Pot O’ Gloss

January 9, 2008

Yesterday, while walking in Midtown enjoying the beautiful, yet kinda weird mild weather, I quickly became enthralled by the SUPER SALE signs posted in the windows of The Body Shop. Taken by the sweet scents that consistently pour out of the bath & body store, I rushed in hoping to catch fabulous end-of-the-season sales and I did!

After looking through throngs of undesirable holiday scented lathers and lotions, I was overjoyed to find a cute jar of tinted lip gloss/balm for only $3.

Once I applied the cranberry-colored lacquer to my lips, I immediately began contemplating whether or not I should try other brands of potted glosses/balms. Prior to this purchase, I wasn’t a fan of lip treatments that require using fingers or a brush to apply. Since I’m pleasantly surprised with my new gloss/balm I just might give a few other glosses/balms in a jar a try!

Check out some of these beauty finds:


Carol’s Daughter lip balm available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $6


Lancome Juicy Gel…E available at Sephora for $18 www.sephora.com (various shades available)


Benefit tinted lip moisturizer available at Sephora for $20 www.sephora.com (various shades available)


Nars Lip Lacquer available at Sephora for $23 www.sephora.com (various shades available)


MAC tinted lip balm available at www.maccosmetics.com for $14.50 (various shades available)


Tinted lip balm available at The Body Shop for $8.50 www.thebodyshop.com (various shades available)


Su Uemura lip lacquer available at Sephora for $23 www.sephora.com

Category: Beauty | 11 Comments

White Hot Fashions!

January 8, 2008

Nothing says, “sophistication,” or “style” like a timeless, white cotton shirt. Rocking a well-fitted white shirt can take you from meetings in the boardroom to a romantic dinner with your significant other. This always-fashionable staple comes in many variations and styles and can be worn throughout the seasons.

Tucked under a sleek, professional blazer or paired with wide-legged jeans, a white shirt has a unique way of always making you feel chic and pulled together.

Whether you favor a traditional crisp button-down or a sexy wrap-around style with ¾ length sleeves, you can never go wrong when wearing this classic article of clothing (especially if it has a little lycra or spandex blended with it).

Like our favorite Project Runway style guru, Tim Gunn, says, “A white shirt is a must-have for every woman’s wardrobe.”

Check out some of these fashionable styles:

Available at Nordstrom for $163 (for those of you who want to splurge) www.nordstrom.com


Available at Bebe for $69 www.bebe.com


Available at Macy’s for $42 www.macys.com


Available at Macy’s for $59 www.macys.com


Available at Target for $17.99 www.target.com


Available at the Gap for $42 www.gap.com


Available at Bloomingdale’s for $79 www.bloomingdales.com

Category: Fashion | 5 Comments

Ladies First

January 7, 2008


Honda/Getty Images

With presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama winning the Democratic caucus in Iowa last week and leading in New Hampshire so far, there’s a very great chance that our new First Lady will be the beautiful Michelle Obama.

I am a such a huge fan of Mrs. Obama because she exudes confidence, intelligence and appears to be a loving and devoted mother to her two daughters, Malia and Sasha. Not to mention, she’s a native Chicagoan just like me!

Her impeccably chic style is always polished and professional; making her an ideal fashion role model for professional women across the country.

Here are a few facts about Mrs. Obama that you might not know…yet.

1. She was born on January 17, 1964.

2. She majored in sociology at Princeton University.

3. She is a Harvard Law School graduate.

4. She met Barack Obama at a Chicago law firm in the late 1980s

5. She is a devoted supporter of the Women’s Treatment Center located on the West Side of Chicago, which is a facility for the treatment and detox of women dealing with substance abuse.

6. She enjoys early morning workouts.

7. The Obama Family travels mostly every year to Hawaii to visit Senator Obama’s grandmother and sister.

Additional Sources: BarackObama.com, Chicago Suntimes, Newsweek and Essence

Category: Beauty, Celebrity BGs | 3 Comments

A New Year, A New YOU!

