Arts and Entertainment

Pharrell Williams’ New Book Will Make Children Very ‘Happy!’

October 8, 2015

For all of the children around the world who sang along with and danced to Pharrell Williams’ hit song, “Happy!,” they’re in for a real treat.

The Grammy-award winning musician has turned his popular tune into a beautiful, full color book that children and adults alike will love. Packed with undeniable energy, the book’s catchy lyrics at times seem as if they could dance right off the page! We all know that the lyrics are entertaining and upbeat, but the adorable photographs of the children really bring the song to life. For example, the line “Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof,” is illustrated with a little boy sitting in a makeshift house with the roof blowing off above his head—so adorable.

Pharrell Williams | Photo by Mimi Valdes

While the the book is fun, Pharrell’s purpose for turning the song into a book is to promote literacy. “I’m committed to encouraging child literacy and this project is the perfect vehicle to accomplish that goal,” Pharrell says in a release. “The “Happy” lyrics and pictures are an opportunity to inspire kids to read and promote imagination.

When I received my review copy in the mail, my daughter was BEYOND excited! Like many children across the country, it is one of her favorite songs. Her elation was catapulted when she saw the bright, eye-catching cover. We read (and couldn’t help but sing too) and danced at the same time. This book personifies joy and I can’t wait to read it to my daughter’s kindergarten class next month.

Hats off to Pharrell for breathing new life into such an amazing and beautifully written song. We all need a bit of happiness.

“Happy!” by Pharrell Williams available here, $19 (hardcover)

Below, check out Pharrell speaking about the book on TODAY:

What song automatically boosts your mood and makes you feel happy?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 1 Comment

Get the Look: Brandy’s Hair at the 2015 BET Awards

June 29, 2015

Last night’s BET’s Awards was one to remember. From the Bad Boy to the Janet Jackson dance tribute, the night was filled with moving speeches and memorable performances.

But, being the hair and beauty buff that I am, I couldn’t help but notice Brandy’s gorgeous blow-out! Since joining the cast of “The Game,” it seems like the former teen pop star/actress has been more daring with her hairstyles. Perhaps her character, Chardonnay, has inspired her to step outside the box and rock looks beyond the braids that she made famous in the ’90s.

Hair stylist Tymothe Wallace for Motions Hair Care created her eye-catching ‘do. Inspired by Barbie, Wallace put a natural spin on the typically long and straight look. “Brandy is an icon—she can do no wrong! Tonight she wanted to look like Barbie in her metallic party dress so we went for the natural version,” he said. Plus, Wallace gave it an ultra-modern edge so it didn’t look too retro.

I’m a huge fan of celebrities and fashionistas wearing natural and textured hairstyles on the red carpet. Just a few years ago (in the era of relaxers) this would not have been as acceptable or deemed as beautiful as it is today. Kudos to Brandy for embracing this statement-making style!

Photo via Brandy’s Instagram

To get her lovely look, check out the following steps:

How to:

Prep hair with Motions Natural Textures Pre-Wash Detangling Butter to tame hair and reduce breakage. Next, wash hair with Motions Natural Textures Moisturizing Cleanser and Smoothing Conditioner to add moisture and improve manageability. Lock in moisture with Motions Active Moisture Leave-In Detangler to enhance natural texture. Finish with Motions Light Hold Working Spritz for hold and Motions Indulgent Oil Spray for shine

Products Used:

*Motions Natural Textures Pre-Wash Detangling Butter

*Motions Natural Textures Moisturizing Cleanser

*Motions Natural Textures Smoothing Conditioner

*Motions Active Moisture Leave-in Detangler

*Motions Light Hold Working Spritz

*Motions Indulgent Oil Spray

Did you like Brandy’s hair? Whose style did you like the most last night?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty, Fashion, Hair | 1 Comment

Event Recap: Disney Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ Advance Screening

June 16, 2015

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend an advance screening of Disney Pixar’s new animated movie, “Inside Out.”

Hosted by The MOMS, the viewing was held at the Dolby Screening Room located in midtown. Yep, I braved the subway all the way from Brooklyn with two small kids to see the movie. Usually, that wouldn’t be such a big deal, but the fact that one is still in a stroller and it was nearly 90 degrees makes it a feat in my book! Luckily, my little one slept during the entire 35-minute ride into the city. However, that meant that he was wide-awake once we got to the theater.

