BGG's Luxurious Aveeno-Sponsored Weekend!

Thanks to Aveeno and RecycleBank I, along with several other beauty/mom bloggers were whisked out to Los Angeles for a weekend of pampering, luncheons, cocktail parties, dinners, and backstage access to the Independent Spirit Awards. Although my trip started off bumpy due to an unexpected hiccup in my flight schedule, the trip was still amazing.

Fresh off the plane I was immediately escorted to the swanky Exhale Spa at the Fairmont Marimar & Bungalows where I indulged in a marvelous mani/pedi, facial, and massage. I know, for a busy mom like me this was just what the doctored ordered. To top it off, I even had my makeup done just in time for dinner at Santa Monica's popular Italian eatery, Valentino.

On Saturday we headed to the Independent Spirit Awards, where I literally bumped into the always dapper Taye Diggs on the red carpet. Backstage there were a slew of other celebrities from Kerry Washington to Nicole Kidman.


The lovely and quite friendly Erin of Scandalous Beauty and I in the lobby of Shutters on the Beach Hotel headed to the awards.


Actor Taye Diggs walking the red carpet.

Throughout the weekend I chatted with Aveeno experts, Summer Rayne Oakes and Patrick Melville who shared tips on and facts about the brand. Did you know that Aveeno has been around for over 60 years and that it all began with two brothers experimenting with raw cereals? Who knew, right? No wonder their oatmeal-infused formula is one of their top-sellers. Not only did I learn about the brand, but I also got a chance to use products from their newest collection, Smart Essentials, which was created to address stressed skin.


Beauty and mom bloggers gathering backstage in the Aveeno lounge.

After my whirlwind trip, I made sure to use the brand's newest eye roller, Anti-Fatigue Eye Treatment to combat the dark-circles that were certain to ensue due to my lack of sleep. It de-puffed and brightened my eyes making me look refreshed.


Aveeno Anti-Fatigue Eye Treatment available at drugstores nationwide.

Overall, it was a fun-filled weekend that I'll add to my BGG most memorable moments.

Did you watch the Independent Spirit Awards and/or the Academy Awards this weekend?

BGG, RecycleBank & Aveeno Unite!

As many of my loyal readers know, I've always been a huge fan of Aveeno products. Not only do I use it for myself, but I also use their baby line of products on Ava too. So you guys can only imagine how ecstatic I was to learn that I had been chosen to be a beauty ambassador for the brand!

That means now I'll be able to try all of their new products and share them with you lovely ladies. You know when I endorse a product, I always want you guys to try it too! So stay tuned for reviews and giveaways from the popular brand trusted most by dermatologists and BGG! ;-)



Do you use Aveeno products?

New York Fashion Week's Mane Event

Obviously, fashions are at the forefront of the runway during New York Fashion Week. But, the fun doesn't stop there. In order to fully showcase their fashions, designers have to work with top hair stylists to develop eye-catching looks that will complement their couture creations.

From Frédéric Fekkai's Flamenco Dancer-inspired sleek, yet voluminous chignons at Marchesa to Rita Hazan's salon stylist, Eddie Ngai's elegant and seductive, polished French twists at Farah Angsana to ravishing, ribbon-intertwined braided updo's at Rachel Roy, this year hair is taking center-stage at shows.


Models donning elegant, braided updo's at Rachel Roy.



A model struts her stuff down the runway with a French-inspired do at Farah Angsana.

Whether it's a funky mohawk, red wig or a classic, simple style it's always a treat to see what talented hair stylists create to grace the catwalks.

Everyday ICON Michelle Obama Book Giveaway!

If you admire Michelle Obama's style and are a fashion enthusiast, then author/journalist Kate Betts' new book, "Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style," is a must-read.

Packed with over 200 bold, captivating photos of our favorite First Lady, sketches, and historical images, Betts takes readers on a smart, fun, and fashionable ride highlighting Obama's stunning style choices and how her image is helping shape the working mothers of America's closets.


Available at bookstores nationwide for $35.

Are you a fan of Mrs. Obama's style? One lucky reader will win a copy of this book. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week.

BGG's Valentine's Day Wish List

Even though I won't be able to spend Valentine's Day with my hubby this year (traveling for business), I still have high hopes that he'll gift me before my departure.

In case he's reading this, here are my picks for the Hallmark, yet still romantic holiday.


Hot Pink & Red Roses available at www.1800flowers.com for $52.99


Clear Jeweled Frame available at www.papyrusonline.com for $24


Victoria's Secret Satin Boxer Pajama Set available at www.victoriassecret.com for $45


Henri Bendel I Heart Me Compact available at www.henribendel.com for $30


Madison Leather Large Shoulder Bag available at www.coach.com for $498


1/2 Carat Diamond Studs available at www.ice.com for $499


The Chicago famous Garrett Popcorn tin.

