Words of Wisdom Contest

With Black History Month around the corner, I wanted to let my historically black college and university (HBCU) readers know about a fabulous contest. Alltel Wireless has asked bloggers to help spread the word about their "Words of Wisdom" contest where ten students will have the chance to receive a $10,000 scholarship to a participating black college or university by writing an essay.

Plus, all 10 winners will be honored at an awards luncheon to be held Thursday, March 12th, 2009 in Little Rock, Arkansas. "Words of Wisdom" spokesperson and esteemed poet and author, Dr. Maya Angelou, will personally present each winner with their scholarship. Click here for more information.


In these tough economic times scholarships are more important than ever.

Speaking of "Words of Wisdom," when it comes to beauty and fashion, it's always fun to play around with fads and trends, but being yourself is always in style!

What words of wisdom do you live by? Please share! Are you an HBCU alum or current student?

Double-Duty Concealers!

Just when it seems like I get rid of one pesky pimple, another one emerges. That's why concealers are a must-have in my makeup bag. Covering unsightly blemishes and old pimple scars is a task that I wish I didn't have, but unfortunately like many women, I am a victim of occasional breakouts.

That's why I'm so glad that I came across Zap&Hide by jane iredale - THE SKIN CARE MAKEUP, a double-ended blemish treatment stick that conceals while it heals the zit. This nifty contraption contains tea tree leaf oil and lavender, which are both anti-inflammatory agents. You get the best both of worlds - coverage and healing. What's not to love?

Have you ever used medicated concealers? One lucky reader will win the Zap&Hide by jane iredale - THE SKIN CARE MAKEUP concealer (a $25 value). Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

Check these out:


Zap&Hide by jane iredale - THE SKIN CARE MAKEUP available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $25


Clinique Acne Solutions Concealing Stick available at www.dillards.com for $13.50


Allright Anti-Acne Concealer available at www.kohls.com for $12


Healer Concealer Anti-Acne Formula with Salicylic Acid available at www.kohls.com for $10


Murad Acne Treatment Concealer available at www.skinstore.com for $21


Maybelline Pure Concealer Blemish Treatment Stick available at www.walgreens.com for $5.99


Physicians Formula Rx Blemish Healing Concealer available at www.walgreens.com for $5.39

Jump Right In!

Get ready to see onesies in adult sizes this upcoming spring season. That’s right, the 70s & 80s fashion staple – the jumpsuit, is making a stylish comeback! The good news is that this time around the infamous line-backer-looking shoulder pads won’t be included.

Be on the lookout for jumpsuits in more refined silhouettes and flattering fabrics like cotton and jersey. Paired with sexy shoes and bold accessories could make this newly resurrected garment one of the chicest items in your closet.

Would you dare to wear a jumpsuit or are they just a bit too much of a trendy blast from the past for your taste?

Check out some of these:


Strapless Jumpsuit with Tie available at www.expressfashion.com for $79.50


Theory Tailor Orolalia Jumpsuit available at www.bloomingdales.com for $345


Modern Knit Jumpsuit available at www.expressfashion.com for $59.50


Jersey Knit Blouson Jumpsuit available at www.newportnews.com for $24.99


Shape fx® Flare-leg Control Jumpsuit available at www.newportnews.com for $49


Ruched Wide Leg Jumpsuit available at www.ardenb.com for $68


Signature Ponte Knit Belted Jumpsuit available at www.spiegel.com for $89


Strapless Trouser Jumpsuit available at www.forever21.com for $29.80

Manifest Hope Recap!

As promised, here are a few shots that I took while visiting the Manifest Hope: DC Gallery on Monday. The exhibit showcased photographs, sculptures, paintings and other original pieces created by incredibly talented visual artists across the United States who used their craft to motivate the grassroots movement that ultimately carried President Obama to victory.

Although the exhibit was only open to the public for two days and is now officially closed, I just wanted to share some of these breathtakingly brilliant artistic creations.































Which one is your favorite? **Unfortunately, I didn't think to get the artists' names or the names of the creations.

Dreams Fulfilled!!

