This year I have so much to be thankful for. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have loyal BGG readers, friends and family who love me unconditionally and most of all – the brand new life that’s growing inside of me. Although I won’t have the pleasure of spending this Thanksgiving in Chicago with my loved ones (outside of my hubby), I’m certainly in no position to complain. 🙂

What are you thankful for this year? Please share! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! 🙂

In theaters nationwide today.

After a failed attempt to see the much-hyped and buzzed-about movie, Precious: Based on the Novel ‘PUSH’ by Sapphire, last week, I was finally able to get my hands on tickets for the film on Wednesday. Not often do you see a movie that lives up to all of its critical acclaim, but thankfully Precious does. Based on the 1996 Sapphire novel entitled, “PUSH,” Precious is a tale of a physically and sexually abused, illiterate overweight teenage mother named Precious, played by the charismatic Gabourey Sidibe who is subjected to more torture and condemnation than one could ever imagine.

Mo’Nique steps outside of her usual comedic character to bring to life Precious’s monster of a mother who spews so much hate and wickedness that she is often hard to watch. Supporting cast members include Paula Patton who shows Precious hope and the importance of education. While songbird Mariah Carey leaves behind her powerful voice to portray a surprisingly believable dowdy social worker. The story of Precious is an intense, gritty, no-holds barred tale of a strong young girl who manages to survive despite unfathomable hardships.

If you haven’t seen it already, I highly recommend it! For those of you who have seen and/or read the book, what are your thoughts? I’d love to hear from people who have read the book and watched the movie to see how the feature film stacks up to the written word. Please share!

I’ve always been a huge fan of the written word, so personalized stationery is one of my favorite things. Composing a hand-written note to someone is one of the simplest, yet most charming things you can do. In this age of constant electronic bombardment via instant messaging, emailing and texting, the act of actually writing seems to becoming a lost art form.

Every year I stock up on my stationery and always have a hard time choosing what to get!

P.S A great place to find monogrammed stationery for less is Marshalls!

Are you a fan of personalized stationery? Check out some of these!


Pink Pansies & Stripes Notecards available at www.papyrus.com for $102.80 (for 50)

Folded Notes & Envelopes available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $37 (for 25)

Personalized Damask Printed Cards available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $40 (for 24)

Striped Notes available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $55 (for 25)

Dabney Lee Stationery Personalized Notes available at www.saks.com for $60 (for 100)

Thank You Card Assortment available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $48 (for 8)

I’m having Blogger issues when it comes to uploading photos. Therefore, I won’t be able to upload photos today, but I am working on resolving this issue.

In the meantime, I’d love to hear your opinions on whether or not you’d like to read about fellow BGs who are intelligent, creative, fashion/beauty savvy, giving back to their communities, etc.? I’d like to create an ongoing column/post that will highlight readers who exemplify these characteristics and would like to be featured on Brown Girl Gumbo.

Please let me know your thoughts! Have a great weekend. 🙂

Dear BGG Readers,

I’m going to take a few days off because I’m going to Chicago, my hometown, for several days. I haven’t been home since I’ve been pregnant. Anyway, I’ll be back next week! Enjoy the rest of your week and have a wonderful weekend. 🙂

Btw, the winner of the Vaseline Sheer Infusion is CeCeSoChic. Congratulations! Please email me your mailing address.

Gabrielle Union and Jill Marie Jones at the premiere of “Good Hair” in L.A.

Ashanti and Tyrese at an event in NYC.

Cedric The Entertainer at an event in L.A.

Regina Hall with Jamie Foxx at an event in L.A.

Eve and Common at an event in NYC.

Nia Long at a NY screening of “Good Hair.”

Anthony Mackie at an event in NYC.

Malaak Compton-Rock with husband Chris Rock at the premiere of “Good Hair” in L.A.

Sanaa Lathan at an event in L.A.

Terrance J with Valeisha Butterfield at the Dr. Miracle’s/WEEN screening of “Good Hair” in NYC.

What’s your favorite shot of the week?

Although pink is a pretty and playful color, during the month of October, it helps bring awareness to an ugly disease – breast cancer. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I will showcase different products throughout the month whose proceeds go toward helping find a cure for this disease that has affected so many families, including my own.

Diptyque Pink Roses Candle available at www.beautyhabit.com for $68. Proceeds from the sale of the limited-edition Pink Roses Candle will aid The Pink Agenda’s mission to raise money and heighten awareness of Breast Cancer among young professionals, hoping to cultivate the next generation of philanthropists.

Have you ever bought products that help raise money for breast cancer research? Have you been personally affected by this disease?