Archives for June 2015

Wedding Season: Say ‘I Do’… to Tech

June 30, 2015

It’s official, wedding season is in full swing!

If you or someone you know is planning a wedding, chances are you’re going to do it in style—tech style that is. Sure, beautiful gowns, lovely venues and mouth-watering menus top many brides’ check-lists, but now technological components are also becoming major factors when it comes to planning the perfect wedding celebration.

 

From photo booths to selfie sticks, today’s nuptials are becoming an even more fun, interactive affair. With social media having such a huge impact on so many of our daily lives, it’s only fitting that this cultural phenomenon would also be apart of our wedding ceremonies. Plus, incorporating tech gadgets and encouraging guests to share photos, etc, provides the bride and groom with memorable shots that a traditional photographer might miss. And, of course creating a custom hashtag is a must to group all of your silly and swoon-worthy shots!

My only gripe with the tech trend is that I wish some of these cool innovations and social media existed back when I tied the knot a decade ago! Perhaps, one day time travel will turn that dream into a reality! LOL

In the meantime, check out a couple of gadgets from AT&T that will help you pull off the perfect high-tech wedding day:

 

selfie-stick-att

iStabilizer Monopod Selfie Stick available here, $35

zte-projector

ZTE Spro 2 Smart Projector available here, $399

Have you attended a high-tech wedding this year? What are you thoughts on selfie sticks at weddings?

Category: Gumbo Mix | Leave a Comment

Get the Look: Brandy’s Hair at the 2015 BET Awards

June 29, 2015

Last night’s BET’s Awards was one to remember. From the Bad Boy to the Janet Jackson dance tribute, the night was filled with moving speeches and memorable performances.

But, being the hair and beauty buff that I am, I couldn’t help but notice Brandy’s gorgeous blow-out! Since joining the cast of “The Game,” it seems like the former teen pop star/actress has been more daring with her hairstyles. Perhaps her character, Chardonnay, has inspired her to step outside the box and rock looks beyond the braids that she made famous in the ’90s.

Hair stylist Tymothe Wallace for Motions Hair Care created her eye-catching ‘do. Inspired by Barbie, Wallace put a natural spin on the typically long and straight look. “Brandy is an icon—she can do no wrong! Tonight she wanted to look like Barbie in her metallic party dress so we went for the natural version,” he said. Plus, Wallace gave it an ultra-modern edge so it didn’t look too retro.

I’m a huge fan of celebrities and fashionistas wearing natural and textured hairstyles on the red carpet. Just a few years ago (in the era of relaxers) this would not have been as acceptable or deemed as beautiful as it is today. Kudos to Brandy for embracing this statement-making style!

brandy-betPhoto via Brandy’s Instagram

To get her lovely look, check out the following steps:

How to:

Prep hair with Motions Natural Textures Pre-Wash Detangling Butter to tame hair and reduce breakage. Next, wash hair with Motions Natural Textures Moisturizing Cleanser and Smoothing Conditioner to add moisture and improve manageability. Lock in moisture with Motions Active Moisture Leave-In Detangler to enhance natural texture. Finish with Motions Light Hold Working Spritz for hold and Motions Indulgent Oil Spray for shine

Products Used:

*Motions Natural Textures Pre-Wash Detangling Butter

*Motions Natural Textures Moisturizing Cleanser

*Motions Natural Textures Smoothing Conditioner

*Motions Active Moisture Leave-in Detangler

*Motions Light Hold Working Spritz

*Motions Indulgent Oil Spray

Did you like Brandy’s hair? Whose style did you like the most last night? 

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty, Fashion, Hair | 1 Comment

SPONSORED: BGG Goes to Blogging While Brown On Behalf of AT&T’s ‘Inspired Mobility’ Campaign

June 25, 2015

Last weekend I was honored to have been selected to attend the 8th Annual Blogging While Brown conference in Austin, TX on behalf of AT&T.

I served as a blogger correspondent to help spread the word about their Inspired Mobility campaign—a conversation about how people are using Internet and mobile technology to enhance their inspirational experience. Since I use mobile technology on a daily basis to complement my faith and beliefs, being a part of this initiative was a no-brainer. Many people are now using their phones to stay connected to their spirituality whether that’s through apps, streaming, podcasts or other mobile platforms. In fact, in a recent survey sponsored by AT&T, 4-in-10 (41%) respondents said they use a mobile phone, tablet or laptop to connect to faith-based organizations or inspiration sites.

