Archives for March 2012

Brown Baby Gumbo Is Back/Disney To Debut New BG-Friendly Animated-Series

March 22, 2012

For all of my BG mommy readers, please check out my sister site: Brown Baby Gumbo, where I’ll be stirring up everything that chic brown babies (and moms) love! I started this blog back in 2010 a few months after the birth of my daughter, Ava, but I put it on hiatus shortly after its launch. Now that I’m able to devote more time to it, I’ve decided to bring it back.

Check out what Disney has in store for little brown girls and boys over at Brown Baby Gumbo!

I appreciate your support on my new site venture in advance! XOXO – Karla

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Category: Misc. | 2 Comments

EVENT ALERT: “Million Hoodie March” in NYC for Trayvon Martin

March 21, 2012

While I typically only cover light-hearted, fashion, beauty, and celebrity stories, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the disgusting and heinous death of Trayvon Martin, 17, who was gunned down by “neighborhood watchman” George Zimmerman, 28, Feb. 26 in Sanford, Florida. To date, Zimmerman has not been officially charged with any crime and is currently a free man. Zimmerman claims that he acted in “self-defense.”

Thanks to social media, people who are outraged that Zimmerman is not in jail facing a murder trial will have the opportunity to join others who are calling for justice and an end to racial profiling at 6pm this evening for a “Million Hoodie March,” in New York City. It has been reported that Martin’s parents will be in attendance.

The event, which was organized via Facebook will start in Union Square and end at the United Nations building on the east side. Organizers hope that participants will wear hooded apparel for the march. “A Black person in a hood isn’t automatically ‘suspicious,'”reads the event’s Facebook page.

Participants are also urged to upload photos of themselves in their hoodies to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using hashtag #MillionHoodies. Also, be sure to sign the petition to prosecute Martin’s murderer on Change.org.

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Category: Misc. | Leave a Comment

Giveaway: Beyoncé’s Pulse Summer Edition Perfume

March 21, 2012

Beyoncé may still be mesmerized by the intoxicating new baby smell of her bundle of joy: Blue Ivy, but this hot momma wants fans to fall for her new limited edition fragrance: Beyoncé Pulse Summer Edition. The new addition to the singer’s successful perfume collection is just the scent to send us into spring and summer.

Beyoncé Pulse Summer Edition available at retailers nationwide for $49 (50 ml) and $59 (100 ml)

A fragrant, exotic mix of fruit and florals with notes of pear, icy mandarin, and pink pepper makes this the perfect perfume to complement warmer weather. It’s light and airy, which is my ideal combination when it comes to spritzing myself in the spring/summer. Plus, the eye-catching turquoise and purple bottle design is bound to stand-out on your vanity.

Have you ever worn any of celebrity fragrances?

Since today is National Fragrance Day, I’m giving away a 100 ml. bottle of Beyoncé’s Pulse Summer Edition (a $59 value). Simply leave a comment or retweet this post. Also, “liking” me on Facebook wouldn’t hurt either :-). The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Monday 3/26.

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Category: Beauty, Giveaway | 41 Comments

Reality Star Evelyn Lozada Launches Cosmetics Line

March 20, 2012

Looks like Evelyn Lozada of VH1’s Basketball Wives is the newest BG on the block to start her own beauty line. Today it was announced in a release that the reality star has launched, “E” by Evelyn Lozada, a full cosmetics collection. Inspired by her makeup looks on the show, the debut line will feature shimmery eye shadow palettes and makeup brush sets. The collection will eventually include powder pigments, lipgloss, nail polish, and more.

Eveyln Lozada

“I have always been a risk taker when it comes to my personal style and the opportunity to leave my creative mark on the cosmetics world is beyond thrilling and a huge dream,” Lozada said in a statement. “I wanted to create a trendy high-quality product that didn’t need to come with high costs for that savvy beauty consumer.”

28-Color Neutral Palette

Cosmo Color Collection

78-Color Combo Palette

Prices start at $24.95 and are available at www.ebyevelyncosmetics.com

Would you buy any products from her line? Do you watch Basketball Wives?

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Category: Beauty | 4 Comments

Stylish Spring/Summer Scarves

March 19, 2012

Pleasant, spring-like breezes seem to be on the rise as we march toward warmer weather. That means now’s the time to ditch big, bulky coats and replace them with light-weight jackets coupled with chic, cotton scarves to ward off any unexpected cold winds.

Kaaru, a Los Angeles-based line of hand-woven, 100% organic cotton clothing offers a stylish variety of scarves to brighten your spring wardrobe. Handmade by rural artisans of Bangladesh, proceeds from these unique, high-quality accessories helps provide fair wages for Bengali women and their children. Plus, customers will also receive a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted 5×8 canvas by Kaaru’s founder with each purchase.

Fashion, art, and giving back…what’s not to love?

Check www.kaaruonline.com for prices and availability.

Are you a fan of spring/summer scarves?

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Category: Fashion | 2 Comments

Let Nicole Ari Parker “Save Your Do”

March 15, 2012

Nicole Ari Parker, one of our favorite BG actresses is now a budding entrepreneur. The former Soul Food star is on a quest to “save our ‘dos,” with the launch of her revolutionary “Save Your Do Gymwrap,” to help keep our hair sweat-free during workouts.

While I’ve never sacrificed exercising for the sake of my strands, I do know many women who do. We all know those who see the gym as instant “kryptonite” when it comes to maintaining their styles. For those lock-loving ladies, this souped up sweatband is an answer to their hair-preserving prayers.

Save Your Do GymWrap is available here starting at $24.95

I recently used the “SYDGW” during a strenuous workout in in Park Slope and was incredibly pleased with the results. It kept my hair dry by keeping moisture away from the skin while letting cool air in. Even though I have natural hair, I still have it blown out periodically and it kept my edges smooth and frizz-free.

Not only is this brilliantly-designed wrap good at protecting our ‘dos, but it also gives back to a great cause. 10% of proceeds will go toward the Sophie’s Voice Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 2008 by Parker and her husband, actor Boris Kodjoe, whose mission is to help individuals diagnosed with spina bifida.

Remember ladies, hair is hair; leading a healthy lifestyle is what’s really important. Also, if you’re wondering if Parker has given up her thespian roots, don’t worry; you can catch her this spring starring in the Broadway revival of “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

Have you ever halted your workout plans to preserve your ‘do? Would you wear the “Save Your Do Gymwrap?”

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Category: Beauty, Travel & Lifestyle | 3 Comments

Jumping for Jouer

March 13, 2012

During a recent reorganization of my beauty drawers, I was excited to discover a hot pink blush from Jouer Cosmetics. Not sure how I overlooked the lovely peony shade, but boy was I happy to have found it! The vibrant, electric hue provides the perfect pop of color that my cheeks have been craving.

The mineral-based powder blush blends easily onto my skin while complementing my melanin-rich complexion. Even though the color looks nearly neon in the packaging, after application it gives you just the punch of pink that will freshen up your beauty routine for spring.