Yesterday will be etched in my memory forever - the day that the first African-American became president of the United States! I can't even begin to describe the exhilaration of witnessing it at the Mall in Washington, D.C. amongst hundreds of thousands of others. Despite the cold winds the energy of the crowd was electrifying. There really was no other place that I would have rather been (well maybe sitting up close like the politicians and dignitaries of course :-) because witnessing President Barack Obama take oath in D.C. was simply priceless.

I'm extremely tired because I just got back to NYC this morning. I have photos from the Obama exhibit, "Manifest Hope" gallery that I will share tomorrow.

Were you in D.C. or did you watch it from home, work, etc.?

Bringing Brown-Bagging It Back!

Shopping is definitely one of my biggest weaknesses and the ongoing, outrageous sales are not helping me in my effort to save. Since I know that I will have a hard time resisting a reasonably priced dress, I have to be smart and cut back spending in other areas. My cutback of choice has been dining out during the week.



For the last few weeks, I've been consistently bringing my lunch to work. I prepare my meals for the week on Sunday or simply grab an inexpensive microwavable entrée. Buying pricey lunches can add up quickly. Studies have shown that you can save up to $2000 a year by packing your lunch for work. Plus, by not going out for lunch can eliminate the temptation of stopping in a store to splurge. Looks like being frugal is in fashion!

Do you brown girls brown-bag it? If so, what meals do you usually bring? Please share your easy, inexpensive lunch ideas.

**The winner of the fitness DVDs is T!! Please email me your mailing address. Congrats!

Get in Gear!

Since we’re a mere 2 weeks into the New Year, hopefully those who have made a resolution to lose weight or to live an overall healthier lifestyle haven’t fallen off of the wagon just yet! Although working out did not make my resolutions list this year (or ever), it really should be taken seriously and implemented into our daily routines or at least a few times a week. The benefits of working out are abundant and our bodies will thank us accordingly.

Maybe these super cute fitness accessories will jump start my mood to hit the gym. Wishful thinking!

How often do you work out? What's your favorite indoor exercise?


Everlast Boxing Gloves available at www.lucy.com for $30


Cap Barbell 32 lb. Neoprene Dumbbell Set available at www.modells.com for $59.99


Resistance Tubes by Natural Fitness available at www.lucy.com for $12


Adidas Alexia Mesh Fitness Shoe available at www.modells.com for $64.99


Valeo 65" cm Pink Body Exercise Ball w/Pump available at www.uniquefit1.com for $19.99


Apple iPod Arm Band available at www.apple.com for $29


Jansport Duffel Bag available at www.modells.com for $59.99


Jeanette Jenkins "The Hollywood Trainer" (Queen Latifah's personal trainer) Workout Videos: Cardio Dance and Sexy Arms, Abs and Legs DVD available at www.thehollywoodtrainervideo.com for $19.95 each

**One lucky reader will win both fitness DVDs (a value of $40). Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow!

Affordable Accessories to Update Your Wardrobe!

Since we’re all feeling a bit of a pinch in our pocketbooks lately, buying new clothes is definitely not at the top of our to-do-lists. So what’s a fashion-loving BG to do? Well, one of the most cost-effective ways to satisfy expensive shopping urges is to simply update your look with low-priced accessories. Jewelry, belts and other accessories can instantly add flair to the gorgeous garments already in your closet. Have fun and play with the possibilities!

Have you cut back your spending on clothes or are you just a sucker for the sensational sales? I think I'm somewhere in between!

Check out a few of these fab accessories all under $20!:


City Style Pyramid Stud Belt available at www.nyandcompany.com for $13.96


Drape Chain Necklace available at www.ardenb.com for $19.60


Hammered Metal Hoops available at www.charlotterusse.com for $4


Chunky Knit Beret available at www.delias.com for $10.50


Polished Bar Necklace available at www.forever21.com for $9.80


Fifirofi Animal Print Wood Bangles available at www.aldoshoes.com for $9.98


Chunky Cocktail Ring available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $16.99


Triple Link Mesh Earrings available at www.ardenb.com for $16.80


Hardware Bangle available at www.frenchconnection.com for $9.99 (orig. $38!)