Obama Book Fever!

October 8, 2008

As you guys know, I’m all about “Barack-ing the Vote,” on November 4th. With that said, I pretty much love watching or reading anything pertaining to my favorite presidential candidate and our potential First Lady. Within the last week, I’ve come across two books that are worth checking out – The American Journey of Barack Obama by LIFE editors and Michelle, by Liza Mundy. I’m an avid reader of biographies/autobiographies and love to collect coffee table books so these new titles were right up my alley!


The American Journey of Barack Obama is a beautiful hard-cover book filled with wonderful essays by notable LIFE magazine editors accompanied by rich, vibrant photographs of the presidential candidate. Retails, $24.99


I haven’t read the Michelle Obama biography yet, but I certainly plan to start this weekend. Retails, $25.00

Since many of us BGs love the Obamas, I thought that I’d let you guys know about these books if you didn’t know already.

Both books go on sale this month!

As the election date gets closer, do you have Obama fever too? What did you think about the debate last night?

Category: Books, Obamas | 22 Comments

BGG Chats with Newcomer Suai

October 7, 2008


You may not know her name yet, but that will soon change. Suai (pronounced “sway”) is a hot new Universal/Motown artist who is sure to set the airwaves on fire with her unique sound. Having already made an appearance on BET’s hit show, Baldwin Hills, as well as being one of the esteemed artists featured on the “Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement” CD for Barack Obama, this Detroit native is ready to take the music world by storm.

Check out my Q&A with this talented new singer:

BGG: Is Suai your birth name? If so, what does it mean?
Suai: My parents didn’t know this when they named me, but later found out that it means “beautiful” in Thai. When I was a little girl, my mother and I came up with an acronym for it, “Smart, Unique, Assertive, Individual.” So yes, that’s my real name.

BGG: Who are some of the artists you’ve opened for so far?
Suai: Last summer I opened for T-Pain and it was a lot of fun. I had a band, a dancer and my background dancers. A lot of my friends were in the front row so it felt like all of these people were there to see me! (laughing)
Brian McKnight was my first professional opening back in 2004. I’ve been signed for 3 years to Universal.

BGG: A lot of people think that many artists’ success comes overnight, but that’s not the case.
Suai: No, it’s a process. Some people get in there and have an album out quicker than 3 years, but for us we wanted to take our time and do it right, as opposed to just putting out anything.

BGG: Hailing from the Motor City, who is your favorite old-school Motown artist?
Suai: I love the Temptations. They were just so fly to me! I’m a female so you’d probably think that it would be somebody like Diana Ross, but the Temptations… I feel like everyone patterns themselves after them. You know the matching suits and their moves were so smooth.

BGG: Tell me how you got signed to Universal/Motown?
Suai: I actually got signed in 2005, but I first came here (New York) in 2004. I auditioned with several different labels, but I got a lot of no’s at first. That gave me a thick skin. It was so hard to hear “no” so many times. I was out here to audition for another label and we ran into this guy who knew Sylvia Rhone (the President of Universal/Motown). He called her and she told him to come on up. I was toting my heavy guitar all around New York I think I was 18 or 19 at the time. I played two songs on my guitar and then we found a piano on another floor and I played two songs on there. She was like, “I love it, I get it, let’s do it!”

BGG: So Sylvia Rhone was the one who signed you?
Suai: Yes, it’s crazy and everybody knows it! It’s pressure, but I try not to think about it and just bring it. I’m known as “Sylvia Rhone’s artist” so they know that she’s put out greatness so they expect me to be great, fly and sell millions. It’s pressure but I’m just trying to do me.

BGG: So what’s the music landscape like in Detroit?
Suai: It’s live…meaning instrumentation. There are a lot of independent artists trying to stake their claim in the city. I like the fact that there are so many types of music for everybody. We have a bit of a rock & roll history too. So there’s a little bit of everything. Somewhere I fit in there! There’s a nice little neo-soul movement going on there too now.

BGG: What can listeners expect to hear from your debut release?
Suai: Yay! That’s my favorite question! (laughing) It’s my favorite question because I am very proud of the fact it’s not one genre. It’s at least 4 of 5 that I can hear; someone else might hear something else! I’ve got hip-hop soul, R&B, pop, alternative…there’s something for everybody. Even if it wasn’t me, it’s an album that I’d always play. I’m so excited!