BGG-BWB

Prior to my trip I was giddy with excitement. I’d never visited Austin so being able to experience a new city is always exciting. Plus, I enjoyed last year’s conference—being around fellow bloggers who look like me is always inspiring. And, not to mention the lineup of speakers was outstanding. However,  all of my anticipation and happiness was completely sucked out of me after learning about the hate-induced church massacre that occurred in Charleston, SC only hours before my departure from NYC. Due to the unfortunate and sensitive circumstances, out of respect for the families and everyone affected by the tragedy—AT&T decided to forgo their big announcement during the opening remarks. Instead, Laura Hernandez, AT&T’s Multi-Cultural Executive Director gave attendees an overview of the campaign and key messages.

Despite the initial somber undertone of the event, the mood slightly shifted and we attendees were eager to get the scoop on how to improve our blogs, etc. Throughout the morning and early afternoon I sat in on sessions about finding your niche and podcasting. The highlight of the day was of course AT&T’s Q&A with Grammy award-winning gospel rapper, Lecrae. Conducted by iChurch Method founder, Jason Caston, the candid conversation was funny, inspiring and relatable. Right before the Q&A started, we were asked to take a moment of silence for the Charleston church massacre. I thought taking that time to honor them was respectful and very appropriate. Once the Q&A was underway, Lecrae spoke about how he uses the Internet and mobile technology to stay connected to his family while touring. “My family is my priority,” he said. “So, staying in touch with them via mobile technology while on the road is important,” he said.

On Day 2, the conference was packed with back-to-back sessions. The day kicked off with the keynote, the super hilarious and wildly successful husband/wife duo—Lamar and Ronnie Tyler of the popular website, Black and Married with Kids. They gave incredibly valuable info on how they turned their blog into a million dollar business. Oftentimes, individuals who reach their level of financial success rarely share how they got there in detail and with actual figures! Their informative and high-energy session set the tone for the rest of the day. Next up, I sat in on Chip Dizard’s vlogging session. Since I’ve been dragging my feet on video blogging, this session was one that I looked forward to attending. It definitely lived up to my expectations because he gave us a comprehensive overview of how with a few simple steps we can take our typical blog into the vlogosphere!

BGG-BWB-2Clockwise from top left: Me and a few of the other AT&T bloggers with Lecrae, Lecrae and Jason Caston, L. Michelle Smith, AT&T’s Diversity & Communications Director; Blogger of the Year winners, Lamar & Ronnie Tyler (Black and Married with Kids) with L. Michelle Smith.

The 2-day conference ended on a high note with the 10th Annual Weblog Awards. Recipients of the esteemed honor included: Black and Married with Kids (who won the Blogger of the Year Award), Black Girls Who Blog and a host of other noteworthy blogs. We networked, ate and danced the night away—fun times indeed.

Oh, and during the downtime in between sessions, I was able to get out and explore the city. Austin is lovely and the people were friendly. Although they’re known for their barbecue, I didn’t have any. But, I did enjoy a couple of fish tacos!

Overall, it was a weekend to remember. It’s always a pleasure to partner with brands and campaigns that encourage growth and innovation. They’re certainly at the forefront of bridging the gap between faith and mobile technology.

*I received travel and hotel accommodations, as well as entry into the conference on behalf of AT&T. All opinions expressed here are my own.  

 

What’s your favorite app for inspirational quotes or spiritual teachings?

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Pass It On: Disney TV Group Launches ‘Summer of Creativity’ Initiative to Inspire Youths to Make a Difference

June 25, 2015

If you have a young child at home like I do, surely Disney Junior, Disney XD and the Disney channel dominate your TVs and tablets.

For the past couple of weeks, in between Disney programming, you’ll catch a commercial that’s all about encouraging kids to unleash their creativity while helping others. Disney ABC Television Group’s new “Summer of Creativity” initiative will award Youth Service America grants to kids hoping to make a difference in their community and the world through service.

YSA-Grant

Through the initiative, the network will show programming and public service announcements highlighting how creativity can help young people inspire a better tomorrow.

If you know a child between the ages of 5 and 18 who are impacting their communities by making them greener, safer, healthier, cleaner or fairer—please let them know about these grants! Winners will receive $500 to help further their positive efforts. The deadline is August 10th.

Check out the PSA here:

Do you know someone who can benefit from this grant? Do you volunteer in your community?

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Product Review: Proactiv Really Works to Fight Pimples!

June 23, 2015

There might only be one week left in June, but there’s still time to acknowledge Acne Awareness Month.

Since having my son nearly 2 years ago, I’ve suffered from a mild form of the common skin problem. When I first noticed cyst-like bumps forming around my nose, chin and forehead, I figured that it was just hormonal. I knew that my body was changing, but I didn’t anticipate the unsightly pimples to persist as long as they did.  As soon as one would go away, another was waiting in the wings to replace it!

