Archives for November 2009

Countdown to Turkey Day!

This year I have so much to be thankful for. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have loyal BGG readers, friends and family who love me unconditionally and most of all – the brand new life that’s growing inside of me. Although I won’t have the pleasure of spending this Thanksgiving in Chicago with my loved ones (outside of my hubby), I’m certainly in no position to complain. 🙂

What are you thankful for this year? Please share! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! 🙂

Miss Jackson

Not many artists can sell millions of records, sell out stadiums and stand tall next to a MEGA-superstar sibling, but that’s not the case for Miss Janet Jackson. Always one of my favorite artists, Janet has released another greatest hits CD aptly titled, “Number Ones.” Fan favorites such as “Pleasure Principle,” “That’s the Way Love Goes, and “Control,” are among some of the tracks included, in addition to her latest single, “Make Me.”

If you’re a fan of Janet’s be sure to catch her first televised interview since the passing her beloved brother, Michael, tonight on ABC with Robin Roberts at 10/9C. Also, don’t miss Janet opening the American Music Awards this Sunday on ABC. 8/7C.

What’s your favorite Janet Jackson song?

Peeled Perfection!

Since I’ve traded in my favorite treat – gummi bears for healthier bites, I’ve tried many nuts and fruit snacks, but none have stacked up to Peeled Snacks. This fairly new line of all-natural, organic dried fruits and nuts have been my go-to treats throughout my pregnancy.

Not only are Peeled Snacks packed with tons of nutritional benefits, they are all very tasty too! It’s hard to believe that there is no sugar or oil added. Since I love tart and tangy goodies, my favorite ones are the dried pineapples and cherries.


Visit www.peeledsnacks.com to find a store near you that carries Peeled Snacks.

Are you a fan of dried fruit and nuts? What do you snack on to stay healthy?

**Btw, the winner of the brow powder from Monday was Shawnta!

Wow Brow!

Whether you have your brows plucked, tweezed or threaded, many women like to fill in their brows with a powder or pencil to create a polished look. We all know that brows help frame the face so having them well-groomed and shaped should be a part of every BG’s beauty regime. I like using Vanitymark’s brow powder in Choco Noir to add that extra “wow” to my brows.

Ideal for dark-haired beauties, this deep-brown shade provides a natural look that doesn’t look too harsh and blends in well with my brow hairs. Remember when choosing a powder, it’s best to get a shade a wee bit lighter than your hair color for the most natural look.



Available at www.vanitymark.com for $16

Do you use brow powders? One lucky reader will win a VanityMark brow powder ($16 value) in a shade of her choice. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be chosen randomly and announced tomorrow.

**UPDATE – The winner is Shawnta, congratulations!

BGG Reviews “Precious”


In theaters nationwide today.

After a failed attempt to see the much-hyped and buzzed-about movie, Precious: Based on the Novel ‘PUSH’ by Sapphire, last week, I was finally able to get my hands on tickets for the film on Wednesday. Not often do you see a movie that lives up to all of its critical acclaim, but thankfully Precious does. Based on the 1996 Sapphire novel entitled, “PUSH,” Precious is a tale of a physically and sexually abused, illiterate overweight teenage mother named Precious, played by the charismatic Gabourey Sidibe who is subjected to more torture and condemnation than one could ever imagine.

Mo’Nique steps outside of her usual comedic character to bring to life Precious’s monster of a mother who spews so much hate and wickedness that she is often hard to watch. Supporting cast members include Paula Patton who shows Precious hope and the importance of education. While songbird Mariah Carey leaves behind her powerful voice to portray a surprisingly believable dowdy social worker. The story of Precious is an intense, gritty, no-holds barred tale of a strong young girl who manages to survive despite unfathomable hardships.

If you haven’t seen it already, I highly recommend it! For those of you who have seen and/or read the book, what are your thoughts? I’d love to hear from people who have read the book and watched the movie to see how the feature film stacks up to the written word. Please share!

Blushing Beauty


Iman, Rihanna and June Ambrose (celebrity fashion stylist).

Even though we’re used to seeing blacks, greys, and creams on the red carpet during the colder months, it seems like a few fashionistas have stepped out of that boring box and have opted for blush tones to add a bit of softness and femininity to the fall/winter color palette. This fleshy shade is flattering on most skin tones and creates a subtle sexiness.

Are you a fan of this shade? Check out some of these items:


Antik Batik Silk Blouse available at www.yoox.com for $185


Antik Batik Dress available at www.yoox.com for $470.25


Charm Ruched Tube Dress available at www.ardenb.com for $54


Crista Dress by Guess by Marciano available at www.marciano.com for $185


Masscob Silk Dress available at www.yoox.com for $208


Steve Madden Women’s Regal Pump available at www.endless.com for $89.95


Miu Miu Leather Lambskin Gloves available at www.yoox.com for $128


Sonoma Beanie Hat available at www.kohls.com for $14


Vanessa Bruno Slik Top available at www.yoox.com for $190


Carlos Falchi Metallic Blush Tote available at www.shirise.com for $225

Candy Girl

Carol’s Daughter is known for their fantastic bath & body products, but their lip glosses are just as fabulous! I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pink lip gloss shade for months, if not years and their All Natural Candy Paint lip gloss in Razz-Berry Beret has been the answer to my pink lipped-prayers. It’s a universal pink that will complement all skin tones.


All Natural Candy Paint in Razz-Matazz available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $13.50

Staying true to the au naturel mantra that Carol’s Daughter touts, Candy Paint glosses are infused with natural moisturizing ingredients like grape seed oil, shea butter, aloe, etc., which helps repair lips while creating a beautiful shine. Plus, this luxurious gloss isn’t sticky like so many others.

Have you ever tried any of Carol’s Daughter lip glosses? If not, you should definitely give them a try!