Countdown to Turkey Day!

This year I have so much to be thankful for. Words can't describe how grateful I am to have loyal BGG readers, friends and family who love me unconditionally and most of all - the brand new life that's growing inside of me. Although I won't have the pleasure of spending this Thanksgiving in Chicago with my loved ones (outside of my hubby), I'm certainly in no position to complain. :-)



What are you thankful for this year? Please share! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! :-)

Miss Jackson

Not many artists can sell millions of records, sell out stadiums and stand tall next to a MEGA-superstar sibling, but that's not the case for Miss Janet Jackson. Always one of my favorite artists, Janet has released another greatest hits CD aptly titled, "Number Ones." Fan favorites such as "Pleasure Principle," "That's the Way Love Goes, and "Control," are among some of the tracks included, in addition to her latest single, "Make Me."



If you're a fan of Janet's be sure to catch her first televised interview since the passing her beloved brother, Michael, tonight on ABC with Robin Roberts at 10/9C. Also, don't miss Janet opening the American Music Awards this Sunday on ABC. 8/7C.

What's your favorite Janet Jackson song?

Peeled Perfection!

Since I've traded in my favorite treat - gummi bears for healthier bites, I've tried many nuts and fruit snacks, but none have stacked up to Peeled Snacks. This fairly new line of all-natural, organic dried fruits and nuts have been my go-to treats throughout my pregnancy.

Not only are Peeled Snacks packed with tons of nutritional benefits, they are all very tasty too! It's hard to believe that there is no sugar or oil added. Since I love tart and tangy goodies, my favorite ones are the dried pineapples and cherries.


Visit www.peeledsnacks.com to find a store near you that carries Peeled Snacks.


Are you a fan of dried fruit and nuts? What do you snack on to stay healthy?

**Btw, the winner of the brow powder from Monday was Shawnta!

Wow Brow!

Whether you have your brows plucked, tweezed or threaded, many women like to fill in their brows with a powder or pencil to create a polished look. We all know that brows help frame the face so having them well-groomed and shaped should be a part of every BG's beauty regime. I like using Vanitymark's brow powder in Choco Noir to add that extra "wow" to my brows.

Ideal for dark-haired beauties, this deep-brown shade provides a natural look that doesn't look too harsh and blends in well with my brow hairs. Remember when choosing a powder, it's best to get a shade a wee bit lighter than your hair color for the most natural look.



Available at www.vanitymark.com for $16

Do you use brow powders? One lucky reader will win a VanityMark brow powder ($16 value) in a shade of her choice. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be chosen randomly and announced tomorrow.

**UPDATE - The winner is Shawnta, congratulations!

BGG Reviews "Precious"

In theaters nationwide today.

After a failed attempt to see the much-hyped and buzzed-about movie, Precious: Based on the Novel 'PUSH' by Sapphire, last week, I was finally able to get my hands on tickets for the film on Wednesday. Not often do you see a movie that lives up to all of its critical acclaim, but thankfully Precious does. Based on the 1996 Sapphire novel entitled, "PUSH," Precious is a tale of a physically and sexually abused, illiterate overweight teenage mother named Precious, played by the charismatic Gabourey Sidibe who is subjected to more torture and condemnation than one could ever imagine.

Mo'Nique steps outside of her usual comedic character to bring to life Precious's monster of a mother who spews so much hate and wickedness that she is often hard to watch. Supporting cast members include Paula Patton who shows Precious hope and the importance of education. While songbird Mariah Carey leaves behind her powerful voice to portray a surprisingly believable dowdy social worker. The story of Precious is an intense, gritty, no-holds barred tale of a strong young girl who manages to survive despite unfathomable hardships.

If you haven't seen it already, I highly recommend it! For those of you who have seen and/or read the book, what are your thoughts? I'd love to hear from people who have read the book and watched the movie to see how the feature film stacks up to the written word. Please share!

Blushing Beauty

Iman, Rihanna and June Ambrose (celebrity fashion stylist).

Even though we're used to seeing blacks, greys, and creams on the red carpet during the colder months, it seems like a few fashionistas have stepped out of that boring box and have opted for blush tones to add a bit of softness and femininity to the fall/winter color palette. This fleshy shade is flattering on most skin tones and creates a subtle sexiness.

Are you a fan of this shade? Check out some of these items:


Antik Batik Silk Blouse available at www.yoox.com for $185


Antik Batik Dress available at www.yoox.com for $470.25


Charm Ruched Tube Dress available at www.ardenb.com for $54


Crista Dress by Guess by Marciano available at www.marciano.com for $185


Masscob Silk Dress available at www.yoox.com for $208


Steve Madden Women's Regal Pump available at www.endless.com for $89.95


Miu Miu Leather Lambskin Gloves available at www.yoox.com for $128


Sonoma Beanie Hat available at www.kohls.com for $14


Vanessa Bruno Slik Top available at www.yoox.com for $190


Carlos Falchi Metallic Blush Tote available at www.shirise.com for $225

Candy Girl

Carol's Daughter is known for their fantastic bath & body products, but their lip glosses are just as fabulous! I've been on the hunt for the perfect pink lip gloss shade for months, if not years and their All Natural Candy Paint lip gloss in Razz-Berry Beret has been the answer to my pink lipped-prayers. It's a universal pink that will complement all skin tones.


