Cleaning Out My Closet!


Now that we’re all starting fresh due to the New Year, taking inventory of our closets is definitely in order. This past weekend, I decided to purge some items that are no longer welcome in my wardrobe. For a few of the garments I found myself asking, “What was I thinking when I bought this,” or “was this ever in style?”

Those unflattering fashions were donated to my local charity while others were turned in for cold-hard cash at Beacon’s Closet, a NYC-based store where you can sell, trade and donate clothes.

If you decide to clean out your closet, be sure to hang on to these timeless pieces that will take you from season to season!


LBD (these frocks are my weakness…you can never have too many!)


Lightweight scarf (perfect for chilly days or summer nights)


White cotton/Spandex blend t-shirt (long & short sleeve – the most versatile item I own!)


Cashmere cardigan (if not cashmere, any fabric in this sweater style will do!)

What do you do with your unwanted clothes? Do you swap with friends, donate or hold on to them hoping you’ll fit into them again or they’ll come back in style?

Vintage…

While I was in the store, I noticed a lot of vintage and super stylish attire for unbelievable prices. I’ve never been a fan of used clothing, but with the little help of a dry cleaner all is forgiven! During these tough financial times, reinventing your wardrobe just might include taking a trip to a nearby consignment or thrift store!

What do you

Beat the Winter Skin Blues!

Since winter is here to stay for the next few months, now is definitely NOT the time to skimp on moisturizing! Harsh winter winds can wreak havoc on our skin if not properly treated. The best way to protect it during these cold days is to use a facial moisturizer (ideally with SPF 15). I never leave the house without applying a double dose of Oil of Olay; it’s the best for maintaining a healthy glow, while combatting dull, winter-ridden skin!

Do you double-up your daily moisturizing routine during the winter? If so, what is your favorite brand?

Check out some of these top moisturizers!


Oil of Olay Complete Daily Moisturizer available at www.drugstore.com for $10.99


Juice Beauty Organic Facial Moisturizer Concentrate available at www.sephora.com for $36


Hope in a Jar Moisturizer available at www.sephora.com for $15


Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense Facial Moisturizer SPF-50 available at www.drugstore.com for $13.99


Ambi Facial Moisturizer available at www.target.com for $9.49


Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 (4 oz.) available at www.barneys.com $29.50


Dove Deep Moisture Facial Cream available at www.skinstore.com for $6.99

Off to a Great Start!

Happy New Year!! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I had an absolutely perfect time with my family during my trip to Chicago. Although the weather caused a bit of concern initially, ultimately I arrived safely.

I can’t believe it’s 2009!! There are quite a few things that I hope to accomplish within the next 12 months considering it will be my last full year in my fabulous 20s!

What are your hopes and goals for this year? Do you ever make resolutions? If so, do you ever keep them?

Here are a few of mine:


Enhance BGG!


Write more!


Make more time to call family & friends (some don’t count texting as communicating! LOL) Me with my cousins and sister (orange).


Take Spanish lessons (I know a little, but not enough!)


Travel abroad (at least once this year)!

Light My Fire!

During this time of year, there’s nothing more festive than lighting a few candles! Since I don’t have any holiday décor showcased in my tiny apartment, I always opt to light a few candles to create a cheerful, yet relaxing environment. For me, being surrounded by a few scented candles is an instant pick-me-up! Plus, they make for perfect inexpensive gifts (although I’d recommend buying a non-scented one if you aren’t sure of the person’s scent preference) for both men and women!

Do you enjoy lighting candles? What’s your favorite scent?

Check out some of these!


Coach Signature Candle available at www.coach.com for $65


Calypso St. Barth Mix & Match Candle Set available at www.calpyso-celle.com for $75


Diptyque Basile Holiday Amber Candle available at www.smallflower.com for $78


Aunt Sadie’s Candy Cane Candle available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $12.99


Jo Wood Organic Samka Natural Wax Candle available at www.beautyhabit.com for $85


Light My Pink Scented Candle available at www.victoriassecret.com for $20


Le Couvent Des Minimes Verbana & Lemon Scented Candle available at www.macys.com for $20


L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Scented Candle available at www.loccitane.com for $22

Spa Scents 3-in-1 Apple Blossom Scented Candle available at $5.99 at www.sallybeauty.com

**The winner of the Sedu Flat iron is Blair! Congrats! Please send me your mailing address info.

The Most Fabulous Flat Iron!

Just when I thought that I’d already found the perfect flat iron, I was introduced to the Sedu Revolutionary Professional Nano Tourmaline Ionic Styler! The difference between this one and my other favorite is the fact that the Sedu iron seems to provide less heat damage. I say this because I don’t get that dreaded burning smell when I’m doing my hair like I did with other one.

Plus, this flat iron has a sleek design and anti-slip edges that prevent hair from slipping, which eliminates snagging. I must admit, the best thing about it is that it comes with a heatproof iron pouch making it perfect for the girl on the go! As much as I despise doing my hair, this flat iron actually makes the task less arduous! I might even try doing something new with my do for the holidays!


Available at www.folica.com for $139.95

Have you ever tried this flat iron? Well one lucky winner will get the chance, right in time for the holidays! Just leave a comment today and the winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

BGG’s Christmas Wish List!

This holiday season has been the first year when there is absolutely nothing that I really want for Christmas. My family has asked me countless times what it is that I’d like to have for Christmas, but I can’t come up with a thing! I guess if I had to choose something, although I don’t REALLY need or desperately want anything, it would be from the following list. On second thought, maybe there are a few things I’d like! LOL

What’s on your wish list this year? What is your all-time favorite Christmas present – ever?


Satin Pajama Set available at www.victoriassecret.com for $59.50


Zadro Double-Sided Illuminated Makeup Mirror available at www.justvanities.com for $79.95


Tarte The Vanity Limited Edition Set available at www.sephora.com for $52


Diamond Fascination 14K Gold Diamond Accent Hoops available at www.kohls.com for $300 (orig. $750!)


Pink & Gold Journal available at www.papyrus.com for $24.95


Gold Crystal Pen available at www.papyrus.com for $8.95


Marc by Marc Jacobs Lock it Up Camille bag available at www.shopbop.com for $249


Diamond Squares & Circles picture frame available at www.papyrusonline.com for $68


Homedics Pedicure Spa Salon Footbath available at www.walmart.com for $49.88