Cyber Monday: Shop for a Cause

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to spend time with a few patients from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at a Target-sponsored event in New York. While I knew that it would be an emotional experience, I was not prepared for just how inspiring it would be.

Being surrounded by such courageous kids was beyond inspiring. Despite their health challenges, they were positive, upbeat, jovial, and displayed an unyielding zeal for life. Ever since that visit, when I feel like complaining or beating myself up over something silly - I think of them. They helped me re-evaulate what's truly important in life and that good health should never be taken for granted.

Actor Hill Harper recently made a trip to St. Jude in Memphis to visit and play a game of Jenga with cancer patients, Luis and Courtney during the hospital's annual Thanks and Giving campaign. 

Every year St. Jude asks America to shop for a cause by purchasing gifts via stjude.com to support the lifesaving treatment for children battling cancer and other deadly diseases. So this CyberMonday, give a gift that will help save a life.

Don't just wait for the holiday season to volunteer and help others - do it year-round.  You'll be touching the lives of someone in need while nourishing your soul.

Do you volunteer or mentor?

What I'm Most Thankful For...

My pride and joy, Ava!

Plus, my loving husband, family and friends. Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!!

What are you the most thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Photos In Case You Missed the American Music Awards

Nicki Minaj

Will.i.Am with Robin Thicke

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Lopez at an AMA after-party.

John Legend

L.A Reid at an AMA after-party.

Lionel Richie

Mary J. Blige

Did you watch the awards? If so, who was your favorite performer? Were you shocked by any of the winners?

5 Things to Be Thankful for This Year

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is next week! Where did the year go? While I'm truly thankful for the many blessings that I've received in addition to the most important (health, family, a job, and shelter) this year, I also thought of a light-hearted list of a few things that we BGs should also be thankful for in 2011.

Here's the list in no particular order:

1. Beyonce showing the world that she's pregnant on the MTV Awards. Thanks to the Queen Bee, we didn't have to suffer through all of the endless speculation of "is she" or "isn't she?" But, apparently a some people STILL couldn't believe that the bootylicious star was bearing a child.

2. Reed Between the Lines airing on BET. We all have our favorite girlfriend back on the air! Plus, it's a positive show that shows that we have successful careers, loving spouses and families just like everybody else.

3. Carol's Daughter launch of Chocolat Smoothing System. When it comes to products for us curly, coily, kinky and even chemically-straightened hair, Carol's Daughter reigns supreme. The new Chocolat system effortlessly tames frizzies for when we want to flaunt a sleek style.

4. Queen Latifah's clothing launch. We all know that the actress/singer/rapper is the Queen of all trades, but we're so happy that she's adding fashion to her burgeoning repertoire. From a size 2 to a 24, Latifah's line accommodates women of most sizes.

5. Oprah's Lifeclass. I don't know about you, but I was glued to the tube every night to learn a lesson from the former talk show host. Each of the shows were so enlightening and inspiring that I even watched most of them live (I hardly ever watch shows that aren't DVR'd)! I am counting down the days for its return in the spring.

What in pop culture, beauty or fashion are you thankful for this year? 

Get Glowing Skin with a Neutrogena Microdermabrasion System Giveaway

If you're looking for a microdermabrasion system that will leave your skin smooth and radiant without breaking the bank, Neutrogena has the product for you. Their microbrasion system is comparable to the pricier ones by Clarisonic and Olay, but is considerably more affordable.

I know you're thinking, but does it work as well as some of the others on the market? Yes, the kit comes with a one-month supply of easy-to-apply cleansing puffs that sloughs away, dead skin cells leaving behind a rejuvenated surface. After using it for a week, I saw immediate results.

Since I'm a huge fan of the Clarisonic brand too, the only downside of the Neutrogena one is that it's battery-operated unlike the Clarisonic that comes with a charger. Other than that, I find it to be a great buy especially for the price!

Available at www.drugstore.com for $19.99

Have you tried the Neutrogena Microbrasion System? If not, you can win one simply by leaving a comment. A winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week. 


What's your fall skincare regimen?

Hot Hosiery for Fall

Ever since I was a little girl, I've had an adoration for tights. See, how I'm so excited in the picture below? It's all due to the fire-engine red leg-wear I'm rocking.

Me with my big sister, Tia, circa 1983.

For as long as I can remember, I've anxiously anticipated cool weather so that I could slip my gams into my favorite form of hosiery. From patterns to bold prints, it's no secret that tights can instantly add oomph and personality to any leg-baring ensemble. Plus, they'll keep you warm while making you appear polished and pulled-together.

I haven't met a pair of tights that I didn't like. On second thought, I have, but those are few and far between!

Check out these stylish offerings:

Agree to Filagree Tights available at www.modcloth.com for $27.99

Anthropologie Fishbone Tights available at www.anthropologie.com for $38

Cole Haan Argyle Tights available at www.zappos.com for $25

Free People Pin Stripe Tights available at www.freepeople.com for $28

Oroblu Col Monika Tights available at www.nordstrom.com for $31

Pretty Polly 'Sparkly' Tights available at www.nordstrom.com for $25

Tsumori Chisato Stripe Tights available at www.forwardforward.com for $149 (yes, that's really $150!! I'd never pay that much for tights, but they are nice to look at from afar!)

Are you a fan of patterned tights?

BGG Chats with Kimora Lee Simmons

Ever since she hopped on the seen as Mrs. Russell Simmons back in the late 1990s, Kimora Lee has become a mainstay in urban pop culture. From turning the fashion brand, Baby Phat, into an empire to her outrageous antics on her reality show, Life in the Fab Lane, Ms. Fabulosity has no plans of slowing down.

I recently spoke with the fashion mogul about life after Baby Phat, being a mom of three, and more. Check out the interview here.

Are you a "Fabulosity" fan? 

Coming to a TV Near You

Have you heard about the latest TV ventures from uber-comedy producer Keenan Ivory Wayans and mega star Queen Latifah?

Well, get ready to set your DVR's as the hit 90's sketch comedy In Living Color will be making a comeback to FOX. Revamped with a brand new cast and new musical talent, FOX is hoping to revive its original hit series with two 30 minute specials to see if viewers will respond favorably. With edgy segments such as the hilarious "Men on Film" with David Alan Grier and Damon Wayans, In Living Color may very well fill the void where Mad TV ended.

Also, former talk show host Queen Latifah is returning back to daytime TV a new talk show slated for the Fall 2013 season. Latifah will be teaming up with Will and Jada, who will serve as executive producers. While the Queen appeared on her eponymous talk show that lasted two seasons, perhaps creating a dream team with the Smiths will give her the boost she needs to compete with the current talk-show divas.

Do you think either of these shows will survive today's fickle TV market?


posted by: Khadijah C.