Peapod and Barilla Make Mealtime Easy

As a busy mom of two, there are many days when I just don’t have the time or energy to make a healthy, delicious dinner for my family. On those days, I’m embarrassed to admit, but it’s the usual—boring mac-and-cheese.

That’s why I’m so excited about Peapod and Barilla’s partnership! The delivery company and pasta powerhouse have teamed up to make meal planning for families easy.

They’ve created nutritious meal kits that are simple to prepare and delivered right to your doorstep! Super convenient and inexpensive, each recipe averages about $5.00 per serving, which we parents can appreciate.

Plus, the prep is already done—no need to worry about messing up measurements or serving sizes. Since the ingredients are already portioned, it makes it even easier to get the kids involved. I have my children pour the fixings right into the bowl or pot, which I’ve learned makes them more inclined to eat dinner if they’ve helped in its preparation.

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Farfelle withButternut Squash (Photo: BusinessWire)

With delicious options like Farfelle with Butternut Squash and Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Spaghetti, it won’t take much coaxing to get them to consume these tasty meals. Oh and did I mention, each meal can be on your dinner table in under 30 minutes! The only think you’ll have to figure out is what to do with all of that extra time.

Currently Peapod delivers throughout 24 U.S markets including New York, Illinois, Washington, D.C. Click here to see if it offers service in your neighborhood.

Do you ever use grocery delivery services?

BGG’s 2015 Holiday Gift Guide

With Christmas less than three weeks away, now’s the time to shift your holiday shopping into full gear!

To save you time, I’ve rounded up some of the hottest gifts for everyone on your list. From your “Scandal”-obsessed co-worker to your artistically creative nephew, I’ve got you covered! Plus, these thoughtful presents won’t break the bank.

Read on for the gifts that are sure to make your loved ones’ holiday merry!

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Give the gift of gorgeous hair with Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Gift Set. The ultra moisturizing formula will quench curls, coils, kinks and waves. Plus, the set includes a bonus pair of Monoi products.  Available here, $42

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We all know a selfie queen (or king). Shake up their digital world with this retro  Instax Mini 8 camera that will capture memories and print them instantly. Available here, $74

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This Dove Cool Moisture Gift Bag will be a hit with anyone who loves feeling fresh and clean! Available here, $15

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Any little brown girl would love this adorable Ikuzi Doll. Her curly hair and big brown eyes will make her a stunning standout in your child’s collection. Available here, $65 

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Gift the Sleeping Beauty in your life with this luxurious Iluminage eye mask. It boasts a copper-based technology that rejuvenates skin during slumber. Available here, $32 

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Brighten any kitchen with this eye-catching Keurig 2.0 K250 Coffee Maker w/My K-Cup 29 K-Cup Pods & Filter Set. Available here, $89

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Auntie Oprah always knows best! “O’s Little Guide to Finding Your True Purpose” will get you pumped up and on the path toward fulfilling your destiny. This trusty guide is packed with inspiration and advice, this book (also available as an audiobook) makes the perfect present to start the new year. Available here, $15

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Who said fancy face creams and luxe cleansers were just for us ladies? Your guy will gush (maybe not in your presence!) over these Anthony goodies. Available here, $52

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The gift for your coffee-guzzling co-worker is handled! This “What Would Olivia Pope Do” mug is a must for die-hard “Scandal” fans. Available here, $20

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Calling all kids, Crayola has done it again! Color Alive Easy Animation Studio is an  incredibly innovative app that will get kids’ creativity flowing. Through the free app, children can virtually bring their drawings to life! The kids’ colored creation responds to the movable mannequin making this a fun animated must-have. Available here, $25

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Try not to keep this smoldering “In the Blink of An Eye” kit  from jane iredale for yourself.  It’ll be hard, but your gift recipient’s eyes will surely light up with delight! Buy here, $50

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Get the party started wherever you go with this portable Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker. Available here, $120

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Give a gift that will keep on giving. This wooden Stacking Train will have the toddler in your life playing for hours on end while 100% of its proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Buy it here, $18

Have you finished your holiday shopping? What’s the one gift on your list?

SeaGlass Carousel at the Battery: A Fun Experience for the Whole Family

The holidays are upon us!

If you’re in the New York City area and looking for a fun, family-friendly outing, look no further than the SeaGlass Carousel at The Battery Conservancy.

I had the pleasure of attending a family media night there several weeks ago and my 5-year-old daughter has been begging to go back ever since. Although I’m about  30 years past 5, it was one of the most memorable and magical evenings I’ve ever experienced.

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Photo by @SamGarber via Instagram

Ten years in the making, the permanent, awe-inspiring carousel has been open to the public since August, but I’m sure the crowds will continue throughout the holiday season.

The cultural attraction consists of a grand nautilus shell with 30 beautiful, luminescent fish as large as 9 ½ feet wide and 13 ½ feet tall! Designed by the acclaimed George Tsypin Opera, the ride is even more unforgettable thanks to the enchanting, thematic music.

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Ava enjoying her 7th ride on the carousel! 

Trust me, for only $5 per ride your entire family will enjoy this “underwater” experience right in the heart of the Big Apple.

Have you visited the SeaGlass Carousel? 

GIVEAWAY: EcoTools Holiday Brush Sets + Ulta $50 Gift Card!

The holidays are officially upon us!

If you’re looking to gift the beauty buff in your life, you’ve come to the right place. When it comes to applying makeup, there’s very little one can do without using a brush. Well, there are some products that can instantly beautify without using a bristled tool, but you get the point.

