Great Gifts for Everyone on Your List

With only ten days left to shop before Christmas, now is the time to get those last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers. Whether you have to get a gift for your boyfriend, BFF, mom, tween nephew, sister, dad or co-worker, BGG has a round-up that will have you jumping with yuletide joy!


Barnes & Noble NOOKcolor E-Reader
Your book-loving mother will adore you for giving her this cool and colorful eReader. Available at www.bestbuy.com for $249


Sally Hansen Lacrosse Gift Set
This set would make a great stocking stuffer for your prissy sis. Available at drugstores nationwide for $4.99.


Who doesn't love a great body scub and gel? This cranberry-scented set will make your aunt or mother-in-law swoon with delight. Available at www.thebodyshop.com for $29.


Write N’ Roll Flexible Keyboard
This convenient, full-sized silicone keyboard makes a great gift for the techie in your life. Available at Gift Shop at Macy’s for $25 www.macys.com.


Sonic Colors Video Game for Nintendo DS
Your game-crazy nephew will be glued to his console with the popular Sonic Colors video game. Available at www.bestbuy.com for $29.99


Anthony Logistics Face Kit
Give your guy some face time with this nature-based facial kit. The set includes an all-purpose moisturizer, cleansing clay, cleanser and scrub that will keep your guy well-groomed. Available at www.anthonylogistics.com for $30


Ihome iP3 Studio Series Audio System
Get your guy grooving to his iTunes with this super sleek sound system. Available at www.ihomeaudio.com for $199.99.


Click and Be Happy
A combo of perfume and lip gloss is the perfect multi-purpose must-have for your BFF on the go. This customizable fragrance and gloss set comes with three variations on the popular ‘Happy’ scent and corresponding shades making it an ideal match. Available at www.clinique.com for $28.


Icon Rose Quilt Multi Pouch
This pretty leather pouch is a chic option for your niece. It's just the right size for carrying cards, cash and change. Available at Fossil for $35 www.fossil.com


Kenneth Cole Cufflinks
These cute cufflinks will transform ordinary shirts into standouts, which will make the metrosexual on your list very happy. Available at Gift Shop at Macy’s for $60 www.macys.com

Let Friendships Flourish!

I recently read an article online that said spending time with our gal pals is as important to our health as heading to the gym. It's a known fact that we women connect with each other differently than men and the support of our girlfriends help us deal with stress and life experiences, but who knew that cultivating those relationships with our girls could actually lower blood pressure, heart rate and even cholesterol!?

So the next time you think about rescheduling girl time, think again - your heart will thank you for it.



Me with one of my BFFs Azeeza (I only take pics when I'm with her!!) Even though she lives in Chicago, we still stay in touch. I do need to find more NY friends. LOL!

When was the last time you hung out with your friends? Do you have one or two BFFs or do you have a group of friends that all hang out together?

Carol's Daughter Gift Set Giveaway!

'Tis the season for sensational holiday sets! Carol's Daughter has several sweet-smelling gifts that will make the people on your Christmas list jump for joy! Since I'm a huge fan, I plan on giving and receiving a few treats from this beloved brand. These lovely sets are a sure bet for your mother, aunt, sister or BFF.


Feeling Nice Hair Set $28.50 (includes: Tui Herbal Shampoo 8 fl oz, Tui Leave-in Conditioner 8 fl oz, Sugar-Dipped Vanilla All Over Sheen 4 fl oz, Nice Head Band)


Naughty & Nice Body Set $28.50 (includes: Ecstasy Body Cleansing Gel 8 fl oz, Almond Cookie Shea Soufflé 4 oz, Sugar-Dipped Vanilla All Over Sheen 4 fl oz, Hit-the-Spot Body Massager)


Sugar-Dipped Trio $30 (includes: Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Body Cleansing Gel 8 fl oz, Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Body Cream 2 oz, Sugar-Dipped Vanilla All Over Sheen 4 fl oz)


Feeling Naughty Hair Set $28.50 (includes: Black Vanilla Shampoo 8 fl oz, Black Vanilla Leave-in Conditioner 8 fl oz, Sugar-Dipped Vanilla All Over Sheen 4 fl oz, Flirty Head Band)


Naughty & Nice Body Cleansing Gel Trio $30 (includes: Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Body Cleansing Gel 8 fl oz, Almond Cookie Body Cleansing Gel 8 fl oz, Ecstasy Body Cleansing Gel 8 fl oz, Shower Poof)

*All sets are available at www.carolsdaughter.com

Have you started your Christmas shopping? Are you a fan of Carol's Daughter? One lucky winner will win a set of her choice. Simply leave a comment telling me why you like the brand and a winner will be randomly selected and announced late this week.