In the beginning, I avoided using any salicylic or benzoyl peroxide topical treatments because I was breastfeeding and didn’t want to harm my baby for the sake of vanity. But, after that was no longer a factor, I opted for all of the over-the-counter creams, gels and pastes I could get my hands on. After many trials and error, Proactiv quickly became my go-to product for tackling my new, uninvited friends.  I don’t know why I hadn’t tried it sooner because the popular brand is practically synonymous with fighting acne. The benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid-based formula works wonders. For nearly a month, I’ve used a variety of products including: Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, Pore Targeting Treatment, Complexion Hydrator and Emergency Blemish Relief.

ProactivProactiv products available here, (prices vary)

Initially, I noticed a bit of excessive drying after using the Pore Targeting Treatment twice a day. After eliminating an application, the system worked brilliantly. The emergency zit cream is the best. It stops pimple in their tracks if applied at the onset of forming. In fact, I keep it in my purse just in case I need to zap a few zits. It dries clear so there’s no need to only use it at bedtime.

If you’re like me and WELL beyond your teen years and find yourself suffering from acne, give Proactiv a try. I know the cheesy infomercials can be a turnoff, but the stuff really works—at least for me! I’m hoping that eventually my body goes back to normal and I won’t need to use it anymore, but until then it will continue to be a mainstay in my medicine cabinet.

Have you ever suffered from adult acne? If so, what have you used to treat it?

Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

Event Recap: Disney Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ Advance Screening

June 16, 2015

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend an advance screening of Disney Pixar’s new animated movie, “Inside Out.”

Hosted by The MOMS, the viewing was held at the Dolby Screening Room located in midtown. Yep, I braved the subway all the way from Brooklyn with two small kids to see the movie. Usually, that wouldn’t be such a big deal, but the fact that one is still in a stroller and it was nearly 90 degrees makes it a feat in my book! Luckily, my little one slept during the entire 35-minute ride into the city. However, that meant that he was wide-awake once we got to the theater.

ava-inside-outAva and her brother (not pictured) were excited for their surprise trip to the movies!

Up and ready for the movie, the three of us settled into the last row and waited for it to start. Since I’d seen a few commercials for the film, I was eager to finally see it on the big screen. The movie tells a clever story of a young girl who is uprooted from her hometown to a new city as she grapples with the various emotions (joy, fear, anger, sadness and disgust) that relocating entails. Her emotions, as well as her parents’ are illustrated with fun-loving characters voiced by popular actors Amy Poehler (Joy), Mindy Kaeling (Disgust) and Bill Hader (Fear). In fact, Hader was on hand at the screening to the delight of the children in attendance. The movie was chock full of funny one-liners and witty remarks. As I expected, it was an outstanding movie that both parents and kids will enjoy.

inside-outDisney Pixar’s “Inside Out” hits theaters nationwide on Friday, June 19th. 

Oh, and despite my daughter needing FOUR bathroom breaks and my son having two meltdowns, it was a great way to spend a Friday afternoon!

Check out the trailer below:

What’s your favorite Disney movie?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Health, Travel & Lifestyle | Leave a Comment

BGG is Going to Blogging While Brown!

June 15, 2015

Last year, on the behalf of AT&T, I had the honor and privilege to attend the Blogging While Brown conference here in New York City. To my surprise (and delight!), they’re inviting me back again this year—but this time it’s taking place in Austin, Texas!

During the 2-day (June 19th & 20th) conference, I’ll be serving as a brand correspondent for their “Inspired Mobility” campaign. Launched at last year’s BWB, the initiative is a national conversation about how we use mobile and Internet technology to enhance our faith experience. From the increase in social media-savvy places of worship to inspirational apps, the way we tap into our spirituality is literally at our fingertips. AT&T has been at the forefront of this cultural shift and will continue to lead the way for people to celebrate and complement their faith in easy, shareable ways.

Screen Shot 2015-06-14 at 12.11.08 PM

For the Uplift. Mobilize. Inspire session, Jason Caston—The iChurch Method founder will conduct a live Q&A with Grammy-award winning gospel artist Lecrae. In addition to bringing you guys and my social media followers into the “Inspired Mobility” conversation, I’ll also be sharing tips from the various panels and sessions I attend throughout the conference.

I had a blast last year so I’m looking forward to learning and mingling with like-minded bloggers. Oh, and since I’ve never visited Austin, I’m hoping I can see a as much of the city as I can while I’m there. Hopefully, you guys will join me! Be sure to follow me on Twitter and Instagram: @BrownGirlGumbo

Me and Jacque Reid at the Blogging While Brown conference last year in New York City.

Me and Jacque Reid at the Blogging While Brown conference last year in New York City.

How do you extend your spirituality through technology?

Category: Gumbo Mix | 3 Comments