Archives for February 2013

Fabulous Celebrity Twitpics of the Week!

With New York Fashion Week underway and the Grammys only days away, there’s no shortage of fabulous Twitter and Instagram pics from some of our favorite celebs!

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson

Angela Simmons

Angela Simmons

Nicole Murphy and Snoop Lion

Nicole Murphy and Snoop Lion

Tamia

Tamia

Chef Roble

Chef Roble

Estelle

Estelle

Jill Scott and Lianne La Havas

Jill Scott and Lianne La Havas

Photo Credits: Instagram

What’s your favorite photo from the bunch? 

Celebrate National Girl Scout Cookie Day!

In case you didn’t know, today (Feb. 8) is National Girl Scout Cookie Day!

Get ready to stock up on these classic treats in honor of the world’s largest girl-led business. Whether you crave Thin Mints, Trefoils, Peanut Butter Patties, Samoas (my personal favorite), or one of the other traditional flavors, you’ll be satisfying your sweet tooth while exercising girl power.

In fact, when you purchase a box of cookies from a Girl Scout, you are helping her gain life skills that can only be developed through personal interaction. It’s important for them to experience what it’s like to run their own cookie business through working directly with others.

GSCookies

Photo Courtesy: www.girlscouts.org

In today’s digital age, many people have lost the art of face-to-face exchanges and overall people skills that we don’t want to pass that on to our future generations. That’s why they don’t sell cookies online;  but that doesn’t mean that they haven’t made it easy to get your cookie fix.

Thanks to the newly revamped “Cookie Locater” app, customers can find cookies sales, nearby Girl Scout Cookie Professionals and other pertinent cookie-tracking information with a simple tap on your phone.

If you’re braving the imminent winter storm that’s headed toward New York City today, be sure to stop by one of these pop-up Sweetery truck locations to help a troop and indulge in a delicious snack:

  • The 1st stop – 8:30-10:30am – 42nd St & Madison Ave;
  • The 2nd stop – 11:30am-1:30pm – 57th St between 5th & 6th Ave;
  • The 3rd stop – 2:30-4:30pm – Park Ave between 52nd & 53rd St; and
  • The 4th stop – 5:30-7:30pm – Amsterdam Ave between 70th & 71st St.

You can follow the truck on twitter @GirlScouts and @SweeteryNYC.

It seems like yesterday when I was a little 8-year-old girl in my green and white uniform. Yep, like countless other women, I, too, was once a girl scout!  Oh the memories, and of course tasty cookies!

GIVEAWAY: What’s your favorite Girl Scout cookie? One lucky reader will win five boxes of your choice. For a chance to win, simply leave a comment below or tweet your answer to: @girlscouts with #onemorebox. 

Whitney Houston’s Madame Tussauds Wax Figures Unveiled

With the Grammys only a few days away, it seems only fitting that Madame Tussauds has chosen to celebrate Whitney Houston’s legacy.

Today, the late iconic singer’s likeness will be immortalized in wax with four amazingly striking figures. The unveiling will take place here in New York City and will become part of the permanent exhibits at each of the Madame Tussauds around the country.

Photo Courtesy: Madame Tussauds

Photo Courtesy: Madame Tussauds

The four figures showcase various highlights in her career including: her image from the hit song/video, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”, her famous rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” in 1991, her portrayal of Rachel Marron in “The Bodyguard,” and a portrait taken from her last studio album in 2009.

The incredibly detailed and time-consuming process took four months to complete by a team of specially trained artists and cost approximately $1.2 million for the four figures.

And unlike some recent projects with Houston being the subject, the family seems to be behind the project 100%.

Speaking on behalf of the family and The Whitney Houston Estate, Pat Houston said: “We were extremely honored when Madame Tussauds’ approached us about doing not one, but four figures of Whitney from different points in her 30-year career. This is something we are excited to do for the fans.”

If you can’t get enough of Houston’s music and career, be sure to tune in to Centric TV this weekend for a never-before seen documentary, Whitney Houston: Legend, which will feature interviews about the interviews about the legendary Whitney Houston in a never-before seen documentary, “Whitney Houston: Legend” (9pm EST).

