Rapid Lashes?

I think it’s pretty safe to say that I’m completely obsessed with eye lashes! I’ve tried just about every popular mascara brand on the market on a quest to create enviable long, luscious lashes. Since I’ve tried so many mascaras, I decided to take my lash obsession up a notch – I tried RapidLash.

RapidLash is a popular brand of eye lash renewal serum that’s applied like eyeliner to your top lashes. It’s supposed to increase the darkness, thickness and length of your lashes within 4 weeks. I used it every night for about 2 weeks and believe it or not, I saw a huge change in my lashes; they seemed longer than ever! However, I read an article about how these formulas in the long-run could result in major eye trauma, which of course scared me to death so I have since stopped using it. But while I did use it, I was pleased with the results.

**UPDATE** I’ve been informed that contrary to other brands’ potential health concerns, RapidLash is paraben-free, with vital proteins and vitamins, including pumpkin seed and licorice extracts that help replenish and fortify lashes. So perhaps, I’ll give it another go!

Would you ever try a lash-lengthening formula?

RapidLash available at www.rapidlash.com for $49.95

Skinny in a Cinch!

When it comes to clothes or accessories that accentuate my waist, I’m all for it. What woman doesn’t like to highlight her smallest part? That’s why this upcoming fall season, it’s all about the skinny belt!

From faux crocodile to luxurious suede, skinny belts are all the rage. They can easily add a splash of color to an otherwise, bland black frock while instantly create a stunning silouhette. Whether worn with a pair of slacks, over a long cardigan or with a high-waisted pencil skirt, skinny belts will update your wardrobe in a cinch!

Do you prefer the skinny belt or the wide?

Check out some of these:


WCM Skinny Croc-Embossed Patent Leather Belt available at www.bloomingdales.com for $68


Nicole Miller Skinny Snakeskin Belt available at www.bloomingdales.com for $85


Chain Reaction Belt available at www.anthropologie.com for $35


Renee Braided Belt available at www.delias.com for $14.50


Diesel Glamglim Belt in Gold and Black available at www.revolveclothing.com for $65


Skinny Belt with Rectangular Buckle available at www.anntaylor.com for $36


Claudio Orciani available at www.yoox.com for $128


Linea Pelle Skinny Studded Belt available at www.lisakelin.com for $138


Oval Buckle Belt available at www.forever21.com for $6.80


Streets Ahead Silver Buckle Snakeskin Belt available at www.kitson.com for $145 (each)

Color-Correcting Concealers!

Many BGs suffer from hyper-pigmentation (when patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin) due to old blemishes or acne scars and I’m no exception. I usually have at least one blemish that I try to hide with concealer. I dab a bit on the dark spot and then cover it with a bit of foundation and the unsightly blemish is virtually gone!

For years I’ve used Dermablend’s cover creme to conceal dark circles or dark spots, but just last week I tried Susan Posnick’s color corrector stick and was incredibly pleased with the easy application and overall results.

Do you use concealer? If so, what’s your favorite brand?

Check out some of these:


Susan Posnick Color Correct Pencil available at www.susanposnick.com for $22


Benefit Erase Paste available at www.bloomingdales.com for $26


Dermablend Cover Creme available at www.ulta.com for $31


Murad Acne Treatment Concealer available at www.sephora.com for $20


MAC Select Coverup Concealer available at www.maccosmetics.com for $15


Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer available at www.drugstore.com for $3.99


Smashbox Camera-Ready Full-Coverage Concealer available at www.beauty.com $18


Philosophy Supernatural Airbrushed Concealer available at www.beauty.com for $25

Gadgets & Gizmos

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not exactly a gadget girl. Don’t get me wrong, I do own an iPod, in fact, I just had to purchase another one since I accidentally left my old one on a plane on my way back for L.A., but that’s another story. Although I’m all for things that enhance our lives and make it more enjoyable, I’m just not a tech-obsessed person who has to have the latest gizmo, but there are some things that a girl just can’t live without. Thanks PBW for the inspiration!

Check out some of these fabulous female-friendly gadgets! (Note: Most of these items are available pretty in pink if that’s your preference!)


Apple Macbook starting at $1099.00 at www.apple.com


Logitech v220 Cordless Optical Laptop Mouse available at www.bestbuy.com for $34.99


Apple iPod 8GB Nano available at www.apple.com for $199


Verizon Blackberry Curve available at www.bestbuy.com for $579.99


Garmin 200 GPS available at www.bestbuy.com for $152.99


Aiptek 5.0 Megapixel Digital Camcorder available at www.bestbuy.com for $149.99


Canon Powershot 8.0 Megapixel ELPHA Digital Camera available at www.bestbuy.com for $229.99

Are you a gadget guru? What’s your must-have tech item?

Summer Deals That will Take You into Fall!

All true fashionistas and die-hard shoppers know that August is the absolute best month to shop for end-of-the-season clothes! Granted, most of your finds probably won’t be able to be worn until next summer, but there are definitely pieces out there that can be layered and incorporated into your fall wardrobe.

