Brown Girl Gumbo

Coca-Cola & Hello Beautiful Presents: The Kitchen Table with Chef Huda

November 4, 2015

Several weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a lovely dinner celebrating the launch of Hello Beautiful’s and Coca-Cola’s web series, “The Kitchen Table.”

Hosted by TV personality and former media maven Bevy Smith, the family-style dinner was held at celebrity chef, Marcus Samuelsson’s popular Red Rooster/Ginny’s Supper Club in Harlem.

The eclectic restaurant was the perfect setting to kick-off the food-centric web series, starring “Cut-throat Kitchen” winner Chef Huda, and actresses Tisha Campbell-Martin and Holly Robinson-Peete.

Source: Property of iOne Studios

Throughout the 4-part web series, the women share stories and laughter, while providing viewers with quick and easy recipes including: Tisha’s macaroni-and-cheese cupcakes, Chef Huda’s mini pizzas and Holly’s chicken ‘wangs.’

The final video features Brooklyn-based artist, Sylvia Mair, who was chosen to immortalize the series with one of her alluring paintings. She speaks about how her mother inspired her artwork and the influence Coca-Cola had on her childhood.

Source: Property of iOne Studios

Now with Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s the perfect time to try Tisha’s mac-and-cheese! Click here for the full recipe.

Have you checked out this web series?

Category: Gumbo Mix, Misc. | Leave a Comment

Stay Fresh & Dry with Dove

November 3, 2015

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know how much I love all things Dove. Well, the brand’s Beauty Finish Dry Spray antiperspirant deodorant is no different.

I’ve always used roll-on or stick antiperspirants, but had never given sprays a try. Boy, have I been missing out! It’s so easy to use and it smells so good! Typically, deodorant scents start to bother me after a while, but surprisingly the fruity & floral fragrance doesn’t aggravate me at all. It keeps me dry and works up to 48 hours. Since I shower daily and sometimes twice a day, I haven’t been able to find out if that selling point rings true. But, I’m sure it does because Dove always exceeds expectations.

Dove Beauty Finish Dry Spray available here, $5.49

Also, since I suffer from extremely sensitive skin (especially my underarms) this spray doesn’t irritate me at all. Again, that’s because Dove formulates their products with those with sensitive skin in mind. Plus, did I mention how it goes on dry and doesn’t create that unpleasant residue? One day I was in such a rush that I threw on a gray top and got a bit of the spray on it. Within seconds it was completely dry and no trace of it was in sight!

If you want to stay dry and smelling fresh all day long, give Dove’s Beauty Finish Dry Spray a go. Be prepared to never go back to sticks or roll-ons!

What’s your favorite antiperspirant/deodorant?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Health | Leave a Comment

Post Halloween Candy Tips for Parents

November 2, 2015

My family and I had a fantastic Halloween! The fact that MJ was old enough to partake in the festivities made for a frightfully fun night out.

Ava was a wicked witch, while MJ was Alvin from “Alvin & the Chipmunks,” my favorite cartoon of all time. The weather was perfect so they had a blast trick-or-treating up and down the blocks for about two hours. Their pumpkin-shaped buckets were filled to the brim with sweet treats. From mini chocolate bars to fun size gummy bears, they scored TONS of candy!

On Halloween night I allowed them to pick three pieces of candy of their choosing, which was fine. But now, they’re asking for it every day! As parents, we know that they can’t consume too many sugary goodies on a daily basis. But, if you do let them indulge, at least know the healthier options.

I made MJ’s costume by putting yellow tape on a red turtleneck and cap. Oh, and Ava’s wearing one of my dresses!

So, here are a few tricks that I’ve learned throughout the years to get through the post-Halloween treats:

*Choose chocolate – If you’re going to give your child candy, opt for chocolate instead. Super chewy and gummy candies get stuck in teeth and are cavity culprits.

*Avoid sour candies – The acidity of sour candies can eat away at teeth’s enamel, causing painful sensitivity and of course cavities.

*Set Boundaries – Limit their treats to the weekends. Let your little one know that too much sugar on a daily basis can wreak havoc on their overall health.

*Out of Sight, Out of Mind – After Halloween, put the candy away in a high cabinet or tuck it away in a pantry. If they don’t see the candy, they will soon forget about it.

Did your little ones go trick-or-treating this year?

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

Event Recap: L’il Critters Fun Day at Central Park Zoo

October 14, 2015

Last week my children were surprised to a impromptu visit to Central Park Zoo.

Of course, as we moms know, things are hardly ever impromptu when involving kids. So, I knew well in advance that we had been invited to a day of fun all courtesy of L’il Critters vitamins—America’s #1 Kid Vitamin Brand.

Since L’il Critters is all about promoting healthy lifestyles for kids and families, it was befitting to have the afternoon start off with a nice warm-up routine. The activity reinforced the importance of physical activity by encouraging those in attendance to get moving with the help of the L’il Critters mascot! Who doesn’t love exercising with a larger-than-life bear? Needless to say, the kids enjoyed it.

A few of the L’il Critters vitamins that were on display throughout the event space.

Ava showing off her push-up skills during the exercise portion of the event.

Ava and the other kids giving the L’il Critters mascot high-fives.

Ava enjoying lunch before taking a peek at Steve Ettinger’s book, “Wallie Exercises.”

After the workout, the kids worked up an appetite and were presented with various healthy lunch options. Ava and MJ hardly ate anything because they were just so excited to be in the presence of the L’il Critters bear. After lunch it was time to see some animals! Unlike regular trips to the zoo, the children were led by a zoo tour guide who provided them with a wealth of information about all of the animals were saw. From penguins to grizzly bears, the zoo has plenty of attractions that will educate and entertain kids of all ages.