Which wax figure is your favorite? What’s your favorite Whitney Houston song?

BEAUTY News: Sam Fine Launches Debut Makeup Collection with Fashion Fair

Beauty buffs have been anticipating the arrival of Sam Fine’s collaboration with Fashion Fair for a while, and now the wait is finally over!

The two beauty poewrhouses have joined forces to create a luxe line of cosmetics created with us BGs in mind. What could be better: a premier celebrity makeup artist partnering with the pioneer in makeup for women of color?  Well, last week I had the pleasure of attending a press event showcasing the Sam Fine for Fashion Fair collection and I’m telling you that it doesn’t get any better than this.

Recently appointed Fashion Fair’s Creative Director of Makeup, Fine brings his innovative, creative and contemporary flair to the historical brand.

Sam Fine "working his magic"on a model.

Sam Fine “working his magic”on a model.

Although this is Fine’s debut makeup line, his knowledge and years of experience working with cosmetics shows. Inspired by his international travels, the incredibly rich, pigmented collection is beyond striking. I was impressed, but not surprised by the quality of the products, which include: Eight Supreme Lip Color Shades ($22; 8 shades), Two Supreme Eye Color Quads ($38) and Supreme Shine Lip Gloss ($20; one shade). For over a decade, Fine has painted some of the most famous faces in entertainment, while Fashion Fair has mastered the cosmetics business for half a century—that’s bound to be a recipe for success!

The entire collection can be purchased here; $272

The entire collection can be purchased here; $272. Products are sold separately at Macy’s, Dillards and Lord & Taylor.

Although I experimented with various lipstick shades from the line, African Violet is my absolute favorite. The semi-matte deep plum/burgundy shade goes on effortlessly and feels weightless. It provides just a bit of shine to create a vampy look without looking greasy.

Me wearing African Violet lipstick.

Me wearing the ‘African Violet’ lip color.

From Top: Dynasty Red, Pink Parfait and Moroccan Spice

A few of my other faves (from top): Dynasty Red, Pink Parfait and Moroccan Spice

I haven’t tried the quad shadows yet, but the colors are just as vibrant as the lipsticks. If you’re on the hunt for a collection that complements women of color, these products are must-haves!

For Sam’s lip tips, check out the video below:

Are you excited about this collection? Are you a fan of Sam Fine’s work?

GIVEAWAY: Halle Berry’s ‘Closer’ & Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

It’s hard to believe that in just over a week, our Instagram and Facebook feeds will be filled with candy hearts, red roses and other lovey-dovey sentiments all in the name of Valentine’s Day.

Whether you’re single, married or somewhere in-between, the often referred to “Hallmark” holiday is the perfect excuse to treat yourself or receive a few goodies. From a fresh fragrance to decadent cupcakes, let my following wish list serve as a bit of Valentine’s Day gift-giving (and getting) inspiration!

Closer-Halle-Berry-35

Closer by Halle Berry available at drugstores nationwide; $35

Hanky-Panky-Long-Stem-Thong-Bouqet-Roses-130

Hanky Panky: Long Stem Lovin’ Original Thong Bouquet (Half-Dozen) available here; $130

Kissy-Face-Medium-Cosmetic-Bag-Felix-Rey-95

‘Kissy Face’ Cosmetic Bag by Felix Rey available here; $95

I-Love-Lavanila-Gift-Set-Vanilla-Grapefruit-49.50

I Love Lavanila Vanilla Grapefruit Gift Set available here; $49.50

Marc-By-Marc-Jacobs-Marci-Pave-Watch-275

Marc by Marc Jacobs Marci Pave Watch available here; $275

The-Me-And-You-Book

Perfect gift for couples!! “The You & Me Book: A Love Journal” by Rachel Kempster & Meg Leder available here; $11

Dozen-Roses-Classic-Collection-Crumbs

Crumbs Dozen Roses Classic Collection available here; $42

**Will you be celebrating Valentine’s Day this year? One lucky reader will win a bottle of Halle Berry’s Closer fragrance. Simply tell me how you plan to celebrate the holiday or your most memorable Valentine’s Day. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday!

