Must-See TV: CNN’s Black in America 2

Ever since CNN aired the super controversial Black in America two-part series last year, I have anxiously awaited a new installment of the documentary. Many people were not pleased with the topics that were covered in the original series, which resulted in a lot of heated discussions and debates surrounding the show and how we as African-Americans were being portrayed.

This time around, CNN host Soledad O’Brien promises that it will provide a balanced and truthful overview of the state of African-Americans this time around.

Here is an exclusive clip from the show featuring comedian Steve Harvery. Check it out here.

Part 1 airs tonight on CNN 9pm, EST. Will you be tuning in? What were you thoughts on the last one?

Are You a Cover Girl?

Although I didn’t have one of these cute cover-ups while on my mini-Miami vacay, I will definitely pack one on my next trip to the beach. These super chic sarongs, tunics and swim dresses are perfect for the BG who doesn’t want to bare it all, but still wants to look fashionably beach-ready.

Do you like to bare your body on the beach or are you more of a cover girl?


City Style Beaded Trim Sarong available at www.newyorkandco.com for $18.71


Embroidered Boho Cover-up Tunic available at www.victoriassecret.com for $85


Feather Swirl Coastal Kaftan available at www.althea.gap.com for $89


Love Shop Stacy Beaded Tunic available at Intermix for $89-119


Michael Kors Point Break Tunic available at www.lordandtaylor.com for $29.99


O Beach Salsa Cover-up available at www.figleaves.com for $23.10


Plunge Cover-up Tunic available at www.victoriassecret.com for $22.99


O Beach Wahine Cover-up available at www.figleaves.com for $23.10


Strapless Ruffle Cover- Up available at www.victoriassecret.com for $24

Get Moving!

For those of you who have been procrastinating when it comes to working out, there’s no better time to start than now! With summer in full-swing, there are so many outdoor options for exercising. I know that many of us BGs put off working out to preserve our ‘dos, but our health should always come first. Doing at least 30 minutes of cardio 3 times a week will keep those pesky pounds away and our hearts healthy.

What’s your favorite work-out routine? Do you prefer bike riding, jogging, swimming, etc? For those BGs with relaxed tresses, do you oftentimes forgo working out in an effort to keep your lovely locks straight?

**Btw, the winner of the Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Mask is Calming Corners. Please email me your mailing address. You will have 7 days from today to respond, otherwise, I will have to select another winner. Congrats!

As Cool as a Cucumber!

For me, nothing is as invigorating or refreshing as the wonderful scent of cucumber! Its natural cooling, soothing and cleansing effect makes it a key ingredient in many of today’s most popular beauty products. From facial masks to fragrant sprays, cucumbers are not just tasty, they’re great for your overall healthy both inside and out. It keeps your skin soft and your eyes de-puffed. What’s not to love?

Are you a fan of beauty products that have a cucumber component? If so, what are a few of your favorites? One lucky reader will win the Yes to Cucumber Soothing Facial Mask (a $14.99 value). Simply leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow!

Here are a few popular pre-pickle products:


Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Mask available at www.walgreens.com for $14.99


Bare Escentuals Bare Vitamins Eye Rev-Er Upper available at www.sephora.com for $21


Bath & Body Works Scrub available at www.bathandbodyworks.com for $15


Carol’s Daughter Ocean Eau de Toilette available at www.sephora.com for $27


Fresh Cucumber Cleansing Foam available at www.sephora.com for $48


Dove Fresh Body Wash Cool Moisture Cucumber Green Tea available at www.drugstore.com for $8.79


Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Masque available at www.sephora.com for $45


Suave Natural Moisturizing Cucumber Melon Body Wash available at www.drugstore.com for $3.49


Vaseline Fresh Aloe Hydrating Body Lotion with Aloe & Cucumber available at www.drugstore.com for $5.99

Chic Tanks for Summer!

Tank tops are one of the essential clothing items for summer. The typical light-weight materials used for tanks provide perfect ventilation that will keep you cool during those hot & humid summer days and nights. Most tanks can be dressed up or down depending on the accessories and whether or not you pair them with shorts, skirts or jeans.

What are your favorite style of tanks? Loose-fitting, fitted, drapey, embroidered, or etc?


Piped Ribbed Tank available at www.bananarepublic.com for $17.99


Drapey Ruffle Tank available at www.alloy.com for $29.50


Black Tank Top available at www.emoda.com for $46


Pleated Satin Top available at www.charlotte-russe.com for $18.99


Beaded Tank available at www.bananarepublic.com for $34


Ruffle Tank Top available at www.charlotte-russe.com for $17.99


Noise & Color Block Tunic Tank available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $38


Splendid Cotton Gauze Lace Tank Top available at www.revolveclothing.com for $50


Floral Patchwork Woven Top available at www.forever21.com for $22.80

Summer Reading Round-Up!

The summer is a time for relaxing and what better to relax than to curl up on the couch or in the grass with a page-turning book! I’ve always been a fan of self-help books, biographies and autobiographies. One of the very first (non-children’s) books I remember reading as a child was LaToya Jackson’s autobiographical expose of her famous family. I don’t know if it’s the journalist in me who is intrigued by other people’s lives or what, but nothing holds my attention like a great biography/autobiography!

What are your favorite book genres? Are you a mystery, romance or thriller fan? Do you have any summer read suggestions?

Here are a few of the books I plan on reading this summer:

Stormy Weather: The Life of Lena Horne by James Gavine available here.


The Supremes: A Saga of Motown Dreams, Success, and Betrayal by Mark Ribowsky available here.


Confessions of a Beauty Addict by Nadine Haobsh available here.


More Than Just Race: Being Black and Poor in the Inner City by William Julius available here.


The Black Girl Next Door a Memoir by Jennifer Baszile available here.

Get Noticed with Neon!

Even though your fingers probably aren’t the first thing that people notice about you, they still play a major role in your overall appearance. So this summer, why not bring attention to your fingers with a flash of neon on your nails? Electric pinks, dazzling yellows, and outrageous orange shades are all the rage this season. If you aren’t bold enough to wear these attention-grabbing colors at your fingertips, use these pretty polishes for your pedis!


Sephora Digital Diva Collection available at www.sephora.com for $9 each

Will you be wearing neon nails this season?