Pumpkin Power!

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

Noteworthy!

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)

Cool & Calming Cream

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?

I Want to Hear from You!

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. :-)

Get Preppy in Peacoats this Fall!

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


American Eagle Plaid Peacoat available at www.ae.com for $129.50


Carla Wool Peacoat available at www.guess.com for $168


Fillmore Short Peacoat available at www.cusp.com for $226


Ambition French Terry Jacket available at www.nordstrom.com for $58


Tory Burch Callum Jacket available at www.toryburch.com for $495


Women's Cropped Wool-Blend Peacoat available at www.oldnavy.com for $59.50

**The winner of the ChocohoLICKS lip glosses is B!! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address. :-)

For Chocolate Lovers...

I'm back from my wonderful trip to my hometown, Chicago. While I was there my family and friends threw me the best baby shower ever! Check out the cake (those are baby Chanel ballet booties!) that my BFF Azeeza had made:



If you're in the Chicago area and need a specialty cake made, definitely give Delush.Bakery a try. Not only was the chocolate cake pretty, it was pretty darned delicious too! People were saying that it was a chocolate lover's dream.

Speaking of chocolate, I had the pleasure of trying jane iredale - The Skincare Makeup's newest lip gloss set, ChocohoLICKS. Not only is the packaging adorable, but the glosses are just as great. These glosses contain extracts of rich cocoa and coffee seed. Plus, they're enriched with avocado and jojoba oils, which helps nourish the lips during the fall season. Although the glosses are primarily sheer, they do provide just a hint of color. What woman doesn't love chocolate and lip gloss? It's like the best of both worlds!


Truffle, Caramel, Strawberry Cream, and Chocolate Orange Glosses available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $44

**One lucky reader will win a box of these super cute glosses (a $44 value) perfect for the chocoholic! Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

BGG Mini-Break & Vaseline Sheer Infusion Winner!

Dear BGG Readers,

I'm going to take a few days off because I'm going to Chicago, my hometown, for several days. I haven't been home since I've been pregnant. Anyway, I'll be back next week! Enjoy the rest of your week and have a wonderful weekend. :-)

Btw, the winner of the Vaseline Sheer Infusion is CeCeSoChic. Congratulations! Please email me your mailing address.

Sheer Genius!

You guys know that I'm a huge fan of Vaseline products and their newest body lotion is no exception. Vaseline's Sheer Infusion is like lotion from the moisturizing gods. It not only moisturizes the top layer of skin, it penetrates deep down creating an all-day silky hydration like no other.

It comes in 3 scents: Botanical Blend, Vitamin Burst and Mineral Renewal. Due to my heightened sense of smell (caused during pregnancy), I prefer the Vitamin Burst scent because I find it to be the less fragrant of the three.


Vaseline Sheer Infusion available at www.drugstore.com for $7.99

Have you ever tried this body lotion? If so, what are your thoughts? One lucky reader will win a bottle. Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow. **Winner will be able to choose the scent of their choice.

Fabulous Photos of the Week!

Gabrielle Union and Jill Marie Jones at the premiere of "Good Hair" in L.A.


Ashanti and Tyrese at an event in NYC.


Cedric The Entertainer at an event in L.A.


Regina Hall with Jamie Foxx at an event in L.A.


Eve and Common at an event in NYC.


Nia Long at a NY screening of "Good Hair."


Anthony Mackie at an event in NYC.


Malaak Compton-Rock with husband Chris Rock at the premiere of "Good Hair" in L.A.


Sanaa Lathan at an event in L.A.


Terrance J with Valeisha Butterfield at the Dr. Miracle's/WEEN screening of "Good Hair" in NYC.

What's your favorite shot of the week?

Get Leggy in Lace!

If you're a fan of leggings and tights, the latest twist on these legwear staples is that they're popping up everywhere in lace! This season designers have taken a cue from the lace-crazy 80s a la Madonna style.

This retro, sexy yet sweet look is perfect for those who like to have a little fun with fashion. The key is to wear them with something simple like a chic LBD or stylish mini to guarantee that your gams get all the attention!

Would you wear this trend?


