Brown Girl Gumbo

Silky Smooth Skin!

January 24, 2008

During the winter months, our skin gets extra dry, which is always annoying. There’s nothing worse than having rough and scaly hands, especially if you’re going on an interview or on a hot date. Not to mention it’s flu season, which requires us to wash our hands even more in an attempt to ward off pesky germs, leaves our hands super dry.

That’s why we BGs should always keep a travel size hand lotion in our purses. With so many different brands on the market, it’s hard to tell which creams work the best. Being the product junkie that I am, I’ve probably tried and applied them all for you! From the fresia scented dollar store brands to shea butters at L’Occitane, I’ve slathered and lathered them all!

Remember all hand lotions are not created equal! Here are a few of my picks:

Vaseline Intensive Care Hand Lotion $3.99 www.drugstores.com

Jaqua Pink Buttercream Hand Lotion $8 www.bathandbodyworks.com

Carol’s Daughter Lemon Rose Hand Cream $10 www.carolsdaughter.com

Kiehl’s Hand Lotion $22.50 www.kiehls.com

L’Occitane Hand Cream $10 www.loccitane.com

Bliss Body Butter Hand Cream $18 www.sephora.com

Curel Hand Lotion $4.79 www.drugstore.com

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Category: Beauty | 11 Comments

Ears Never Looked So Pretty!

January 23, 2008

There’s no accessory that can transform a BG’s look like a great pair of earrings. That’s why I have dozens of them. When I interviewed Tyra Banks’ stylist Yaniece a few weeks ago, she told me that gold hoop earrings were a BG must-have. Her statement made me think about other earring styles that we should all have in our jewelry boxes.

From classic diamonds to ornate hoops, earrings can instantly take your look anywhere from corporate to glam in seconds.

Take a look at some of my favorites:

These classic diamond studs are the perfect accessory to a well-tailored suit. Available at Macy’s www.macys.com from $700-$900

These gold hoops can be worn with anything, but they really go well with flirty dresses. Available at Nordstrom’s www.nordstrom.com for $118

What’s more classic than these Pave Crystal studs? Available at Nordstrom’s www.nordstrom.com for $50

These delicate and girly Joey & Morgan hoops will certainly complement any outfit. Available at Net-a-Porter www.netaporter.com for $185

Pearls always provide that timeless Audrey Hepburn look. Available at Macy’s www.macys.com from $110 to $260

These beautiful Kenneth & Jay gold looped earrings are perfect for a night out on the town! Available at Net-a-Porter www.netaporter.com for $40

Diamond hoop earrings are a girl’s best friend! Available at Macy’s www.macys.com for $360

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Category: Fashion | 5 Comments

Sleeping Beauty

January 22, 2008

I don’t know about you, but I love to sleep. In fact, I’d rather take a nap than go shopping! Ok, maybe I don’t love it that much, but it’s definitely one of my favorite pasttimes.

On the weekends especially during the winter months, I sleep for at least 11 hours on Friday and Saturday. Even though I sometimes feel guilty for sleeping in, I always awake feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Studies have shown that we need 7-9 hours of sleep in order to function properly so I guess I’m getting my fair share.

Getting sleep can help improve our brains, heart rate, increase our metabolism, boost our immune system and prevent aging amongst many other health benefits.

I remember reading that singing sensation Mariah Carey and actress/singer Jennifer Lopez both swear by getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night no matter what. Maybe that’s why mom-to-be J. Lo always has that glow…either that or a good bronzer! If these super busy globe-trotting divas can find the time to get the recommended amount of sleep, I’m sure we can too!

If you have trouble sleeping, here are a few tips to getting some quality shut-eye:

1. Don’t watch television or surf the Internet 20 minutes prior to your desired bedtime
2. Perform a sleep preparatin routine each night (i.e wash face, brush teeth, etc.)
3. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
4. Keep your bedroom quiet and peaceful (NO TVs!!)
5. Don’t eat a large or heavy meal before bedtime

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Category: Health | 10 Comments

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 21, 2008

Even though he left this earth 40 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s memory and legacy are still alive today. We BGs and guys should be especially grateful for his contribution toward making our lives better in this country. His unyielding desire for all people to be treated equally despite the color of their skin was remarkable. If it weren’t for his courage and others civil rights activists like him, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

Take a moment out of your day to stop and reflect and honor this outstanding man’s legacy. Be sure to check out your local newpapers or go online to find MLK-related events taking place in your area today.

Also, be sure to watch Oprah’s special show today (check your local listings) in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

He may be gone physically, but his dream will live forever!

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Category: Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Pull Your Card

January 17, 2008

We BGs are always networking and mingling. With professional socializing comes the task of exchanging business cards. Whether you hand out your company-issued business card or your side hustle card, pulling this pertinent piece of information from a chic card holder will always add that extra polish to your professional swagger.

Even though we live in an ever-increasing technological world, handing out your contact information on a rectangular piece of good card stock is still relevant. I’m not saying that you won’t immediately take the data you get from the business card and transmit it into your latest cutting-edge PDA, but you have to get the card first.

From a graduate student to a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, exchanging business cards is a must. You never know where your card or someone else’s may lead!

Check out some of these fabulous business card holders:

Available at www.giftsforprofessionals.com for $10.95

Available at www.giftsforprofessionals.com for $12.95

Available at www.redenvelope.com from $45-$50

Available at www.executivegiftshoppe.com for $31

Available at www.macys.com for $14

Available at www.giftsforprofessionals.com for $17.95

Available at www.redenvelope.com from $45-50

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Category: Career, Gifts | 7 Comments

The Honeymoon is Over!

January 16, 2008

According to People magazine, it looks like the union between Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds has reached it’s end. The couple has allegedly separated after a mere 2 weeks. Although the union in Bora, Bora wasn’t completely official since it took place outside of the U.S., the couple was supposed to get married legally in the states, which is not going to happen now.

Is anyone shocked by this? I’m not, but I will say that I didn’t expect them to call it quits this quickly. Was it all for publicity? Who knows? There have been rumors and speculation about Eddie’s sexual preference. Perhaps there’s some truth to his “suspicious” relationship with his best friend who was also his best man, R&B singer Johnny Gill.

In this situation, I feel sorry for all parties involved, especially their children.

BTW…thanks for the heads-up K-Bear!

What do you guys think about it?

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Category: News | 16 Comments

Brush Stroke

January 16, 2008

Any professional makeup artist will tell you that the most important tool to achieving a flawless look is a makeup brush. Neither the top of the line concealer, foundation, eye shadow or blush/bronzer will successfully produce your desired look without being applied and blended with a proper makeup brush.

Brushes help you apply your makeup smoothly with accuracy and precision, which enhances your overall look. Also, you need to be sure to use the right brush for specific areas of your face. To cover all bases, invest in a good set that includes a variety of brushes.

Remember, you don’t have to be a professional to use brushes! MAC brushes happen to be my favorite brand, but check out some of these:

Sephora brushes available at www.sephora.com for $150