5 Things to Be Thankful for This Year

November 16, 2011

I can’t believe that Thanksgiving is next week! Where did the year go? While I’m truly thankful for the many blessings that I’ve received in addition to the most important (health, family, a job, and shelter) this year, I also thought of a light-hearted list of a few things that we BGs should also be thankful for in 2011.

Here’s the list in no particular order:

1. Beyonce showing the world that she’s pregnant on the MTV Awards. Thanks to the Queen Bee, we didn’t have to suffer through all of the endless speculation of “is she” or “isn’t she?” But, apparently a some people STILL couldn’t believe that the bootylicious star was bearing a child.

2. Reed Between the Lines airing on BET. We all have our favorite girlfriend back on the air! Plus, it’s a positive show that shows that we have successful careers, loving spouses and families just like everybody else.

3. Carol’s Daughter launch of Chocolat Smoothing System. When it comes to products for us curly, coily, kinky and even chemically-straightened hair, Carol’s Daughter reigns supreme. The new Chocolat system effortlessly tames frizzies for when we want to flaunt a sleek style.

4. Queen Latifah’s clothing launch. We all know that the actress/singer/rapper is the Queen of all trades, but we’re so happy that she’s adding fashion to her burgeoning repertoire. From a size 2 to a 24, Latifah’s line accommodates women of most sizes.

5. Oprah’s Lifeclass. I don’t know about you, but I was glued to the tube every night to learn a lesson from the former talk show host. Each of the shows were so enlightening and inspiring that I even watched most of them live (I hardly ever watch shows that aren’t DVR’d)! I am counting down the days for its return in the spring.

What in pop culture, beauty or fashion are you thankful for this year? 

Category: Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Get Glowing Skin with a Neutrogena Microdermabrasion System Giveaway

November 14, 2011

If you’re looking for a microdermabrasion system that will leave your skin smooth and radiant without breaking the bank, Neutrogena has the product for you. Their microbrasion system is comparable to the pricier ones by Clarisonic and Olay, but is considerably more affordable.

I know you’re thinking, but does it work as well as some of the others on the market? Yes, the kit comes with a one-month supply of easy-to-apply cleansing puffs that sloughs away, dead skin cells leaving behind a rejuvenated surface. After using it for a week, I saw immediate results.

Since I’m a huge fan of the Clarisonic brand too, the only downside of the Neutrogena one is that it’s battery-operated unlike the Clarisonic that comes with a charger. Other than that, I find it to be a great buy especially for the price!

Available at www.drugstore.com for $19.99

Have you tried the Neutrogena Microbrasion System? If not, you can win one simply by leaving a comment. A winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week. 


What’s your fall skincare regimen?

Category: Beauty | 16 Comments

Fabulous Photo

November 11, 2011
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Hot Hosiery for Fall

November 9, 2011

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had an adoration for tights. See, how I’m so excited in the picture below? It’s all due to the fire-engine red leg-wear I’m rocking.

Me with my big sister, Tia, circa 1983.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve anxiously anticipated cool weather so that I could slip my gams into my favorite form of hosiery. From patterns to bold prints, it’s no secret that tights can instantly add oomph and personality to any leg-baring ensemble. Plus, they’ll keep you warm while making you appear polished and pulled-together.

I haven’t met a pair of tights that I didn’t like. On second thought, I have, but those are few and far between!

Check out these stylish offerings:

Agree to Filagree Tights available at www.modcloth.com for $27.99

Anthropologie Fishbone Tights available at www.anthropologie.com for $38

Cole Haan Argyle Tights available at www.zappos.com for $25

Free People Pin Stripe Tights available at www.freepeople.com for $28

Oroblu Col Monika Tights available at www.nordstrom.com for $31

Pretty Polly ‘Sparkly’ Tights available at www.nordstrom.com for $25

Tsumori Chisato Stripe Tights available at www.forwardforward.com for $149 (yes, that’s really $150!! I’d never pay that much for tights, but they are nice to look at from afar!)

Are you a fan of patterned tights?

Category: Fashion | 7 Comments

BGG Chats with Kimora Lee Simmons

November 4, 2011

Ever since she hopped on the seen as Mrs. Russell Simmons back in the late 1990s, Kimora Lee has become a mainstay in urban pop culture. From turning the fashion brand, Baby Phat, into an empire to her outrageous antics on her reality show, Life in the Fab Lane, Ms. Fabulosity has no plans of slowing down.

I recently spoke with the fashion mogul about life after Baby Phat, being a mom of three, and more. Check out the interview here.

