Brown Girl Gumbo

GIVEAWAY: Dove Does a Body Good

September 23, 2016

Some brands become so integrated into our lives that they become an extension of us. For me Dove is one of them.

My bathroom is filled with an array of their tried-and-true body washes and each new formula gets better and better. The Deep Moisture wash is my current fave and for good reason. The rich lather swathes skin into a sudsy, frothy euphoria—caressing it like no other. The blend of nourishing and moisturizing properties penetrates and replenishes hydration deep beneath the surface.

It’s so moisturizing (even after one shower!) that I can actually skip applying lotion if I’m in a pinch for time.Plus, the ultra-calming and cool fragrance is a real treat for your senses. Not overpowering, it clings to the skin creating a pleasant aroma that stays with you all day.

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash available here, $4.99

It’s hard to believe that a cleanser as decadent as Dove is readily available at your local drugstore. You’d think it would be reserved for fancy spas or specialty bath and body retailers, but nope, it’s conveniently sold at your neighborhood Duane Reade or Rite-Aid.

If you have sensitive skin and are often moisture-zapped, this body wash will change your life. I’m not exaggerating when I say that it will leave your body feeling fresh, velvety soft and super moisturized.

Want to try it for yourself? If so, I’m giving away Dove’s Deep Moisture Body Wash to two lucky readers. Simply leave a comment telling me why you want to give this body wash a test run. The contest is only open to U.S. residents and will run until Friday, September 30th, 2016 11:59EST. The winners will be randomly selected and announced by Monday, October 3rd, 2016.

Category: Beauty, Giveaway, Giveaways | 1 Comment

Farm Fresh Festival Promotes Healthy Lifestyle for Kids

September 21, 2016

This past weekend, my family and I had the pleasure of attending the first Farm Fresh Festival for Kids here in New York City. Held at South Street Seaport, the event was created to inspire healthy habits, featuring farm-to-table foods. The one-day celebration was the perfect way to usher in the new school year.

Organized by the Generation Fresh Foundation, Howard Hughes Corporation, Fresh Kids and a host of community volunteers, entertainers, authors and small business owners, the event was a smorgasbord of fun.

Packed with tons of interactive and experiential discovery zones, kids were able to explore how their food is grown to actually making their very own healthy snacks. From small farm animals to hands-on cooking demos, children in attendance were treated to a ton of engaging activities that promoted a healthy and happy lifestyle. Throughout the space, children (and adults!) were able to snack on Fresh Kids pretzels, popcorn and veggie straws – my kids’ favorites.

These tasty nibbles were GMO-free and contained no artificial coloring or flavors – making them a win-win. The event also offered a sports zone where kids were encouraged to get moving. Not only did the festival promote the importance of being healthy and active, it also cultivated kids emotionally. Through the Kindness Corner, children were able to write notes to sick hospital patients, allowing them to show compassion for others.

Plus, the festival also served as a benefit to raise funds for non-profit organizations working in NYC to fight childhood obesity, hunger and poor nutrition.

My two little ones couldn’t get enough of petting the farm animals and playing games, but for me the highlight was meeting Haile Thomas, a bright young lady who is a health advocate for children. At just 15 years old, she’s also a vegan chef and founder of The Happy Organization, where she educates students about the importance of healthy eating and more.

The all-day affair was surely one that my kids and I won’t soon forget. We walked away with awesome tips on healthy eating, quick-and-easy recipe ideas and a wealth of knowledge about brands and vendors that offer healthier snacking options.

With so many children being inactive and glued to their tablets and eating unhealthy snacks, the event was a reminder that we have to fuel our children with the proper nutrition they need to succeed.

How do you keep your kids active and excited to eat healthy foods?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 1 Comment

Get the Look: Taraji P. Henson’s Emmys Beauty

September 19, 2016

This cookie never crumbles.

Taraji P. Henson who plays “Cookie” on Fox’s hit show Empire, stunned at the 68^th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday.

Although she didn’t snag the coveted lead actress in a drama award for her work on the music-centric series, she certainly won top honors for her style and beauty game. Her makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff delivered the goods when it came to her flawless skin and gorgeous makeup.

“Getting ready for the Emmys is actually a fun process,” Ashunta said in a release. “Taraji is very zen and relaxed, it’s the glam team who’s not. We listen to great music and laugh, but most importantly she makes sure we have fun.”

And that fun, laidback environment paid off. Taraji, who recently launched a cosmetics collection with M.A.C, beamed with beauty as she graced the red carpet and stage. For her yellow ensemble, Ashunta kept her palette earthy and mellow to not compete with the bold Vera Wang gown.

Ashunta shared how she created her gorgeous look and how you can get it too!

SKIN

*I prepped her skin by using DERMAFLASH, which allows me to get the highest level of exfoliation plus remove unwanted peach fuzz so skin care products work ten times better.

*I used Kate Somerville Goat Milk De-Puffing Eye Balm to decrease puffiness and hydrate eyes. Then I used the brand’s DermalQuench Liquid Lift and Quench Oil Free Hydrating Face Serum. Both of these products work together to plump, hydrate and give skin that superior radiant glow.

*I applied Dior Airflash CC Primer to create an even canvas for makeup application. I love that is also has a radiance booster.

*Next, I used Perfect Blend by Ashunta Sheriff in Tan to create a natural, glowing, contoured and lifted canvas.

*I set her makeup with Milani Prep + Set + Glow Transparent Face Powder using a MAC powder brush.

EYES

*For eyes I wanted a soft rose glow affect so I used Taraji’s MAC Collection Highlight The Truth on the lid just tapping with my finger and using a MAC 266 angle brush on lower lash line for a soft smokey affect.

*Then I added Taraji Glow, a coppery gold highlight in corner of the eyes and center of eyes so they popped.

*I added Penultimate Eye Liner from Taraji’s MAC collection to give a tight precise line on the top lash line and then added two coats on top and bottom lashes with Haute and Naughty Tooo Black Lash Mascara.

FINISHING TOUCHES

*For cheeks I used Highlight The Truth from Taraji’s MAC collection on cheekbones and then followed up with Taraji Glow for highlight.

*I lined lips with MAC Cork Lip Liner then added Strip Me Down Matte Lipstick, a gorgeous nutty nude color. I added a soft pink gloss only in the center of the lips from Dior called Jersey Pink Addict Collection.

*I finished the look with MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ and I added Caudalie Divine Oil on her body along with Kate Somerville Quench Oil for the ultimate body glow.

What was your favorite Emmys moment? Are you excited that Empire returns for a third season this Wednesday?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty | 1 Comment

Probiotics Keep Kids’ Tummies Happy

September 15, 2016

Now that school’s back in session, unfortunately those pesky germs that cling to kids are also making a comeback.

With classrooms being a cesspool for germs and viruses, it’s imperative that we moms protect our children as much as possible. The germ-ridden surfaces they encounter on a daily basis can wreak havoc on their immune systems. And reinforcing proper hand washing isn’t enough. Did you know that most sicknesses start in the gut? Yep, hand washing alone can’t prevent nasty bugs from entering their intestinal tract. That’s why we have to help build their systems from the inside—literally, in their tummies.

Bio-Kidz Probiotic Supplement available here.

One of the best and easiest ways to do this is by introducing probiotics into their diet. Probiotics have many benefits namely, serving as a stomach’s first defense to keep bacteria from finding its way into vulnerable immune systems. They can also help heal the damage that bad bacteria can cause.

And the really good news is that probiotics can be found in Bio-Kidz, a new beverage supplement that tastes good and protects tiny digestive systems. My daughter is a huge fan of the drinks and often asks for two at time. Available in a couple delicious flavors: strawberry and vanilla, the drinks are perfect for school lunch boxes and weekend playdates. Each bottle contains 12.5 billion bacteria – the good kind that will keep your child healthy and well all yearlong.

How do you keep your kids healthy during the school year?

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

An Enchanted Experience: Cirque du Soleil—Toruk

September 14, 2016

Some things are just so beautiful that they take your breath away — leaving you searching for the words to fully justify their magnificence.

That’s exactly the case when it comes to describing the experience that is Cirque du Soleil: Toruk—The First Flight.

I had been looking forward to attending the show ever since the invitation popped up in my inbox a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, the days preceding opening night, I had fallen ill with the flu. Thankfully, the night of the show I was well enough to make the three-block trek to the Barclays Center.

