Arts and Entertainment

Get the Look: Taraji P. Henson’s Emmys Beauty

September 19, 2016

This cookie never crumbles.

Taraji P. Henson who plays “Cookie” on Fox’s hit show Empire, stunned at the 68^th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday.

Although she didn’t snag the coveted lead actress in a drama award for her work on the music-centric series, she certainly won top honors for her style and beauty game. Her makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff delivered the goods when it came to her flawless skin and gorgeous makeup.

“Getting ready for the Emmys is actually a fun process,” Ashunta said in a release. “Taraji is very zen and relaxed, it’s the glam team who’s not. We listen to great music and laugh, but most importantly she makes sure we have fun.”

And that fun, laidback environment paid off. Taraji, who recently launched a cosmetics collection with M.A.C, beamed with beauty as she graced the red carpet and stage. For her yellow ensemble, Ashunta kept her palette earthy and mellow to not compete with the bold Vera Wang gown.

Ashunta shared how she created her gorgeous look and how you can get it too!

SKIN

*I prepped her skin by using DERMAFLASH, which allows me to get the highest level of exfoliation plus remove unwanted peach fuzz so skin care products work ten times better.

*I used Kate Somerville Goat Milk De-Puffing Eye Balm to decrease puffiness and hydrate eyes. Then I used the brand’s DermalQuench Liquid Lift and Quench Oil Free Hydrating Face Serum. Both of these products work together to plump, hydrate and give skin that superior radiant glow.

*I applied Dior Airflash CC Primer to create an even canvas for makeup application. I love that is also has a radiance booster.

*Next, I used Perfect Blend by Ashunta Sheriff in Tan to create a natural, glowing, contoured and lifted canvas.

*I set her makeup with Milani Prep + Set + Glow Transparent Face Powder using a MAC powder brush.

EYES

*For eyes I wanted a soft rose glow affect so I used Taraji’s MAC Collection Highlight The Truth on the lid just tapping with my finger and using a MAC 266 angle brush on lower lash line for a soft smokey affect.

*Then I added Taraji Glow, a coppery gold highlight in corner of the eyes and center of eyes so they popped.

*I added Penultimate Eye Liner from Taraji’s MAC collection to give a tight precise line on the top lash line and then added two coats on top and bottom lashes with Haute and Naughty Tooo Black Lash Mascara.

FINISHING TOUCHES

*For cheeks I used Highlight The Truth from Taraji’s MAC collection on cheekbones and then followed up with Taraji Glow for highlight.

*I lined lips with MAC Cork Lip Liner then added Strip Me Down Matte Lipstick, a gorgeous nutty nude color. I added a soft pink gloss only in the center of the lips from Dior called Jersey Pink Addict Collection.

*I finished the look with MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ and I added Caudalie Divine Oil on her body along with Kate Somerville Quench Oil for the ultimate body glow.

What was your favorite Emmys moment? Are you excited that Empire returns for a third season this Wednesday?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty | 1 Comment

An Enchanted Experience: Cirque du Soleil—Toruk

September 14, 2016

Some things are just so beautiful that they take your breath away — leaving you searching for the words to fully justify their magnificence.

That’s exactly the case when it comes to describing the experience that is Cirque du Soleil: Toruk—The First Flight.

I had been looking forward to attending the show ever since the invitation popped up in my inbox a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, the days preceding opening night, I had fallen ill with the flu. Thankfully, the night of the show I was well enough to make the three-block trek to the Barclays Center.

From wondrous waterfalls to lava spewing craters to amazing acrobatic feats, the show was packed with fanciful performances and stunning sets. The light displays and set designs were so spectacular that my daughter incessantly asked if what she was seeing was “real.”

Plus, the costumes and masterful puppetry were spellbindingly good. The show was akin to a beautiful dream coming to life right before your eyes. It’s no secret that the imagination and sheer talent needed to bring this show to life had to be extraordinary. I tip my hat to the entire team who made the experience an evening to remember.

Despite the show being the night before my daughter’s first day back to school, the late night was well worth it in so many ways.

