Brown Girl Gumbo

These Are the Top-selling Beauty Products at CVS in 2016

December 28, 2016

For me, there’s nothing more satisfying than scouring the beauty aisles at drugstores. Since I was a teen, heading to my local CVS for the latest beauty buys from tried and true brands has always been an instant pick-me-up and favorite pastime.

From scoring buy one, get one free offers to finding affordable mascaras, shopping for makeup, hair care products and other cosmetics is my definition of a good day.

So, when CVS shared their top-selling products of 2016 with me, I was excited to see if some of my top picks made their list—they did—and for good reason. The following products boast superb quality and excellence without breaking the bank.

Check them out below:

e.l.f Poreless Face Primer, $6

CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner in Black Onyx, $6.79

CVS Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloth Towelettes, $5.49

Essie Gel Setter Top Coat, $10

**BGG PICK** Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All in 1 Cleanser & Waterproof Makeup Remover, $9

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Stockholm, $6

Pantene Pro-V Classic Clean 2in1 Shampoo and Conditioner, $5

**BGG PICK** Revlon Colorstay Eye Liner, $9

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Top Coat, $10

TRESemme TRES Two Extra Hold Aerosol Hairspray, $2

**BGG PICK** Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick in Dark Wine, $1

CVS Health Oil Absorbing Sheets, $5.49

Did some of your faves make the cut? What were your best beauty buy of the year?

‘Put Me in the Story’ Makes Story Time Personal

December 16, 2016

It’s no secret that story time with your little one can foster a lifelong love of reading and create a strong bond between mother and child. That’s why I’ve always made bedtime reading a family ritual and it’s just gotten better.

Put Me In The Story turns books into individual tomes by personalizing them with your child’s name. Your mini me will be fascinated by the fact that her (or his) name appears throughout the book—making story time even more special.

Seeing their names woven into the story promotes reading comprehension and allows your child to truly be a part of the story.

Disney’s Dream Big, Princess is available here, $34.99. Hurry, order by 12/16/16 11:59pm EST in time for Christmas arrival.

From Disney’s Dream Big, Princess, to Marvel’s “Avengers,” these books make excellent gifts for your little reader.

I have one for my daughter and I can’t wait for her to unwrap it on Christmas. Hey, maybe seeing her name on and throughout the book will inspire her to become an author! You never know what can spark their interests.

Have you ever purchased a personalized book for your child?

Category: Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment

Singing Praises for Illumination’s New Animated Movie ‘Sing’

December 14, 2016

Who doesn’t love to sing? No matter if you’re belting out ballads like Beyoncé or can barely hold a tune, there’s something special about creating melodic sounds with your voice. Music is the universal language after all.

So, when I heard about Illumination Entertainment’s new animated film,“Sing,” I was excited. I can’t lie, my favorite part of kids’ movies is the music. With a title like, “Sing,” I knew that the film would be music to my ears—and I was right.

Based around a singing competition among personified animals, the film had an automatic winning formula. Singing animals? Sign me up!

Thanks to The Moms, my family and I caught an advanced screening of the movie last Saturday before it hits theaters next Wednesday (December 21). It had me and my daughter singing and smiling throughout its entirety.

“Sing,” tells the story of a bankrupt theater owner who happens to be a koala bear (voiced by Matthew McConaughey) whose best years are behind him, but who finds hope for a reinvigorated career through putting on a singing contest. With several protagonists, the film explores each of their setbacks and reasoning for entering the contest. It beautifully highlights common scenarios that just about everyone can relate to. From finding your confidence to following your true passion, the star-studded (voiced) film serves up great messages packaged with awesome music for all generations.

My family and I can’t stop singing this movie’s praises. It’s hands-down one of the best children’s films of the year!

Check out the trailer below:

Do you have plans to see “Sing?” What’s your favorite film of the year?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 1 Comment

GIVEAWAY & Event Recap: ‘Sailing Back to Ellis Island’ with author Jane F. Collen

December 13, 2016

Two weeks ago, my daughter, Ava, and I had one of the most memorable experiences ever.

We were invited on a tour of Ellis Island with author, Jane F. Collen of the new young readers book, Sailing Back to Ellis Island: The Enjella Adventure Series. The book puts a fanciful spin on the often arduous and incredibly tedious process that immigrants endured upon entering into the new land: America pre-World War I.

Sailing Back to Ellis Island is available here, $11

A fairy named “Enjella,” and her fairy friend take two modern day siblings on a magical journey back in time.

So naturally, boarding the “Miss Ellis” ship and sailing to Ellis Island, which by the way was named after Samuel Ellis who owned the island in the 1770s), was only fitting. While Ava was excited to learn more about the book and the island, the boat ride was a wonderful way to start the educational afternoon.

Despite the biting chill, we managed to go to the top deck and see the Statue of Liberty in all of her glory and marvel at the gorgeous New York City skyline. It was the first time either of us had ever seen Lady Liberty so up close and personal or the beauty of the city from that perspective.

Before we entered the Ellis Island Museum (formerly the inspection station that served as the gateway for over 12 million immigrants to America from 1892-1954), Jane treated us to a brief reading from a chapter in Sailing Back to Ellis Island. Ava listened intently and whispered a few questions to me in an effort not to interrupt Jane or disturb the other attendees.

In the spirit of Enjella, Ava wore a pair of fairy wings during the tour.

Later, while at the museum we saw many interesting tidbits and artifacts. From actual luggage brought over by immigrants to a vintage cash register used to ring up snacks on the island.

The afternoon was filled with an abundance of information and intriguing exhibits. After the tour with Jane, we took a mini Junior Park Ranger course, which included Ava choosing an immigrant family and deciding where they’d live in America and why. Since her caretaker is from Trinidad and her dad and I are from Chicago, she of course chose a Caribbean family that moved to the Windy City! After completing the course, she was awarded a pretty impressive badge, which she wears proudly.

This time traveling tome is perfect for the young reader in your life who is just beginning to learn about American history. Plus, for us brown girls; it can serve as a great introduction to some of the more troubling and more personal part of history—the enslavement of our African ancestors.

It was truly a perfect day that I’ll forever cherish. On our way home, Ava said to me, “Mommy, I’ll always remember this day.” What more can a mom ask for?

GIVEAWAY: I’m giving away a copy of the Sailing Back to Ellis Island to one lucky reader. Simply leave a comment or tweet me why you’d like to visit Ellis Island and/or the Statue of Liberty. The winner will be randomly selected on or by December 20th. This contest is only open to U.S residents.

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Gumbo Mix, Misc. | Leave a Comment

A Fun-filled Trip to the Motherland: ‘Mother Africa: My Home’

December 12, 2016

If you’re in the New York City area for the holidays and looking for an entertaining afternoon, look no further than the New Victory Theater’s “Mother Africa: My Home.”

Photo courtesy of The New Victory Theater, credit: Mark La Rosa

Jam-packed with out-of-this world acrobatics, singing, dancing and more, this must-see show is hands-down my favorite live production of the year.

Created and produced by Winston Ruddle and Hubert Schober, the show is back by popular demand and for good reason. The ensemble cast puts on a crowd-pleasing performance that captivates audiences young and old.

Mother Africa: My Home is now showing at the New Victory Theater until January 1st. Click here for show times and tickets.

From unicyclists to contortionists to hula-hoop performers, the jaw-dropping tricks and unbelievable stunts were nothing short of mesmerizing. There was never a dull moment. Just when my daughter I thought it couldn’t get any more astounding, the incredibly talented cast would wow us yet again. Plus, the superb choreography coupled with the constant rhythmic African beats had us bouncing in our seats.

Photo courtesy of The New Victory Theater, credit: Hans-Juergen Herrmann

Set in Cape Town, each scene was colorful with vibrant, eye-catching costumes and props, showcasing South Africa’s rich, bustling culture.

In addition to the awe-inspiring show, the theater (in the lower lobby) also offers complementary arts & crafts and interactive activities that highlight the production. The activities are a fun way for the children in attendance to learn more about the show and its origins. They’re offered before the show, during intermission and after the show concludes. My daughter told me that coloring her own “African” cloth was the cherry on top of an outstanding day.

Whether you enjoy live music, breathtaking feats or high-energy performances, this part circus, part dance party is all fun.

Are you planning to see any Broadway shows this holiday season?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | Leave a Comment

Lego Fans Rejoice! Brick Fest Live Comes to Brooklyn

December 9, 2016

Looking for some fun for the kids this weekend?

If you’re in the New York City area, head to downtown Brooklyn for A Lego® Holiday Experience presented by Brick Fest Live. Held at City Point, Brooklyn’s brand new premier retail, residential, and office development space, the one-of-a-kind event will be an evening to remember for the Lego lover in your life.

There are plenty of educational and interactive activities to keep children and adults alike intrigued. From a life-size Disney character made of Legos to car building and racing to a fantastic glow-in-the-dark exhibit, the festive event boasts a variety of collaborative and solo opportunities to unleash creativity. Plus, fans of the beloved toy will be able to purchase items during the experience.

My son lived out his Lego dreams during a sneak peek of the event before it was opened to the public. He enjoyed building race cars and rolling around in the brick pit, which was like a lake of Legos. It was a great way for him to enhance his motor skills while letting his imagination run wild.

Get the deets below:

WHEN:

Friday, Dec. 9: 5pm-9pm

Saturday Dec. 10: 10am-9pm

Sunday Dec. 11: 10am-6pm

Friday, Dec. 16: 5pm-9pm

Saturday Dec. 17: 10am-9pm

Sunday Dec. 18: 10am-6pm

WHERE:

City Point Downtown Brooklyn, 445 Albee Square West, Brooklyn, NY

Tickets available for $12-15 at http://www.brickfestlive.com. FREE for kids age two and under.

Do you have a Lego-obsessed child in your family?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Misc., Parenting | Leave a Comment

In Case You Missed It: Beyoncé Releases Sleigh-Worthy Holiday Goodies

December 1, 2016

Beyoncé told y’all she came here to slay.

But, this time she’s hoping to sleigh her way right under your Christmas tree. The superstar singer just released a collection of kitschy and cute holiday offerings perfect for your Bey-obsessed bestie.

From “Boy, Bye” boy shorts to “Formation” inspired wrapping paper, you’ll be crazy in love with these light-hearted goodies. All items are available on ShopBeyonce.com.

Forget eggnog, we’ll be sipping on lemonade this holiday season.

Check out the merch below: