Mother's Day Gift Guide.

Looking for the perfect gift for mom this Mother's Day? If so, check out my gift guide on my other blog, Modern Mommy on Parade.com for my top picks. Click here!

A Letter from Carol's Daughter

You guys know I'm a huge fan of Carol's Daughter and can't wait to try their new Monoi Repairing Collection, which is a 3-step hair system made with authentic Monoi Oil that will be introduced on May 1st. Read below for more details and catch the video w/the brand's new spokeswomen!


Click here for the entire letter.


Be sure to follow @Carols_Daughter and join in on a live chat with founder, Lisa Price today @10 a.m.

All You Have to Do is "Say Yes!"

I've been a fan of the Say Yes to Carrots brand for several years now. So when the line expanded with cucumbers, tomatoes, and most recently blueberry-infused products, I've been saying yes ever since.

One of my favorite beauty must-haves from the Say Yes to Blueberries line are The Brightening Facial Towelettes. They're wonderfully practical for women on the go like me and easily fit into handbags.

The natural lemon peel and apple extracts help brighten and refresh skin while cleansing and moisturizing. Not to mention, the towelettes are 99% natural and biodegradable. So, if you're like me and tend to get oily in the warmer months, having these blueberry beauty wipes handy will quickly turn your "glisten" into a glow.




Have you ever tried Say Yes to Carrots products?

Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday yesterday. My family and I definitely enjoyed the beautiful weather. At any rate, since I haven't shared pictures of my little diva, Ava, in a while I thought now would be a good time while I work on some beauty and fashion posts for the week. Happy Monday!




Ava at 15-months taking a walk in Park Slope on Easter Sunday.

Tip-Top Makeup from Topshop

When we fashionistas think of the store, Topshop, we immediately think of cool and trendy clothes. Well, I'm here to tell you that you should change your way of thinking or at least expand it. This spring/summer the UK-based brand is releasing some super sexy shades with their Sandstorm trend collection.

The fun and flirty line is packed with playful colors that will complement all skin tones. I particularly love the bronzer/blush combo because it provides just the right hint of color and shimmer. From peachy polishes to smoldering shadows, Topshop has all the right products to accompany their fabulous fashions.


At the Topshop showroom in Soho.

Have you ever worn Topshop makeup? If not, do you shop there for your fashions?

One-Stop Green Shop

For all of my eco-friendly, green BGs - I just learned of a one-stop shop for all of your beauty, household, and personal care needs. Thenaturalstore.com makes it simple to shop for organic, green and environmentally-friendly products to complement a natural lifestyle. The sister site to Drugstore.com and Beauty.com, Thenaturalstore.com carries top-brands such as Burt's Bees and Eco-Tools. From organic cotton balls to recyclable cleaning products, this easy-to-navigate site makes eco-shopping a cinch!



Do you make a conscious effort to buy organic or earth-friendly products?

You Glow Girl!

In case you missed the link in my rosacea post (have been getting this feedback), click here for the how-to on getting red carpet ready and having glowing skin, including tips on battling rosacea from Redbook.

*Full disclosure on this post: "I’m participating in this contest sponsored by Galderma Laboratories, L.P. to win a trip to the Emmy’s.”

Waxing Shouldn't Be Taxing

Now that the weather is finally getting warmer, it's time to bare those gams and keep those brows groomed. Well, keeping eyebrows trimmed and shaped is an around-the-year routine, but you catch my drift. Since we get an extension this year for filing our taxes, take the day to get waxed with this wonderful offer from one of my favorite spas - Bliss!



Have you already filed your taxes or are you waiting until the last minute on Monday, April 18th?

All Blushing Isn't Rosy

Even though we enjoy buying blushes and bronzers to add a bit of color to our cheeks, having unwanted red cheeks from rosacea is never a good look. That's why during the month of April, The National Rosacea Society wants to raise awareness about the inflammatory skin condition. Often confused with sunburn, acne, allergies and other skin ailments, rosacea is characterized by flushing, redness, bumps and blemishes. Although it affects people with fair skin more commonly, we BGs have been diagnosed too.