All Natural Candy Paint in Razz-Matazz available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $13.50

Staying true to the au naturel mantra that Carol's Daughter touts, Candy Paint glosses are infused with natural moisturizing ingredients like grape seed oil, shea butter, aloe, etc., which helps repair lips while creating a beautiful shine. Plus, this luxurious gloss isn't sticky like so many others.

Have you ever tried any of Carol's Daughter lip glosses? If not, you should definitely give them a try!

Fine Job

One of my absolute favorite celebrity makeup artists, Sam Fine, has worked his makeup magic again - this time on actress/comedienne Mo'Nique. In preparation for her L.A premiere of the much-buzzed-about movie, Precious, Mr. Fine gave her a gorgeous glow that complemented her beautifully beaded gold gown.


Sam working his magic on Mo'Nique before the premiere of Precious in L.A.


If you'd like to find out how to get Mo'Nique's bronzed and beautiful look, follow these steps provided by Sam Fine himself:

Face: “The key here is to layer [subtle] your bronzer and blush until it looks like a sculpted version of you. After finishing her base, I used a dark hued bronzer from the CoverGirl Queen, and then layered it with the Iman Sheer Finishing Bronzer in Afterglow, which contains a bronzer, blush and highlighter trio.”

Eyes: “This is a bleached brow – and no it doesn’t match her hair! I did this to allow her brows and eyes to really pop and stand out – again this goes back to being part of the ‘carved out’ look, and just allowed her to glow even more. I lined her eyes, and then used a beige liner – not a white liner because that would create too much of a contrast – on the inner rim of her lower lash line. The beige liner is much more subtle than white but still opens up the eye area. I then used golden hues on her lids, like Stila Eyeshadow in Twig ($18), and Nars Eyeshadow in NightsStar ($22). Lashes are a must on the red carpet so of course I used false lashes! I fused her natural lashes and the falsies with L’Oréal Voluminous Mascara ($7.50) I finished the look by adding a touch of gold glitter on the inner corners of her eyes to offset her dress!”

Lips: “ I also used golden hues on the lips but took the same ‘layering’ approach like I did with the rest of the face. This means I used lip liner, lipstick and a golden gloss (try Dior Addict Ultra Gloss) to complete this look.”



For more detailed, step-by-step tips on how to create a winning look, be sure to pick up Sam Fine's DVD, The Basics of Beauty available at www.amazon.com for $24.99

Do you like Mo'Nique's look? Would you try this at home for a special night out/occasion?

Gold Rush

Just like the boyfriend blazer and the boyfriend jeans, sometimes we girls just want to borrow a few fashions from the fellas. Right now, it's all about men's style wristwatches.

This season the gold-tone link bracelet watch is the perfect accessory because it's pretty, yet practical. It adds a bit of an edge to any ensemble, while still providing a subtle feminine flair with a few delicate details.

Would you wear a watch of this style?

Check out some of these:


SEIKO SG788 available at fredmeyerjewelers.com for $188


Betsey Johnson Metallic Link Watch available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $95


AK Anne Klein Ceramic Bracelet Watch available at www.nordstrom.com for $95


Marc by Marc Henry Watch available at www.shopbop.com for $225


Seiko Kinetic SKA401 available at www.jcpenny.com for $318.75


D & G Time Pampelonne 46mm Chrono Watch available at www.bloomingdales.com for $350

**Btw, the winner of the Vaseline Cocoa Butter line is Rebee! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address info. Thanks to all who entered! :-)

Cocoa Butter Delight

Although Vaseline's Cocoa Butter line has been on the market for a couple of years, I'm still a huge fan. As some of you know, I've written about the Vaseline Cocoa Butter Gel Body Oil in the past because I was so pleased with the product. Since I'm constantly on the lookout for the perfect moisturizers, I figured, why not to try some of their other Cocoa Butter products?

Plus, being pregnant, all you hear is "apply cocoa butter" to prevent stretch marks and keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. So for the past week, I've been using the cocoa butter body cream and smoothing butter. I apply it after I get out of the shower and it manages to keep my skin soft and smooth all day. I am still testing a lot of other products, but right now I'm in love with this particular line of the Vaseline brand.


All Vaseline Cocoa Butter products are available at www.drugstore.com

Are you a fan of cocoa butter-based products? One lucky winner will win the entire Vaseline Cocoa Butter Line, which includes the Vitalizing Gel Body, Deep Conditioning Body Lotion, Body Cream and the Smoothing Butter. Just leave a comment today and tomorrow and a winner will be selected randomly and announced on Wednesday.