January 3, 2008

Don’t you just love the beginning of a new year? Despite the usual wickedly frigid air, the first week in January always makes me feel refreshed, optimistic and energized. I can’t say that this eurphoric feeling lasts past the first 7 carefree days, but this year I’m going to try my best to keep my positive vibe buzzing as long as possible.

I’m not going to simply write or say what I want to accomplish this year, I’m going to put forth an infinite amount of effort into bringing my goals to fruition. I know that it’s easier said than done, but like the cliche says, “if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.” Failure is definitely not an option.

I have several personal, as well as professional goals that I need to make happen within the next 12 months. I realize that the only person who’s stopping me from successfully achieving them is me.

I encourage you to stick to your resolutions this year and become a better you!! We’re only on the third day of the year, so we have a long way to go!

Here are a few tips to help you stay on your resolutions’ wagon:

1. Choose an obtainable goal
2. Get specific about what time, when and where you’re going to carry out your goals (i.e exercising)
3. Don’t choose a goal that you fail over and over again each year
4. Ask friends and family to help you stay on track
5. Keep a journal (if you missed my posting on cute journals, check out entry: “Take Note”)

Category: Health | 4 Comments

BeanpYe Served Fresh & Hot!!

January 2, 2008

I know that many of you had a merry holiday season with a fair share of good food and delicious drinks, but I hope you’re not full just yet. There’s always room for dessert and pie is always on point — BeanpYe that is.

As I surfed the web a few weeks ago, I came across fellow BG Sabrina Thompson’s jewelry line, BeanpYe (www.beanpye.com). I was immediately drawn to her beautiful and ornate bracelets, earrings and embellished blazers. The extremely unique name, BeanpYe, which was actually Sabrina’s childhood nickname reflects her creative and cutting-edge designs.

With stylish, one-of-a-kind hand-made jewelry and custom-embellished blazers, BeanpYe is sure to satisfy your fashion appetite. Check out my Q&A with Sabrina:

Prior to officially launching BeanpYe in 2005, were you working in fashion?
Nope. I was a television producer working with several major networks in NYC.

BGG:What inspired/motivated you to start BeanpYe?
Sabrina: Several things…the fact that I knew I had a God given talent of crafting things with my hands and it was literally sitting there going to waste because I wasn’t using it. Also, the fact that I was tired of shopping and finding the same old generic looks. I don’t shop at the Gap or Banana Republic type of stores because they are ordinary. I feel that no one person is ordinary so why look ordinary? We all have a special spark or uniqueness about us. Why not create something for the people that express that?

BGG:What does the BeanpYe brand include?
Sabrina: Bold and ornate custom designed jewelry is what Beanpye is known for. Also, by special requests I will create custom designed blazers for men, women and children.

BGG:What three words best describe BeanpYe?
Sabrina: Fearless, funky and exclusive

BGG:Describe the BeanpYe customer.
Sabrina: A confident and unconventional person who approaches life with an avante garde, confident and multidimensional outlook on life. They range from industry executives to young college and high school students. My customers simply aren’t afraid to go against the grain and express themselves through the medium of art.

BGG:What gets your creative juices flowing when designing a piece?
Sabrina: A hot track with a dope baseline from any artist who doesn’t sound generic…some examples…Outkast, Erykah Badu, John Mayer, Nina Simone and more. Also, anything that is moving…the sounds or sight of water, a washing machine, subway, kids playing…

BGG:Has making clothes and jewelry always been your passion?
Sabrina: No. Actually it’s tied roughly about 4th or 5th on my list. First comes working with kids, 2nd writing/composing songs, 3rd is sports, 4th and 5th is creating eclectic social events and fashion.

BGG:Is all of your jewelry handmade? If so, what materials do you use? Sabrina: Yes it’s all either handmade or hand painted. I use everything ranging from acrylic paint, feathers, brass, turquoise, ivory, oak wood to indigenous stones from West Africa.

BGG:What fabrics do you use to create your blazers?
Sabrina: Wool, tweed, polyester & silk blends. However, let’s be clear…I only embellish blazers. I will take a blazer that has already been crafted and basically revamp it (changing the lining, buttons, outward appearance) to make it a one of a kind.

