Brown Girl Gumbo

Event Recap: Disney Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ Advance Screening

June 16, 2015

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend an advance screening of Disney Pixar’s new animated movie, “Inside Out.”

Hosted by The MOMS, the viewing was held at the Dolby Screening Room located in midtown. Yep, I braved the subway all the way from Brooklyn with two small kids to see the movie. Usually, that wouldn’t be such a big deal, but the fact that one is still in a stroller and it was nearly 90 degrees makes it a feat in my book! Luckily, my little one slept during the entire 35-minute ride into the city. However, that meant that he was wide-awake once we got to the theater.

Ava and her brother (not pictured) were excited for their surprise trip to the movies!

Up and ready for the movie, the three of us settled into the last row and waited for it to start. Since I’d seen a few commercials for the film, I was eager to finally see it on the big screen. The movie tells a clever story of a young girl who is uprooted from her hometown to a new city as she grapples with the various emotions (joy, fear, anger, sadness and disgust) that relocating entails. Her emotions, as well as her parents’ are illustrated with fun-loving characters voiced by popular actors Amy Poehler (Joy), Mindy Kaeling (Disgust) and Bill Hader (Fear). In fact, Hader was on hand at the screening to the delight of the children in attendance. The movie was chock full of funny one-liners and witty remarks. As I expected, it was an outstanding movie that both parents and kids will enjoy.

Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out” hits theaters nationwide on Friday, June 19th.

Oh, and despite my daughter needing FOUR bathroom breaks and my son having two meltdowns, it was a great way to spend a Friday afternoon!

Check out the trailer below:

What’s your favorite Disney movie?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Health, Travel & Lifestyle | Leave a Comment

BGG is Going to Blogging While Brown!

June 15, 2015

Last year, on the behalf of AT&T, I had the honor and privilege to attend the Blogging While Brown conference here in New York City. To my surprise (and delight!), they’re inviting me back again this year—but this time it’s taking place in Austin, Texas!

During the 2-day (June 19th & 20th) conference, I’ll be serving as a brand correspondent for their “Inspired Mobility” campaign. Launched at last year’s BWB, the initiative is a national conversation about how we use mobile and Internet technology to enhance our faith experience. From the increase in social media-savvy places of worship to inspirational apps, the way we tap into our spirituality is literally at our fingertips. AT&T has been at the forefront of this cultural shift and will continue to lead the way for people to celebrate and complement their faith in easy, shareable ways.

For the Uplift. Mobilize. Inspire session, Jason Caston—The iChurch Method founder will conduct a live Q&A with Grammy-award winning gospel artist Lecrae. In addition to bringing you guys and my social media followers into the “Inspired Mobility” conversation, I’ll also be sharing tips from the various panels and sessions I attend throughout the conference.

I had a blast last year so I’m looking forward to learning and mingling with like-minded bloggers. Oh, and since I’ve never visited Austin, I’m hoping I can see a as much of the city as I can while I’m there. Hopefully, you guys will join me! Be sure to follow me on Twitter and Instagram: @BrownGirlGumbo

Me and Jacque Reid at the Blogging While Brown conference last year in New York City.

How do you extend your spirituality through technology?

Category: Gumbo Mix | 3 Comments

Must-See TV: TLC’s ‘Dare to Wear’ Hosted by Tai Beauchamp Premieres TONIGHT!

June 12, 2015

If you’re into beauty and fashion, chances are you’re very familiar with Tai Beauchamp.

The super savvy former editor and style influencer is now the host of TLC’s brand new series, “Dare to Wear.” The makeover show premieres tonight and won’t be your typical transformative style series. Each show will feature two participants with opposite fashion tastes who will be forced to swap wardrobes. Once they realize that they have to wear the other person’s “out there” clothes, they’ll discover a sense of self-worth and learn to embrace change…in a good way.

Tai Beauchamp Photo Credit: Courtesy of TLC

Tai has most recently been a regular on “The View’s” “Must-Have Mondays” segment, but I’ve been following her work since I was in college. She’s worked as a writer/editor at some of the most prominent magazines in the industry, including Seventeen, O, The Oprah Magazine and Vibe Vixen. In fact, when I first moved to NYC over 12 years ago, I reached out to Tai in hopes of getting some insight into the magazine publishing industry. She graciously obliged and treated me to a lovely lunch at the now closed, posh brunch hotspot—Mayrose. I valued her sage advice about the business and have admired and rooted for her success ever since!

So, please tune in tonight to catch Tai doing what she does best, helping individuals realize their beauty (and style) from the inside out.

Check a clip from the show below:

Style Expert Tai Beauchamp’s “Dare to Wear” airs on TLC, Fridays at 10Pm, EST

Are you a fan of makeover shows? Will you be tuning in tonight?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty, Fashion | Leave a Comment

Event Recap: Dove Takes BGG to NYC’s Governor’s Ball

June 12, 2015

I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the epic, revitalizing weekend I had last week.

Thanks to Dove, I attended the 4th Annual Governor’s Ball music festival on Randall’s Island here in New York City. While the 3-day festival took place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I was so happy to have attended the last day. Unfortunately, the two previous days seemed to have pretty crappy weather. Sunday was sunny, warm and basically picture-perfect. The only downside was that I wasn’t familiar with many of the artists that performed that day. But hey, music is music, right?

Despite not knowing many of the bands, I had an amazingly relaxing time hanging out in Dove’s exclusive VIP cabana. Not only was the super posh cabana comfy and shaded, but it was also the best seat in the house with sick views of the main stage.

Dove didn’t miss a detail with the coordinating and inviting decor.

Governor’s Ball balloons provided a festive flair to the event. \

I got a cool manicure to match my temp body jewelry tattoos while enjoying the festival.

