Brown Girl Gumbo

Viola Davis & Uzo Aduba Win Top Honors at SAG Awards

January 26, 2015

Last night’s 21st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Hollywood turned out to be an electrifying evening for some of our favorite BGS.

Viola Davis took home an award for outstanding performance by a female actress in a drama series for her role on the ABC hit, “How To Get Away With Murder,” while “Orange Is the New Black” star, Uzo Aduba, won for outstanding performance by a female actress in a comedy series.

Both ladies looked beautiful and gave heartfelt acceptance speeches. Check out Viola’s below:

Not only did BGs win top honors, we also stunned on the red carpet. Oscar winner and Lancome ambassador, Lupita Nyong’o, 31, looked nothing short of stunning in her striped, floral Ellie Saab gown. Paula Patton also made a lovely appearance in a gorgeous beaded Aiisha Ramadan dress.

Photo by Getty/TNT

Photo by Getty/TNT

From the SAG wins to the red carpet wins, it was an overall win-win for us BGs! Click here for the complete list of winners.

Do you watch “How To Get Away With Murder” or “Orange Is the New Black?”

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Get Lifted: 5 Inspirational Books to Help Combat Winter Blues

January 13, 2015

After the holidays, cold and gloomy winters can get even the most optimistic people down. I’ve noticed that my typically upbeat attitude tends to take a slight dip during this time of year.

In fact, according to reports Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—depression caused by seasonal changes, affects over half a million Americans. Far too often we’re beginning to hear about how devastating depression can be for us BGs. That’s why it’s important to keep our mental health in check in any way we can. Whether speaking to a professional therapist or spending time with a close friend, finding an outlet has to be a top priority during those depressing times.

For me, curling up with a good self-help book that inspires, motivates or encourages me helps combat those winter weather blues and boosts my mood.

Check out these five uplifting reads:

“100 Secrets of Happy People” by David Niven, Ph. D. available here, $14

“What I Know For Sure,” by Oprah Winfrey available here, $19

“A Real Life: Restoring What Matters; Family, Good Friends and a True Community,” by Ferenc Máté available here, $18

“10% Happier: How I Tamed The Voice In My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, And Found Self-Help That Actually Works—A True Story “by Dan Harris available here, $19

“Essence Presents Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, Love & Power” by Ledisi available here, $13

**If you are depressed, feeling suicidal or need to talk to someone, please click here or call 1-800-273-8255

What do you do to keep yourself in good spirits? What are some of your favorite inspiring reads?

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Post-Holiday Cleanup: Seventh Generation’s Eco-Friendly Line Gets the Job Done

January 2, 2015

Now that Christmas and the New Year celebrations are behind us, it’s time to tackle that post-holiday cleanup.

Whether you hosted Christmas dinner at your place or put on a festive New Year’s Eve soiree for family and friends, chances are your home is in need of a good ole’ top-to-bottom cleaning. Even if you didn’t host any holiday fetes, giving your humble abode a thorough scrub gets your year off to a fresh start.

I always dedicate a day to cleaning my home and this year I did things a bit differently. I ditched my typical household cleaning products and opted to try a new one. Like me, I’m sure some of you tend to stick with familiar brands that our moms and grandmothers used. Well, after trying Seventh Generation’s line of eco-friendly products, I may never go back to those “tried-and-true” brands again.

Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid available here, $7

Being a mom of two small kids, it’s important for me to use brands that are free of harsh chemicals and also good for the environment. While they carry a variety of green, non-toxic household cleaning products, my favorite is the dishwashing soap. This clear, plant-based soap makes dishes spotless with very little effort. Plus, it doesn’t have an overwhelming scent for us with sensitive noses.

With the new year, try some new things starting with Seventh Generation cleaning products. It’s so easy to stick with brands we grew up with, but they’re not always the best for our families or the next generations.

Happy New Year & Happy Cleaning!

Do you do a top-to-bottom cleaning of your home at the top of the New Year? What are your favorite household cleaning products?

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Great Last-Minute Stocking Stuffers for Less

December 22, 2014

When I was a kid, looking in my Christmas stocking was always the cherry on top of an already memorable morning.

If you’re still stumped for great last-minute holiday stocking stuffers, look no further! A quick trip to your local drugstore will save you time and money on treats and trinkets for every person on your list.

Check out my round-up of the best stocking stuffers for less:

Who doesn’t love Mike & Ike candies? This classic’s Christmas twist will sweeten anyone’s day whether young or old! Available at drugstores nationwide for $2.50-$3.00

Keeping skin moisturized is gift that will keep on giving! Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion is available at drugstores nationwide, $9

Blow your son’s mind with this cool MineCraft toy available at Walgreens, Prices vary by store.

Make bodies smell merry with these tantalizing spritzes. Essence of Beauty Body Mists available exclusively at CVS stores nationwide, $7.

Your cutie’s mug will get your morning off to a great start with or without the coffee! Personalized Mug available at Walgreens, $25

Keep lips kissable with Burt’s Bees Lip Balms available at drugstores nationwide for $10

Give the gift of a bright smile with this Oral-B Vitality Electric Toothbrush available at drugstores nationwide, $30

Relive your childhood by presenting this plush pint-size pony to your little princess. Ty Beanie Babies My Little Pony available at Walgreens, Prices vary by store.