Check out some of these end-of-summer deals that will also work during the cooler months ahead!


Michael by Michael Kors Cotton Stretch Safari Shirt $35 originally $70 available at www.vivre.com. This classic piece will look fresh and chic under a chunky knit cardigan.


Michael by Michael Kors Tank Dress $98.90 was originally $149.50 available at www.nordstrom.com. This adorable frock can be instantly updated for the fall with a tailored blazer and opaque or textured tights.


Conspicuous Mini Doll Double-Breasted Jacket $97.90 was originally $247 available at www.nordstrom.com. This light-weight jacket will suit you better than a light-weight sweater during the upcoming cooler season.


Aldo Leather Peep-toe Platforms $69.99 was $295 available at www.aldo.com. You know I love a sexy peep-toe shoe and this pair will definitely take you into the fall in style if worn with black tights; perfect for a cool night out on the town.

Have you found any great end-of-season deals lately? What’s is your best sale item ever?

Breakthrough In Beauty Contest

There are so many BGs who aspire to become beauty entrepreneurs. In fact, I used to be one of them! A few years ago I along with a business partner started a beauty and skin-care line. I later decided that it really wasn’t my passion so I left the business and focused on my true love – writing! Perhaps you or someone you know is looking to get a beauty company off the ground and are seeking business funding and distribution. If so, you need to visit Breakthrough in Beauty TODAY!!

This year they’re looking for makeup lines, specifically foundations, or even mineral makeup. Who knows? You just might become the next Bobbi Brown (Girl)! Please hurry because the deadline is Sept. 1st, so go to www.breakthroughinbeauty.com to fill out the application.

In the meantime, click on the links to some of our favorite BG beauty entrepreneurs! Do you have a favorite?


Kimora Lee Simmons check out her cosmetic line www.kimoraleesimmons.com


Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter www.carolsdaughter.com


Former model, Iman was one of the first BG beauty entrepreneurs. www.imancosmetics.com


Keisha Nash-Whitaker is not just the wife of an Oscar winner, she’s a bonafide businesswoman. Check out her line www.kissablecouture.com

BGG Chats with R&B Singer Lloyd!

From “Get it Shawty,” to “Southside,” R&B singer, Lloyd has made a name for himself in the pop and R&B world. Hailing from Atlanta, the charismatic singer talks to me about his life and latest CD, Lessons in Love.

Check out our Q&A:

BGG: You seem extremely excited. Are you happy to be here?
Lloyd: I’m here in New York City and I’m extremely happy to be here! This is the city of opportunity that never sleeps! It feels refreshing to be in a place that’s alive and full of life. Where I’m from originally, New Orleans, is pretty devastated. It hasn’t been restored to the place of musical genius, exquisite taste or fun-loving people like it used to be. So to come here and just see this place alive feels good.

BGG: When did you move from New Orleans? I know that you currently live in Atlanta.
Lloyd: I’ve been in Atlanta since the age of 2. So basically pretty much all of my life. Ever since my father was murdered, we moved to Atlanta.

BGG: Do you have siblings?
Lloyd: At the time it was just my sister, Brandi, my mom and me. From there, my mom would go on to have 4 more kids.

BGG: Do you want to expound on your father’s passing?
Lloyd: He was shot. It wasn’t the nicest neighborhood where we’re from. In fact, it was the worst neighborhood in New Orleans. My father was a saxophonist, vocalist and choir director. He’s someone who I often credit for giving me my gift. I think it’s hereditary. A lot of things that I do, my mom says reminds her of him. Certain ways I look at her, etc. So I didn’t know him, I just knew about him. Throughout the years he has become probably the foundation of what really drives me to be the best. It’s like he didn’t die in vain. He died trying to provide a better life for us. It’s like the ultimate sacrifice he made in order for me to have a better life. If he had never been killed, then we probably never would’ve moved to Atlanta. It’s also taught me to just find the blessings buried in tragedy.

BGG: So I was reading that you used to be a member of the singing group N-Toon? Tell me about that.
Lloyd: We had a single and we had a video. This was back in like 1999. Sammy was out right around that time too. We were all really good friends. We also had the same management. We’re actually still really close to this day.

BGG: Why did you decide to leave the group?
Lloyd: It really wasn’t a decision; it was more like an ultimatum. It was like, if you want to continue doing music, you’re going to have to do it by yourself because for some reason that’s greater than myself the group couldn’t go on. I always try to encourage the guys to get back together.

BGG: How many members were there?
Lloyd: Four, including my little brother!

Lloyd: That’s hot right there!!
BGG: What’s hot? (I didn’t notice that his newest music video, “Girls Around the World,” starts playing on the TV while we’re talking)

BGG: How does it make you feel when you turn on the TV and there you are?
Lloyd: It makes me feel even better to see Hype (Williams’, the music video director) name up there!! (laughing) It’s a great feeling! It feels like I’m breathing the freshest air right now. It feels like I’m on top of my game and that I’m giving the people all that I can and I feel really good about it.