Once the zoo tour was over, we went back to the tent and took more pictures with the L’il Critters mascot and learned more about the brand and what their vitamins offer. Did you know that all of their vitamins are gluten-free? My kids love them and it’s always their highlight after breakfast.

Oh, if you love gummies like me, they have a line of gummy vitamins for adults under their VitaFusion division. Trust me, they’re delicious and nutritious! I like to use the Hair, Skin and Nails multivitamin since I’m still on a quest to restoring my hair’s former luster prior to having children. Plus, I could always use a clearer complexion and these seem to be helping me achieve an even skin-tone.

VitaFusion Hair, Skin & Nails Multivitamin available here, $14.50

Check out these lifestyle tips to keep your child active and healthy:

* Shop together. Give kids a small budget and let them pick out a new veggie or fruit they want to try as part of their meal.

*Involve kids in meal prep, whether it’s setting the table, cracking the eggs or making a grocery list. Kids who participate in cooking are more likely to eat better and are more willing to try new foods. Praise them for their efforts.

*Make the focus about each other – designate the dinner table a “no screen zone” by turning off the TV and leaving the phones and tablets in another room.

Does your family take multivitamins? How do you keep your kids active?

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

Pharrell Williams’ New Book Will Make Children Very ‘Happy!’

October 8, 2015

For all of the children around the world who sang along with and danced to Pharrell Williams’ hit song, “Happy!,” they’re in for a real treat.

The Grammy-award winning musician has turned his popular tune into a beautiful, full color book that children and adults alike will love. Packed with undeniable energy, the book’s catchy lyrics at times seem as if they could dance right off the page! We all know that the lyrics are entertaining and upbeat, but the adorable photographs of the children really bring the song to life. For example, the line “Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof,” is illustrated with a little boy sitting in a makeshift house with the roof blowing off above his head—so adorable.

Pharrell Williams | Photo by Mimi Valdes

While the the book is fun, Pharrell’s purpose for turning the song into a book is to promote literacy. “I’m committed to encouraging child literacy and this project is the perfect vehicle to accomplish that goal,” Pharrell says in a release. “The “Happy” lyrics and pictures are an opportunity to inspire kids to read and promote imagination.

When I received my review copy in the mail, my daughter was BEYOND excited! Like many children across the country, it is one of her favorite songs. Her elation was catapulted when she saw the bright, eye-catching cover. We read (and couldn’t help but sing too) and danced at the same time. This book personifies joy and I can’t wait to read it to my daughter’s kindergarten class next month.

Hats off to Pharrell for breathing new life into such an amazing and beautifully written song. We all need a bit of happiness.

“Happy!” by Pharrell Williams available here, $19 (hardcover)

Below, check out Pharrell speaking about the book on TODAY:

What song automatically boosts your mood and makes you feel happy?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 1 Comment

Get Class Picture-Perfect with Conair’s Quick Twist Hair Styler

October 5, 2015

I can’t believe we’re already a month into my daughter Ava’s school year. I’m even more shocked that her class picture day is next week!

School pictures are a big deal—at least they were when I was growing up. But, that was before digital cameras and cell phones. When I was in school, my mom would style my hair in special ways for the big day. Back in the ’80s and early ’90s that meant pressing it straight then curling the ends. Since I won’t be doing that, I do plan on using Conair’s new Quick Twist Hair Styler to create fun, twisty braided-ponytails.

Conair Quick Twist Hair Styler available here, $30

Ever since we attended the launch party for the product last month, Ava has been so excited to use it on her hair. During the event we were able to test the hair tool with the help of a professional hairstylist.

One of the hairstylists using the Conair Quick Twist Hair Styler on my daughter, Ava’s, naturally curly hair.

At first, I was skeptical that it would work on naturally curly hair like my daughter’s. To my surprise and delight, it worked perfectly. Plus, it’s super easy to use. The hair clamps into two grooves and the rotating head quickly and gently twists the hair creating effortless two-strand braids. However, if your child has short hair, this product will not work well. The hair has to be long enough to go into the clamps in order to create a twisty braided look.

So, on picture day Ava will rock her signature ponytails, but this time with a twist!

What’s your favorite hairstyling tool?

Category: Beauty, Hair, Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 1 Comment

Get in Line with Clinique’s Skinny Sticks

September 29, 2015

Besides concealer, there’s only one other makeup must-have on my list: eyeliner. While there’s nothing wrong with a fresh-faced look from time to time, I rarely leave home without rimming my peepers with a bit of eyeliner.

Clinique’s new Skinny Sticks have been my most current obsession. They glide on effortlessly and stay put for hours! I’d been using the brand’s liners for years so was stoked to try the even slimmer offerings. Available in six shades, these slim liners allow you to rim your eyes with precision, plus add a pop of unexpected color. Although all of the shades are eye-catching, my fave is the demi-grape. It provides a soft purple tint while still serving the drama of classic black. While they’re obviously designed to use on either the top or bottom lash lines, I like to use them specifically on my lower lids.

Me wearing a mix of Clinique’s Skinny Sticks in Demi-Grape and Black.

Clinique Skinny Stick available here, $16.50

**Disclosure: I received complimentary product samples from Clinique for review purposes. All thoughts and ideas expressed here are my own.

If you’re a liner girl like me, run don’t walk to your nearest Sephora (or order online of course!) and pick up a few of these Skinny Sticks. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

What’s your favorite eyeliner brand? Do you wear colored eyeliners?

Category: Beauty | 1 Comment