG would love. From sexy, stylish dress to big comfy cardigans – RACHEL Rachel Roy has it all. I knew that I’d like the clothes, but I had no idea that I would fall in love with her accessories too! Her delicate, yet bold pieces of jewelry are simply stunning. You can tell that she pays close attention to every detail, which is exemplified throughout her entire line.

There were so many pieces that I wanted, but had to hold off from buying until next time. Trust me, once you see her entire collection you will not leave empty-handed.

Would you wear RACHEL Rachel Roy?


Origami Neck Dress available at www.macys.com for $109


24-Hour Dress available at www.macys.com for $89


Antique Goldtone Earrings available at www.macys.com for $40


Brush-stroked Print Dress available at www.macys.com for $99


Oversized T-shirt dress available at www.macys.com for $129


Gold-tone Black Cord Necklace available at www.macys.com for $185


Studded Dress available at www.macys.com for $109


Sweater Dress available at www.macys.com for $129


Crystal Wing Adjustable Ring available at www.macys.com for $38

Category: Fashion | 20 Comments

A Champ’s Story: Serena Williams’ “On the Line”

September 9, 2009

Serena Williams is one of the greatest athletes of our time. Her athletic ability in tennis is unmatched and her life story is even more compelling. Her new memoir with Daniel Paisner, “On The Line,” is a story of triumph, love and even family tragedy.

The tennis pro gives you a glimpse into her life growing up in a rough Los Angeles neighborhood, playing in a sport that was male-dominated where fellow brown girls were virtually non-existent, and eventually skyrocketing to fame and fortune.


“On the Line” by Serena Williams with Daniel Paisner available at www.amazon.com for $17.54

If you love a great autobiography, this well-written book is a definite must-read. Five lucky readers will have a chance – just leave a comment and the winners will be selected randomly and announced on Monday, September 14th. Good luck!

Are you a tennis fan? Have you been watching the U.S. Open?

Category: Book Reviews, Books | 24 Comments

Handy Hand Sanitizers!

September 8, 2009

Now that we’re fast-approaching the cold & flu season, it’s time to stock up on those tried and true travel-size hand sanitizers. These handy anti-bacterial cleansers are perfect for killing germs when you aren’t able to wash your hands with soap and water. If you’re like me, you take public transportation daily and touch numerous handrails and other frequently-touched surfaces that are littered with bacteria. So be safe the season and throw a couple of these sanitizers in your purse.

Also, be sure to get your free Swine Flu vaccine once it becomes available for everyone next month.

Do you use travel-size hand sanitizers?

Check out some of these choices:


Purell Hand Sanitizer in Crisp Apple available at www.drugstore.com for $2.99


Walgreen’s Hand Sanitizer available at www.walgreens.com for $0.99


Burt’s Bees Hand Sanitzer with Aloe & Witch Hazel available at www.walgreens.com for $4.99


Pure Seduction Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer available at www.victoriassecret.com for $3


EO Peppermint Hand Sanitizer Spray available at www.smallflower.com for $2.99


Orange Vanilla All-Natural Travel Size Hand Sanitizer available at www.bathandbodyworks.com for $3.50

**The winners of the Queen Latifah fragrance are Nerd Girl and K-Bear! Congrats, please email me your mailing addresses. Thanks to all who participated. Be sure to check BGG daily – I’m going to have an ultimate gift bag giveaway soon.

Category: Beauty, Health | 11 Comments