Brown Girl Gumbo

11 Great Gift Ideas for Mom

May 3, 2012

Mom is the original beauty icon, first teacher, and the most inspiring role model of all, so why not shower the woman who gave you life with gifts that will keep her smiling this Mother’s Day?

From delectable cupcakes to delightfully smelling candles to personalized wall canvases, treat this incredibly special woman to a wonderful day filled with love and adoration.

Although I’d be grateful to receive material items, I’d also be just as happy to get a couple of thoughtful homemade coupons (a day to sleep-in, breakfast in bed, dish-free day, etc.) to cash in at any time.

Check out some of these gift ideas:

Satisfy mom’s sweet tooth with this 6-pack batch of mouthwatering Crumbs cupcakes, $27

The word emblazoned on this lovely gift set says it all, Victoria’s Secret, $50

Give mom wow brows with this on-the-go grooming Satin Etched Petite Tweeze Set from Tweezerman, $30

Reminiscent of Caribbean summers, this sweet-smelling Aruba candle from Archipelago will surely enliven your mother’s senses, $29

Slipping into this luxe, silky kimono-style robe will be a welcomed treat for mom, Victoria’s Secret, $49

Mom will be so fresh and so clean with Aveeno’s Positively Nourishing Body Wash. Create a gift basket with a variety of scents so she can soak up all the fragrant benefits, Drugstore, $7

Have mom carry her iPad in style with this chic Michael Kors case available at Nordstrom, $128

Diamonds are definitely mom’s best friend and this Victoria Townsend Diamond Bracelet, 18K Gold Over Sterling Silver will be a BFF that stands the test of time, Macy’s, $90

Bring out your mom’s beautiful peepers with this pretty palette of complementary shadows, Urban Decay, $50

For the original Top Chef in your life, this stylish collection of cookbook masterpieces will standout on your mom’s countertop, AhaLife, $350

Celebrate your mom’s favorite pic with an HP Faux Canvas Print 11×14 or 12×12 (similar to the one I had made of my daughter, Ava), Walmart, $20

**One lucky reader will win a personalized HP Faux Canvas Print (11×14 or 12×12) via an online voucher. The winner will be randomly selected from Twitter by using #BGGMothersDay, Facebook comments under the Mother’s Day status post, or by simply leaving a comment below. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, May 8th.

What would be your ideal Mother’s Day gift? If you aren’t a mom, what do you plan on purchasing for your mom this Mother’s Day?

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Category: Beauty, Fashion | 7 Comments

Miss Jessie’s Launches New How-To Videos

May 2, 2012

If you’re a fan of Miss Jessie’s products then you’ll love that the cutting-edge brand for curly-haired beauties has launched several brand new how-to videos on its website.

From getting the perfect ringlets to cute coils, these videos show viewers step-by-step how to obtain coveted curly styles with the use of their products such as the popular Curly Pudding and Curly Meringue.

I’ve only recently started checking out online DIY hair videos for natural style inspiration and have been pleased with the content I’ve found.

Miss Jessie’s website now offers new videos on how to get the hottest curly hairstyles.

Click here to check out the videos.

Do you watch how-to videos to check out new hairstyles? If so, who are some of your favorite hair vloggers? Also, do you use Miss Jessie’s products?

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Category: Beauty | 1 Comment

Crop Tops: Do or Don’t?

May 1, 2012

Classic clothing dominates my wardrobe, but l’m definitely no stranger to purchasing a few trendy pieces here and there. However, I do draw the line when it comes to some of-the-moment fashion statements. Case in point: the crop top trend popping up in stores across the country.

While it may be cool and cute for young fashionistas born in the 90s to wear, a midriff-baring top is not a good look for me. Considering that I’m days away from turning 32, this trend screams high school teeny-bopper. Perhaps, it’s because I owned quite a few of these tummy-skimming tops as a teen, that I just can’t seem to bear the thought of wearing them again at my age.

I’d like to think that my style has evolved since 1994 so I’ll leave this trend to the teens and twentysomething set.

Motel Strappy Back Cropped Top available at Asos.com for $40

What do you think, are crop tops a do or a don’t? What trends have you avoided, past or present?

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Category: Fashion | 1 Comment

Get Jill Scott’s Curls with Ouidad

April 30, 2012

Jill Scott is back and feeling blissful with her brand new single, “Blessed.” Not only is Jilly from Philly seemingly full of gratitude, but the Grammy-winning singer looks downright gorgeous in her video for the aforementioned feel-good song.

If you’re wondering how she got those soft, bouncy curls, Scott’s hairstylist used Ouidad products including: Botanical Boost Deep Treatment, Double Detangler, and Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner to create the easy, breezy curly look.

Ouidad products are available at Ouidad.com

I have yet to try the products, but I’ve heard amazing things about the curl-catering brand. Stay tuned for my full review in a few weeks. I did try the Double-Detangler comb and it’s a curly-haired girl’s dream!

Check out Jill Scott’s “Blessed” video below:

Have you ever used Ouidad products? Do you like Jill Scott’s new song?

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Category: Beauty | 2 Comments

Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon Celebrate 4th Wedding Anniversary

April 30, 2012

With so many Hollywood couples splitting in the news, it’s refreshing when we hear of those staying together and making it work. Superstar singer Mariah Carey and entertainer Nick Cannon are proving that celebrity marriages can last longer than 72 days (er, Kim Kardashian) by celebrating their 4th wedding anniversary today.

Through sickness and health, the proud parents of twins Moroccan and Monroe renewed their vows and celebrated their union in Paris this weekend.

In an interview, Cannon shared his thoughts on love, “dembabies,” and being the inspiration behind Carey’s fragrance, Forever.

This photo was taken on Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon’s honeymoon in 2008.

Check it out below:

Nick on how he felt the first time he met Mariah…
“I presented her with an award at the Kid’s Choice Awards. I was so nervous but decided to take my chances and give her a kiss on the cheek! I had to have that kiss.”

How Nick knew Mariah would be his forever love…
“Mariah is a beautiful and talented person, and I’ve had a crush on her for as long as I can remember. Every day, my respect for Mariah continues to grow higher. She’s a caring, warm and funny person. People have no idea how funny she is! I feel like I’ve always known she was my forever love.”

Nick on what it takes to be forever…
“Nobody can predict the future. You just have to give your all to the relationship you’re in and do your best to take care of your partner, communicate and give them every last drop of love you have. I think one of the most important things in a relationship is caring for your significant other through good times and bad. To celebrate our lasting love, Mariah and I get married each year on our anniversary.”

Nick on forever love…
“To me a forever love is a bond that can’t be broken. It’s like my love for “dembabies” and Mariah. You go through difficult times, but as long as you hang on to the beautiful things, it’s great – even when it’s rough, it’s real.”

Nick on being the inspiration behind Mariah’s fragrance, Forever…
“It’s incredible. Who could really imagine somebody dedicating a fragrance for your love? I was pretty much in awe. I’ve learned a lot watching Mariah create such successful fragrances. Every time Mariah wears “Forever”, it takes me back to the passion and excitement of when we first fell in love.”

Who’s your favorite celebrity couple?

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Category: Arts and Entertainment | 2 Comments

7 Timeless Accessories

April 26, 2012

Trendy fashion accessories are a fun way to spruce up your wardrobe, but investing in a couple of classic ones can save money and keep you stylish for years to come.

From timeless wrist watches to dazzling diamond studs, every BG needs a few perennial pieces that will be forever chic and withstand the changing seasons.

Check out a few of my favorites: