Ho, Ho, Ho for the Host(ess)!

December 6, 2007

Remember when I shared with you my favorite festive frocks to don during this season of holiday soirees? Well it’s just about that time to put on your pretty party dress and head to your merry affairs.

But before you get into a frenzy about what you’re going to wear, don’t forget to pick up a nice gift for your host(ess). Because we BGs always demonstrate proper etiquette, it’s essential that we gift the host(ess) with a nice thank-you when attending a function at someone’s home.

The good news is that the offering doesn’t have to be expensive. A simple and affordable gift will show your appreciation for his/her hospitality. Plus, it just feels good to give!

Here are a few suggestions:

These cute Cuisinart bottle openers will make your host(ess) want to crack open that bottle of wine they’ve been saving! Available at macys.com for $9.98

You can never go wrong with chocolates because most people love it! Available at redenvelope.com for $42 These are pretty pricey, but you can find other chocolate gift sets much more affordable.

Your hostess will thank you for these adorable travel candle tins. Available at redenvelope.com for $26

Even though I’m not a card player, many folks enjoy card games! Available at gifts.com for $20

If you know about the party far enough in advance, cute monogrammed bar soaps will be a nice touch. Available at redenvelope.com $36.

Flowers are always a sure bet! Poinsettias are perfect for the holidays.

Category: Gifts | 3 Comments

Beauty Booty: Lumene Radiant C Drops

December 5, 2007

About a week ago I attended this beauty event held in the fashion district in the heart of NYC. Even though I wasn’t feeling the best, I made it my business to brave the cold to see what the beauty gods had to offer.

Not exactly feeling up to reveling in what seemed like a really great party, I scoped out the scene and made a few rounds to several vendors and quickly decided that it was time to head toward the swag bag and make my exit.

After I got home, I checked out the goodies and found that I had obtained a few nice treats. I was elated to know that my trek to the beauty event was not in vain; although I am convinced that the freezing air made my cold even worse, but who cares, that’s the sacrifice one makes in the name of beauty!

Here is one of my favorites:


Lumene’s Radiant C Beauty Drops Available at CVS stores nationwide for $22

Although this anti-aging skin product came out a few months ago, I had never tried it. So I thought, what the heck? I might as well give it a go since it claims to make skin visibly smoother in 28 days and is supposedly packed with anti-oxidants, berry oils and other great skin enhancing agents. Plus, InStyle claims that fellow BGs Halle Berry and Vanessa Williams are huge fans, which only made me want to try it even more.

After washing my face, I applied the cute orange capsule of moisture to my skin, it tingled a bit, and left my skin feeling both mildy dry and moisturized — weird, I know. I then applied my tried and true Oil of Olay oil-free moisturizer that I use religiously every night as directed on the Lumene box (they advise you to continue using your regular night creams in addition to one drop/capsule) and went to bed.

I did this regimen for about 5 days and I must say, my skin looks more radiant and clear than prior to using these drops/capsules. Could this all be in my head? I’m not sure, but I can’t wait to report back to you once my 28 are up. Hopefully, my skin will only get better! Stay tuned. If you’ve tried this product, let me know what you think of it.

Category: Beauty | 5 Comments

Time Out!

December 4, 2007

A watch can say a lot about a person. That’s why every BG should invest in a classic timepiece.

I must admit, when the battery dies in my watch, it might as well be broken or lost because I stop wearing it because I never seem to get around to replacing the battery. I haven’t worn my favorite stainless steel DKNY watch in over a year due to my inability to find the time to keep it ticking.

Due to the fact that I haven’t worn my favorite and only watch in so long, I now feel the need to have a brand new one. I’m not suggesting that you go out and buy a watch if you only need to get a new battery, but I am saying to treat yourself to a timepiece that expresses your personality. I’m hoping to find a beautifully wrapped watch under my Christmas tree this holiday season. Remember, a beautiful watch can act as jewelry and add pizzazz to any ensemble.

Here are a few that tickle my fancy!

Bulova Women’s 16-Diamond Bezel Watch $281 Available at Nordstrom.com

One of Oprah’s Favorite things, Toywatch in pink $150 Available at Nordstrom.com

Movado “Bela” Stainless Stee Diamond Bangle $495 Available at Nordstrom.com

Fossil Deshazo Watch $55 Available at Fossil.com

DKNY Women’s Slim Mesh Strap Watch $75 Available at Macys.com

AK Anne Klein Oval Dial Black Strap Watch $65 Available at Macys.com

Diesel Digital Watch $120 Available at Macys.com

Burberry Ladies’ Signature Leather Band Watch $325 Available at Nordstrom.com

Category: Fashion | 5 Comments

Stars Shine at Conde Nast Event

December 3, 2007

Celebrity BGs and their beaus came out last night to support the Conde Nast, “Movies Rock” event at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. The special program honored the enduring relationship between music and film. If you subscribe to any Conde Nast magazines like Lucky or Glamour, you surely received the “Movies Rock” free supplement in the mail where they heavily promoted this star-studded event. You can watch the program on CBS airing Friday at 9 pm EST.