I got a cool manicure to complement my temp body jewelry tattoos while enjoying the festival.

In addition to being treated to food, drinks and great music, we also received a brief lesson in what makes Dove’s go fresh Revitalizing Body Wash and Beauty Bar the best personal cleansers on the market. Its scent-sational mandarin tiare flower fragrance makes it one of my favorites. In fact, I included it in my must-haves for spring a few weeks ago. Its NutriMoisture technology leaves skin super smooth after just one wash! I have exceptionally dry skin and it makes my skin supple and incredibly soft.

Dove go fresh Revitalize Beauty Bar with Mandarin and Tiare Flower Scent, available at mass retailers nationwide, $3.79 (2-pack)

Dove go fresh Revitalizing Body Wash with Mandarin and Tiare Flower Scent available at mass retailers nationwide, $6.99

For those who have been reading BGG for some time, know how much I truly love Dove. From their empowering and inspiring messages for women and young girls to their outstanding products, it’s a brand that I support. And, this past weekend is one that I won’t soon forget!

Are you planning to attend any music festivals this summer? Have you tried Dove’s go fresh Revitalizing Body Wash or Beauty

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty | Leave a Comment

Product Review: Motions Nourish & Care Leave-In Detailer and Scalp Balm

June 8, 2015

As a beauty writer/editor, I’ve come across countless hair care products for just about all types.

But, when it comes to sharing them with you guys, only the cream of the crop make the cut. Motions is a brand that I’ve used for years, but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered that it does wonders on my daughter’s hair.

Granted, I try not to use too many products on her hair, but Motions Nourish & Care Active Moisture Leave-In Detangler has become my go-to for getting rid of her pesky tangles. Since her hair gets knotted easily, using the leave-in immediately after washing and deep conditioning is a must. Thankfully, combing through her curls becomes effortless with just a few sprays. The mix of the Vitamin E, silk proteins and keratin-based formula glides over her strands separating them with ease.

In conjunction with the leave-in detangler, I use Motions Nourish & Care Stimulating Scalp Balm to give her hair a smooth finish. It isn’t greasy, doesn’t have a nasty build-up and seems to moisturize all without weighing her hair down. The ginseng and spearmint oil provides a subtle tingling to help get her scalp’s circulation going, which helps prevent dandruff. Plus, the scent is pleasant and isn’t overpowering.

Motions has always been a good line for relaxed hair, but their new formulas are a must-have for us naturalistas!

Ava before and after I use Motions Leave-In Detangler and Stimulating Scalp Balm. I use it daily on her hair and couldn’t be happier with the results.

Motions Nourish & Care Active Moisture Leave-In Detangler available here, $4

Motions Nourish & Care Stimulating Scalp Balm available here, $5

Do you use Motions products? If so, what’s been your experience with the brand?

Category: Beauty, Hair | Leave a Comment

Crazy for Coral: 6 Sizzling Lip Colors for Summer

June 4, 2015

This summer it’s all about bold, coral lip colors.

At first I was a bit hesitant to rock the in-you-face shade. But, after trying a few colors from some of my fave brands I’m now on board! There’s something about the reddish-orange shade that just screams summer. When I wear a coral lip, I tend to use bronzer on cheeks instead of my typical pink blush for a more fun-in-the-sun look.

Whether you prefer a glossy shimmer, modern matte finish or something in between, finding a coral that complements your skin tone should be easy!

Hanging out with friends wearing Fashion Fair’s Moroccan Spice.

Check out these orange-y offerings:

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick available here, $21

Maybelline Color Sensationals Vivids Lip Color in Electric Orange available here, $5.50

SheaMoisture Lip Stain in Bari available here, $11

MUA Super Sparkle Lipgloss in Coral exclusively available at CVS, $7

Maybelline Color Sensationals The Mattes in Craving Coral available here, $5.60

MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger available here, $16

Are you a fan of coral lip colors?

Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

Sunglasses: Stylish and Crucial for Sun Protection

June 1, 2015

Sunglasses can be a fun and stylish accessory to wear, but they’re far more important than that.

Like the rest of our bodies, our eyes need protection from the sun—year-round. Harsh ultra-violet (UV) rays can put our peepers at risk, which many people fail to realize. Leaving our eyes exposed can lead to sunburn, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which aren’t recognized as being preventable.

Since many of us adults aren’t aware of the damage that UV rays can do to our eyes, we often fail to protect our little ones too. This oversight can be very detrimental. According to The Vision Council, since children receive 3 times the annual adult dose of UV, not wearing shades sets the stage for serious vision damage later in life.

I received these cool sunnies from Sum Sunglasses that my daughter LOVES!

I used to think sunglasses on small kids and toddlers were just a cute fashion statement, but I never knew the real importance. Now, I make sure that both of my kids’ eyes are covered when we’re out and about.

So, no matter if it’s sunny, cloudy, rainy or snowy people of all ages should be wearing sunglasses when we’re outside—especially during peak UV times: 8am – 10am and 2pm – 4pm.

Check out these eye-opening tips and facts about UV rays and the significance of wearing sunglasses:

*Water reflects up to 100% of UV light
*Snow reflects up to 85% of UV light
*Dry sand and concrete reflect up to 25% of UV light
*Grass reflects up to 3% of UV light
*58% of Americans spend the most time outdoors from 2pm – 6pm
*3 in 10 Americans don’t protect their eyes in the winter, when UV rays are still present
*33.7% of parents of children under 13 said their kids rarely or never wear shades
*Children as young as a year old should wear sunglasses
*Look for a UVA/UVB sticker or label when purchasing quality sunglasses