If the show comes to a city near you, get your tickets now! Click here for tour dates and more information.

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured, Features | Leave a Comment

‘Stomp’: A Sonic Sensation

September 13, 2016

Many parents know that pots and pans are just about every child’s first musical instruments. What baby hasn’t crawled into a kitchen and quickly turned it into his or her own personal concert hall?

After recently seeing the groundbreaking off-Broadway show, “STOMP,” I’m convinced that just about any household item or even garbage for that matter can be transformed into an innovative musical tool.

Since opening its stage doors in 1994 at the iconic Orpheum Theatre in the East Village, the unique show has been a must-see for New Yorkers and theatergoers from all over the world. Created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, this show-stopping production has been making noise for more than two decades and shows no signs of slowing down.

Comprised of several talented body percussionists, the team of performers captivated audiences through non-verbal storytelling that comes to life through sound. Set in an industrial space littered with infinite musical possibilities, the garage inspired stage served as the perfect backdrop for the sonically pleasing performance. From paper bags to shopping carts, the music created from ordinary everyday items was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Plus, there was a comedic component to the show that further proved that you don’t have to speak to make people laugh. My daughter enjoyed the visual comedy and burst out laughing at some of the silly antics performed by Alan Asuncion – the show’s main funnyman. Not only was she entertained by the show’s humor, but also she was of course blown away by all of the interesting things in which music can be found. The brilliant choreography also kept us intrigued from start to finish.

But, the true message of the show was showing that there’s beauty in some of the most mundane items and it can be revealed through the universal language: music and sound.

If you’re looking for a feet-stamping, finger-snapping good time, get to Orpheum Theater and get ready to be taken on a jamming journey.

Below, take a peek at the show:

**Disclosure: I was invited to attend and cover STOMP for my blog.

Tickets are available through www.Ticketmaster.com or at the box office. For groups of 10+, please call toll free 855-203-9980. STOMP currently plays in New York on the following schedule: Tue-Fri at 8 PM, Sat at 3 & 8 PM, Sun at 2 & 5:30 PM. Tickets are $89 at all performances.

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How the Olympics Made Little Brown Girls Dream Big

August 23, 2016

The 2016 Summer Olympic games may have come and gone, but the positive effect it had on little brown girls around the world will last a lifetime.

If you had never heard of Simone Biles prior to the global sporting event of the summer, you’re not alone. Admittedly, I wasn’t familiar with the athletic dynamo either, but like you, I quickly became acquainted. After leaving all kinds of #blackgirlmagic sprinkled throughout Rio’s arenas, seemingly overnight the world knew her name.

Photo via Simone Biles’ Instagram

While we adults were proud and admiring her record-breaking achievements in gymnastics, our little ones seemed to be even more enthralled. To say that my daughter, Ava, was mesmerized by Simone’s gravity defying acrobatic moves would be an understatement.

As a self-proclaimed gymnast, she was glued to the television (or tablet screen) every night to watch Simone work her magic from the balance beam to the uneven bars. No matter what flip or tumble she did, Ava marveled at her every move. After each of Simone’s effortless leaps, Ava said, “Mommy I can do that!” And I, of course assured her that yes, she could in fact replicate Simone’s awe-inspiring moves and possibly perform them even better – just with a bit of determination and practice.

Taking home an astonishing four gold medals (individual all around, vault and floor—plus a bronze medal for women’s beam), Simone was clearly her favorite, but the gymnastics superstar was far from the only BG rocking the Olympic stage. Simone Manuel broke down barriers of being the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in an individual swimming event, while Team USA’s women’s track and field team took home several first-place prizes.

Witnessing these astounding achievements made by young African-American women gives my daughter and all brown girls the ability to dream big and know that their goals are within reach and attainable.

Now that’s #blackgirlmagic!

What was your favorite sporting event at the Olympics?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Gumbo Mix, Misc. | Leave a Comment

Disney’s ‘Elena of Avalor’ Adds Diversity to the Princess Lineup

July 22, 2016

Move over Disney princesses, there’s a new royal beauty in town!