Singer and actress Beyonce.

Eddie Murphy and his fiance, Tracey Edmonds.

Mary J. Blige looking refreshed and happy.

A slimmed-down Jennifer Hudson.

New father, Usher.

The former Pussycat Doll, Nicole Scherzinger.

Category: Celebrity BGs | 3 Comments

Picture Perfect!

December 3, 2007

I don’t know about you, but last month I took dozens of digital family photos during the Thanksgiving holiday. Capturing the fun and enjoyment of being with my family through photographs is something that brings me great pleasure. I’m sure my little cousins, nieces and nephew hate to see me coming because I always round them up for what probably seems to them like an annoying nonstop snapshot session!

That’s why I am dying to get my hands on the latest gadget for photo-loving folks like me – the digital picture frame. Now, with these innovative frames you can simply upload your photos and have your own personal slideshow at your desk! Even though my husband thinks these devices are a huge waste of money, I think they’re rather cute and a great way to display your favorite photos. Maybe someone on your Christmas list will think so too!

Above: Royal Business Machines 10.4″ Digital Picture Frame available at Circuit City www.circuitcity.com for $229.95

Category: Gifts | 4 Comments

Give Yourself the Greatest Gift Ever…Get Tested!

December 1, 2007


I know many of you still live with the notion that AIDS is something that happens to other people, but it isn’t. It’s still a disease that’s rampant within our communities and could unfortunately happen to you if you don’t use protection and proper precautions.

The statistics show that HIV and AIDS is still one of the leading causes of death among African-American men and women. According to the CDC, In the United States, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is a health crisis for African Americans. At all stages of HIV/AIDS—from infection with HIV to death with AIDS—blacks (including African Americans) are disproportionately affected compared with members of other races and ethnicities.

Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to find out your status. Get tested regulary because It could save your life. Remember, BGs always take care of themselves and use protection. Be smart. Knowing is empowering.

Here are some startling facts:

According to the 2000 census, blacks make up approximately 13% of the US population. However, in 2005, blacks accounted for 18,121 (49%) of the estimated 37,331 new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the United States in the 33 states with long-term, confidential name-based HIV reporting.

Of all black men living with HIV/AIDS, the primary transmission category was sexual contact with other men, followed by injection drug use and high-risk heterosexual contact.

Of all black women living with HIV/AIDS, the primary transmission category was high-risk heterosexual contact, followed by injection drug use.

Of the estimated 141 infants perinatally infected with HIV, 91 (65%) were black (CDC, HIV/AIDS Reporting System, unpublished data, December 2006).

Of the estimated 18,849 people under the age of 25 whose diagnosis of HIV/AIDS was made during 2001–2004 in the 33 states with HIV reporting, 11,554 (61%) were black.

Category: Health | 3 Comments

BG Jurnee Smollett’s Journey to Stardom

November 29, 2007

You may remember her as the cute kid from CBS’s hit TV show Cosby, not The Cosby Show, but the show that came after the pop culture hit. Whether you remember her from that show or as the precocious young girl in Eve’s Bayou or the sassy teen in Roll Bounce, you’re sure to remember 21-year-old Jurnee Smollett after what seems to be a riveting performance in the Oprah Winfrey produced and Denzel Washington directed film, The Great Debaters.

Inspired by a true story, the movie tells the story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas who encourages African-American students to form the school’s first debate team.

I’ve only viewed an extended trailer of the upcoming film, but the clips that I have seen, have shown Jurnee performing an excellent portrayal of an impassioned lawyer and orator in the South during the mid 1930s.

With the undoubtedly helpful Oprah and Denzel promotion and influence, I’m sure that the film will be a box-office hit, which will surely make her the hottest young African-American female actress in Tinseltown.

Watch the Great Debaters Trailer here:

Here are 5 Facts about Jurnee:

She has 4 brothers and 1 sister and all of their names begin with the letter “J.”

She did a TV show with her brothers and sisters called, On Our Own on ABC in 1994.

She’s been in front of the camera since she was 10 months old.

She appeared on ABC’s Full House several times.

She is on the Board of Directors of “Artists for a New Africa,” a group dedicated to dealing with HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Category: Celebrity BGs | 9 Comments