7 Beyoncé Super Bowl-Inspired Leather & Lace Looks!

It’s safe to say that Beyoncé scored a major touchdown with her spectacular halftime Super Bowl performance on Sunday!

Not only was the superstar singer, 31, incredibly entertaining, but her Rubin Singer leather and lace ensemble was beyond eye-catching.  While I have no plans of rocking a leather bodysuit with a lace coverup anytime soon, her naughty yet nice getup did inspire me to possibly pair the two contrasting textures together.

Beyonce-Super-BowlPhoto: Instagram

Mixing a tough-girl fabric like leather with ultra-ladylike lace is a surefire way to create a sexy and sweet look for the stage and off. In fact, it can be a winning combo perfect for Valentine’s Day! Just be sure to keep it tasteful!

Check out these leather and lace pieces:

ASOS-Mini-Dress-With-Leather-Panels-104-ASOSASOS Mini Dress with Leather Panels available here; $104

Emporio-Armani-Top-248-YooxEmporio Armani Leather Top available here; $248

Beyond-Vintage-Fringe-Lace-Top-78-NM

 Beyond Vintage Fringe Lace Top available here; $78

Quotation-Sold-Design-Lab-Pants-Ponte-Faux-Leather-70

Quotation: Sold Lab Pants Ponte and Faux Leather available here; $70

Mason-Exclusive-Leather-Lace-Corset-Dress-229-intermix

Mason Exclusive Leather/Lace Corset Dress available here; $229

Faux-Leather-Top-80-Zappos

Faux Leather Top available here; $80

DVF-Elley-Leather-Trim-Shadow-Dot-Lace-Skirt-298-intermix

Diane von Furstenberg Exclusive Elley Leather Trim Shadow Dot Lace available here; $298

What did you think of Queen Bey’s performance? Would you wear leather and lace together?

Black History Month: Disney Junior to Air ‘We Are Doc McStuffins’

While I try to monitor the amount of television my toddler watches, there’s one show that always gets the green-light in our house—Disney Junior’sDoc McStuffins.”

This entertaining and educational cartoon debuted last March and features an adorable young African-American girl named “Doc,” who aspires to be a doctor like her mom. In the series, “Doc,” diagnoses and “finds cures” for her “ailing” toys.

The animated show helps to diminish toddlers’ fears associated with visiting doctors for routine check-ups, while teaching them the importance of being active and healthy. Plus, it promotes positive images for all children, especially those of color.

Disney Junior's "Doc McStuffins," airs weekdays  at 10:30 am and 4:30 pm.

Disney Junior’s “Doc McStuffins,” airs weekdays at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

In honor of Black History Month, Disney Junior is debuting “We Are Doc McStuffins” interstitials that will feature three real-life African-American physicians sharing what their jobs entail, and saluting their heroes. They will begin airing today on Disney Junior (10:25 am and 4:25 pm EST ) followed by a brand new Valentine’s Day episode of “Doc Mcstuffins.” The short segments will run through spring.

DR. ALETHA MAYBANK, QUEEN MAJESTY RUFFIN

Dr. Aletha Maybank, Queen Majesty Ruffin  Photo Courtesy: Disney Junior

The interstitials feature three of the founding members of the “We Are Doc McStuffins” movement – Dr. Myiesha Taylor, an emergency doctor based in Dallas; Dr. Aletha Maybank, a pediatrician in New York City; and Dr. Naeemah Ghafur, a family doctor in Los Angeles who provides specialized care for the underserved, including the elderly and patients with high-risk illnesses.

Ava with her favorite toy, "Doc McStuffins." She sleeps with her every night!

Ava with her favorite toy, “Doc McStuffins.” She sleeps with her every night!

Watch a sneak peek:

If you haven’t seen “Doc McStuffins,” definitely  check it out! I enjoy watching it with my daughter because it’s an awesome animated show that encourages children to aspire to greatness!