Brown Girl Gumbo

Light My Fire!

December 18, 2008

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.

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Category: Uncategorized | 24 Comments

The Most Fabulous Flat Iron!

December 17, 2008

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.

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Category: Hair | 46 Comments

BGG’s Christmas Wish List!

December 16, 2008

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

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Category: Gifts | 25 Comments

Chic Coats for Cold Days!

December 15, 2008

Now that there’s absolutely no denying that Old Man Winter is definitely here and will be for the next few months, it’s time to bundle up in coats that will keep us warm without sacrificing style! Whether you prefer a classic textured tweed or a puffy down-feather filled parka, this season the options are endless for all coat-lovers (like me)!

What’s your favorite winter coat style?

Check out a few of these all under $150

Double-Breasted Military Coat available at www.victoriassecret.com for $139

City Style Fur Hooded Coat available at www.nyandcompany.com for $51.98 (orig. $129.95)

City Style Hounstooth Coat available at www.nyandcompany.com for $129.95

Anorak Plumiya Coat available at www.mango.com for $117.99

City Style Wool Captain Coat available at www.nyandcompany.com for $109.95

Bobbie Solid Coat available at www.delias.com for $99

Jessica Simpson Pauline Buckled Coat available at www.nordstrom.com for $105

Textured Cocoon Coat available at www.bananarepublic.com for $129 (orig. $250)

Hilary Radley New York Belted Trench available at www.nordstrom.com for $105.90

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Category: Coats, Fashion | 23 Comments

Great Gifts for Moms!

December 11, 2008

In most cases, our mother is the most special woman in our lives. She’s been there for us through thick and thin. That’s why there’s no monetary limit when shopping for her holiday gifts. Well, ok maybe I’m pushing it, but the love I have for my mom is unlimited! Make your mom’s holiday wishes come true with gifts that she’ll enjoy; but I’m sure she’d be just as thrilled with a hug and a kiss!

Check out some of these marvelous motherly gifts all under $150!

What are you buying your mother this year?

I know that I suggested perfume samplers on the other gift guides, but this fragrance is universally scent-sational! Vera Wang’s Look Eau De Parfum available at www.nordstrom.com for $70

Victoria’s Secret Slippers available at www.victoriassecret.com for $25 (they always make great stocking stuffers!)

Clinique Instant Pretty Makeup & Treatment Set available at www.bloomingdales.com for $36

Flip Mino Camcorder available at retailers nationwide for $149

Origins Protect & Preserve Gift Set available at www.origins.com for $62.50

Most moms love to read, why not get her a gift card from a bookstore like Borders or Barnes & Noble!

Sweater Robes available at www.victoriassecret.com for $58

Platinum over Sterling Silver Drop Pearl Necklace available at www.kohls.com for $52.49 (orig. $150)

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Category: Gifts | 21 Comments

Great Gifts for Guys!

December 10, 2008

Every BG has a special guy in her life, whether it’s her father, husband, brother, nephew or boyfriend. This year get him something that he’ll appreciate. For me, shopping for men is very difficult because they tend to enjoy more expensive things like electronic gadgets and gizmos, which don’t always fit into my budget – especially this year! So with tight finances and picky guys, I’m going to have to do some savvy shopping to keep them smiling.

Check out some of these gifts all under $60!

Men’s Stainless Steel Bracelet with 18K Gold www.ice.com for $50 (orig. $100)

Claus Porto Bath Soap Gift Set available at www.martinandosa.com for $30.50

Kenneth Cole New York Wallet and Keychain available at www.kennethcole.com for $55

Sephora Scent Sampler available at www.sephora.com for $50

You can never go wrong with a gift card from Best Buy!

Neo Striped Tie with Gift Box available at www.forever21.com for $9.90

Kenneth Cole New York Eagle Eye Cufflink available at www.kennethcole.com for $49.98 (orig. $65)

Remington Microflex Rechargeable Shaver available at www.bestbuy.com for $47.49

**The winners of the Mandee $20 gift cards are:

Kittyvodka
Lymariposa
Jay
Antithesis
Kwana

Congratulations and please email me your mailing address info!

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Category: Gifts | 18 Comments

Best Gifts for Your BFF or Sis!

December 9, 2008

Since Christmas is only a few weeks away, it’s time to get gifts for the wonderful people in your life. Today, it’s all about buying the best gifts for your sister or best bud. They’re the ones who you confide in, laugh with and share lifelong memories. This year, give her something that she’ll love, but won’t break your bank. From warm gloves to stylish stationery, you’re sure to find an affordable gift that suits her style!

Check out some of these great gifts all under $60:

Victoria’s Secret Leather Cashmere-Lined Gloves available at www.victoriassecret.com for $60

Sephora Brand Scent Sampler (includes Vera Wang Princess, Gwen Stefani, L.A.M.B, Marc Jacobs Daisy, etc.) available at www.sephora.com for $50

Melissa Joy Manning Off-Center Crescent Earrings available at www.shopbop.com for $37.50

10 Whimsicard Blank Notecards with matching white envelopes available at www.partystuffforus.com for $16 **Note, this week they’re having a 20% off sale (ends Friday)!