Archives for April 2012

Get Jill Scott’s Curls with Ouidad

April 30, 2012

Jill Scott is back and feeling blissful with her brand new single, “Blessed.” Not only is Jilly from Philly seemingly full of gratitude, but the Grammy-winning singer looks downright gorgeous in her video for the aforementioned feel-good song.

If you’re wondering how she got those soft, bouncy curls, Scott’s hairstylist used Ouidad products including: Botanical Boost Deep Treatment, Double Detangler, and Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner to create the easy, breezy curly look.

Ouidad products are available at Ouidad.com

I have yet to try the products, but I’ve heard amazing things about the curl-catering brand. Stay tuned for my full review in a few weeks. I did try the Double-Detangler comb and it’s a curly-haired girl’s dream!

Check out Jill Scott’s “Blessed” video below:

Have you ever used Ouidad products? Do you like Jill Scott’s new song? 

Category: Beauty | 2 Comments

Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon Celebrate 4th Wedding Anniversary

April 30, 2012

With so many Hollywood couples splitting in the news, it’s refreshing when we hear of those staying together and making it work. Superstar singer Mariah Carey and entertainer Nick Cannon are proving that celebrity marriages can last longer than 72 days (er, Kim Kardashian) by celebrating their 4th wedding anniversary today.

Through sickness and health, the proud parents of twins Moroccan and Monroe renewed their vows and celebrated their union in Paris this weekend.

In an interview, Cannon shared his thoughts on love, “dembabies,” and being the inspiration behind Carey’s fragrance, Forever.

This photo was taken on Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon’s honeymoon in 2008. 

Check it out below:

Nick on how he felt the first time he met Mariah… 
“I presented her with an award at the Kid’s Choice Awards. I was so nervous but decided to take my chances and give her a kiss on the cheek! I had to have that kiss.”

How Nick knew Mariah would be his forever love… 
“Mariah is a beautiful and talented person, and I’ve had a crush on her for as long as I can remember. Every day, my respect for Mariah continues to grow higher. She’s a caring, warm and funny person. People have no idea how funny she is! I feel like I’ve always known she was my forever love.”

Nick on what it takes to be forever… 
“Nobody can predict the future. You just have to give your all to the relationship you’re in and do your best to take care of your partner, communicate and give them every last drop of love you have. I think one of the most important things in a relationship is caring for your significant other through good times and bad. To celebrate our lasting love, Mariah and I get married each year on our anniversary.”

Nick on forever love… 
“To me a forever love is a bond that can’t be broken. It’s like my love for “dembabies” and Mariah. You go through difficult times, but as long as you hang on to the beautiful things, it’s great – even when it’s rough, it’s real.”

Nick on being the inspiration behind Mariah’s fragrance, Forever… 
“It’s incredible. Who could really imagine somebody dedicating a fragrance for your love? I was pretty much in awe. I’ve learned a lot watching Mariah create such successful fragrances. Every time Mariah wears “Forever”, it takes me back to the passion and excitement of when we first fell in love.”

Who’s your favorite celebrity couple? 

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 2 Comments

Sponsored – Aveeno’s Beautiful Change Challenge Part 6

April 30, 2012

Giving back is the real key to living a beautiful, fulfilling life. That’s why for this final installment of Aveeno’s Beautiful Change Challenge, I encourage each of you to spend some time in your communities volunteering, mentoring, or simply cleaning up your neighborhood. No act is too big or too small.

Whether you spend an hour in the evenings tutoring students at your local public library, serving food at a battered women’s shelter on the weekends, or picking up litter alongside your city’s shoreline on Saturdays, helping others and/or contributing to the betterment of our environment exemplifies true beauty.

Picking up litter is a great way to help give back to the environment. Although not shown in this photo, I highly recommend using gloves while cleaning up public areas.

To  celebrate those making a difference, Aveeno is awarding eight grants in the amount of $10,000 to continue their efforts. You can apply to Be An Active Natural on Aveeno’s Facebook page.

New AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL™ lets you renew your hair to its naturally balanced state daily. Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy, most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair. Learn more here: http://bit.ly/A1cjWg 
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by AVEENO® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AVEENO®” 

How do you give back to your community?

Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

7 Timeless Accessories

April 26, 2012

Trendy fashion accessories are a fun way to spruce up your wardrobe, but investing in a couple of classic ones can save money and keep you stylish for years to come.

From timeless wrist watches to dazzling diamond studs, every BG needs a few perennial pieces that will be forever chic and withstand the changing seasons.

