Harlem Heights

March 19, 2009

Now that I’ve finally caught up on my DVR recordings, I’ve had the chance to watch BET’s Harlem Heights, which premiered on March 2nd. Being that I am a reality TV fanatic, I knew that I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to see young, educated professional BGs and guys living in the culturally rich, legendary neighborhood of Harlem.

I’ve never been impressed by BET’s programming or lack thereof, but after watching the first 3 episodes, to my surprise I actually like it. The show doesn’t seem to stray from the recipe of dating/love, friendships, and drama that typically make a “reality” TV show successful. Although there seems to be a bit of cattiness brewing on the show, it’s still refreshing to see BGs and guys being primarily portrayed positively on TV.


You can catch full episodes on BET.com.

Now that it’s been on the air for 3 weeks, what do you guys think? Have you seen it or do you avoid BET at all costs? Share your thoughts!

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 32 Comments

It’s About Time!

March 18, 2009

For all you BGs who use your cellphones as watches, you’re going to change your minds after checking out the following timepieces! I must admit, I hadn’t worn a watch in a while, but I got tired of trying to find my cellphone in the abyss that is my purse, every time I needed to know the time. So, I recently bought a two-tone watch that is semi-dressy, but yet still very practical. From slender feminine styles, to bulky oversized “boyfriend” trends, the variety of watch styles are endless.

Do you wear watches or do you use your cellphone instead?

Check out some of these:


Toy Watch Citrine Plasteramic Watch available at www.saks.com for $195


Fossil Analog Watch available at www.fossil.com for $85


Fossil Pink Dial Watch available at www.fossil.com for $65


AK Anne Klein White Dial Two-Tone Watch available at www.dillards.com for $55


Marc by Marc Jacobs Round-Dial Leather Watch available at www.bloomingdales.com for $125


“Outside the Box” Watch available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $49.99


Oversized Chronograph Watch in Silver & Gold available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $250


Burberry Studded Timepiece available at www.burberry.com for $495


Skagen Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch available at www.macys.com for $130

Category: Fashion | 20 Comments

Fabulous Beauty Discounts !

March 17, 2009

Two of my favorite cosmetics companies, Jane Iredale – The Skincare Makeup and Bobbi Brown are currently having wonderful sales this week. As you guys know, I absolutely love Bobbi Brown’s gel eyeliner and now their pot rouge for lips and cheeks is a mainstay in my makeup bag.

Jane Iredale – The Skincare Makeup is celebrating its 15th anniversary by giving readers 15% off of their 15 most popular products. I have several beauty must-haves from this high quality line in my beauty arsenal, including the blemish/concealer and the pure gloss. Now BGG readers can take 15% off of these products by simply using putting in the code SWEET15 during checkout.

So if you’re in need of beauty on a budget, definitely take advantage of these fantastic discounts!

What’s your favorite Bobbi Brown or Jane Iredale – The Skincare Makeup product?

Category: Beauty | 15 Comments

Flower Power!

March 16, 2009

Now that spring is officially only a few days away, floral prints are sprouting up everywhere. From frilly frocks to flirty camisoles, flowers both large and small are finding their way into fashionistas’ closets. I’ve never been a huge fan of floral motifs, but I’m trying to step outside of my box of basic black into more color. So when it comes to this trend, I will proceed with caution or take very slow baby steps.

Are you a fan of florals? For those of you who are, check out some of these feminine pieces:


Tracy Reese Floral Strapless Dress available at www.eluxury.com for $450


Ali Ro Floral Printed Silk Top available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $245


American Eagle Vines Halter Cami available at www.ae.com for $24.50


Vintage Flower Field Scarf available at www.forever21.com for $7.80


Floral Split Neck Shift Dress available at www.gap.com for $68


Floral Tiered Skirt available at www.victoriassecret.com for $39.50


Sir Alistair Rai Sammi Floral Pashmina Scarf available at www.singer22.com for $152


Sleeveless Tiered Dress available at www.macys.com for $54


Silk Floral Print Halter Dress available at www.bananarepublic.com for $150

Category: Fashion | 18 Comments

Get an Electrifying Smile!

March 12, 2009

Call me old-fashioned, but it was only recently that I became hip to the wonderful world of electric toothbrushes! Of course, I knew about them, but I always thought that they were too expensive. Thanks to my mother-in-law who gifted me with the practical gadget, I am now obsessed with the cleaning devices.

