Brown Girl Gumbo

CHARM IT! Event Recap & Design-A-Charm Contest

April 21, 2015

If you have a little girl in your life between the ages of 5 and 14, chances are you’re pretty familiar with CHARM IT!

This past Saturday, the novelty jewelry brand in partnership with Crayola hosted a super girly event celebrating their 2015 Design-A-Charm Contest. Held at the uber trendy Dylan’s Candy Bar on the Upper East Side, my mini-me and her best gal pal were treated to tasty pastries, including Magnolia Bakery cupcakes and of course candy!

Throughout the event, those in attendance were given entry forms to create and submit their best drawings using Crayola (crayons, pencils & markers) for a chance to have them turned into actual charms. Having the girls look through the yearbook of whimsical creations, which included everything from a pair of headphones to palm trees allowed them to use their imaginations.

The contest was a creative activity that my daughter and her BFF really enjoyed, but that wasn’t where the fun ended. After the aspiring charm designs were drawn—the kids got camera-ready with fun props and took cute pics at the photo-booth station.

We had a fantastic time coloring, mingling and especially, indulging in sweets. Now our fingers are crossed in hopes that their designs made the cut.

If you’d like for your child to participate in the charming contest, you’re in luck! The contest runs through May 6th so you have to act FAST!

Simply click on the photo below to enter:

Did you collect charms as a little girl? Or do you STILL collect charms from adult jewelers like Pandora, etc?

Category: Health, Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 2 Comments

6 Bath & Beauty Finds I’m Loving For Spring

April 15, 2015

Now that spring is FINALLY in full swing, there are a few beauty products that will take me through the season and possibly beyond.

Fresh blooms, new beginnings and my birthday? What’s not to love? Spring is just an all-around winner on so many fronts, but especially when it comes to switching up your beauty routine. It’s the perfect opportunity to embrace change by picking up a new lippie or trying out a look-at-me nail polish.

From trusted toners to of-the-moment lip colors, these are some of the things I’m loving for spring.

Check them out below:

Dove go Fresh Revitalize Body Wash in “Mandarin & Tiare Flower,” available here, $7.49. This tantalizing citrusy, yet sweet scent evokes the freshness and vitality of spring. I lather it on liberally to cleanse my skin and treat it to a moisturizing mandarin-soaked scrub. I just wish they’d create a body lotion and mist to accompany this irresistible smell.

Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer Set in “Perfect Storm” available here, $54. This toxin-free polish is a luxe as it gets. The light blue hue reminds me of ocean waves and carefree days. Plus, this lovely nail lacquer brand is BG owned!

Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore-Perfecting Toner available here, $4. I’m still suffering from post-partum skin problems and this all-natural toner has been a godsend. Most astringents are drying, but this formula doesn’t leave my skin feeling or looking flaky—instead, clean and refreshed.

SheaMoisture Lip Crayon in “Sarah” is available here, $10. In case you didn’t know, the popular hair care brand has expanded into cosmetics and we BGs are loving it! The super pigmented hot pink crayon goes on smooth and gives just a bit of shine without feeling greasy.

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Eventone Suncare Moisturizing Sunscreen Balm, SPF 15 available, here, $6, This balm is the bomb! Say goodbye to those unsightly white streaks that most sunscreens leave behind. This cocoa-butter based SPF effortlessly blends into melanin-rich skin, making it the perfect sun protectant for us BGs.

Too Faced Little Black Book of Bronzers available here, $49. When it comes to bronzers, this brand has the competition beat. This cute book-shaped bronzer (8 varieties) compact is bound to have the perfect shade that’ll give you a coveted sun-kissed glow.

What bath and beauty goods are you loving for spring?

Category: Beauty | 2 Comments

Exclusive Interview: Rapper Trina Talks Beauty, Food, Music and More!

April 10, 2015

Hip-hop fans may know Trina as “The Baddest Chick,” but the popular rapper is expanding her résumé and branching out into the beauty world.

The thirty-something Miami native is currently serving as the brand ambassador for Body of Royalty. Tapped by the cosmetics company earlier this year, Trina will be the face of their mink eyelash line.

Described as a brand for women who are confident, provocative, and create their own definition of beauty—Body of Royalty seems to have chosen the perfect “queen” for this campaign. Recognized for her curves, bold eyes and self-assurance, Trina exudes an independent attitude that the brand celebrates.

I recently caught up with her to discuss this partnership, her sex symbol status, the products she can’t live without and more!

Body of Royalty 100% Mink Eyelashes are available here, $24

Check out the Q&A below:

BGG: Tell me about your partnership with Body of Royalty and why did you decide to team up with them?