BGG: What producers have you worked with?
Suai: Sylvia Rhone, Bryan-Michael Cox, Polow the Don, Carvin & Ivan, Linda Perry, Nephew, etc. Having being signed for 3 years you can imagine that I’ve worked with a lot of producers some of the biggest and the best, as well as some new up-and-coming ones too.

BGG: Do you know what’s going to be your first single?
Suai: We’re still deciding, but I know I’d like for “Come Out, Come Out” to be the first single. It’s a song that I wrote at home by myself and I co-produced it too; so it’s special to me because it’s showcasing me as a writer, producer and musician because I’m playing keys on it too. I would love to have that as a first single to let people know that I’m not just a voice and a fly outfit! (laughing)

Check out a snippet of her performing here:

BGG: I hear you mention a lot of instruments, how many do you play?
Suai: I play piano, guitar, I’ve studied cello and flute. But I perform on piano mostly and every now and then I pick up the guitar. I’m going to buy a cello one day!! (laughing)

BGG: Who are some of your music role models?
Suai: Growing up I was listening to Brandy! I met her and I did the whole fan thing. I went up to her and said, “Can I have a hug?” (laughing) I’m an 80s/90s baby so people like Jodeci, Guy, K-Ci & JoJo, Next, Blackstreet…you know all of those. From ages 15-17 I was a self-professed jazz head so I was listening to Ella (Fitzgerald) and Billie (Holiday) who are two of my favorite artists. My mom wanted me to be exposed to a lot of different kinds of music.

BGG: How is your music and overall style different from other young R&B female artists?
Suai: I think what’s going to separate me from the pack is that I’m a stage rat. I love to be on stage. I’ve expressed to my label that I want to be on the road 9 to 10 months out of the year. I want to work this album! I don’t care if they’re small club dates or opening for somebody at a stadium, I just want to be out there. I just love to be on the road! Being on stage is it for me. I believe that my passion for the stage is definitely going to help separate me from other artists.

BGG: Years from now, down the road, what would you like to be known for?
Suai: I would want people to know that I was great. I’d love to have the opportunity to open a performing arts boarding school in Detroit. I just feel like performing arts is a universal language. It was given to me and I really appreciate it.

Be on the lookout for her debut CD in the coming months. For more information, check out her website, www.suaionline.com.

Do you remember when some of your favorite artists first started?

For those of you who are in the NYC area, she will be performing tonight at Tillman’s at 11pm.

Category: Interviews, Music | 23 Comments

Marvelous Masks

October 6, 2008

With the economy in a slump, heading to the spa for a facial is more of a luxury than ever. Lucky for us penny-pinchers, you can do most facial treatments at home. Masks are an easy and cost-effective way to pamper yourself in the comfort of your own bathroom!

There are myriad masks on the market ranging from deep cleansing to pore refining. Some peel off and some wash away with water. No matter what kind of mask your skin calls for, in the end they all leave our faces feeling fresh and clean!

Do you use at-home masks? Have you ever made a homemade mask?

Check out some of these:


DermaDoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ Intensive Skin-Correcting Sulfur Mask with Phytosphingosine available at www.sephora.com for $45
*This one is my favorite because you can use it as a spot treatment for pimples too!


Say Yes to Carrots Exfoliating & Soothing Mask available at www.drugstore.com for $11.24


Dollface Bees Kiss Soft & Bright Mask available at www.folica.com for $45


Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask available at www.blissworld.com for $52


Alba Hawaiian Facial Mask Papaya Enzyme available at www.drugstore.com for $9.59


Burt’s Bees Pore-Refining Mask available at www.drugstore.com for $8.19


Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask available at www.sephora.com for $85


Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Masque available at www.sephora.com for $45


Sephora Face Peel-Off Purifying Mask available at www.sephora.com for $12


Biore Self-Heating Mask available at www.drugstore.com for $7.49

Category: Beauty | 26 Comments

Chain Reaction

October 2, 2008

Purses are like shoes and money; you can never have too much or too many! This season purses with chains are popping up everywhere in variety of styles and shapes. Bags adorned with a chain handle or delicately draped chains add a ladylike twist to ordinary arm candy. Most of these styles are reminiscent of the timeless Chanel flap handbags.

Do you own any purses with chains? If not, would you purchase one?


Chanel Lambskin Classic Flap with CC Signature and Strap Made of Chains & Peals call (800) 550-0005 for more information


Coach Amanda Graphic Part Folder Flap available at www.coach.com for $298


Ann Taylor Suede Chain Shoulder Satchel available at www.anntaylor.com for $119


Calvin Klein Strap Hobo Bag available www.bloomingdales.com for $198


Carla Mancini Clutch with Chain available at www.labelspree.com for $195


Gianni Bini Large Hobo Bag available at www.dillards.com for $139


Velour Too Cool Smocked Bag available at www.eluxury.com for $250


Melie Bianco Vintage Satchel available at www.piperlime.com for $79


Reptile Clutch with Chain available at www.forever21.com for $19.80


Melie Bianco Piping Chain Satchel available at www.piperlime.com for $84

Category: Fashion, Handbags | 22 Comments

Pretty in Pink for a Purpose

October 1, 2008

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. That frightening statistic shows that breast cancer has affected most of us. I have lost two aunts to it and hope that they find a cure to eradicate this devastating disease.

To help fight against breast cancer, you can pamper yourself with these pretty in pink products. A portion of the proceeds from these items will go to breast cancer research.

Do you typically buy similar products during Breast Cancer Awareness month (October) to help fund research for the disease? If not, would you?


Clarisonic Brush in Pnk available at www.sephora.com for $195


Estee Lauder Elizabeth Hurley Lip Trio available at www.nordstrom.com for $16


Smashbox Pink Power Eye & Lip Kit available at www.ulta.com for $46


Jane Iredale PureGloss in the Pink available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $19


Breast Cancer Awareness Pocket Brush Set available at www.sephora.com for $15


Ojon Revitalizing Mist for Breast Cancer Awareness available at www.sephora.com for $26


Pink Ribbon Terry Cloth Robe available at www.target.com for $49.99


Tweezerman Petite Tweezer Case available at www.drugstore.com for $25

Category: Beauty, Health | 18 Comments

Bin-Worthy Beauty

September 30, 2008


We BGs love makeup, which means that we probably own a ton of it that needs to be tossed! I know that I have plenty of bin-worthy beauty products that are no longer good, but still taking up space in my makeup drawer.

In most cases, the expired cosmetics have been barely used or we simply don’t realize that our makeup must-haves are in need of a replacement. Wearing old products can wreak havoc on our skin and cause nasty bacterial infections that are not pretty!

BGG has gathered the facts to let you know the lifespan of the most common cosmetics.

According to various studies:

Mascara – Needs to be discarded 3 months after use
Lipstick – Toss after 2 years
Eyeliner Pencils – Replace within 3 to 6 months
Foundation – Find a new one between 6 months to a year after use
Blush, Eye-shadow, Face Powders – Get rid of after 3 years

Also, if any of your products have an odor or have changed colors, those are obvious signs that it’s time to throw them away!

Do you pay attention to the shelf-life of your beauty products?

Category: Beauty | 26 Comments

BGG Chats with Singer Michelle Williams

September 29, 2008

Last week, I had the chance to speak with 1/3 of the superstar group Destiny’s Child – Michelle Williams. Her latest CD, “Unexpected,” which is her third solo release is in stores October 7th!

Check out our Q&A:

BGG: Tell me a little bit about “Unexpected.”
MW: My album is entitled, “Unexpected.” I was more hands-on with this project more than I’ve ever been on a solo project. There are a lot of dance songs. It was just unexpected. I just didn’t expect it to go that route (dance). I originally planned on doing your typical R&B album, but I let my mother listen to that first album and she did not like it. She was like it’s, “alright.” Those were her exact words. (laughing) So we changed some things.

BGG: Do you have any gospel songs on this album?
MW: I do have a song on there called, “The Greatest.” There are times when I’ve sang that song and thought about how great God is to me. So I’m not forgetting about gospel. Gospel is still my first love.

BGG: You were brought up in the church, right?
MW: Yes, so gospel is in me. It’s not going anywhere! People will still know that I still have that church sound.

BGG: I know that Solange wrote your hit single, “Break the Dawn,” what other producers and writers did you work with on “Unexpected?”
MW: Stargate, Jim Johnson, Andrew Framptom, Wayne Wilkins, Rico Love etc. Rico actually wrote and vocally arranged and produced the entire album. I really like working with producers who…(pause) Well I know that you have to get paid, because I would want to get paid, but I hate producers that all they do is take a track. But Rico took the time and was like, “Michelle, you’ve got something, I believe in you.” So he really cultivated what I have. You know how Janet Jackson has Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis? They know Janet. To me they bring out the best in her and that’s what I feel Rico Love does for me.