World AIDS Day

Alicia Keys and a host of other celebrities (Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Kim Kardashian, etc) are staging their digital deaths in honor of World AIDS Day. Her Keep-A-Child-Alive foundation is hoping to raise money in an effort to save millions of lives affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. She along with fellow celebrity friends are sacrificing their social media updates until $1,000,000 is raised to buy her life back. So if you're following them on Twitter or are a Facebook friend, you won't get any new updates until their goals are met.


Visit www.keepachildalive.org for information on how you can help.


According to the Centers for Disease Control, we African-Americans face the most severe burden of HIV in the United States. At the end of 2007, we accounted for almost half (46%) of people living with a diagnosis of HIV infection in the 37 states and 5 US dependent areas with long-term, confidential, name-based HIV reporting.

Do you know your status? If not, GET TESTED!

Vaseline Just Got Butter

Just when you thought a good thing couldn't get better - it has. In celebration of its 140th anniversary, the tried and true Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is now available in rich conditioning Cocoa Butter. The newest addition to the beloved multi-purpose product comes in a cool new flip top and still soothes skin making it silky and supple. The lovely cocoa butter scent simply adds to an already great thing.


Available at drugstores nationwide for $3.49

To help celebrate Vaseline Petroleum Jelly’s 140th anniversary, Vaseline has included contests for VPJ users on its NEW Facebook community page. They're are asking users to submit their favorite uses of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly! Each week, they'll select a winner to receive a Limited Edition Swarovski Crystal Jar of VPJ (worth around $100) and a $500 gift card! They will also be randomly selecting 5 winners, who take the extra time to submit a video, to win a Limited Edition Swarovski Crystal Jar set (worth around $750) & a $1,000 gift card! You can check out that contest at www.facebook.com/vaseline.


How do you use Vaseline Petroleum Jelly?

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope each and every one of you have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! This will be my first year celebrating the holidays with my baby girl, Ava. I have so much to be thankful for. Enjoy yourselves! :-)

Nicki Minaj Gets the Pink Lip

Nicki Minaj, the rapper famous for her fierce collaborations with some of the top-selling artists has a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Not only did she just release her debut album, Pink Friday, to rave reviews, but she is also getting a limited-edition pink lipstick named after her by M.A.C. cosmetics, which will be available exclusively online for four consecutive Fridays only beginning November 26th. Looks like the split-personality lyricist has one more thing in common with Lil' Kim.


In stores nationwide and on iTunes now.


Would you wear pink lipstick? Are you a fan of Nicki Minaj's music?

Color Me Glad!

During the holidays you can always find the hottest limited editions of makeup sets, compacts and more. For the past two years I've had my eyes on Nordstrom's Color Palette, but somehow Santa never delivered the set. This year - I took matters into my own hands and bought this beauty buy.

If you're a glamour girl, you're going to go ga-ga over this must-have. It includes every eye shadow imaginable, plus an awesome array of liners and blushes that believe it or not - complement most skin tones (it gets this BG's stamp of approval). Plus, the sleek packaging gives it panache. You really can't beat $29 (it's a $150 value!) for the quality. It definitely makes the perfect gift this season for your sister, mom, BFF or YOU!


Available at www.nordstrom.com for $29

Have you started your holiday shopping? Will you partake in the Black Friday festivities?

Cool iPad Cases

Accessorizing our gadgets has been the trend the for years now. So when Apple's iPad hit the market earlier this year, manufacturers made sure that we consumers had cases to complement our newest tech-craze. From reptile designs to nylon finishes, there's a style to suit your personality.

Although I don't have an iPad, these super cute cases make me want to run out and buy one (for myself), or at least gift them for the holidays! Hopefully, the hubby is reading this. Wink. ;-)

Do you have an iPad? If so, do you keep it in a cool case like these?

Check out these picks from Case-Mate:


The Venture Gold iPad Stand Case $88


The Venture - Reptile iPad Stand Case $88


The Express - iPad Vertical Nylon Flip Case $34.99


iPad Gelli Kaleidoscope Case $39.99


iPad Hybrid Tough Case $49.99


The Venture Aqua iPad Stand Case $88

New Site: Send the Trend

Remember, Christian Siriano of Project Runway fame? Well, the petite designer dynamo is back with a savvy new site - Send the Trend. The online retailer offers accessories all for one price - $29.95 (shipping included). From fabulous necklaces to eternity scarves - sendthetrend.com sells quality accessories that will save you cash while complementing your closet.

If you're unsure of your style, you can take a quick survey and the site will match accessories depending on your answers. Plus, the site changes its selection monthly to keep the styles fresh.

Here are a few fashionable find from the site:

It's the Balm!

When it comes to lip balms, glosses and other products to make our mouths pucker, I just can't seem to get enough. Such is the case with my newest obsession, Eos' Smooth Sphere all-natural lip balm.