Ava and her brother (not pictured) were excited for their surprise trip to the movies!

Up and ready for the movie, the three of us settled into the last row and waited for it to start. Since I’d seen a few commercials for the film, I was eager to finally see it on the big screen. The movie tells a clever story of a young girl who is uprooted from her hometown to a new city as she grapples with the various emotions (joy, fear, anger, sadness and disgust) that relocating entails. Her emotions, as well as her parents’ are illustrated with fun-loving characters voiced by popular actors Amy Poehler (Joy), Mindy Kaeling (Disgust) and Bill Hader (Fear). In fact, Hader was on hand at the screening to the delight of the children in attendance. The movie was chock full of funny one-liners and witty remarks. As I expected, it was an outstanding movie that both parents and kids will enjoy.

Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out” hits theaters nationwide on Friday, June 19th.

Oh, and despite my daughter needing FOUR bathroom breaks and my son having two meltdowns, it was a great way to spend a Friday afternoon!

Check out the trailer below:

What’s your favorite Disney movie?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Health, Travel & Lifestyle | Leave a Comment

Must-See TV: TLC’s ‘Dare to Wear’ Hosted by Tai Beauchamp Premieres TONIGHT!

June 12, 2015

If you’re into beauty and fashion, chances are you’re very familiar with Tai Beauchamp.

The super savvy former editor and style influencer is now the host of TLC’s brand new series, “Dare to Wear.” The makeover show premieres tonight and won’t be your typical transformative style series. Each show will feature two participants with opposite fashion tastes who will be forced to swap wardrobes. Once they realize that they have to wear the other person’s “out there” clothes, they’ll discover a sense of self-worth and learn to embrace change…in a good way.

Tai Beauchamp Photo Credit: Courtesy of TLC

Tai has most recently been a regular on “The View’s” “Must-Have Mondays” segment, but I’ve been following her work since I was in college. She’s worked as a writer/editor at some of the most prominent magazines in the industry, including Seventeen, O, The Oprah Magazine and Vibe Vixen. In fact, when I first moved to NYC over 12 years ago, I reached out to Tai in hopes of getting some insight into the magazine publishing industry. She graciously obliged and treated me to a lovely lunch at the now closed, posh brunch hotspot—Mayrose. I valued her sage advice about the business and have admired and rooted for her success ever since!

So, please tune in tonight to catch Tai doing what she does best, helping individuals realize their beauty (and style) from the inside out.

Check a clip from the show below:

Style Expert Tai Beauchamp’s “Dare to Wear” airs on TLC, Fridays at 10Pm, EST

Are you a fan of makeover shows? Will you be tuning in tonight?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty, Fashion | Leave a Comment

Event Recap: Dove Takes BGG to NYC’s Governor’s Ball

June 12, 2015

I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the epic, revitalizing weekend I had last week.

Thanks to Dove, I attended the 4th Annual Governor’s Ball music festival on Randall’s Island here in New York City. While the 3-day festival took place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I was so happy to have attended the last day. Unfortunately, the two previous days seemed to have pretty crappy weather. Sunday was sunny, warm and basically picture-perfect. The only downside was that I wasn’t familiar with many of the artists that performed that day. But hey, music is music, right?

Despite not knowing many of the bands, I had an amazingly relaxing time hanging out in Dove’s exclusive VIP cabana. Not only was the super posh cabana comfy and shaded, but it was also the best seat in the house with sick views of the main stage.

Dove didn’t miss a detail with the coordinating and inviting decor.

Governor’s Ball balloons provided a festive flair to the event. \

I got a cool manicure to match my temp body jewelry tattoos while enjoying the festival.

I got a cool manicure to complement my temp body jewelry tattoos while enjoying the festival.

In addition to being treated to food, drinks and great music, we also received a brief lesson in what makes Dove’s go fresh Revitalizing Body Wash and Beauty Bar the best personal cleansers on the market. Its scent-sational mandarin tiare flower fragrance makes it one of my favorites. In fact, I included it in my must-haves for spring a few weeks ago. Its NutriMoisture technology leaves skin super smooth after just one wash! I have exceptionally dry skin and it makes my skin supple and incredibly soft.