Do you celebrate the holiday? If so, what's on your list?

Fashion Week Begins!

Yep, it's that time of year again - New York Fashion Week! Last night kicked off the fashion frenzy with the The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection, which happens to be one of my favorite shows. Created in an effort to raise awareness about heart disease, celebrities turn on their inner-model and walk the runway.

Plenty of familiar BG faces were spotted strutting down the catwalk donning sexy, crimson-colored frocks.

Check out some of the pics:

Patti LaBelle


Eve


Camila Alves

Dania Ramirez


Taraji P. Henson


Laila Ali


Garcelle Beauvais

Do you own a red dress?

J. Hud's New Album Art

Grammy and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson just unveiled her cover art for her sophomore CD, I Remember Me, which is slated for release on March 22nd. She'll be performing her new single, "Where You At," on The Oprah Winfrey Show this Thursday.



Are you a J. Hud fan? What do you think of her weight loss? Has her new svelte figure inspired you to get fit?

Boots with the Best of Both Worlds

With the relentless winter weather we're having this year, having a pair of practical boots is a must. Believe it or not, trudging in knee-deep snow can be done in STYLE!

From fur-lined footwear to plastic Wellies, the wintry weather can be combated with the right boots. Although spring is on the horizon, we still have weeks of snowy forecasts ahead of us. The good news is that if you haven't already (or if your boots won't make it through the season) copped a pair of fashionable and functional boots to keep your toes toasty, you're sure to find a steal with all of the end-of-season sales that are in full swing!

Check these out:

Hunter High Gloss Boots available at www.zappos.com for $125


Pajar Grip Military Boots available at www.lorisshoes.com for $174


Australian Luxe Charlotte Black Winter Boots available at www.shirise.com for $240


Nike Winter Solstice Boot available at www.nike.com for $100


Kamik Women's Shearling Paige Winter Boots available at www.endless.com for $99.95


Sorellington Boots available at www.sorel.com for $81.90


Spring Pavy Boots available at www.zappos.com for $55.99


Tecnica Women's Sofia TCY Winter Boot available at www.endless.com for $115.20


The North Face Abby III Boots available at www.bloomingdales.com for $165


The North Face Nuptse Knee-High Boots available at www.bloomingdales.com for $170

Do you own a pair of cute, functional, and comfortable boots? How has the weather been in your neck of the woods?

Event Alert: Black History Month in Chicago!

I am proud that NYC and my hometown Chicago are bustling with Black History Month events every year.

One particular event stood out to me this year, since it combines African American history with youth mentoring-- two of my favorite things!

To celebrate Black History Month, youth will partake in a Dance, Music and Theatre workshop at the RAINBOW PUSH headquarters in Chicago this Saturday, February 5th from 12pm - 3pm. Through the arts, youth will explore past and present African American pioneers. The event will feature special prizes and giveaways and is organized by C.Stanback Enterprises & Rainbow Push. More information can be found at www.cstanbackenterprises.org.



What Black History events are you planning to attend this month?

The Best Man Cast Reunites!

It's hard to believe, but it's been 12 years since one of my favorite movies, The Best Man, opened in theaters across the country. Yep, over a decade since we all fell in love with the gorgeous buppie crew. To this day, I can still recite some of my favorite lines from the flick. Oh and every time I hear Cameo's "Candy" song I think of this cinematic gem!



The cast and director Malcolm Lee gathered for dinner last Saturday to catch up and take a stroll down memory lane. Check out the pics:


Monica Callhoun, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut and Terrence Howard, Back Row: Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Sanaa Lathan, Harold Perrineau, Melissa DeSousa and Director Malcolm D. Lee.


Nia Long, Monica Callhoun and Director Malcolm D, Lee


Sanaa Lathan, Terrence Howard and Regina Hall.


Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, and Regina Hall.


Taye Diggs and Terrence Howard.


Taye Diggs, Harold Perrineau and Morris Chestnut.


Left Side of the Table Taye Diigs, Morris Chestnut, Nia Long, Harold Perrineau, on the Right of the Table Regina Hall, Sanaa Lathan, Director Malcolm D. Lee, Melissa DeSousa, Terrence Howard and Monica Callhoun.

Photos by: Eric Charbonneau
Are you a fan of The Best Man? If so, what's your favorite scene/line? Where have all of the good movies with a predominately African-American cast gone? :-(