Trina: I am a fanatic of eyelashes and I think they have a nice quality of products. Again, I’m a huge fan of lashes. The fact that they have 100% mink top and bottom lashes is what initially drew me to the brand. I love the lipstick and makeup too. For anyone who loves to get dressed up love to wear lashes.

BGG: What do you think separates their lashes from different brands?

Trina: The quality is outstanding. You can wear them up to 25 uses before having to toss them out.

BGG: Before being in the spotlight, were you always a makeup girl?

Trina: Yes, I always enjoyed getting dolled up. I grew up surrounded by a bunch of women so you know there were always hair/makeup, clothes, shoes and other girly things around.

BGG: Aside from eyelashes, what are some of your must-have beauty products?

Trina: I’m a really big fan of facial cleansers, eye serums and simple moisturizers. I’m in Miami, but I have to have them wherever I go.

BGG: You’ve had many hairstyles throughout the years. Are there any hair trends that are off-limits?

Trina: I don’t know because I’m really just a throw-my-hair-into-a-ponytail kind of girl. I don’t like styles that are too neat or too done. I don’t think I’ll ever go too crazy with colors. I stick with my main two: goldish-blonde or black.

BGG: Everyone knows that you’re a considered a sex symbol in the hip-hop community. When do you feel the sexiest?

Trina: I think I’m the sexiest when I’m happy because it brings out a lot of confidence.

BGG: When you’re not making music or playing around in makeup, what do you do for fun?

Trina: I prefer to do absolutely nothing. I love to relax. But, if there’s a beach around that’s where you’ll find me.

BGG: You’ve had a long successful career in the music industry. What advice would you give an up-and-coming artist?

Trina: I would tell him/her to be focused because this industry is nothing to play with—only the strong survive. You have to be determined and know exactly what you want and stay true to who you are no matter what because there are a lot of ups and downs.

BGG: Past or present, whose celebrity style do you admire the most?

Trina: I would say Diana Ross because she’s always been so glamorous, fabulous and ladylike.

BGG: What would fans be surprised to know about you?

Trina: With all of the social media and blogs out there I don’t know. (laughing) But, people probably wouldn’t know that I cook a lot. Because I travel so much, people wouldn’t imagine me cooking like a big Thanksgiving dinner.

BGG: What do you enjoy cooking the most?

Trina: I’m a huge seafood lover; I could cook it everyday.

BGG: What are a few of your TV guilty pleasures?

Trina: I don’t really have any. Every now and then I get nosey and see what’s going on on TV, but again I’m traveling so much I miss all the good stuff. I am excited and looking forward to watching Nene Leake’s new show with Kim Zolciak (“The Road to Riches”). Also, Lifetime is my favorite to watch when I have TV time.

BGG: What can fans expect from you regarding your upcoming music?

Trina: I have a bunch of different songs that were recorded for the album. The music is energetic, fun, sexy, vulnerable, and just a fun album.

Do you occasionally wear false eyelashes? If so, what’s your favorite brand? Are you a fan of Trina’s?

Category: Beauty, Interviews | Leave a Comment

BET’s Mini-Series “The Book of Negroes” is Now Available on DVD!

April 7, 2015

We BGs know that celebrating our history is a year-round affair and not relegated to the shortest month of the year. That’s why I was thrilled to learn that the “The Book of Negroes” is now available on DVD!

For some reason, I didn’t catch the critically-acclaimed BET mini-series when it originally aired earlier this year, but I received texts from family and friends telling me how good it was. Luckily, I finally had a chance to see for myself when I received an advance copy a couple of weeks ago. I binge-watched the entire 3-disc set and can’t begin to convey how compelling it was.

“The Book of Negroes,” 3-disc DVD is available here, $22. The complete series is also available for consumers through various major digital platforms.

The stirring six-part series stars actress Aunjanue Ellis, as Aminata Diallo—a slave who returns home years after living the majority of her life as a slave. Based on the book of the same title, by Lawrence Hill, it’s been compared to the legendary 1970s TV miniseries “Roots,” which was adapted from Alex Haley’s bestselling book. The supporting cast includes award-winning actors Cuba Gooding Jr. and Louis Gossett Jr. It’s such an awesome story of struggle, triumph and perseverance that we can all relate to.

If you haven’t seen it, be sure to purchase the DVD (or of course download it), grab some popcorn and plan to spend any given weekend inside! Plus, you’ll be treated to a 28-page book, plus tons of extras including interviews from the cast.

Have you seen “The Book of Negroes?” If so, what were your thoughts? Are you a fan of mini-series?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | Leave a Comment

BET’s Black Girls Rock!: Get Regina King’s Makeup Look

April 6, 2015

Who doesn’t know that black girls rock? Last night’s broadcast celebration of our astounding beauty, undeniable talent and impressive societal contributions was a true testament to that notion.