Tonight, the highly anticipated animated series, “Elena of Avalor,” will premiere on the Disney Channel and Disney Junior at 8pm EDT. The hour-long special will introduce Elena to the world.

Set in the enchanted fairytale land of Avalor, the series tells the story of Elena, a brave and adventurous teenager who has saved her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen. Elena’s journey will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders.

(Courtesy of Disney Channel)

My daughter hasn’t been this excited for an animated series since “Doc McStuffins” debuted four years ago. Now that she’s older, I’m sure she’ll be able to identify with many of the series’ underlining themes that Disney so brilliantly conveys to young audiences. During the Disney Social Media Moms Conference in May, I was lucky to have gotten a sneak peek at Elena and I, too, have been looking forward to this premiere ever since!

Not only will “Elena of “Avalor,” be a great addition to the Disney lineup—but she’ll also serve as a great role model for girls of color. During the Disney Social Media Moms Conference in May, I was happy to learn that the show will incorporate Elena’s Latin and Hispanic cultures through music, food and more—educating audiences along the way.

While Tiana is by far my favorite Disney Princess, Elena might give her some fierce competition!

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Event Alert: Get Down & Dirty To Help Support Sick Children

June 10, 2016

Remember that TV show “Double Dare?” If so, get ready to live out all of your childhood fantasies. On June 25, SeriousFun Children’s Network, founded by Paul Newman is hosting the SeriousFun Messtival—their first-ever messy day of play to raise funds for camps benefiting kids with serious illness.

The event will be held at the beautiful Prospect Park in Brooklyn and will be packed with down-and-dirty games and activities for the entire family. From colorful obstacle courses to Super Soaker shoot-outs, the day will be full of good, unclean fun!

Tickets for the Messtival start at $15 and are available here.

As a mom, I’m all about helping raise awareness and ultimately increasing funds to help support children with serious illnesses. And this party in the park will do just that. All proceeds from SeriousFun Messtival support SeriousFun’s global network of camps, creating opportunities for families and children to reach beyond illness and discover joy, confidence and a new world of possibilities – always free of charge.

So grab your outside clothes and gear up for a fun-filled day to support health-challenged children.

Will you be in the NYC area? If so, don’t miss this special family event where you can have fun for a purpose!

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Gumbo Mix, Misc. | Leave a Comment

Make Magical Disney Park Memories with MemoryMaker

May 27, 2016

Although it’s been several weeks since we went to Disney World for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, I still can’t get over the fun we had!

I find myself looking through our photos and reminiscing on the good times we had. Thanks to Disney’s PhotoPass service, my family and I were able to have unlimited photos taken by photographers throughout all of Disney Parks (and even on rides!). Plus, MemoryMaker ($149) allowed me to download all of our precious pics right to my phone through the super easy My Disney Experience app.

From popular attractions like Main Street at Magic Kingdom to character meet-and-greets at Epcot, Disney’s skilled photographers captured all of my family’s the priceless moments. Oh, and did I mention the quality of the photos? We’re talking super hi-res images that look top-notch professional. In addition, some of the photographers will add some digital “magic” to your images like balloons or some other fun element to make them even more special. It’s all so simple too—after the photographer snaps your winning shot(s), he/she will scan your MagicBand and your photos will be available on your phone for download usually within 20 minutes, but sometimes it may take longer to appear in your app.

Although the MemoryMaker was included as a perk for us DSMMC attendees, I would absolutely purchase it for future trips. It enhanced our trip tremendously and our photos will last a lifetime!

Take a look at some of my favorite memories (Ava is the center of attraction!):

Ava being taken up and away at Epcot.

As a BG, no trip to Disney World is complete without a photo with Princess Tiana!

You know, Ava just chatting it up with Alice from Alice and Wonderland!

Ava thought she had outgrown Doc McStuffins, but once she saw her, her tune definitely changed!

This was actually the last photo taken on our trip. Although Ava was super sad that it was our last day, she was happy to take this photo with her dad.

If you’ve visited Disney World, have you used MemoryMaker? If so, what were your thoughts?