BGG: Is any of your merchandise sold in stores/boutiques? If so where? Also, do you foresee opening your own boutique in the near future?
Sabrina: Actually, as for now…it is an online boutique. I am looking into a few stores to showcase it in only for a limited time in 2008 in New York City; however, I have no visions of opening up a boutique. We are living in an age of major technology and many things are done in cyberspace. It’s all about keeping overhead low and keeping the product really exclusive. So far the online access and communication has been working out just great!

BGG:What celebrities have worn and/or requested your merchandise?
Sabrina: India.arie, Alicia Keys, Vivica Fox, Anthony Hamilton, Regina King, Nas, and new pop sensation Keri Hilson. Also, countless news anchors and entertainment correspondents on NBC, CBS, ABC, MSNBC, BET, FOX, E!, Court TV, CNN and HGTV.

BGG:What do you want your customers to feel when they buy your jewelry/blazers?
Sabrina: Energized, youthful and daring…like they are the best thing since sliced bread!

BGG:What advice would you give to a fellow BG who wants to start her own jewelry/fashion business?
Sabrina: Keep it simple and don’t over think it. Also, you don’t need a fortune to start your company. I started with roughly $350 and I learned out to be resourceful, yet creative! Don’t get bogged down with tons of business plans. I’ve never been one to write down my goals. I keep them in my head because while I’m busy writing it on paper…someone is busy physically making it happen. Keep your goals high yet obtainable and chip away at it week by week. Also, give yourself a break when you need it and remember if it’s YOUR business…the only pressure you put on yourself is the pressure you create. Be easy and have fun!

BGG:I noticed on your website that you travel to different cities across the country showcasing BeanpYe, do you have any upcoming events where BGs can find your merchandise?
Sabrina: As of now, I am finalizing my summer calendar. Being that I am an educator in the NYC school system, I leave my summers free to travel with BeanpYe. I am looking to do several festivals and private show-casings around the country in 08. I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for interviewing me!

Category: Fashion, Interviews | 5 Comments

No Favorite Fabulous Photos Today

December 21, 2007

Unfortunately, I am unable to post my favorite fabulous photos today. My computer is not getting an Internet connection for some reason. Therefore, I’m using my Blackberry to write this posting.

Anyway, I’ll be back next week after the holidays. Who knows, if my computer is functioning properly this weekend I may post the photos of the week.

Happy Holidays!

Category: Uncategorized | 3 Comments

BG: Mary J. Blige’s New CD

December 20, 2007

If you haven’t already bought the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige’s new CD, Growing Pains, you should do so immediately if you enjoy good hip-hop/R&B music. One of the best R&B BG singers of our time, Blige doesn’t disappoint with her latest project. Although it isn’t her best work, the CD is still worthy of inclusion in your MJB collection.

Growing Pains, is her 8th CD (not including live or special albums), but it still manages to have a fresh sound. Of course it still has Blige’s signature R&B flavor, but the CD definitely reflects her maturity and newfound confidence.

The uptempo intro track, “Work That,” is a testatment to her positive self-image and she encourages women to find their own too. Her first single from the CD, “Just Fine,” is by far the best song on the album. This infectious, feel-good song just makes you want to hit the dance floor.

Growing Pains is sprinkled with other sweet-sounding tunes, especially her smooth duet with Usher in “Shake Down.” Staying true to her customary rap-infused/R&B roots, the CD includes features with hip-hop heavyweights Ludacris and Pharrell.

“Just Fine” Video:

The CD appropriately closes with the harmonious, “Come to Me (Peace),” which is akin to an uplifting choir-sung spiritual. This particular ballad will definitely be one of Blige’s classic performance songs.

From What’s the 411, to her latest installment, Blige will and always be the R&B voice of this generation. Her truthful, soulful and unique sound has often been imitated, but she’ll always be an original.

P.S If you’re in the NYC area, you can meet Mary J. Blige at the Carol’s Daughter store in Harlem today (12/20) at 6pm. You can pick up her new CD along with some Carol’s Daughter goodies too!

Category: Music | 4 Comments