Check out the video for “Girls Around the World”:

BGG: What was it like working with Lil’ Wayne on Lessons in Love?
Lloyd: Well, he’s the hottest rapper in the world so being able to collaborate with him is like an out-of-body experience. I hope to work with him again in the future. We’ve already had a lot of collaborations over the past few years. I think we really have pretty good chemistry. When you’re making music, it’s not rocket science. It’s just feeling, emotion and the moment. It’s about trying to capture special moments in time. You never know if someone is going to like something. I just know that whenever we work, we always enjoy the music that we’re doing. We always have a great time. We’ll be jumping off the walls, saying, “When people hear this they’re going to love it!”

BGG: So was this (“Girls Around the World”) song the most fun to record?
Lloyd: Definitely. Out of all of the songs I recorded for this album, this was my favorite; in terms of having to be the most fun while making it. It was very organic. I came in with a bass line idea originally. We had already recorded about 12 songs for the album, so we were near the end of the recording process. The base of the album had already been recorded, but I still wanted that banger. I had the bass line in my head, but I just didn’t know how to get it out! So I called up my friends and they met me at the studio, they called the bass player, the piano player, etc. We ended up creating it right there, starting with the bass line. It was just on and poppin! It was like a party.

BGG: Was Lil’ Wayne there?
Lloyd: No, I sent it to him. You know due to our schedules he wasn’t there.

BGG: How did you get signed to the Inc.?
Lloyd: I met Irv (Gotti) from a friend of a friend and we just hit it off immediately.

BGG: How is this album different from your two previous CDs?
Lloyd: It’s less selfish, it’s not so much about me, me, me – give me what I want, this is how I feel. It’s less about Lloyd and more about the listeners. I’m sharing lessons that I’ve learned with them. Before, I was growing into my own skin. I was just recognizing myself with my fans. Then I was the student, now I’m the teacher! (laughing) The music’s much better. It’s more solid and the ideas are a little bit more advanced. I think that’s good and healthy for your creative mind.

BGG: What do you want your listeners to feel when they hear this album?
Lloyd: I want them to feel good! I want them to feel like they can depend on me to help make them feel better. They can depend on me to be those missing words that will make their love lives a bit better. I want them to feel like this is great music.

BGG: Do you prefer singing ballads or up-tempo tracks?
Lloyd: It doesn’t even matter! It just depends on how you feel. Sometimes I want to party – I want to go fast. I’ll drop my top and play “Get it Shawty,” “Girls Around the World,” etc. Then there are times when I’m at home and I just want something that sets the mood and that’s when the ballads come into play.

BGG: What lessons have you learned pertaining to the music business since the last album?
Lloyd: That thee most challenging thing to do is to challenge yourself. The best thing for music is more challenges. There are more young acts representing for themselves and their families through their music. When I listen to the radio today and hear all of these young kings coming with it, it forces me to do better. It only fuels the drive. At the end of the day, we only have ourselves to fight. You can become your worst enemy, you can lose yourself so you have to have a very strong mind and you have to be willing to push yourself and give people more than what’s expected of you. Now I’m not just writing or singing, I’m I’m executively producing and releasing projects through my own company. I’m taking a bigger stand and I’ve learned that music’s opportunities are limitless.

BGG: What inspired you to create your own label? What kinds of artists are you looking for?
Lloyd: I’m looking for artists who are creative individuals who dare to be different. I’m looking for any genre because I like all music. I love John Mayer, Coldplay, Phil Collins, etc. I just like all music.

BGG: How do you handle female groupies that throw themselves at you? What keeps you focused?
Lloyd: My upbringing, my family, what I stand for ultimately. There are days when I want to succumb to temptation, but then I remember why I’m here and how I got here. Not taking a girl’s heart for granted and realizing that by going out and indulging in these temptations, I’m no really helping out – that’s not the answer to the problem. You know sex and love is misrepresented through the media. Sex is overtly advertised, but nobody wants to talk about before you have sex, you should understand who you are and what you’re looking to get out of your relationship. Love is something that’s supposed to last forever. Sex is just for a moment.

BGG: Will guys feel left out if they bought your Lessons in Love?
Lloyd: No, not at all. That’s the cool thing about my music; I’m the guy that the girls want to be with and the guys want to be like. Not to say that arrogantly, but I want to be the guy who has the song with Rick Ross or just be crazy with it or I want to be the guy who sets the mood. Kind of like John Travolta’s character on Grease; tough guy on the outside, but nice good guy on the inside!

BGG: What do you want people to know about Lloyd?
Lloyd: I want people to know that I’m one of the good guys! I’m looking out for them. I’m not going to be the one who disrespects them. I’m the gentleman of my crew! I want them to know that. I also want them to know that music isn’t just a check for me. It’s something that I really value and cherish and hold dear to my heart. When I record I try to give it all that I have.

Lloyd’s CD, Lessons in Love is in stores now.