Check out a few of my favorites:

14K White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings 1/2 c.t. available at Macys for $200
Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Leopard Scarf available at Kirnazabete for $295
Michael Kors Gold Hinged Buckle Bangle available at Nordstrom for $95
Kate Spade New York “Cooper” Leather Strap Watch available at Nordstrom for $195

Cole Haan Victoria Leather Tote available at Cole Haan for $278

Diane Von Furstenberg Cognac Crocodile Embossed Belt available at StyleBop for $126

Vera Wang Python-Print Leather Ballet Flats available at Saks for $175

Do you tend to purchase classic accessories or do you enjoy more trendy items?
Category: Fashion | 3 Comments

PEOPLE Names Beyoncé the Most Beautiful Woman in the World

April 25, 2012

It’s no surprise that PEOPLE magazine has named Beyoncé the most beautiful woman in the world. The new mom, 30, seems to beam with beauty ever since giving birth to her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter earlier this year.

On the coveted annual special double-issue cover she looks stunning while wearing eye-catching turquoise jewelry. This marks the ninth time that the superstar has made the popular list.

Inside the issue,  the “Love On Top,” singer dishes about motherhood and shares several beauty secrets and tips.

Courtesy of PEOPLE

“I feel more beautiful than I’ve ever felt because I’ve given birth,” she tells PEOPLE in the exclusive interview. “I have never felt so connected, never felt like I had such a purpose on this earth.”

“She’s just the cutest thing,” Beyoncé says her daughter. When asked who does the baby most resembles, the singer gushes, “She looks like Blue.”

“The best thing about having a daughter is having a true legacy,” she tells the magazine. “The word ‘love’ means something completely different now.”

For more of Beyoncé’s exclusive interview, be sure to pick up the special issue when it hit newsstands on Friday, April 27.

Do you agree with PEOPLE’s choice? Who do you think is the most beautiful celebrity? 

Category: Beauty | 2 Comments

Event Recap: “Brunch with Eden”

April 24, 2012

What can turn a soggy Sunday in New York City into a fun, Bellini-flowing soiree celebrating our beauty as black women? Well, this past weekend, “Brunch with EDEN,” hosted by EDEN BodyWorks did just that.

Held at the trendy and incredibly eclectic brunch hotspot Beauty & Essex, beauty and style bloggers/writers gathered to celebrate the launch of EDEN BodyWorks’ new JojOba collection, nibble on delectable bites, and partake in an interactive panel discussion about the always-interesting hot topic -– our hair.

Moderated by T. Bernie, founder of COCOACHiC, panelists Geneva S. Thomas, Style Editor for Ebony.com and trichologist Dr. Kari Williams lead the conversation about whether there’s a real division between naturalistas and women who chemically straighten their strands and the immense impact certain hairstyles have on our careers, love lives, and everything in between. It was an awesome way to spend an otherwise wet afternoon.

Stay tuned for a review of the natural-based product line, which was founded by entrepreneur Jasmine Lawrence at the age of 13 several years ago.

 I can’t wait to test them on my tresses!

From L to R:  Geneva S. Thomas (panelist), T. Bernie (moderator), and Dr. Kari Williams (panelist)

Attendees (From L to R): Michi Chassagne, Ashaka Givens, Ashaki Ward, with PR maven and  In Her Shoes Blog  founder, Renae Bluitt

Ladies who brunch.

Have you ever tried Eden BodyWorks? What are some of your favorite natural haircare products?

Category: Beauty | 2 Comments

Sponsored – Aveeno’s Beautiful Change Challenge: Part 5

April 23, 2012

Working out isn’t something that comes naturally for me. While some people get an adrenaline rush and enjoying sweating it out, I don’t. It takes a lot of coaxing from my husband to get me off the couch and actually get active.

But once I do get moving, I find that my go-to exercise usually involves working out my legs. I don’t have excessively flabby thighs or calves, but in the spring and summer months toning is a must in order for me to confidently sport shorts, skirts, and flirty dresses.

Despite not being a die-hard work-out kind of person, the stationary bike is typically my exercise machine of choice. But, in and effort to switch things up for the Aveeno Beautiful Change Challenge, I’ve recently been running up several flights of stairs in my apartment to get killer gams.

So far, I’ve noticed that my legs look a little more muscular and I tend to have more stamina since I started using the stairwell. Also, after my workouts I make sure to let my body cool down before taking a lukewarm shower to maintain healthy hair and skin. We all know that showering too soon in excessively cold water can be a shock to the system.

New AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL™ lets you renew your hair to its naturally balanced state daily. Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy, most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair. Learn more here http://bit.ly/A1cjWg

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by AVEENO® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AVEENO®”

 How do you switch up your workout routines?

Category: Beauty, Travel & Lifestyle | 5 Comments