Actresses Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross killed it as co-hosts of BET’s “Black Girls Rock!” award ceremony held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. While their fun and charismatic energy was entertaining, Regina’seye-catching makeup almost stole the show!

Inspired by Regina’s flawless and radiant skin, celebrity makeup artist, Oslyn Holder, wanted to create a look that highlighted the “American Crime” star’s covetable complexion.

Check out how he achieved Regina’s lovely beauty looks using SheaMoisture products below:

HER SKIN:

*To achieve a luminous and creamy canvas, moisturize and prime skin to ensure a flawless finish.

*Using the SheaMoisture Foundation/Concealer Duo Brush, apply SheaMoisture Sheer Liquid Foundation in Gobi Bronzi over the entire face.

*To highlight and brighten the under eye area, lightly pad SheaMoisture Créme Concealer in Fawn under the eye.

*Apply the SheaMoisture Color Correcting, Contouring & Highlighting Palette in Medium Dark, mixing the colors to ensure a perfect shade to highlight under eyes, temples and high plains of the face and neck.

*Set makeup with SheaMoisture Wet/Dry Pressed Powder in Yuma Pecan.

*Following, sweep SheaMoisture Illuminating Powder in Havana Sunrise on the apples of cheeks, forehead, nose and cheeks to for a sun-kissed glow. Follow up with Mandalay Dusk on contoured areas.

*To finish complexion, apply SheaMoisture Mineral Blush in Varkala Spice on the apple of the cheeks.

HER EYES:

*Apply SheaMoisture Wet/Dry Eyeshadow in Claudia on the outer lid, sweeping Montana on inner lid and corner of eye. Blend to create a seamless finish.

*Lightly place SheaMoisture Wet/Dry Eyeshadow in Claudia as liner for lower lash line.

*SheaMoisture Liquid Eyeliner in Black is used to line the top lash line. Slightly wing towards the outer perimeter of eye.

*Complete look with SheaMoisture Volumizing Mascara in Black for top lashes, and SheaMoisture Lengthening Mascara in Black on lower lashes.

HER LIPS:

*Prep lips by using SheaMoisture Lip Exfoliator to smooth and moisturize.

*To achieve the opening look, use SheaMoisture Lip Crayons in Sarah and Kenia, in equal parts.

*Finish by applying SheaMoisture Lip Gloss in Jenny and Rosie, again in equal parts.

SheaMoisture products should be mainstays in our makeup bags because they’re created with our various skin-tones in mind! Be sure to check out Target to explore the entire line!

Did you watch “Black Girls Rock!?” If so, what was your favorite part?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | Leave a Comment

Unlock Your Bliss With ‘O’s Little Book of Happiness’

April 3, 2015

Looks like Pharrell isn’t the only one who wants to make us happy.

Oprah Winfrey and her team are also on a mission to help us find and celebrate our inner joy with the release of “O’s Little Book of Happiness.”

Right in time for spring, the editors of O, The Oprah Magazine have compiled a bevy of uplifting and inspiring stories that have been featured in the magazine (over its fifteen year history) and turned them into a splendid audiobook.

“O’s Little Book of Happiness” audiobook available here, $14

With anecdotal stories from popular spiritual-centric authors such as Brené Brown, Elizabeth Gilbert and Marianne Gingher, the audio book is chock full of funny, thought-provoking and timeless advice.

Unlike Oprah’s best-selling, “What I Know For Sure” audiobook, this one isn’t narrated by the media powerhouse, but by a cast whose voices are just as soothing, entertaining and upbeat as hers.

Although we know that happiness is a choice—if you’re looking to unlock the sunshine in your life, this audiobook is a great starting point!

No matter what you’re going through, what’s the one thing that can always make you happy?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Book, Book Reviews, Books | 1 Comment

Get Spring & Easter Styles for Less at The Children’s Place

March 27, 2015

If you’re looking for stylish Easter and spring fashions, look no further than The Children’s Place.

This season the store is stocked with plenty of trendy apparel perfect for school, play dates and weekends. I’ve been shopping at the fashionable and affordable store for just about every occasion since my daughter’s birth five years ago. It’s been my go-to for everything from dresses to headbands (she collects them!) and everything in between. So of course when my son was born, I continued to go there for cute and comfy tees, jeans and outfits for him as well.

My daughter, Ava, wearing one of her favorite dresses from The Children’s Place spring offerings.

Right now I’m completely obsessed with the retailer’s cheery animal motif dresses. They’re so adorable for little girls—especially for those with pets. They’re playful and whimsical just as kids’ clothing should be.

With Easter rapidly approaching next Sunday, be sure to drop by your local TCP—I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Check out some of these look-at-me styles: