From beauty to style, stirring up everything that chic brown girls love!
Unfortunately, I am unable to post my favorite fabulous photos today. My computer is not getting an Internet connection for some reason. Therefore, I’m using my Blackberry to write this posting.
Anyway, I’ll be back next week after the holidays. Who knows, if my computer is functioning properly this weekend I may post the photos of the week.
Happy Holidays!
If you haven’t already bought the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige’s new CD, Growing Pains, you should do so immediately if you enjoy good hip-hop/R&B music. One of the best R&B BG singers of our time, Blige doesn’t disappoint with her latest project. Although it isn’t her best work, the CD is still worthy of inclusion in your MJB collection.
Growing Pains, is her 8th CD (not including live or special albums), but it still manages to have a fresh sound. Of course it still has Blige’s signature R&B flavor, but the CD definitely reflects her maturity and newfound confidence.
The uptempo intro track, “Work That,” is a testatment to her positive self-image and she encourages women to find their own too. Her first single from the CD, “Just Fine,” is by far the best song on the album. This infectious, feel-good song just makes you want to hit the dance floor.
Growing Pains is sprinkled with other sweet-sounding tunes, especially her smooth duet with Usher in “Shake Down.” Staying true to her customary rap-infused/R&B roots, the CD includes features with hip-hop heavyweights Ludacris and Pharrell.
“Just Fine” Video:
The CD appropriately closes with the harmonious, “Come to Me (Peace),” which is akin to an uplifting choir-sung spiritual. This particular ballad will definitely be one of Blige’s classic performance songs.
From What’s the 411, to her latest installment, Blige will and always be the R&B voice of this generation. Her truthful, soulful and unique sound has often been imitated, but she’ll always be an original.
P.S If you’re in the NYC area, you can meet Mary J. Blige at the Carol’s Daughter store in Harlem today (12/20) at 6pm. You can pick up her new CD along with some Carol’s Daughter goodies too!
Now that the new year is rapidly approaching, why not pick up a few journals for yourself and others this holiday season?
At the start of each year I try to write my personal thoughts and reflections in a journal. I credit my mom for instilling in me the importance of the written word. She’s kept a journal throughout most of her life. Me on the otherhand, I’m not as consistent, but I do have several journals.
Actually, journal writing doesn’t have to be consistent or contain certain thoughts. All that matters is that you write down exactly how you feel at that particular moment in time. From random thoughts to a rant about an annoying co-worker at your office, journals are your personal space to vent and reflect.
I recently read one of my journals from college and found it to be quite funny and entertaining. Although at the time, my circumstances were far from humorous. The affairs that were going on in my life during that time are totally irrelavant now, but it was fun and interesting to read years later.
So head to your nearest Papyrus or local stationery store to buy a journal. They make great stocking stuffers!
Here are a few pretty journals to check out **Please note that some of these journals are pricey, but you can find more affordable ones at Borders and Barnes and Noble bookstores**:
Leather Monogrammed Diaries & Journals Available at Neiman Marcus www.neimanmarcus.com from $40-98
12 Monthly Journals Available at www.redenvelope.com for $98
Seagrass Journal Available at Papyrus www.papyrusonline.com for $24.95
Leather Journals Available at Neiman Marcus www.neimanmarcus.com from $45-80
Pink Flowers Journal Available at Target www.target.com for $14.99
Cashmere Journal from Neiman Marcus www.neimanmarcus.com for $95
Allegra Leather Journal from Kate’s Paperie www.katespaperie.com for $32
Copper and Teal Embossed Pattern – Journal from Papyrus www.papyrusonline for $19.95
For those BGs who live in warm climates and don’t have to worry about the unfavorable cold, wintry weather, be thankful! It’s December so it’s freezing in both of my favorite cities — Chicago and New York.
That means layering and keeping my body as warm as possible is essential to getting anything done outside of my cozy homes during these long, frigid months.
For me, the first thing on my body that gets cold are my hands; that’s why I have several pairs of gloves to keep in the pockets of each of my winter coats.
A nicely lined pair of gloves can keep your fingers toasty and fashionable!
Check out some of these functional, yet fabulous pairs of gloves.