Dove go fresh Revitalize Beauty Bar with Mandarin and Tiare Flower Scent, available at mass retailers nationwide, $3.79 (2-pack)

Dove go fresh Revitalizing Body Wash with Mandarin and Tiare Flower Scent available at mass retailers nationwide, $6.99

For those who have been reading BGG for some time, know how much I truly love Dove. From their empowering and inspiring messages for women and young girls to their outstanding products, it’s a brand that I support. And, this past weekend is one that I won’t soon forget!

Are you planning to attend any music festivals this summer? Have you tried Dove’s go fresh Revitalizing Body Wash or Beauty

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Must-Read: Miss Jessie’s “Creating a Successful Business from Scratch—Naturally”

April 28, 2015

When it comes to quality products for curly hair, Miss Jessie’s is at the top of the list—period!

Now the trailblazing textured hair care brand wants to share the heralding story about their rise to entrepreneurial success in the new book, “Miss Jessie’s: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch—Naturally.” Written by Miss Jessie’s co-founder and CEO Miko Branch with her beloved sister and business partner, Titi Branch whom passed away from suicide last December—the memoir/business guide is an awesome read for budding entrepreneurs and business owners of all kinds.

Although you can’t help but think about Titi’s devastating death while reading the tome, her creative free-spirit is felt throughout the pages. Chock full of business advice told in the form of the sisters’ personal stories, the book gives readers an in-depth look into the trials and triumphs of being your own boss all while working alongside family.

“Miss Jessies’s: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch—Naturally” by Miko Branch with Titi Branch availalbe here, $18

Beautiful, full-color photos of the sisters serve as a touching testament to the siblings’ special bond. It also includes personal photographs of the sister’s paternal grandmother of whom the brand was named. The book is a true treasure for those of us who’ve followed the sisters’ career and used their popular products. And for all of those people who’ve questioned how they turned their passion into a formidable business, now those inquiring minds have a very detailed guide that can help them make their business dreams come true too!

Me, my friend Rashida and Miko Branch at the book release party at the Miss Jessie’s salon in New York City on April 16, 2015.

Reports suggest that the book was ready to be released earlier this year, but was pushed back as a result of Titi’s untimely passing. However, that unfortunate delay allowed Miko to include a heartfelt letter she penned as a moving tribute to her her big sister, Titi.

The duo has been creating sweet-smelling creams and concoctions to enhance curly locks since the 90s—and although Titi is no longer with us, it’s pretty safe to say that there’s no stopping Miss Jessie’s! We’re rooting for Miko to take the brand to even greater heights!

The lovely cake by B Cake NY at the Miss Jessie’s book release party on April 16, 2015 in New York City.

Have you purchased the new book? What’s your favorite Miss Jessie’s product?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty News, Book, Book Reviews, Books | Leave a Comment

BET’s Mini-Series “The Book of Negroes” is Now Available on DVD!

April 7, 2015

We BGs know that celebrating our history is a year-round affair and not relegated to the shortest month of the year. That’s why I was thrilled to learn that the “The Book of Negroes” is now available on DVD!

For some reason, I didn’t catch the critically-acclaimed BET mini-series when it originally aired earlier this year, but I received texts from family and friends telling me how good it was. Luckily, I finally had a chance to see for myself when I received an advance copy a couple of weeks ago. I binge-watched the entire 3-disc set and can’t begin to convey how compelling it was.

“The Book of Negroes,” 3-disc DVD is available here, $22. The complete series is also available for consumers through various major digital platforms.

The stirring six-part series stars actress Aunjanue Ellis, as Aminata Diallo—a slave who returns home years after living the majority of her life as a slave. Based on the book of the same title, by Lawrence Hill, it’s been compared to the legendary 1970s TV miniseries “Roots,” which was adapted from Alex Haley’s bestselling book. The supporting cast includes award-winning actors Cuba Gooding Jr. and Louis Gossett Jr. It’s such an awesome story of struggle, triumph and perseverance that we can all relate to.

If you haven’t seen it, be sure to purchase the DVD (or of course download it), grab some popcorn and plan to spend any given weekend inside! Plus, you’ll be treated to a 28-page book, plus tons of extras including interviews from the cast.

Have you seen “The Book of Negroes?” If so, what were your thoughts? Are you a fan of mini-series?

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