BGG: How did it feel to have that song (“We Break the Dawn”) be at the top of the dance charts this summer? Was that unexpected for you?
MW: It was VERY unexpected. I was like, “Wow, This is absolutely amazing,” but I didn’t get too caught up in it. I really didn’t even celebrate because I still have a long way to go. I was really grateful for that #1 spot, but there are other charts that I’d like to conquer as well. I’m still trying to get on that top R&B airplay to make sure that my album stays on the Top 200. There are so many other charts, but I was very, very happy about that. Dance radio was the first to play anything from my album so I really appreciate dance radio for that.

BGG: Do you have any collaborations on this CD? I know that you worked with Flo-Rida on “Break the Dawn.”
MW: Yeah, he did the remix. Like I said, the only feature on there is me! (laughing) For “Hello Heartbreak” there is a remix that I’m not supposed to even know about, but somebody opened up their mouth and told me. I haven’t heard it yet, so I can’t even say who it is. (laughing)

BGG: Was your ex-fiance the inspiration behind some of the songs on “Unexpected?”
MW: The first draft of the album absolutely, but this album it wasn’t about …Well this album is about love, relationships and heartbreak, but with this album the person who is not even in love can relate because it doesn’t even matter.

BGG: What’s your next single going to be?
MW: “Hello Heartbreak” and “The Greatest.” I actually just shot the video for “The Greatest” yesterday.

BGG: I know that you’ve worked on Broadway in the past; do you see yourself doing that again in the future?
MW: Yes, I’d love to! In between each album I want to do a Broadway show. That’s what I want to do!!

BGG: You have a new look this time around. How would you describe your new style?
MW: I cut my hair. I have an edgier look. To me it’s fun.

BGG: It’s just an extension of your personality.
MW: Yeah, I just feel freer. When I cut my hair my whole vibe just changed like “ooh!” (laughing) But eventually I will grow it back. Sometimes I do miss my long hair.

BGG: But change is good.
MW: Yeah!

BGG: How’s your experience been while being a judge on MTV’s Top Pop Group? Who are you most like, Simon, Paula or Randy?
MW: I’m a combination of Simon and Paula. I told the groups if someone like TLC or Whitney Houston or somebody could’ve given me pointers…true pointers. Telling me the truth on how they feel. So I had the chance to talk to one group that were sent home after the show. When I was about to leave, something in my spirit told me to go back and talk to them. I gave them some good advice and they seemed to really appreciate it.

BGG: What’s your fondest Destiny’s Child memory?
MW: My fondest memory was when we were in Virginia and we saw a Waffle House restaurant! That tour bus went (screeching sounds)…!!

BGG: How long ago was that?
MW: That was in 2005. That was a hilarious moment. We were acting like some little kids who had never seen anything!

BGG: When do you think Destiny’s Child will reunite?
MW: Well in 2005 we retired Destiny’s Child. That was the craziest thing. During our last show, our publicist looked at us like, “When are you guys going to make the big announcement?” B (Beyonce) and I looked at each other like, “I’m not saying anything!” (laughing) So then Kelly stepped up and said it. I couldn’t bring myself to say it. A lot of rumors have come around these past couple of months that we’re getting back together and I don’t know where they’re coming from because we honestly haven’t talked about business in like 3 years.

BGG: So no reunions anytime soon basically?
MW: No.

BGG: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not recording or performing?
MW: I really enjoy just hanging out at home. I live in a nice small town outside of Chicago and I love it! I have wild turkey and deer in my backyard!

BGG: You seem to have a really great sense of humor. Were you always funny?
MW: I was actually. Yes, yes, yes! The older I get…I get it from my dad’s mother. She’s hilarious!

BGG: What would you like to tell your fans?
MW: Everybody in New York has been the absolhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifute greatest. They have been so supportive and just wonderful to me and I have to say thank you for that. I love all my fans around the world!

Click here to watch Michelle’s video, “We Break the Dawn.”

Oh and in case you thought I forgot, the winner of Usher’s new fragrance for women is…Eb the Celeb!

Congratulations! Please email me with your mailing address info.

Category: Giveaway, Interviews | 32 Comments