Are you a “Fabulosity” fan? 
Category: Interviews | 8 Comments

Coming to a TV Near You

November 3, 2011

Have you heard about the latest TV ventures from uber-comedy producer Keenan Ivory Wayans and mega star Queen Latifah?

Well, get ready to set your DVR’s as the hit 90’s sketch comedy In Living Color will be making a comeback to FOX. Revamped with a brand new cast and new musical talent, FOX is hoping to revive its original hit series with two 30 minute specials to see if viewers will respond favorably. With edgy segments such as the hilarious “Men on Film” with David Alan Grier and Damon Wayans, In Living Color may very well fill the void where Mad TV ended.

Also, former talk show host Queen Latifah is returning back to daytime TV a new talk show slated for the Fall 2013 season. Latifah will be teaming up with Will and Jada, who will serve as executive producers. While the Queen appeared on her eponymous talk show that lasted two seasons, perhaps creating a dream team with the Smiths will give her the boost she needs to compete with the current talk-show divas.

Do you think either of these shows will survive today’s fickle TV market?

posted by: Khadijah C.

Category: TV | 3 Comments

Beauty Bits

October 25, 2011

I know Sephora makes many of us BGs feel like a kid in a candy store, that’s why you can’t miss out on their Friends & Family online discount that ends on November, 2nd. Happy Shopping!

In other beauty news, Nicki Minaj, with her colorful getups and outrageous costumes is taking her penchant for eye-catching flair to nail polishes. The avant-garde rapper, who also happens to be the most sought-after Halloween costume this year, is teaming up with the super nail polish giant OPI for a limited edition 6 polish shade line launching at the top of the new year.

The names of her exclusive polishes are named after her hit songs, “Super Bass,” “4 Life,” “Did It on ‘Em,” “Fly,” and “Save Me.”

Since Nicki Minaj is fearless when it comes to both fashion and beauty, I’m sure it won’t be long before she launches her own line of beauty products. Will you be buying?


submitted by: Khadijah C.

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | 1 Comment

Ross’ Return to TV

October 24, 2011

Now that our favorite “girlfriend,” Tracee Ellis Ross, is back on the air, we can continue to admire her coveted curly locks on BET’s new show, Reed Between the Lines. While I haven’t actually seen an episode of the show just yet (blame Oprah, because the hour that I spend on TV this season has been devoted to her Life Class), I do plan on catching up on past ones via DVR soon.

I’m just excited that the executives at BET are finally broadening their horizons and abandoning all of those mindless video shows for original programming that feature fictional professional BGs and guys who reflect a positive image of us. While the premise seems strikingly similar to The Cosby Show, it will be refreshing to have the option of tuning into to a show that doesn’t depict us in a demeaning light. Seriously, how long can we keep watching reality shows filled with us BGs at each other’s throats?

So my question is, have you guys tuned in to Reed Between the Lines? If so, what are your thoughts?

Category: TV | 3 Comments

Carol’s Daughter Launches New Smoothing Collection

October 20, 2011

Just when you thought Carol’s Daughter couldn’t possibly get any better, founder Lisa Price, proves that there’s no plateauing in sight. Her latest concoction, Chocolat Smoothing Collection, claims to keep strands soft and smooth without altering one’s natural curl pattern.

For example, since I have non-chemically treated hair, but use a flat iron to periodically straighten, this product would be ideal. It’s supposed to keep the dreaded “poof” and frizzies at bay even in high humidity.

Since I just received the samples at the launch last night, I have yet to try the 3-step system (shampoo, blow dry cream, and conditioner), I plan to try it soon so please stay tuned for my review.

Oh, in case you’re wondering if the products smell like chocolate, they don’t – thank goodness. The name actually comes from a blend of cacao extracts.

Available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $54 (a $60 value)

Would you try this new smoothing system? What products do you use to keep your hair frizz-free?

Category: Beauty, Hair | 2 Comments

Beauty News: Paula Patton Joins Covergirl

October 19, 2011

Actress Paula Patton is the newest BG to team up with Covergirl. The new mom, and wife of blue-eyed crooner, Robin Thicke, is set to be the new Celebrity Brand Ambassador of a couple of cool new products under the Queen Collection.

In celebration of the new partnership, the brown-skinned beauty will be on-hand to chat live on Facebook this Saturday, October 22nd. You guys will be able to talk with her about her beauty and skincare regime. Plus, you’ll hear about a contest that’s launching on Halloween where you can win a chance to meet her and one of her favorite makeup artists for a Queen Collection Makeover.

Click here for details.

The new Queen Collection will include, Vivid Impact Eyeliner, Natural Hue Matte Pressed Powder and LashFanatic Mascara and will be available in stores January 2012.

Here’s a sneak peek:

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