The popular eco-friendly brand, EcoTools, has several brush sets that would make any makeup maven happy. First up is their Festive & Flawless Set. This five-piece collection is designed to brighten your complexion and provide buildable, coverage that will last all day long.

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Festive & Flawless Brush Set is available here, $14.99

The set includes: Flat Concealer Brush, Buffing Concealer Brush, Precision Foundation Brush, Complexion Blending Brush and Full Powder Brush. If you use liquid or powder foundation, be sure to make circular motions with the Complexion Blending Brush for a flawless finish.

Next, their Four-Piece Beautiful Complexion Set is perfect for those who may suffer from blemishes and minor imperfections that require specific coverage. This self-wrapped set comes with a Mattifying Finish Brush, Skin Perfecting Brush, Eye Perfecting Brush and Correcting Concealer Brush. The latter’s duo bristles easily picks up and distributes concealer making dark circles and redness disappear.

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Four-Piece Beautiful Complexion Brush Set is available here, $19.99

Lastly, the final set is a must-have because it’s got the bases covered! The Mini Essentials Set comes with the three basic brushes every woman needs in her makeup bag. It includes: Full Powder Brush, Eye Shading Brush and Angled Liner Brush. Whether you want to distribute powder, add color to cheeks or created smoky, defined eyes this will be your go-to set! Plus, its compact size makes it easy to tote in a clutch or purse.

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Mini Essentials Holiday Set is available here, $5.99

All of the brushes are beautifully designed and are of coursed packaged in recycled materials. Their sleek, signature bamboo handles make gifting these beauties guilt-free because they’re not adding to our environmental issues.

Guess what? I’m giving away each of these sets including a $50 Ulta gift card! Simply leave a comment or Tweet (@browngirlgumbo) telling me what’s the one beauty product you can’t live without. One winner will be randomly selected and notified via email on December 16th. This contest is only open for U.S. residents. 

What’s the one beauty product that you can’t live without?

UK-Based Home & Bedding Brand bluebellgray Launches in the U.S

If you’re like me and love pretty pastels and feminine designs for your home, keep reading because you’re in for a treat.

bluebellgray, the popular UK-based home and bedding brand has launched a stateside collection exclusively sold at Macy’s. Known for its gorgeous, hand-painted watercolor prints, the collection includes everything from bath towels to bed linens—it’s a floral lover’s dream.

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The bluebellgray collection is exclusively sold at Macy’s.

The brand’s founder and designer, Fi Douglas, is an acclaimed watercolorist who masterfully brings her eye for beautiful simplicity to your bath and bedroom. The clean, abstract designs exude tranquility without compromising style.

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A peek at the bluebellgray luncheon held at Park Avenue Autumn in New York City on November 18, 2015.

In celebration of the U.S. launch, the brand and Douglas held an intimate luncheon last month at Park Avenue Autumn in New York City. Unfortunately, due to an incredibly hefty workload on the day of the event, I regrettably wasn’t able to attend. I’m still disappointed about my last-minute cancellation because it was indeed a lovely afternoon. Who wouldn’t regret not being surrounded by beautiful blooms and delicious food?

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Although I wasn’t able to attend the luncheon, I’m still thrilled that I can now purchase some of these eye-catching pieces for my place.

What’s your design personality? Feminine, minimalistic, modern, country chic, etc.? 

CoverGirl & ‘Star Wars’ Team Up for a Fab Collaboration

You don’t have to be a “Star Wars” nerd to know that the quintessential sci-fi classic is releasing a new installment, “The Force Awakens” on December 18th. While I’m not psyched to see the film (shh…I’ve never seen any of the movies), I am excited about CoverGirl’s makeup collaboration with the forthcoming release.

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“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” will open in theaters nationwide, December 18th.

The out-of-this-world collection is for adventurous beauty buffs who aren’t afraid of being bold. The limited-edition line includes a variety of mascaras, nail polishes and lipsticks. Each of the products fall under a “light” or “dark” side as a fun reference to the film.

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Check out the entire CoverGirl “Star Wars: “The Force Awakens” Star Wars” collection here, starting at $5.49.

Admittedly, the silver and gold lipsticks are a bit too far out for my taste. But, the rest of the collection is great. In fact, I’m obsessed with the dark purple lippie. It goes on smooth and doesn’t have that greasy feel without being matte. It’s perfect for the winter months when you want to go for a dark, vampy look.

Whether you’re a sci-fi fan or a beauty buff, this collaboration  is a must!

Are you a Star Wars fan? If so, are you planning to see “The Force Awakens?”  

GIVEAWAY: Tickets to ‘ANNIE’ at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn!

One of the most beloved characters and timeless stories is coming to Kings Theatre in Brooklyn this month—”Annie the Musical!

The classic tale of the curly-haired orphan is making its debut at the beautiful, newly restored theatre on December 15th. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin  Charmin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, the Tony award-winning production will have a fresh new feel. But, don’t worry—original songs like “Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow” still remain as the soundtrack to this sentimental rags-to-riches story.

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Annie” runs through December, 27th. Click here for ticket information and show times. 

If you’re in the New York City area this holiday season, this is a show you don’t want to miss. Adults and children alike will enjoy watching this musical live on stage. My daughter is already excited about seeing it. I’m just shocked that she’s already familiar with some of the songs!

**I’m giving away 4 tickets to the opening show on Tuesday, December 15th at 7:30pm. One winner will be randomly selected and notified via email on December 10th. Simply leave a comment below or tweet me telling me what’s your favorite stage play and/or musical. This contest is only open to U.S residents. 

What’s your favorite stage play and/or musical?