Goodbye Gummi Bears, 5 Naturally Sweet Alternatives!

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a major gummi bear obsession. During my weekly Target runs, I can hardly resist picking up a pack of Haribo treats from the candy aisle.

Once, a friend even bought me a giant size bear of sugary goodness for my birthday. Plus, I eat them so much that my 2-year-old probably thinks they’re part of a major food group!

That’s why before Halloween and the holidays roll around, I’m making a conscious effort to cut down on my candy intake by consuming healthier snacks. I want to be a good role model for my daughter and overall healthier person.

From banana chips to trail mix, I’ll be stocking up on healthy goodies instead of my yummy go-to gummies. I’m not giving them up for good (a treat every now and then is fine), but definitely scaling back! Wish me luck!

Check out a few of these naturally sweet alternatives:

Peeled Snacks Dried Fruit available here, for about $3

Regal Banana Chips available here, $2

Kashi Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars available here, $4

Craisins Dried Cranberries available here , $4

Bear Naked Mango Agave Almond Granola available here, $5

What’s your sweet-tooth weakness?

Get the Boot!

When it comes to boots, I’ve always been a riding, mid-calf, or semi thigh-high kind-of-girl. Well, for some reason this season I’m all about booties!

The short ankle style has been catching my eye due to it’s tough-girl kind of vibe. To me, booties give an instant edge to various ensembles. Whether worn with cord or denim skinnies or with tights and a skirt, they’re extremely versatile and provide a cool, laid-back look.

While I’m not completely giving up my standard styles, booties are definitely a fun way to mix up my boot collection.

Check out a few of my faves:

Michael Kors ‘York’ High Heel Booties available here, $195

Sam Edelman ‘Elsa’ Corset Lace-up Booties available here, $150

Guess Platform ‘Pilina’ High Heel Booties available here, $120

Jeffrey Campbell ‘Chic’ Booties available here, $230

Vince Camuto ‘Dira’ Booties available here, $104.90

Steve Madden ‘Sharry’ Leopard Pony Booties available here, $70

Stuart Weitzman ‘Holdme’ Suede Booties available here, $198

Do you like booties?

Team Spirit Tees

Although I’ve been happily living in New York for nearly a decade, I still consider myself a true blue Chicagoan! That’s why I entered Junk Food Clothing’s contest to show off my hometown’s team spirit and personal style.

The vintage T-shirt company, gifted me and 14 other bloggers, tees of our fave teams from their new NFL 2012 collection. Each blogger had to submit a photo wearing the shirt and the person with the most votes will win 5 tees (a $160 value) of our choice from the brand.

I won’t lie; I don’t know a fumble from a free-throw (OK maybe that’s a stretch), so my way of supporting sports teams is to rock a cute mascot or logo emblazoned tee.  That’s why I thought this would be a fun contest to enter.

Check out my Chicago Bears Vintage Gameday look. If you like my style, vote for me here: http://pinterest.com/junkfoodtees/nfl-blogger-love/

Thanks in advance!!

P.S Here’s a close-up of the Kandee shoes that I’m wearing in the pic.

No matter what team you’re cheering for, there’s always a cute tee to let you do it in style!

Here are a few other cool team tees:

NFL Minnesota Vikings Vintage Kick-Off Crew tee available here, $32

NFL New York Jets Vintage Gameday Tee available here, $32

NFL New England Patriots  Vintage Kick Off Crew Tee available here, $32

What’s your favorite sports team?

New Beauty Ingredient on the Block: Camu Camu Berry

Remember when goji berries seemed to be in just about every skincare product? Well, if Peter Thomas Roth’s new Camu Camu Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer and Vitamin C Brightening Serum are any indication of the revolutionary power of the Camu Camu berry, then this ingredient is on its way to being the next big thing in beauty.

Top: Peter Thomas Roth talking about his new products for fall. (R) Vitamin C Brightening Serum available here, $85 Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer available here, $72

Found in the Amazon, this extremely potent superfruit has 30 times the vitamin C of an orange. Its antioxidant properties helps improve uneven skin tones, smooths and firms while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, its natural super citrusy scent makes you want to pour it into a glass instead of slathering it on your skin!

I’ve been using both products for about two weeks and I’ve already seen an improvement. So far, it’s made my skin softer and look more awake. Ideal for fall and winter, I’m sure it will help revitalize and replenish dull-looking skin caused by colder temps and harsh winds.

Known for his quality products, his Camu Camu collection definitely lives up to the Peter Thomas Roth brand.

Have you ever used Peter Thomas Roth products? Have you ever heard of the Camu Camu berry? 

 

Don’t Miss: ‘Steel Magnolias’ Reboot with All BG Cast

Growing up, Steel Magnolias was one of my favorite movies. Who can forget Julia Roberts’ amazing portrayal of character Shelby Lynn? That brilliant performance catapulted her career right before our eyes.

That’s why I’m so excited to see how our talented BG actresses: Jill Scott, Alfre WoodardQueen Latifah, Phylicia Rashad, and Adepero Oduye will remake and interpret the original 1989 big-screen film.

Premiering Sunday, Oct 7 on Lifetime, I’m sure the women will put their own spin on the Louisianna-set Southern tale of strong female bonds.

Photo: Annette Brown/A+E Networks

Are you looking forward to watching this made-for-TV reboot on Lifetime?

WATCH: Jay-Z’s Concert Finale to be Live-Streamed from Barclays Center

My neck of the woods has been all abuzz since the Barclays Center opened last week. I live just three blocks from the brand-new Brooklyn arena and have never felt so much energy in my Park Slope neighborhood.

Every night that hip-hop icon, Jay-Z has taken center-stage, the excitement from patrons and neighbors is palpable. While I’m not a fan of rap concerts I do kind of feel like I’m missing out on a memorable event taking place right in my own backyard!

Lucky for me and others who couldn’t make it to the sold-out 8-night concert, we can watch Jay-Z’s final show live in conjunction with the launch of his new Life+Times’ YouTube Channel tomorrow, Oct. 6!

The conclusion of his concert run will be live-streamed on the channel which has teamed up with IconicTV at 9:30 p.m EST. The new channel will continue to serve as a platform for the mogul’s many passions including music, art, and style.

Check out the trailer:

Will you be watching?

Fabulous Photos of the Week!

Check out this week’s fabulous photos from some of our fave celebs!

Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Regina Hall and Golden Brooks.

Jurnee Smollett

Theophilus London and Usher

Swizz Beatz

Denyce Lawton, Eva Marcille and Kelly Dunn.

Megan Good and Laz Alonso

Garcelle Beauvais and Tia Mowry-Hardrict

 Who do you think has the best shot this week?