The gadget geek in your life will love this neat Activity Tracker available exclusively at Walgreens, $59

Have you finished all of your Christmas shopping? What gift do you hope to see in your stocking this year?

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GIVEAWAY: Take the Nivea Creme “Get More for a Dollar” Challenge

December 22, 2014

Now that Old Man Winter has officially arrived, it’s more important than ever to keep skin moisturized.

Nivea Creme is a compact and convenient way to keep hands hydrated on-the-go. Packed with jojoba oil, vitamin E, and eurcerit— a unique moisturizing ingredient that keeps skin supple and soft. Not only is the tin small enough to toss in your handbag, but it’s also VERY affordable. At only $1, this sensible must-have is a steal! That’s why I was excited to take their “Get More for a Dollar” challenge.

Nivea Creme is available at drugstores nationwide for $1

Admittedly, I wasn’t sure if it would stand up to some of my other favorite brands, but I was impressed with the results. I’ve been using it on my cuticles and couldn’t believe how much it has helped make my nail beds look moisturized and manicure-ready. My husband has been obsessed with it because it isn’t as fragrant as some of my other lotions and the circular tin design makes it easy to apply. Since he rides his bike to and from work, he was shocked at how hydrated his hands have remained after using it despite the harsh elements.

Overall, we have been pleased with the results and the price can’t be beat.

If you’re still looking to stuff a few stockings for the holidays , stop by your local drugstore and pick up a few of these tins for a win!

**Would you like to take the Nivea Creme “Get More for a Dollar?” If so, simply leave a comment on how you protect your skin during the winter months and a lucky reader will win a Nivea Gift Basket! The winner will be randomly selected and notified via email on January 5th.

Category: Beauty, Health, Travel & Lifestyle | 3 Comments

Great Holiday Gift Ideas for Under $100

December 10, 2014

If you’re still on the hunt for great holiday gifts, I’ve got you covered!

From your hard-to-impress niece to your cologne-obsessed hubby, the following goodies will make your family and friends’ season bright without breaking the bank.

Give the gift of soft and supple hands with this lovely *L’Occitane Shea Fabulous Oil & 4-Piece Hand Creams available here, $37.50

Satisfy your client’s sweet tooth with this Chicago classic! Garrett Popcorn Bundle with Classic Mix & Gingerbread CaramelCrisp available here, $50

These super moisturizing balms will keep lips kissable under the mistletoe. Origins Drink Up Hydrating Lip Balms available here, $22

Your stylish co-worker or aunt will take note of your impeccable taste with these personalized note cards from Effie’s Paper available here, $55

Help your mother-in-law’s mornings get off to a great start with this Krups Definitive Series Stainless Steel Coffee, Tea & Espresso Maker available here, $90

Don’t let a low battery interrupt your bestie’s selfie session. Keep the pics going with this super cute *Halo Wallet & Portable Phone Charger available here, $40

The little girl in your life will love this adorable Doc McStuffins Walk & Talk Doc Mobile available here, $40

This updated bestseller will serve as a go-to guide for the aspiring fashionista in your family. The Teen Vogue Handbook is available here, $15

Your scent-loving sister will enjoy this Pottery Barn”Joy to the World” Candle even more once she knows that 20% of the proceeds go directly to St. Jude Children’s Hospital available here, $34

Being a beauty buff, this is the gift that I’d like to see underneath my Christmas tree! Urban Decay’s Naked “On the Run” Palette available here, $54

You’ll fall in love with your hubby or boyfriend all over again with this sexy Ralph Lauren Polo Coffret Cologne Travel Set available here, $60

Treat your son/nephew to a plush Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle buddy from Build-A-Bear available here, $25

You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone on your shopping list who wouldn’t love this lemony pampering set. *Philosophy Lemon Custard Body Polish, Bath Gel and Body Souffle available here, $40

*Full Disclosure: Samples with the asterisk were sent to me for review

Have you started your holiday shopping this year? What’s the main gift on your wish-list this year?

Category: Gumbo Mix | 1 Comment

Raw Coconut Oil: The Only Moisturizer You’ll Ever Need

December 3, 2014

I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to embrace the whole natural coconut craze.

My fellow naturalistas and bloggers have been buzzing about it for a while, but now I’m finally boarding the bandwagon—better late than never!

For the past week, I’ve been using Vita Coco Coconut Oil on my super dry, brittle hair and haven’t been this pleased with a product since…I can’t even remember! This 100% raw, pure organic, cold press coconut oil has been a savior to my moisture-starved hair. It coats my kinks and curls without making them feel overly greasy or sticky. Plus, it doesn’t seem to create that nasty build-up that other moisturizers produce.

Vita Coco Coconut Oil available here, $9.99

And if you’re wondering about the smell, you guessed it—it smells downright heavenly. The scent is so tantalizing that my 4-year-old daughter asked if she could taste some. To her complete and utter shock, I said, “yes,” because the chunky wonder oil can be used for cooking or as a dietary supplement. While she wasn’t exactly anxious to eat more than a smidgen, it was quite refreshing to use something on our hair that’s actually edible. Also, as if this oil couldn’t get any better, it even soothes my eczema and winter-ridden skin! There are plenty of products and lotions that I like, but can’t use frequently due to my sensitive skin.

If you’re looking for a rich, multi-purpose oil this is IT!

Are you a fan of coconut oil? What’s your swear-by moisturizer?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features, Hair | 1 Comment