Product Review: Evenflo’s Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump

It’s hard to believe that my little bundle of joy is already over a month old!

While these past few weeks have been nothing short of amazing, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that in the very beginning breastfeeding made them challenging too. Luckily, I had support and a good pump.

EvenFlo’s new Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump was a godsend during those sleepless nights when I contemplated giving up breastfeeding all together. The ease of being able to express milk pain-free allowed me to bottle-feed my son when I couldn’t do it directly. The compact and virtually quiet design made pumping a breeze when it was just too painful (due to improper latches) to nurse him or to simply freeze and stockpile.

Unlike some other brands (I’ve used a couple others with my firstborn), this pump is more affordable and just as effective. With several levels of speed and suction, you can pump effectively depending on the desired setting. And, it’s also one of the few pumps that has closed system, which keeps it sanitary and prevents bacteria from creeping into milk. Plus, it comes with three flange sizes for a more customized and comfortable fit.

Now that I’ve finally mastered nursing my newborn, I don’t use the pump as much as I did during the first days. That said, I do use it occasionally while nursing since it can be used as a single pump. But, I’ll definitely use it a lot more once I go back to work full-time. Again, its compact size makes it easy for toting and traveling.

If you or someone you know is expecting and looking for a quality breast pump that won’t break the bank, this is an excellent choice!

Evenflo-Breast-PumpEvenflo Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump available here, $99

If you’re a mom, did breastfeeding come easily for you or did you have a difficult time?

6 Cute Moto Jackets Perfect for Fall

Fall, my favorite season, is finally upon us (although not officially) and I couldn’t be happier!

That means it’s time to break out our cute jackets and brave the cool air in style. While I’m usually a leather blazer kind of girl, this season I’m excited to give moto jackets a try. They’re edgy, yet versatile enough to be worn with dresses for a fun vibe or with jeans for a laid-back casual look.

Check out some of my fave picks in a variety of fabrics and styles:

Free-People-Moto-JacketFree People Cutwork Moto Jacket available here, $118

1969-Gap-MotoGap 1969 Moto Jacket available here, $89.95

BB-Dakota-Johs-Faux-LeatherBB Dakota Johs Faux Leather Moto Jacket available here, $118

BCBGMAXAZRIA-Moto

BCBGMAXAZRIA Asymmetrical Ponte & Leather Moto Jacket available here, $348

Street-Chic-Moto-Jacket

Forever 21 Street-Chic Faux Leather Moto Jacket available here, $24.80

Coffee-Shop-Faux-Leather-Moto-Jacket

Coffee Shop Faux Leather Moto Jacket available here, $55

Are you a fan of moto jackets?

Go “Nuts” for The Body Shop’s Brazil Nut Body Care Line

I don’t know about you, but I’m quite a nutty girl!

I’ve always been a lover of a nutty ice creams, sweet treats or a simple handful of mixed nuts as a snack. Basically, anything with nuts as a main ingredient count me in. And that apparently applies to body butters and shower gels too!

The Body Shop has a new and improved line of Brazil nut-infused body care products that is ahh-mazing! Brazils are one of my favorite nuts so I was interested in seeing how they would translate into a luxe lotion or body wash. The alluring sweet and nutty scent caresses the senses like only The Body Shop products can. The soap-free shower cream soothes and cleanses the skin with a rich lather that leaves you feeling refreshed and ready for the day. The body butter soaks into skin like a richer and more moisturizing shea butter. While the 3-in-1 beautifying oil provides skin with a light sheen that isn’t too oily but keeps skin glowing and  moisturized for hours! I haven’t quite figured out how it can be used for the face, but a few drops does wonders for my super dry hair. Plus, all of the products are environmentally friendly and are made with Community Fair Trade Brazil nut oil from nuts hand-harvested in Peru.