From wondrous waterfalls to lava spewing craters to amazing acrobatic feats, the show was packed with fanciful performances and stunning sets. The light displays and set designs were so spectacular that my daughter incessantly asked if what she was seeing was “real.”

Plus, the costumes and masterful puppetry were spellbindingly good. The show was akin to a beautiful dream coming to life right before your eyes. It’s no secret that the imagination and sheer talent needed to bring this show to life had to be extraordinary. I tip my hat to the entire team who made the experience an evening to remember.

Despite the show being the night before my daughter’s first day back to school, the late night was well worth it in so many ways.

If the show comes to a city near you, get your tickets now! Click here for tour dates and more information.

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured, Features | Leave a Comment

‘Stomp’: A Sonic Sensation

September 13, 2016

Many parents know that pots and pans are just about every child’s first musical instruments. What baby hasn’t crawled into a kitchen and quickly turned it into his or her own personal concert hall?

After recently seeing the groundbreaking off-Broadway show, “STOMP,” I’m convinced that just about any household item or even garbage for that matter can be transformed into an innovative musical tool.

Since opening its stage doors in 1994 at the iconic Orpheum Theatre in the East Village, the unique show has been a must-see for New Yorkers and theatergoers from all over the world. Created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, this show-stopping production has been making noise for more than two decades and shows no signs of slowing down.

Comprised of several talented body percussionists, the team of performers captivated audiences through non-verbal storytelling that comes to life through sound. Set in an industrial space littered with infinite musical possibilities, the garage inspired stage served as the perfect backdrop for the sonically pleasing performance. From paper bags to shopping carts, the music created from ordinary everyday items was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Plus, there was a comedic component to the show that further proved that you don’t have to speak to make people laugh. My daughter enjoyed the visual comedy and burst out laughing at some of the silly antics performed by Alan Asuncion – the show’s main funnyman. Not only was she entertained by the show’s humor, but also she was of course blown away by all of the interesting things in which music can be found. The brilliant choreography also kept us intrigued from start to finish.

But, the true message of the show was showing that there’s beauty in some of the most mundane items and it can be revealed through the universal language: music and sound.

If you’re looking for a feet-stamping, finger-snapping good time, get to Orpheum Theater and get ready to be taken on a jamming journey.

Below, take a peek at the show:

**Disclosure: I was invited to attend and cover STOMP for my blog.

Tickets are available through www.Ticketmaster.com or at the box office. For groups of 10+, please call toll free 855-203-9980. STOMP currently plays in New York on the following schedule: Tue-Fri at 8 PM, Sat at 3 & 8 PM, Sun at 2 & 5:30 PM. Tickets are $89 at all performances.

Category: Arts and Entertainment | Leave a Comment

GIVEAWAY: Baby Magic Products to Keep Baby Fresh & Clean

September 12, 2016

There are scents that just stay with you. New car, fresh baked cookies and newborn babies are the first to come to mind. For many, the latter is a smell that we moms wish could linger forever. Unfortunately, infants grow up and no longer possess that unique scent.

Until then, we can slather them in Baby Magic’s “Original Baby Scent” lotion – my favorite for after bath time. Somehow the legacy brand managed to bottle the elusive smell we moms crave and sold it to the masses. In fact, they’ve been in the business of making babies smell heavenly and clean since 1951! Oh, and course they accomplish this by infusing that fresh scent into many of their products including cleansers, shampoos and moisturizers.

Baby Magic Gentle Baby Lotion available here,

Baby Magic No-Rinse Wash click here for where to buy.

Baby Magic Hair & Baby Wash click here for where to buy.

The heritage brand has been in homes for generations and has definitely been a part of my son’s life. Not only do the products have an addictive aroma, but they also get the job done—without causing any skin irritations.

There’s a reason why it’s been around so long, quality products and that fresh baby scent keeps families coming back!

In celebration of the brand’s 65th anniversary, I’m partnering with them for a giveaway. I’ll be giving away three of my all-time favorite products to a lucky winner.

Simply leave a comment below or tweet me @BrownGirlGumbo letting me know how you make bath time fun. The contest ends on 9/19/16 at 11:59 EST. The winner will be randomly selected and notified via email by 9/21/16.

How do you make bath time fun?

Category: Baby, Giveaway, Giveaways, Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 42 Comments