Here are a few facts:

* Rosacea affects 16 million Americans, many of whom don’t know that they have it.
* Rosacea can be triggered by common foods, environmental and emotional factors
* Common food and drink triggers include alcohol (especially red wine), cheeses, caffeine, hot beverages and spice food.
* Cold or hot weather and wind can cause rosacea flare-ups, and stress, anger and embarrassment can also be triggers.

The good news is that it's totally treatable. If you find that your skin is going through a funky stage, head to your dermatologist to get to the root of your problem. Remember, enhancing ourselves with cosmetics is fun, but having healthy skin underneath is the most important.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE!

Do you suffer from a skin ailment? Share your comments.

*“Full disclosure on this post: I’m participating in this contest sponsored by Galderma Laboratories, L.P. to win a trip to the Emmy’s.”

We Keep on "Fallin" a Decade Later!

Listen up all of my fellow Alicia Keys fans! The incredibly talented singer, producer, songwriter and new mom is set to release a special 10th Anniversary Deluxe and Collector's edition on J Records/Legacy Recordings of her debut album, "Songs in A Minor," on June 28th. Can you believe it's been a decade since we first fell in love with the refreshing mega-hit, "Fallin?"

Not only will the deluxe (2 discs) offering deliver the goods from her original work that garnered Keys her first five Grammys, but will also feature previously unreleased and original bonus material. While the Collector's Edition (3- disc set) will feature special packaging, liner notes, and a documentary reflecting on her debut ten years ago.

It's hard to believe how quickly time flies, but it's safe to say that Keys will be around for years to come.

Check out the trailer:



If you want to catch Keys in concert, she'll be performing in New York City's historic Beacon Theater on June 30th. Tickets go on sale on May 6th via TicketMaster.

What's your favorite Alicia Keys' song?

Cool "Jumping the Broom" Contest

It's not often that there's a film that features us beautiful BGs and guys; so when it happens, I always make it a point to support them. "Jumping the Broom," (from the director of The Game) starring Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Meagan Good, Tasha Smith, Mike Epps and more is the latest film that showcases us on the big screen.

EBONY magazine and Sony Pictures are teaming up to give one lucky winner a chance to receive a private screening of the movie, and up to 100 friends in his/her hometown. In addition, for a limited time, Fashion Fair is releasing a beauty collection inspired by the film and will be available at 140 Macy’s stores. The movie-inspired collection includes shadows like : "Chocolate Cake" ($14.00) and glosses such as, "I Do" ($17.00) – each tailored to achieve that special look for weddings or any special occasion. Fashion Fair is also providing the “glam squad” for the red carpet premiere wedding of one lucky couple.


In theaters May 6th.

Click here for all of the details!

Book Giveaway: The Gratitude Power Workbook

Anyone who knows me personally knows that I'm a sucker for self-help books. Any publication that can give me tips on improving myself, I'm all for it. Maybe it's due to all of those years of dedicated Oprah watching. Whatever the reason, I can't seem to get enough of these feel-good guides. Ultimately, don't we all want to be the best versions of ourselves? The latest edition to my self-help library is The Gratitude Power Workbook: Transform Fear into Courage, Anger into Forgiveness, Isolation into Belonging by Nina Lesowitz and Mary Beth Sammons.


Available on Amazon.com and bookstores nationwide.

The book takes readers on an introspective ride of evaluating what it means to be grateful and how displaying gratitude can shift the course of our lives. Basically, the authors' goal is to make readers stop and smell the roses and look at the glass as half-full, instead of half-empty. Empowering quotes (I like to call them golden nuggets) and affirmations from notable scholars, authors and dignitaries such as Maya Angelou, Alex Haley, and John F. Kennedy are sprinkled throughout the book. Plus, there are plenty of fun exercises with blank pages and spaces for you to jot down your thoughts, ideas and goals.

If you have a lot to be grateful for and are in the mood for a motivating read, this book is a must-have!

What are the top 3 things that you are the most grateful for? Share your comments and a reader will win a copy of this book. The winner will be selected randomly and announced later this week.