This holiday set comes with a trio of organic balms in Honeydew, Sweet Mint and the new limited edition, Pomegranate Raspberry. Each balm is packed with vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oils to help keep lips moist. The unique egg-shaped packaging alone makes it a standout amongst the bevy of balms in the beauty aisles.


Available at www.amazon.com for $9.99

What's your favorite lip balm?

Off the Cuff

Last year it was all about big, bold statement necklaces. This fall, cuffs have kicked that trend to the curb. These hot commodities are the new 'it' accessory this season with stunning styles ranging from metallic finishes to gem embellishments. Cuffs can instantly liven up any ensemble giving you that perfect wrist-wear flair!


Metal Beaded Cuff available at www.asos.com for $31.03


Alice and Olivia Cuff available at www.shopbop.com for $38


Tiny Spike-Muted Silver bracelet available at www.pnkelephant.com for $12


Cuff with Draping Chains available at www.asos.com for $17.24


Silver Wired Cuff available at www.charlotterusse.com for $8.50


Juicy Couture Embellished Deco Cuff available at www.my-wardrobe.com for $201.30




Allison Danielle Leaves Royal Cuff available at www.maxandchloe.com for $84


Punk Rock Glamour Cuff available at www.nyandcompany.com for $26.95

When choosing statement pieces, which do you prefer, cuffs or necklaces?

Red Hot!

All you lacquer-loving ladies, get ready to rev up your fire engines with Essie's new Red Hot Fiesta polishes. Perfect for the holidays, this limited-edition set comes with 4 fabulous shades of red ranging from a radiant ruby hue to a deep, creamy crimson. If you aren't a fan of red nails, it will certainly make a great stocking stuffer for the beauty buff in your life!


Available at www.essie.com for $12.


Are you a fan of festive red hues for the holidays?

**One lucky reader will win this set. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week.

Get in the Spirit!

If you’re in need of a last-minute Halloween costume, Spirithoods is a great option. Although these faux-fur hoods aren’t exactly made for Halloween, they can easily be worn in a creative, animalistic way.

Simply dress in all black, draw on a few whiskers a cute nose, and voila – you’re a fun and fashionable feline! If you aren’t feeling feline-friendly, you can choose from a variety of creatures including a wooly wolf or a panda with panache. Plus, once the winter comes you can continue to wear these super stylish hoods to stay warm!


Available at www.spirithoods.com for $129

Are you dressing up this Halloween? If so, what are you going as this year?

California Love

Back when I was pregnant, my skin looked as if it had been in a nasty war between good and evil. In order to combat the unsightly blemishes, I needed something that wouldn’t further the irritation, but soothe my sensitive skin. A friend recommended that I try California Baby — I did and I’ve been hooked ever since.



This organic line of bath and body products is gentle enough for babies’ skin, but also works well on skin types for the whole household. During those hormonal months, it’s important to steer clear of products with potentially harmful ingredients, which makes California Baby’s all-natural, eco-friendly products a smart choice for expectant moms.

For your chance to win a super cute tote and 3 travel size California Baby products, please click here!

BGG Launches Modern Mommy!

Remember a few months ago when I announced that I was given my own blog (Trend Blend) on PARADE.com? Well, now it's a new and improved mix of mom, baby, beauty, and fashion blog called, Modern Mommy!

This week I'm giving away a Chicco Keyfit Strada booster seat (a $129 value). Click here for your chance to win. Be sure to check it out and spread the word. Thanks again for all of your continued support!

XOXO,

BGG

Fresh Fall Fragrances

Finding the perfect fragrance this fall will be easy with this roundup. With autumn-aromas in the air, it's time to ditch your sweet-smelling, summer scents for more subdued, earthy, fall fragrances.

From Queen Latifah's 'Queen of Hearts,' to Jordin Sparks' 'Because of You,' the search for your signature scent of the season is over.

Check out these "scent-sational" celebrity-endorsed perfumes:
Queen Latifah's 'Queen of Hearts,' reigns supreme with top notes of bergamot, cinnamon, plum, and dewy greens making it a must-have for fall. Available at www.macys.com for $59


'S by Shakira,' is a super feminine fragrance with hints of florals mixed with woods creating an aromatic delight.


Fergie's 'Outspoken,' is a fragrant floral mix of tuberose, jasmine, and passionflower. Available at www.ulta.com for $32.90



Jennifer Lopez's 'Love & Glamour,' is a beautiful combination of fruits and musk with notes of sandalwood and guava. Available at www.macys.com for $49.


Jordin Sparks 'Because of You,' has a somewhat citrusy scent with top notes of orange blossom, clementine, and white imperial currant. Available at dots.com for $9.95

What's your favorite fragrance for fall?

**Two lucky readers will win a bottle of Queen Latifah's 'Queen of Hearts,' a value of $59. SImply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week. Also, the winner of the poetry book is Jennifer. Congrats and please send me your mailing address!