Brown Girl Gumbo

Gold Rush

November 4, 2009

Just like the boyfriend blazer and the boyfriend jeans, sometimes we girls just want to borrow a few fashions from the fellas. Right now, it’s all about men’s style wristwatches.

This season the gold-tone link bracelet watch is the perfect accessory because it’s pretty, yet practical. It adds a bit of an edge to any ensemble, while still providing a subtle feminine flair with a few delicate details.

Would you wear a watch of this style?

Check out some of these:

SEIKO SG788 available at fredmeyerjewelers.com for $188

Betsey Johnson Metallic Link Watch available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $95

AK Anne Klein Ceramic Bracelet Watch available at www.nordstrom.com for $95

Marc by Marc Henry Watch available at www.shopbop.com for $225

Seiko Kinetic SKA401 available at www.jcpenny.com for $318.75

D & G Time Pampelonne 46mm Chrono Watch available at www.bloomingdales.com for $350

**Btw, the winner of the Vaseline Cocoa Butter line is Rebee! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address info. Thanks to all who entered! 🙂

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Category: Fashion | 22 Comments

Cocoa Butter Delight

November 2, 2009

Although Vaseline’s Cocoa Butter line has been on the market for a couple of years, I’m still a huge fan. As some of you know, I’ve written about the Vaseline Cocoa Butter Gel Body Oil in the past because I was so pleased with the product. Since I’m constantly on the lookout for the perfect moisturizers, I figured, why not to try some of their other Cocoa Butter products?

Plus, being pregnant, all you hear is “apply cocoa butter” to prevent stretch marks and keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. So for the past week, I’ve been using the cocoa butter body cream and smoothing butter. I apply it after I get out of the shower and it manages to keep my skin soft and smooth all day. I am still testing a lot of other products, but right now I’m in love with this particular line of the Vaseline brand.

All Vaseline Cocoa Butter products are available at www.drugstore.com

Are you a fan of cocoa butter-based products? One lucky winner will win the entire Vaseline Cocoa Butter Line, which includes the Vitalizing Gel Body, Deep Conditioning Body Lotion, Body Cream and the Smoothing Butter. Just leave a comment today and tomorrow and a winner will be selected randomly and announced on Wednesday.

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Category: Beauty, Pregnancy | 44 Comments

Pumpkin Power!

October 29, 2009

Before you toss out your old jack o’ lanterns this weekend, be aware that pumpkins pack a powerful punch of beauty benefits. Chock full of Vitamins A & C, pumpkins are ideal for making moisturizing masks. Plus, their flesh contain enzymes and antioxidants that can help dissolve dead skin cells and leave your face feeling refreshed while creating a healthy glow.

Not only are pumpkins good for pies and decorating, they’re great for you too!

Have you ever used a pumpkin-based beauty product? As my treat for you, I’m giving away one bottle of Rapid Lash (a $49 value) (it’s made with pumpkin seed extracts) to one lucky reader. My friend SWEARS by this product. The reader will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

Check out some of these pumpkin products!

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Peel available at www.sephora.com for $44

Desert Essence Hand Repair Cream in Pumpkin available at www.drugstore.com for $8.99

Nesti Dante Horto Botanico Pumpkin Soap available at www.beautyhabit.com for $9

Pumpkin Spice Hand & Body Lotion available at www.avon.com for $6

Pumpkin Spice Muffin Lip Flavored Lip Shine available at www.sephora.com for $12

The Great Pumpkin Soap available at www.lushusa.com for $5.95

Pumpkin Spice Muffin Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath available at www.sephora.com for $16

Rapid Lash Eye Lash Renewal Serum available at www.target.com for $49.99 (it’s been proven to lengthen & strengthen eye lashes)

Pumpkin Spice Shower Gel available at www.ulta.com for $8

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Category: Beauty | 18 Comments

Noteworthy!

October 27, 2009

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)

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Category: Uncategorized | 15 Comments

Cool & Calming Cream

October 26, 2009

Now that my skin has been going through so many changes during pregnancy, I haven’t been able to use many of my previous go-to products due to their potentially harmful ingredients. Therefore, I’ve been trying different natural and organic products, but there’s one that stands out – California Baby’s Calming Botanical Moisturizing Cream.

California Baby’s Calming Botanical Moisturizing Cream available at www.californiababy.com for $9.99 (2 oz.)

This rich & creamy moisturizer contains naturally calming ingredients such as French Lavender to soothe the skin. Plus, it’s ideal for individuals suffering from eczema and other sensitive skin conditions. Although it can be used all over the body, it’s also safe for use on the face, which is where I apply it. It leaves my skin super soft and supple and helps to combat the super dry patches that have popped up around my hairline. In addition, it seems to have tamed my acne flare-ups.

This product is perfect for mommies-to-be and babies, but is actually great for everyone!

Have you ever used this product? Do you use any products that are made for babies, but works wonders for you too?

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Category: Beauty, Pregnancy | 10 Comments

I Want to Hear from You!

October 23, 2009

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. 🙂

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Category: Uncategorized | 18 Comments

Get Preppy in Peacoats this Fall!

October 22, 2009

There are certain garments that never go out of style and a peacoat is one of them. Just like it’s known that a classic trench will take you throughout the spring season year after year, the same came be said for a classic peacoat during fall.

Typically, they’re not too heavy, but provide just the right amount of warmth against the crisp, cool autumn air. The double-breasted buttons create a preppy, polished look that will always stand the test of time.

Do you own a peacoat? Are you a fan of this style? Check out some of these:

Stretch Corduroy Double-Breasted Peacoat available at www.lizclaiborne.com for $74.99