If you’re looking to take a break from the usual floral and fruity scents that most body care companies offer, opt for this nutty line of products!

brazil-nut-body-butter_lBrazil Nut Body Butter available here, $20

brazil-nut-shower-cream_lBrazil Nut Shower Cream available here, $8

brazil-nut-beautifying-oil_lBrazil Nut Beautifying Oil available here, $14

Are you a fan of nut-infused products or do you prefer to EAT your nuts?

7 Stylish Espadrilles for Summer

When it comes to summer shoes, espadrilles are at the top of my list.

The easy-breezy footwear is the perfect alternative to flip-flops. Whether worn with a pair of cutoffs, dress or even jeans, these canvas keepers are ideal for the warmer months thanks to their breathable fabric. Plus, they provide just enough coverage that can take you from summer to early fall.

Check out these eye-catching espadrilles:

Kate-SpadeKate Spade New York ‘Lara’ Espadrilles Flats available here, $89.60

Marc-by-Marc-Jacobs-135

Marc by Marc Jacobs Espadrilles available here, $135

Brian-Atwood

Brian Atwood ‘Hardesty’ Espadrilles available here, $118

Chevy-Chev-Zig-Zag

Soludos Chevy Chev ‘Zig Zag’ Espadrilles available here, $36

Soludos-Floral-Print-Lace-Ups

Soludos Floral Lace-Up Espadrilles available here, $49.95

Missoni

Missoni Espadrilles available here, $158

Gigi

Juicy Couture ‘Gigi’ Espadrilles available here, $99

Are you a fan of these summertime staples?

Must-See TV: ‘Oprah’s Next Chapter’ & ‘Dark Girls’

After a bumpy start, Oprah is slowly but surely turning OWN into a must-watch network.

On Sunday, June 23  viewers can tune in to Lady O’s cable channel and catch “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” which will feature four African-American Hollywood actresses: Alfre Woodard, Phylicia Rashad, Viola Davis and Gabrielle Union, followed by the television world premiere of Bill Duke’s buzzed about documentary “Dark Girls.”

Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, Oprah Winfrey, Phylicia Rashad and Alfre Woodard.

Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, Oprah Winfrey, Phylicia Rashad and Alfre Woodard.

Expect to hear the women share their thoughts and candid conversations about the challenges of being an African-American actress working in Hollywood today.

“Dark Girls,” will explore the complex issues surrounding skin color within our community. I remember receiving the press release about this film a couple of years ago, so I’m excited to finally see it in its entirety!

Check out both previews below:

“Oprah’s Next Chapter”

“Oprah’s Next Chapter” is set to air Sunday, June 23 at 9pm EST.

“Dark Girls”

“Dark Girls,” will make it’s televised premiere on OWN Sunday, June 23 10pm EST.

Will you be tuning in to both shows?

Interview: Renaissance Woman Amanda Seales Talks Beauty, Music and More!

We all have our creative sides, but it seems like God gave Amanda Seales  (formerly known as Amanda Diva) a little more than the rest of us!

The Los Angeles native, 31,  who calls New York City home is an all-around Renaissance woman. If being one of the hottest and most sought-after DJs in the city isn’t enough, the multi-talented Columbia University alum is also a visual artist, poet, playwright, singer/songwiter, entrepreneur, TV personality and the host of the recently wrapped VH1 show, “Masters of the Mix: Season 3.”

I recently caught up with the girl-about-town diva to dish about her inspiration, beauty routine and of course, music!

Check out the Q&A below:

Amanda-Seales

BGG: Your artwork is absolutely beautiful! What do you enjoy creating the most?

Amanda Seales: Thank you! Lately I’ve found myself becoming more interested in going the fashion route with my art I’ve really enjoyed spicing up pieces like purses, bangles, denim. Eventually I’d like to have my own clothing and home lines. I also really love doing big pieces. I don’t really get the chance to because of time and space (these NYC apartments aren’t great for that) but I love the feeling of accomplishment after I finish and seeing what started as a little thought in my mind realized tangibly on a big canvas.

AS-Soul_Fro_BagSoul Fro Canvas Tote Bag available here, $30

BGG: During your travels, what country or city inspires you the most?

AS: Paris. Hands down. It’s so aesthetically beautiful yet gritty. It is as if it were built for the specific purpose of inspiring artists!

BGG: What do you think are the challenges (if any) that female DJs experience that their male counterparts don’t have to deal with?

AS: Dudes hollering at us while we’re in the booth. (laughing) You have no idea how annoying it is and the insipid questions like, “So you be djaying??” CLEARLY.

BGG: Being the epitome of a Renaissance woman with a super busy schedule, what are your beauty & hair secrets to always looking camera-ready?

AS: As far as beauty secrets I’m pretty simple. I wash my face daily with Oil of Olay Total Effects. In regard to makeup, I use the Bobbi Brown Bronze “Shimmer Brick” as a shimmer and love a pop (of color) on the lip and I try to get creative with my eyes. On shoots, I have makeup artists use a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation as it’s less wearing on my skin. Dairy gives me pimples on my forehead so I try to stay away but damn, that Haagen-Daz is SO inviting!

Bobbi-Brown-Shimmer-Brick

As far as my hair, I also keep that simple too! I wash my hair about every other day and comb it out and condition on weekends. In the shower I use Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream Moisturizing No Suds Shampoo and Hair Rules Quench Ultra Rich Conditioner. For daily upkeep, I use Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk as a leave-in to keep my curls defined and voluminous.

BGG: You have such a refreshing personal style. How would you describe it in three words?

AS: Thanks! I never really considered myself stylish but I’ve really been giving more effort to it so that means a lot! Amazing designer Sharufa Walker of Jinaki gave me some great advice she said, “Amanda you are gifted with use of color on canvas. Use that same gift and apply it and treat yourself like the canvas and your clothes like the paints.” That has totally changed my mind frame and given foundation to my style over night! I would describe it as Colorful. Classy. Feminine.

BGG: Like most of us, music is a huge part of your life. When did you know that you wanted to make a profession out of it?

AS: I honestly never knew. It just happened. One day I was doing poetry and after the show was offered a job as a radio host at Sirius Satellite Show. I was always a music lover but it was then that the hobby became a profession.

BGG: Being an ‘80s baby, you’ve seen hip-hop undergo many changes. What do you think of today’s hip-hop landscape?

AS: Blechhhh.

BGG: If you could only play one album for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why?

AS: Bob Marley “Legend” because it is multi-dynamic musically and emotionally. There is a song for every feeling and mood.

Bob-Marley

BGG: Being so multi-talented, what do you envision for your future career-path?

AS: In the future I want to continue to raise the platform on which I’m hosting and creating. Whether it’s programming content, art, djaying, or written work (plays/books), I am ready to elevate and have my own television show, book, branded endorsement featuring my art, etc . I also hope to be able to one day live comfortably and consistently off of my prolific mind.

AS-Afro-Series-Poster-Print

BGG: I know that you often speak with young women in college, what has been your best advice to them?

AS: I feel like only they would know what my best advice to them has been, but I try to always instill in them the importance of preservation of integrity and the importance of education. Those are two things that no one  can take from you!

In Case You Missed It: Fabulous Celebrity TwitPics of the Week!

Check out this week’s fabulous Twitter and Instagram photos from some of our fave celebs!

Alicia Keys, Lala and Kerry Washington

Alicia Keys, Lala and Kerry Washington

Joan Smalls

Joan Smalls

Angela Simmons, Bow Wow and Floyd Mayweather

Angela Simmons, Bow Wow and Floyd Mayweather

Regina Hall

Regina Hall

Solange

Solange

Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Tia Mowry-Housley

Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Tia Mowry-Housley

For all the moms, have a Happy Mother’s Day! What’s your favorite photo of the week?