Brown Girl Gumbo

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?

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:

Photo-Real Skater Dress available here, $17.50

Gingham Bow Tie available here, $4.20

Oxford Shirt available here, $13

Dotted Jeggings available here, $10

Dotted Flared Dress available here, $30

Argyle Sweater available here, $13

Chambray Vest available here, $9.50

Photo-Real Donut Stack Socks available here, $4.20

Where do you stock up on kids’ clothing? Have you bought your kids Easter outfits?

Category: Fashion, Health, Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle | 1 Comment

Little League Superstar Mo’ne Davis Launches Sneaker Collection To Help Impoverished Girls

March 26, 2015

If you haven’t heard of Mo’ne Davis, clearly you’ve been living under a rock.

The 13-year-old Little League World Series star has been making headlines since grabbing America’s attention with her ground-breaking stats in the outfield last summer with the Taney Dragons—landing her the cover of Sports Illustrated Kids. The baseball prodigy already has a Spike Lee directed documentary (I Throw Like A Girl) out based on her life, a new book (just released last week) and even has a Disney Channel biopic in the works. Now the Philadelphia native is teaming up with M4D3 (Make A Difference Everyday) to create a fun and colorful limited collection of sneakers specifically designed to benefit impoverished girls.

Mo’ne Davis

M4D3’s social mission is to help raise funds for various charities. With Mo’ne’s sneakers, proceeds will support Plan’s Because I am a Girl initiative to help lift 4 million girls in the developing world out of poverty.

“I never thought at the age of 13 I’d be a role model, but having young girls look up to me is pretty cool. If I can inspire them to reach their goals, that would be even cooler,” says Davis in a release. “Designing shoes with M4D3 is exciting and I wanted them to support Because I am a Girl to help girls and give them a chance at a better future.”

If her accomplishments thus far are any indication of what’s to come, we can bet that this bright and beautiful history-making athlete will continue to knock things out of the park!

Check out a few kicks from her super cute sneaker collection:

Mo'ne David Women's Pink Lace Up Canvas Sneaker

Mo’ne Davis Women’s Pink Lace Up Canvas Sneaker

Mo’ne Davis Women’s White Lace Up Canvas Sneakers

Mo’ne Davis Women’s Blue Lace Up Canvas Sneaker

All of the sneakers from the Mo’ne Davis collection are $75. Click here for more information.

Do you make an effort to support celebrities, athletes and retailers that give back?

Category: Fashion, Style | 2 Comments

Brandy to Make Broadway Debut in Musical ‘Chicago’

March 24, 2015

Brandy, one of our favorite R&B singers is about to take Broadway by storm.

The Grammy-winning singer/actress is set to make her Broadway debut next month in the record-breaking musical, Chicago.

Starting April 28th, Brandy will star in the role of Roxie Hart. The musical, now in its 19th year will feature the singer in a limited 8-week engagement ending June 21st. Produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, Chicago is the winner of six 1997 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Recording.

Brandy most recently co-starred as “Chardonnay” on BET’s “The Game,” but since the show has already shot its final season, it’s great to hear that the multi-talented entertainer will be showcasing her singing and acting chops on The Great White Way.

Brandy has surely come a long way from “wanting to be down.” Can’t wait to see her on Broadway!

For ticket information click here!

Are you looking forward to seeing Brandy in “Chicago?” What’s your favorite musical?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 1 Comment

Jump for Joy: 6 Jumpsuits Perfect for Spring

March 18, 2015

I’ve never worn a jumpsuit (overalls don’t count, right?), but that’s all about to change.

This spring I plan on rocking the popular one-piece style with confidence. Being a busy working mom, I’m all about wearing clothes that are comfortable and fashionable, so I’m not sure what took me so long to jump on this trend. Plus, they can be dressed up or down depending on accessories.

From flirty florals to chic muted palettes, jumpsuits are a great way to showcase your playful or sexy side.

Check out these eye-catching all-in-one looks:

Bar III Strapless Smocked Printed Jumpsuit available here, $33

Tracy Reese Jumpsuit available here, $348

Forever 21 Chevron Print Surplice Jumpsuit available here, $25

Crisscross-Back Jumpsuit available here, $28

Material Girl Printed Skinny Leg Jumpsuit available here, $44

Tracy Reese Plenty Jumpsuit available here, $198

Do you wear jumpsuits?

Category: Fashion | 5 Comments

Product Review: Caress Forever Collection Body Washes

March 16, 2015

When it comes to cleansing, I’m all about body washes. It’s something about a rich lather that turns shower time into a relaxing experience for me.

That’s why I’m currently obsessed with Caress’ new line of cleansers. Launched last month, the Forever Collection is taking body washes to a new level. Available in two scents: Love Forever (a mix or dark berries and scarlet roses) and Adore Forever (a mix of vanilla, honey and roses), these cleansers are the first perfume-infused body washes to release a fragrance with every touch.

Caress Forever Collection body washes available at drugstores and mass retailers nationwide, $3.99

Thanks to the technology of Caress Fragrance Release Pearls, skin is treated to a subtle scent that lasts well beyond the shower. I usually buy body washes that are more on the sweet side, but these floral notes are not overpowering and actually quite nice.

Aside from the refreshing long-lasting (up to 12 hours!) fragrance, the body washes thoroughly cleanse without drying out skin. Plus, the packaging is just so darn pretty. The sleek black bottle exudes a luxe feel that you typically don’t find with drugstore brands.

If body washes are your go-to cleansers, give these a try— you won’t be disappointed.

Do you prefer sweet, citrusy or floral scented body washes?

Category: Beauty | 2 Comments