Brown Girl Gumbo

GIVEAWAY: Win Tickets to ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!’ in Brooklyn

November 2, 2016

If you live in the New York area and have a toddler in your life, keep reading!

The super bowl equivalent for the preschool set is coming to a neighborhood near you. Yep, “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!” will be center stage at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn on November 26th (2:30pm and 6pm).

Growing up in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood” was a fixture on my family’s TV set. The educational program was familiar and comforting – thanks to the friendly star of the show, Fred Rogers. His gentle demeanor and upbeat attitude coupled with his smooth delivery of information prepared me for school, and essentially, the world around me.

Tickets are available for purchase here, starting at $22.

Back then, there weren’t a gazillion channels to choose from or online streaming services, heck, the Internet as we know it today didn’t even exist. So, when I heard that the show was being revamped to appeal to the new generation of young viewers back in 2012, I was thrilled—especially since my daughter had just turned two. She watched the show religiously with Daniel in his famous red sweater and has now passed that torch on to her baby brother.

Our family is excited to see the live theatrical production later this month. I’m sure it will be packed with educational tidbits, dancing, music and surprises!

**GIVEAWAY**Want to see the show too? If you’re in the NYC area, you could win tickets to see it at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn. Simply leave a comment below telling me why your child would love to see “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!” or share your favorite childhood program/cartoon when you were growing up. Also, feel free to tweet me at @BrownGirlGumbo too! One lucky winner will be randomly selected and win four tickets to the show on November 26th. The winner will be chosen on November 21st and notified by November 22nd.

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 3 Comments

Sale Alert: IT Cosmetics is Offering 25 Percent Off $30 Purchases + Free Shipping

November 2, 2016

Calling all IT girls! IT Cosmetics, one of my favorite beauty brands is having its semi-annual sale that you don’t want to miss!

Since I consider you guys to be my virtual friends, it’s my duty to share this killer deal with you. From now until Saturday, November 5^th (11:59 EST), you can get 25 percent off any $30 order, plus free standard hipping.

If you’re stumped on what to buy, let me remind you that the brand offers a wide range of beauty and skincare offerings. From pretty eye shadow palettes to color-correcting concealers, the company boasts tons of innovative products to help enhance one’s beauty.

One of my tried-and-true buys is the Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing mascara ($24). In just one coat, this mascara will take your lashes to new heights without clumps or creating the unappealing spidery effect. I’ve been using it for a while now and people tend to think I’m wearing falsies or extensions. And if you’re looking for a moisturizer that will combat winter-ridden skin, stop your search and scoop up Confidence in a Cream. This lightweight cream is rich enough to quench moisture-zapped skin, but works well for sensitive skin.

Finally, let’s not forget that the holidays are right around the corner so what better time than the present to score a couple of items for the beauty buff on your list?

Hurry, this awesome sale won’t last. Be sure to enter the code: ITFRIENDS at checkout!

Have you ever used IT Cosmetics? If so, what’s your favorite product?

wet n wild’s NEW Mega Last Liquid Matte Catsuit Lipstick Takes Lips to New Levels

October 28, 2016

The moment I’ve been waiting for has finally arrived: I’ve found my perfect lipstick! After scouring countless beauty counters and endless trips to Sephora, at last, my lips have found their perfect match.

And it’s not some luxury designer label. It’s the quintessential drugstore beauty brand that we ‘80s babies have always loved: wet n wild! The brand’s new Mega Last Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick in “Give Me Mocha” has become my instant fave. For under $5 bucks, I can rock this perfect neutral shade without breaking the bank while still getting high-quality results.

Mega Last Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipsticks will be available here starting mid-December, $4.99

The pinkish-brown wand lippie goes on glossy, but quickly dries into a weightless matte. Plus, unlike similar matte finishes, it doesn’t leave lips high and dry. This formula contains macadamia derivative, providing moisture for the long haul. What’s worse than parched, cracked lips? For me, that’s one of worst beauty blunders. My lips are my favorite feature to play up so making sure they’re on point is a priority.

For this price, I never thought I’d find a color that would complement my complexion and deliver the quality I crave. My lips (and pocketbook) are happy the hunt is over.

**Disclosure: I was gifted a range of wet n wild products to review at a press event. Thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.

What’s your favorite lipstick finish? Matte, shiny or glossy?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | Leave a Comment

Preschoolers Rejoice! PBS Kids Now Available Through Amazon Channels

October 25, 2016

This past Saturday my kids were treated to a PBS Kids event they won’t soon forget.

Thanks to the recent expansion between Amazon Channels and the kid-centric public broadcasting network, the two companies celebrated with a fete fit for pint-size kings and queens.

As of last week, Amazon Prime members can now access over a thousand episodes of PBS Kids programming to keep little ones entertained and educated. For only $4.99 a month, the subscription includes access to shows that support social-emotional development and literacy skills, as well as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills.

Held at Fishbowl at Dream Hotel in Midtown, the event was swarming with “celebrities.” Upon entering, my kids were greeted by top-notch talent—ahem, several characters from some of their favorite PBS Kids’ series like “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Nature Cat,” and “Dinosaur Train.” The ordinarily swanky space was transformed into an inviting, kid-friendly venue. From bowling, to face painting to skeeball, the event was a fun-filled afternoon for the entire family.

As an Amazon Prime member and PBS Kids fan, I’m thrilled that my toddler will be able to watch even more of his beloved shows.

PBS Kids has been producing enriching shows for over two decades and will continue to educate young viewers in the digital age with the help of partners like Amazon.

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If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can sign up for a free 7-day trial today! Visit Amazon for more information.

Does your child watch PBS Kids? If so, what’s his/her favorite program?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 1 Comment

Warner’s Bras Have Me on Cloud 9

October 24, 2016

Since becoming a mom, comfort reigns supreme when purchasing undergarments. Don’t get me wrong, I still like to look good, but gone are the days of sacrificing fit in the name of fashion.

Lucky for me, I was introduced to Warner’s a couple of years ago and haven’t looked back. Their Cloud 9 collection of wire-free bras and No Pinch. No Problem line underwear are stylish and comfortable. Their garments are made with easy-to-wear fabrics that don’t irritate or dig into my skin like some of my other intimate apparel. Who hasn’t had the displeasure of an underwire bra pinching into their ribcage? The brand’s innovative lift provides superb support without that uncomfortable underwire.

Warner’s Bras Cloud 9 ® Underwire Lift Bra available here, $40

Plus, these pieces don’t bunch or gather in the wrong places—instead they provide ease and create smooth and sexy silhouettes. As someone who needs a bit of a pick-me-up when it comes to the boob department, their padded bras deliver. Never too bulky or too loose, they hug you in all the right places and accentuate your best assets.

Oh and did I mention that these beauties won’t break the bank? From lacy panties to playful boy shorts to pretty (and pain-free) push-ups, compromising comfort for style is never in question with Warner’s.

Are you a fan of Warner’s? What’s your go-to bra and panty brand?

Category: Bras, Fashion, Style | Leave a Comment

Sprout’s New Animated Series ‘Dot.’ Explores Technology for the Preschool Set

October 21, 2016

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the New York City screening of Sprout’s new animated show “Dot.” Held at the hamburger and milkshake hotspot, Black Tap, the event was one for the books…literally.

Based on New York Times best-selling author Randi Zuckerberg’s children’s book of the same title, the celebration for the original series was decked out to perfection. The event’s producers made sure to cross their T’s and dot their I’s. From photo booths to custom milkshakes to a kid-centric hair extensions station, the afternoon wasn’t short on details.

While the event was well executed, the show matched that same level of excellence. Centered on “Dot,” the title character, the series explores the digital world through the eyes of the smart and tech-savvy 8-year-old girl. She takes young viewers along for fun adventures as she satisfies her inquisitive nature and desire to discover new things. Like most school-age children, Dot uses technology to learn, explore and play.

As a mom of a three year old and six year old, I’m thrilled that “Dot.” is bridging the gap between children’s programming and technology—and I’m not alone. In fact, based on a recent study conducted by Sprout, 62 percent of the 700 parents surveyed felt tech enhanced their child’s development and learning.

Whether we embrace or push it way, technology is a part of our lives and it’s only going to become more integrated. I believe a character like Dot who’s curious and tech-savvy will serve as a great example for children like my daughter who enjoy STEM-centric content and aspire to someday contribute to those fields. As we know, young girls and women are still being underrepresented in these areas and that has to change.

“I created Dot. to be a relatable character that helps educate parents and kids about the importance of balance when it comes to tech, and to empower girls to be vocal and involved in technology,” Zuckerberg said in a release.

You never know what will sprout in a child’s mind and this could be the very series that sparks new science and math interests.

My kids are looking forward to “Dot.” and with Sprout’s track record for producing engaging and educational original shows, I’m sure it’s going to be another slam-dunk series for the 24-hour preschool network.

Sprout’s “Dot.” premieres Saturday, October 22nd at 11am EST/8am PST. Will you be tuning in?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 1 Comment

Hayneedle Makes Online Shopping Easy

October 14, 2016

Adulting can be difficult, but add in that extra layer of being a parent and it can become even more challenging. Case in point: finding children’s furniture that complements adult living spaces. Ok, not the most trying problem, but still a dilemma.

Not many understand the decorating woes parents face the moment little people invade their apartments. Thankfully, e-commerce site Hayneedle has been the answer to accommodating my children without compromising our home’s style and overall design aesthetic.

Since my daughter was three years old, she’s eaten her breakfast, lunch and dinner at a pink Dora the Explorer desk. Fast-forward four years and she’s still using it—but now my toddler son is joining her at the table. To say this super bright and ultra-girly piece is a standout (not in a good way) would be an understatement—hence, my search for a gender-neutral table for the both of them.

KidKraft Aspen Table and Chair Set available here, $65

Like many New York apartments, our place is small—so, finding a table and chair set that would be sufficient without taking up too much space wasn’t easy. Hayneedle took the guesswork out of hunting for the perfect piece. Admittedly, I wasn’t familiar with the site prior to my purchase—but, better late than never, right? Although the Nebraska-based retailer offers a wide variety of items from kitchen gadgets to toddler toys, you’re guaranteed to find something to meet your needs. The site is simple and easy to navigate. Plus, the precise search options help eliminate the feeling of looking for items like a needle in a haystack.

After briefly surfing the site, I landed on the set of my dreams: a two-chair natural from. It arrived fast, within a few days and was easy to assemble (at least it seemed that way from the couch!). And of course, the natural wood blends in well with our living room. Now my kids can both sit comfortably and enjoy a meal in style.

Have you ever shopped on Hayneedle.com? What’s your favorite one-stop-shop online retailer?

Category: Gumbo Mix, Misc. | Leave a Comment