Brown Girl Gumbo

Flabuless Arms!

October 21, 2008

Most of us have all heard of Spanx, but have you heard of “Flabuless?” Probably not, right? Well, “Flabuless” is the first-ever arm shapewear that claims to slim, conceal and re-shape. It was created by a fellow BG in an effort to help women who were frustrated by tops “not fitting right” as a result of sagging skin or flabby arms. Although I am rather content with the size of my arms, I know a few people who always complain about the appearance of theirs.

Whether worn to tone down tummies or reshape arms, shapewear can make women feel more confident and sexy, which is always good!

Would you ever try “Flabuless” shapewear? Do you know someone who would benefit from this innovative garment? One lucky winner will get a chance! Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected at random.

De Quart Sleeve available at www.flabulessu.com for $27.95

The Veston available at www.flabulessu.com for $61.25-$69.25

Sizes range from Small to 3XL. Visit www.flabulessu.com for more information.

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Category: Fashion, Shapewear | 31 Comments

Sensational Stains

October 20, 2008

Many of us BGs are powder blush and bronzer babes, but cheek stains are a great alternative! For the past two years I’ve been a huge fan of Tarte’s gel-based cheek stain in Flush. It goes on sheer which gives just the right amount of color without looking too overdone. The barely-there tint is ideal for a more natural glow. Plus, it prevents the beauty faux-pas of applying too much with a brush (I apply mine with my fingertips). Don’t be afraid of the color it appears to be in the bottle, play around and find the color that suits you best!

Do you use cheek stains? Would you?

Tarte Cheek Stain available at www.sephora.com for $28

Stila Convertible Lip & Cheek Stain available at www.beauty.com for $24

Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel available at www.target.com for $20

The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain available at www.thebodyshop.com for $14

Benefit Cheek Stain available at www.sephora.com for $28

Sephora Lush Flush Wine Lip & Cheek Stain available at www.sephora.com for $10

JK Jemma Kidd Blush Makeup Concentrate in Masquerade available at www.target.com for $17

The Balm Stainiac for Cheeks and Lips available at www.dillards.com for $14

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Category: Beauty | 26 Comments

Come On Get Happy!

October 16, 2008

With these grim economic times and an uncertain upcoming election, it’s easy to catch a case of the blues. Maintaining happiness is a state of mind that requires a conscious effort. We all have to decide whether or not we’re going to wallow in self-pity and despair or take action and seek happiness!

Focusing on the things that bring us joy is truly the only solution to combating the blues, but Oprah’s new book, “O’s Big Book of Happiness: The Best of O, The Oprah Magazine: Wisdom, Wit, Advice, Interviews, and Inspiration,” just might do the trick too!

Available at www.amazon.com for

No matter how down I may be feeling, a bouquet of pink roses is always a surefire pick-me-up! What do you do to lift your spirits when you’re feeling blue? What ultimately makes you happy in life?

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Category: Books, Wellness | 19 Comments

Stylish Sweaters for Less!

October 15, 2008

Who doesn’t like to wrap themselves in a cozy sweater when the temperature plummets? I know I do; that’s why this season I’m all about finding the perfect sweater that will keep me warm without looking frumpy. From kimono-style cardigans to sexy scarf-influenced wraps, I’ve rounded up a few stylish sweaters that won’t leave your wallet out in the cold because they’re all under $50!

Do you stock up on sweaters in the fall/winter?

Check them out:

Worthington Sweater Wrap available at www.jcpenny.com for $29.99

Forever 21 Shandi Knitted Cardigan available at www.forever21.com for $27.80

Rampage V-Neck Cardigan Sweater available at www.rampage.com for $49

AGB Pleated Jersey Babydoll Cardigan available at www.macys.com for $48

Mango Cardigan available at www.mango.com for $49.90

Forever 21 Open Front Cardigan with Sash available at www.forever21.com for $27.80

NY & Co. City Style Open Hooded Cardigan available at www.nyandcompany.com for $24.97

Silence & Noise Space Dyed Cardigan available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $42

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Category: Fashion | 17 Comments

Dryers without the Damage

October 14, 2008

We all know that using heating tools to style our hair is never the best option, but what’s a girl to do? Even though applying extreme heat on our tresses over a long period of time can cause major damage to our dos, there are a few preventive measures we can take when it comes to drying our hair. Using a tourmaline-infused dryer can decrease the damage and breakage by drying the hair faster. Infrared heat penetrates hair to heat it gently from within. Infrared is a different type of heat that does not heat the air. Instead, more heat is delivered to the hair shaft, while less is delivered to the surface, so hair is not damaged. Plus, I’ve found that these dryers leave hair shiny and smooth!

Have you ever used a Tourmaline hair dryer? If so, what did you think?

T3 Tourmaline Pro Dryer available at www.sallybeauty.com for $119

T3 Bespoke Labs Revolution Dryer available at www.sephora.com for $300

Jilbere Tourmaline Anti-Static Iconic Dryer available at www.sallybeauty.com for $59.99

Ion Conditioning Iconic Ceramic Tourmaline Dryer available at www.sallybeauty.com for $69.99

Ion Iconic 2000 Tourmaline Hair Dryer available at www.sallybeauty.com for $46.99

T3 Glow Dryer available at www.sallybeauty.com for $79.99

**By the way, the winner of the Glowelle starter kit is: Mimieyes! Congratulations!!

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Category: Hair | 17 Comments

Get Glowing Skin!

October 13, 2008

We’ve all heard the phrases, “you are what you eat,” and “beauty starts from within.” The people over at Nestle believe that their newest creation, Glowelle, a dietary supplement beauty drink packed with a combination of skin-beautifying antioxidants is what women have been waiting for. I had the opportunity to try the product, but I haven’t used it consistently yet to actually see results.

Glowelle Natural Jasmine Flavor 7-Day Powder Pack Kit available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $40

If you don’t believe that beauty can be found in a bottle, a healthy diet is always an option!

According to various research studies these foods can help create sensational skin:

• Wild salmon
• Walnuts
• Dark chocolate
• Red wine
• Broccoli
• Leafy greens
• Red veggies
• Water (of course!)

Would you try a beauty drink? Do you monitor what you eat to help maintain a glowing, healthy complexion? Share your thoughts. One lucky reader will win a Glowelle 7-day starter kit, worth $40. Winner will be selected at random and announced tomorrow.

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Category: Beauty | 16 Comments

Luxe Leathers

October 9, 2008

Now that fall is officially here and the cool breezes are a mainstay, it’s time to break out a cute leather jacket! Leather jackets instantly add a bit of rock and roll chic whether worn with jeans or over an ultra-feminine frock.

This cool weather wardrobe staple might be pricey (especially during these financially difficult days), but one of good quality will last you a lifetime. So, let out your inner bad girl Rihanna style with a luxe leather. Oh and for those Peta-friendly readers, I threw in a couple faux ones too!

Do you own a chic leather jacket?

Tobi Young Fabulous & Broke Leather Bomber available at www.tobi.com for $370