They are great at keeping teeth clean and gums healthy in between dentist visits. Plus, you can find quality ones within your budget. I can’t believe it took me so long to take advantage of dental technology!

Do you use electric toothbrushes? Are you one of the millions who has a fear of the dentist? Please share!

Check out these bustling bristles:


Oral B Triumph Professional Care Toothbrush available at www.macys.coom for $129.99


Crest Spin Brush Pro Charge Powered Toothbrush available at www.walgreens.com for $20.99


Philip Sonic Care Set (includes two toothbrushes) available available at www.drugstore.com for $22.99


Philips Sonic Care Healthy White Tooth Brush available at www.target.com for $109.99


Oral B Slim Pulsonic Toothbrush available at www.macys.com for $59.99

**The winner of the IMAN eyeshadow is Shawnta! Please email me your mailing address. Congrats!

Category: Health | 14 Comments

BGG Chats with Iman!

March 11, 2009

I recently had the pleasure of asking Iman a few questions. Her stunningly regal beauty helped pave the way for women of color within the modeling world. In addition, this supermodel turned mogul also inspires women to become entrepreneurs all while exuding style and grace. She owns both a beauty company, IMAN Cosmetics and an accessories line called IMAN Global Chic, which includes handbags, jewelry and various fashion accessories. Iman is a timeless icon who exemplifies the essence of beauty.

Check out our Q&A:

BGG: After having launched your cosmetics line 15 years ago, what have you found to be the most gratifying aspect of having your own company?
Iman: Women stopping me in the street and showing me their IMAN Cosmetics products in their purses and thanking me for creating amazing products for women with skin of color.

BGG: Do you feel as though having a First Lady who is African-American will inspire fashion designers to include more women of color in their runway shows and ad campaigns?
Iman: I think you can already see that effect in magazines but let’s not forget the hard work that my dear friend Bethann Hardison has spearheaded a year ago by challenging the status quo. Click here to read more about Bethann Hardison’s effort to combat racism in fashion in the New York Times.

BGG: You are a trailblazer when it comes to women entrepreneurs and aspiring models, who were some of your role models?
Iman: My mother to start with but I would say also Naomi Sims.

BGG: You’ve had two very successful makeup books, “I Am Iman” and “The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color”, do you foresee doing another one in the near future?
Iman: I would love to write book on how to be an entrepreneur and definitely one on style.

BGG: I know that you’re extremely charitable. What does your role as the Global Ambassador for “Keep a Child Alive,” entail?
Iman: Keep a Child Alive (www.keepachildalive.org) is an organization that provides ARV drugs for children and families affected with AIDS in Africa and my role is to put focus on how the public can donate as little as one dollar to save a live and most importantly that AIDS is a manageable disease if you have the medication.

BGG: What are the top 3 must-haves in your makeup bag?
Iman: IMAN Cosmetics Stick Foundation, IMAN Afterglow bronzer/blush, IMAN Lip shine in Nude

BGG: What does beauty mean to you?
Iman: To be happy in your own skin and your god given features.

Check out Iman’s must-haves.


IMAN Lip Shine


IMAN After-Glow Bronzer/Blush


IMAN Foundation Stick

All products are available at www.imancosmetics.com

**One lucky reader will win an IMAN Eye-Defining Powder in Vixen (a $10.99 value), which happens to be one of my favorite new products (Antithesis, I’ve finally given eye-shadow a try)! Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

**The winner of the O.P.I nail polish in “Paint My Moji-toes Red” is Kinky Rhonnie! Please email me your mailing address. Congrats!!

Category: Beauty, Interviews | 35 Comments

Welcome to Miami!

March 10, 2009

This spring you can have Miami at your fingertips! If you aren’t able to head the popular Florida destination this season, you can at least wear the shades of South Beach on your nails. O.P.I’s latest collection of colors is reminiscent of beautiful beachfront sand and spellbinding sunsets. This lovely array of shades will look make manicures look marvelous and pedicures pop!

Would you wear a shade from O.P.I’s South Beach collection? One lucky reader will win a bottle in the “Paint My Moji-toes Red” color. Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

Category: Beauty | 25 Comments