Coach Leather Gloves Available at www.coach.com for $298
Australian Ugg Sheepskin Gloves Available at www.nordstrom.com for $140
Isotoner Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves Available at www.isontoner.com for $40
Chain Leather Gloves Available at www.nordstrom.com for $88
Forzieri White Italian Leather Gloves Available at www.forzieri.com for $79
Isotoner Stretch Leather Fleece-Lined Gloves Available at www.isotoner.com for $35
Cashmere gloves available at www.walmart.com for $12
What’s the perfect holiday gift that you can give a BG or guy who is always on the go and always helping others, but never seems to find time for themselves? Oh yes, this includes YOU too — a gift certificate to a spa!
A nice spa treatment will help the over-worked, tired and always busy loved one in your life take a break from his or her demanding schedule and escape the daily grind.
Spa treatments have been proven to be an effective way to alleviate stress and provide relaxation for your mind, body and spirit. Whether it’s a facial, Swedish massage or a mani or pedi, giving one’s self “me” time is essential to healthy living. When you feel good, you treat others well and are more productive.
Here are a few popular spas throughout the U.S:
Bliss Soho
One of their most popular treatments right now is the “Mistle Toes.” This treatment gives your shopped out soles a lift with this hot milk, sweet orange oil and cinnamon stick soak plus paraffin wrap pedicure. Served with a cup of hot apple cider, and you’ll get a FREE holiday Essie nail polish.
60 min $70
568 Broadway, 2nd Floor
NYC NY 10012
212 219 8970
www.blissworld.com
P.S There are several Bliss spas throughout the United States. Check the website for more locations.
Honey Child Salon & Spa
I once got my hair styled at this salon/spa and received more compliments on my hair than I’ve ever gotten in my life! Plus, the owner is a BG!
735 N. LaSalle
Chicago, IL
(312) 573-1300
www.honeychildsalonandspa.com
The Root of You Salon and Day Spa
They boast a great massage called the “Awakening.” It’s a 50 minute Swedish full body massage that releases muscle tension with slow strokes along with finger pressure applied both following and across the grain of muscles and tendons to promote relaxation and help improve circulation. $70
5190 Buffalo Speedway
Houston, Texas 77005
(off Highway 59 on Buffalo Speedway @ Westpark)
832-778-1225
www.therootofyou.com
Le Petite Retreat Day Spa
One of their best-sellers is the True Transformation Facial. This classic custom spa facial helps restore skin’s dull, dried, damaged appearance. Aromatherapy and marine-based elements rich in trace minerals balance skin’s ph level, replenishing lost nutrients for that healthy, youthful glow.
60 mins: $110
331 N. Larchmont Blvd.
Los Angeles CA, 90004
(323) 466-1028
www.lprdayspa.com
I had the pleasure of seeing The Perfect Holiday the other night. Despite an extremely cold evening, I had to go support our BGs and guys who directed, produced and starred in this pioneering romantic holiday comedy.
Prior to the release of this film and This Christmas, which came out last month, there hadn’t been any holiday movies starring an all African-American cast. I know that’s hard to believe, but it’s true.
The movie is about a recent divorcee with 3 young children named, Nancy, portrayed by the beautiful BG Gabrielle Union who is anxious to start dating again. The adorable, Khail Bryant plays her daughter who makes a wish to a shopping mall’s Santa Claus for her mom to meet a nice man. She inadvertently sets her mom up with who Union’s character thinks is an ideal suitor, played by actor, Morris Chestnut, but finds out that he hasn’t been completely honest with her. During their courtship, her eldest child portrayed by Malik Hammond, isn’t exactly adjusting to his mother’s new boyfriend. He tries to sabotage their relationship by playing pranks on Chestnut’s character a la Home Alone style.
In the midst of the romantic twists and turns, the film is sprinkled with magical and funny scenes acted by an unbelievably talented cast which includes: Queen Latifah (who actually produced the movie), Terrence Howard, Charlie Murphy, Faizon Love, Jill Marie Jones, Rachel True and Katt Williams.
It’s refreshing, relatable and simply entertaining which makes it the perfect movie to take your entire family to see this holiday season.
This seems like a busy week for our BG fashion entrepreneurs. First the Simmons sisters announce the expansion of their line, Pastry earlier this week and now supermodel and fashion icon, Iman, is launching Iman Global Chic, which will include handbags and accessories on Saturday (Dec. 15th) exclusively on the Home Shopping Network.
Her internationally inspired fashion style will definitely be reflected in this affordable line. As we BGs already know, Iman also has a wonderful cosmetic line which she created with us in mind.
Here are a few of her pieces from Global Chic:
Glamourous day planner $19.95
Vintage inspired handbag $54
Gold-toned cuff $49.95
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