Brown Girl Gumbo

Grammy Time!

February 5, 2009

Even when we are going through incredibly trying times, nothing can work as an instant pick-me up like the universal language – music! With the 51st Annual Grammy’s airing live on CBS on Sunday, I wanted to know what you guys thought of the nominations.

Do you agree with the list of nominees? What is your favorite? Do you feel like someone was overlooked? I personally felt as though Mariah Carey should’ve been nominated in at least one category because I loved every last song on her CD, E=MC2. Well, maybe not every single song, but most of them.

Ne-Yo’s Year of the Gentleman is nominated for Album of the Year.

Estelle’s “American Boy” is nominated for Record of Year.

Leona Lewis is nominated for several awards, including Best Pop Vocal for “Bleeding Love.”

Jazmine Sullivan is nominated for Best New Artist. Click here to read my interview with her.

Lil’ Wayne is nominated for several awards including, Album of the Year for Tha Carter III.

M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” is being nominated for Record of the Year.

Click here for the full list of nominations.
Btw, the winner of the $50 Home Depot gift card is Rebee! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address.

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Category: Music | 20 Comments

Keeping the Dream Alive Giveaway

February 4, 2009

The fact that we now have an African-American president can be attributed to the struggles and sacrifices made by countless men and women who believed in the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

That’s why The Home Depot has created a special card in an effort to commemorate the legacy of Dr. King. They’re working to build a permanent exhibition home for the personal writings and papers of Dr. King at at the Center for Civil and Human Rights.

You can purchase a “Dream” gift card now until February 28th and The Home Depot will donate 5% of all sales to the center, up to one million dollars. To learn more about King’s papers, click here.

One lucky winner will win a $50 gift card to The Home Depot. I know it’s not fashion/beauty related, but I’m sure it could come in handy for some. Simply leave a comment about what Black History Month means to you or a black history fact and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

The winners of the Colossal Volume Mascara are: Antithesis and Melissa L. Please email me your mailing address! Congrats!

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Category: Uncategorized | 12 Comments

Create Flawless Fringe!

February 3, 2009

I know I’m a bit late boarding the Maybelline Colossal Volume Express mascara bandwagon, but writing about a great product never gets old!

After reading several glowing reviews of the popular mascara, I was anxious to try it; but could never justify purchasing it since I already had so many brands of mascaras that were still unopened.

I finally got my chance to indulge in lash-lengthening heaven when I found it on sale at Target – 2 tubes for only $3! This much-hyped mascara definitely lived up to all the reviews. The bristles seemed to gently comb through my lashes perfectly giving them instant length and fullness. It’s like false lashes in a bottle!

Have you ever tried this mascara? If so, what are your thoughts?

Since I picked up several tubes during my Target visit, I’d love to give away a tube to 2 lucky readers. Just leave a comment and the winners will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow!

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Category: Beauty | 34 Comments

Fur: Fabulous or Faux Pas?

February 2, 2009

When it comes to the world of fashion, there are several hot topics that are sure to ruffle the feathers of die-hard fashionistas – fur is one of them. To wear it or not to wear it is the question for many. I have a fashion fanatic friend who swears by fur. She’ll wear everything from mink to faux chinchilla. She believes that it’s a timeless way to instantly add glamour and drama to any ensemble. While I, on the other-hand have never purchased a single fur item, neither faux or the real deal. It’s not that I’m an adamant PETA activist, it’s just that it doesn’t fit into my personal style. **Pictured above: Ashanti, Beyonce and Mary J. Blige.

So I’m wondering what’s your take on fur? Would you wear it either real or fake? Please share your thoughts.

For those of you who would wear fur, check out these affordable faux jackets and vests:

Marvin Richards Faux Fur Jacket available at www.nordstrom.com for $79.90

Development Brown Faux Fur Button Vest available at www.bluefly.com for $195.29

Faux Fur Hoodie available at www.expressfashion.com for $168

Juicy Couture Hooded Faux Fur Swing Coat available at www.shopbop.com for $250.60

Juicy Couture Leopard Print Faux Fur Coat available at www.nordstrom.com for $294

Seaton Joplin Faux Fur Vest available at www.shopbop.com for $70.50 (orig. $250)

Wendy Katlen Faux Chinchilla Fur Jacket available at www.shopgoldyn.com for $262

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Category: Fashion | 28 Comments

Words of Wisdom Contest

January 29, 2009

With Black History Month around the corner, I wanted to let my historically black college and university (HBCU) readers know about a fabulous contest. Alltel Wireless has asked bloggers to help spread the word about their “Words of Wisdom” contest where ten students will have the chance to receive a $10,000 scholarship to a participating black college or university by writing an essay.

Plus, all 10 winners will be honored at an awards luncheon to be held Thursday, March 12th, 2009 in Little Rock, Arkansas. “Words of Wisdom” spokesperson and esteemed poet and author, Dr. Maya Angelou, will personally present each winner with their scholarship. Click here for more information.

In these tough economic times scholarships are more important than ever.

Speaking of “Words of Wisdom,” when it comes to beauty and fashion, it’s always fun to play around with fads and trends, but being yourself is always in style!

What words of wisdom do you live by? Please share! Are you an HBCU alum or current student?

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Category: Uncategorized | 15 Comments

Double-Duty Concealers!

January 28, 2009

Just when it seems like I get rid of one pesky pimple, another one emerges. That’s why concealers are a must-have in my makeup bag. Covering unsightly blemishes and old pimple scars is a task that I wish I didn’t have, but unfortunately like many women, I am a victim of occasional breakouts.

That’s why I’m so glad that I came across Zap&Hide by jane iredale – THE SKIN CARE MAKEUP, a double-ended blemish treatment stick that conceals while it heals the zit. This nifty contraption contains tea tree leaf oil and lavender, which are both anti-inflammatory agents. You get the best both of worlds – coverage and healing. What’s not to love?

Have you ever used medicated concealers? One lucky reader will win the Zap&Hide by jane iredale – THE SKIN CARE MAKEUP concealer (a $25 value). Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

Check these out:

Zap&Hide by jane iredale – THE SKIN CARE MAKEUP available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $25

Clinique Acne Solutions Concealing Stick available at www.dillards.com for $13.50

Allright Anti-Acne Concealer available at www.kohls.com for $12

Healer Concealer Anti-Acne Formula with Salicylic Acid available at www.kohls.com for $10

Murad Acne Treatment Concealer available at www.skinstore.com for $21

Maybelline Pure Concealer Blemish Treatment Stick available at www.walgreens.com for $5.99

Physicians Formula Rx Blemish Healing Concealer available at www.walgreens.com for $5.39

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Category: Beauty | 23 Comments

Jump Right In!

January 27, 2009

Get ready to see onesies in adult sizes this upcoming spring season. That’s right, the 70s & 80s fashion staple – the jumpsuit, is making a stylish comeback! The good news is that this time around the infamous line-backer-looking shoulder pads won’t be included.

Be on the lookout for jumpsuits in more refined silhouettes and flattering fabrics like cotton and jersey. Paired with sexy shoes and bold accessories could make this newly resurrected garment one of the chicest items in your closet.

Would you dare to wear a jumpsuit or are they just a bit too much of a trendy blast from the past for your taste?

Check out some of these:

Strapless Jumpsuit with Tie available at www.expressfashion.com for $79.50