Kandee Without the Calories

You guys know how much I love candy and shoes, so when I heard that Kandee - one of the most stylish footwear brands is making its sweet stateside debut this spring, I couldn't be happier!

The London-based shoe line is now shipping to the U.S to satisfy the sweet tooth of American die-hard footwear fashionistas. They've already been featured in tons of international magazines, but I'm thrilled that we can now get our hands on these fashionable treats for our feet.

Celebrities and fashionistas such as Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and Eva Longoria are all fans of the brand. Not only are the popular sky-high platform stilettos stunning, but all the shoes are named after cool confections like the white-hot, "Mash-A-Mallow," pumps or the "Peanut Crunch" sandals.

We all know that every now in then, a girl's gotta give in to her sweet tooth and Kandee is the perfect indulgence!


Available at Kandee for $257


Available at Kandee for $277

Would you wear Kandee shoes?


**Btw, the winner of the Creme of Nature products is: Esco. The winner of the Love Me Perfume is Izzo. Congrats ladies and please send me your mailing addresses!

Simply the Best

We beauty buffs know that when we find a good product, we stick with it. Granted, experimenting with new makeup from time to time is smart because you never know when you might find that diamond in the rough. However, we usually end up going back to our favorite fail-proof products. Case in point - Revlon's Colorstay Eyeliner.

Just the other day I realized that I had run through my Revlon eyeliner stash (I buy in bulk whenever they're on sale at Duane Reade or Target) so out of desperation, I decided to give another brand a try - big mistake.

At first, I was pleasantly pleased with the dark, rich color that this new brand provided. Plus, it glided effortlessly onto my lash-line. Unfortunately, before I could even leave the house it smeared and smudged making me look like a weeping raccoon - not a good look.

Needless to say, on my way to work I made a pit-stop to the nearest drugstore and bought the liner that always goes on smooth and most importantly - stays put!


Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner Pencil available at drugstores nationwide for about $7.


What's your one fail-proof product?

Kimora Lee Simmons Wants You To Love Her

Kimora Lee Simmons, a mom, wife, entrepreneur, and bigger-than-life personality is back with a brand new fragrance - Baby Phat L♥V ME by Kimora Lee Simmons. The newest addition to her perfume portfolio is a light, flirty fragrance that exudes confidence and strength, while remaining sweet.

The perfect fusion of Jasmine Petals, Tiger Orchid, Vanilla Blossom, Tangerine and Passion Fruit notes makes this an aromatic treat ideal for spring. Plus, the beautiful bottle makes it a standout amongst your other bottled scents.


Baby Phat L♥V ME (1.0 oz) retails for $28 in select stores nationwide, such as Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Kohl’s and Kmart.

What perfumes will you be wearing this spring? Would you like to try Baby Phat L♥V ME by Kimora Lee Simmons? If so, leave a comment telling me what you admire about the former model turned mogul. A winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week.

**The winner of the Whoop Ash swag bag is SunSoakerB. Congrats! Please email me your mailing address.

Creme of the Crop

Ever since giving birth to my daughter early last year, my hair has gone through a major transformation - and not a good one. It's been extremely dry and brittle like never before. So when I learned that Creme of Nature, a brand I've been using since my high school days had added five new products to their highly popular Argon Oil from Morocco line, I was anxious to see what the shine-enhancing nutrient-rich oil products could do for my parched tresses.

The new products are also made with Certified Organic Argan Oil from Morocco, which includes an Oil Treatment, Moisture and Shine Shampoo, Intensive Conditioning Treatment, Strength & Shine Leave-In Conditioner, and an Oil Moisturizer. So far, I've only used the oil moisturizer and have been raving about the results to all of my friends. It's light-weight, has a pleasant yet non-overwhelming scent and most importantly - left my hair shiny, frizz-free and not-weighed downed like so many other moisturizers on the market. I plan to use the rest of the 4 products this weekend and will let you know how it goes!


Available at drugstores and beauty supply stores nationwide.


Would you like to try all FIVE of the new products from the Creme of Nature with Argan Oil from Morocco line? If so, tell me your hair woes and a winner will be randomly selected and announced next week.