Autumn Floral Lace Tights available at www.barenecessities.com for $18


Betsey Johnson Lace Tights available at www.nordstrom.com for $20


Free People Lace Ankle Tights available at www.revolveclothing.com for $38


Jonathan Aston Purple Poetic Lace Tights available at www.my-wardrobe.com for $16.50


Lace Ankle Length Leggings available at www.ellamoss.com for $72


LnA Lace Zipper Leggings available at www.revolveclothing.com for $110


Moa Moa Lace Leggings available at www.dillards.com for $19.00


Sugar Lips Lace Leggings available at www.dillards.com for $29


Tattered Lace Print Tights available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $14

BGG Reviews "Good Hair"

Last night, I had the opportunity to catch a private screening of Chris Rock's new docu-comedy, "Good Hair." After much publicity and online buzz, I must say it didn't live up to my expectations. Don't get me wrong, it was ok, but after seeing so many clips on TV, it was as if I had seen the entire movie already. I thought that there would be something more that wasn't shown in the clips, but there wasn't. Perhaps, he could have included a few African-American women who were proud of their natural hair to give the documentary a bit more balance.



If you've seen the trailer, you know that he takes viewers on a journey through African-American women and our hair plight. He delves into the obsession that some of us have with chemical relaxers and weaves. He goes behind-the-scenes to enlighten moviegoers on how both products are made. Rock even travels to India to find out how the most popular weaves are produced.



He also speaks with several celebrities including Nia Long, Raven-Symone, Dr. Maya Angelou amongst others to get their opinions on the aforementioned topics. These snippets are sprinkled throughout the film, which provide occasional funny anecdotes. In addition, there is an underlying story about a celebrated hair show that takes place in Atlanta. Throughout the film, Rock follows four of the hair show contestants around as they prepare for the big show.

All in all, "Good Hair" raises many great points about how we perceive ourselves, the lack of black-owned haircare products, and the lengths we'll go in order to "look good."

So I ask, "What's the most you've ever paid to have your hair done?" This includes, weaves, relaxers, cut, color, etc. Are you planning on seeing the movie when it opens this Friday (in select cities) and nationwide on Oct. 23rd? Please share!

Think Pink

Although pink is a pretty and playful color, during the month of October, it helps bring awareness to an ugly disease - breast cancer. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I will showcase different products throughout the month whose proceeds go toward helping find a cure for this disease that has affected so many families, including my own.


Diptyque Pink Roses Candle available at www.beautyhabit.com for $68. Proceeds from the sale of the limited-edition Pink Roses Candle will aid The Pink Agenda’s mission to raise money and heighten awareness of Breast Cancer among young professionals, hoping to cultivate the next generation of philanthropists.

Have you ever bought products that help raise money for breast cancer research? Have you been personally affected by this disease?

Fall Flat into Style!

I've said it many times before, fall is my favorite season. The crisp air allows me to wear my absolute favorite footwear - boots! I've always been a fan of flat boots, but now that I'm walking for two, it makes sense that I choose a more practical boot that will be comfortable without compromising style.

Flat boots are perfect for pounding the pavement while wearing a pair of tucked-in skinny pants or jeans. If the tucked-in jean style isn't for you, wearing flats with a turtleneck dress or knee-length skirt can also work, but I prefer to wear them with jeans.

From studded suede to classic black leather, you shouldn't have a problem finding a pair that suits your taste this fall season.

Are you a fan of flat boots? If so, check out some of these boots all under $300!


Michael Kors Bromley Flat Boots available at www.macys.com for $250


Matiko Women's Susy Boot available at www.endless.com for $156.72


BCBGeneration Women's Frank Knee High Flat Boot available at www.endless.com for $169.95


Sam Edelman Berlin Flat Boot available at www.revolveclothing.com for $200


Kelsi Dagger Women's Rianna Gathered Shaft Flat Boot available at www.endless.com for $189.95


Modern Vintage Women's Janet Knee High Flat Riding Boot available at www.endless.com for $211.72


Sam Edelman Jackson Flat Over-the-Knee Boots available at www.bloomingdales.com for $199


Seychelles Women's Broadway Boot available at www.endless.com for $169.95


Via Spiga Women's Brook Boot available at www.endless.com for $131.97

**The four winners of one of the Maybelline purplish lipsticks are: Katrina, Carmesha, Dejoi and ThummyB! Congrats and please email me your mailing addresses! :-)