My Life - A Scent by MJB

If you look into Mary J. Blige's life it's all about overcoming obstacles and becoming triumphant over adversity. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul exemplifies what it means to stay true to one's self and wants women to know that they too can combat challenges. Already a spokeswoman for Carol's Daughter, Blige is taking her love of beauty and fragrance one step further with the launch of her debut perfume, aptly called, My Life.

I was lucky enough to receive a sample at her FFAWN gala last month and was instantly enthralled by the fragrance. A mix of floral scents such as white freesia and gardenias, My Life, is the perfect perfume for summer.



My Life by Mary J. Blige goes on sale July 31st on the HSN for $46. One dollar from every sell of the fragrance will go toward aiding the FFAWN foundation.


Would you try Mary J. Blige's new perfume? What's your favorite Mary J. Blige song?

**The winner of the Pantene Customized Solutions collection is Redbonegirl97. Please send me your mailing address by Friday, July 16th.

Pantene Puts the Pretty in Precision

When it comes to hair care products, we BGs have a seemingly endless amount of options. Sifting through the scores of shampoos, conditioners, and styling products makes it difficult to find the right solutions that best suit your hair type. That's why Pantene ProV recently launched, Customized Solutions, to make things a bit easier.

Since most women's hair fall into four distinct unique hair structures - Fine, Medium/Thick, Curly and Color-Treated, Customized Solutions will provide the best product performance for your individual hair texture. We BGs, have been fans of their popular Relaxed & Natural products, but since our hair textures vary greatly - this new line allows you to choose with more precision.



If you're like me and have lathered your locks in Pantene products before, your tresses are in for a special treat with this incredibly innovative new line.

**One lucky winner will win one entire Pantene Customized Solutions collection. The winner will choose the texture that best suits her hair type.

BGG Chats w/Tracy Reese

As you guys may already know, Tracy Reese is one of my all-time favorite fashion designers. I've absolutely adored her ornate style and ethnic-inspired designs for several years. If there's one designer who knows how to create a fabulous frock - it's Ms. Reese. Check out my chat with the celebrated fashion designer here!

BGG FYI: Essence Event in NY

If you think you've got what it takes to be cast in a Dark & Lovely ad in Essence, come out and strut your stuff at the SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely and Essence Magazine's Ultimate Fashionista Event and Model Search, tomorrow, June 24th from 5-8pm at the Eventi Hotel, located 851 Avenue of the Americas.



The winner will not only be featured in a print ad in Essence, she will also win a $5000 shopping spree with celebrity stylist Carlton Jones, a personalized hair makeover by celebrity hair stylist Johnny Wright, who has styled the First Lady's tresses. 10 Runner's Up will receive $500 and a year's supply of Dark & Lovely products.

Fab FFAWN Event

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the FFAWN star-studded fundraising gala at Cipriani here in New York City. If you're not familiar with FFAWN (Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now), it's an organization for women founded by Mary J. Blige and record executive Steve Stout last year.

Its mission is to inspire women from all walks of life to gain the confidence and skills they need to reach their individual potential. According to their website, they will accomplish their mission to empower and encourage women by shaping and supporting programs that foster education, career development, strong self-esteem, and personal growth.

It was truly an honor to attend such an esteemed event and I was able to chat with a few celebrities on the red carpet including: Idris Elba, Lisa Price (founder of Carol's Daughter), Melanie Fiona, Taraji P. Henson and others. Stay tuned for snippets from the stars.

For more information on FFAWN visit their website here.


Mary J. Blige


Lisa Price, founder of Carol's Daughter


Melanie Fiona


Idris Elba


Taraji P. Henson

**BTW, the winner of the $50 Family Dollar gift card is Antithesis! Congrats, please send me your mailing address.

BGG Chats w/Tia Mowry

Growing up in the public eye since her teenage years on the hit show, "Sister, Sister," actress Tia Mowry talks with me about the differences between her and her twin sister, marriage, "The Game," and her new romantic comedy, "Double Wedding," premiering Sunday, June 20th at 8pm EST on the Lifetime Movie Network.



Click here for the Q&A!

Great Gifts for Dad!

I've never been excited for Father's Day, but that all changed when my hubby became a dad for the first time this year. Since he's super laid-back and the ultimate sports fanatic, it's going to be pretty simple finding the perfect gift for him. However, if your dad or husband isn't as easy to please, check out the following guy-friendly gift guide for inspiration!

What's the most valuable lesson you've learned from your dad? What do you love the most about him?


Usher's VIP Eau De Toilette available at www.kohls.com for $35-50


Cuisinart CW Wine Cellar 16-Bottle Private Serve available at www.macys.com for $229.99


Kodak ZX 1 Camcorder HD Pocket Video Camera available at www.macys.com for $149.99


Five Star Terry Robe available at www.redenvelope.com for $79.95


Sony z-SS4IP iPod Speaker w/AM-FM CD Boombox available at www.macys.com for $129.99


Get him tickets to his favorite sports event.


Swiss Legend Commander Rubber Watch available at www.endless.com for $99.99

Dollar Days: $50 Gift Card Giveaway!

Now that my daughter, Ava, is almost 6-months-old, it's even more fun dressing her up in cute clothes during the warm weather. A few weeks ago, Family Dollar gifted me with several super cute sets. That's right, Family Dollar has launched a new line right in time for summer called, Kidgets, which offers stylish, yet budget-friendly (all under $10) clothing and accessories for newborns to toddlers.



Having seen my fair share of onesies, dresses, and short-sets, I was blown away by the quality of the outfits. Since babies outgrow their items so quickly, it's always a good idea not to invest a ton of money on clothes. That's why Kidgets is such a great buy - you actually get quality for an affordable price making it a win-win purchase.

So the next time you're shopping at your local Family Dollar, be sure to check out Kidgets for excellent deals on everything from sunglasses to sandals for your little one.

Have you ever shopped at Family Dollar? One lucky reader will win a $50 gift card to the store. Just leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week.

BGG Chats w/Brandy

Grammy-award-winning singer, TV star, former Covergirl and mother -- Brandy has already done what would take most people a lifetime to accomplish. And, at 31, the entertainer proves that she's still ready for business.

Tell me a little about R&B Productions. Will you and your brother Ray J produce other artists?
"Right now we're just focusing on the Ray J and Brandy movement -- as a team. It's always been our dream to be like the new Donny & Marie, so we've been working on developing a sitcom. I'm really trying to get [Ray J] in the studio. We need to do an album together. We're just waiting for the right time. Timing is everything, so I'm really excited about that because I know it will happen."

So you're working on a new TV show?
"Yes, because that's where we come from. Together on camera is where we're skilled. The chemistry between Ray and I is so magical, so we have to explore that."

Speaking of Ray J, you guys are so close. Was there ever any sibling rivalry between the two of you?
"We are very close, almost scary close! [laughs] We don't have sibling rivalry, but discovering different aspects of our relationships on the show is very interesting. For example, Ray is very business savvy while I'm not. I'm very emotional and very artistic. He is too, but he's more into 'I've got to make money.' Sometimes I want him to just be my brother all the time, but he can't because he's a businessman.

Click here for the full Q&A to find out why she thinks it's best for her to be a friend to her daughter and more!

"Un-Nappily in Love" Book Winners Announced!

Remember a few weeks ago when I said there would be a giveaway of Trisha R. Thomas' new book, "Un-Nappily In Love?" well that time has come! The two lucky winners are Miss Mika and B! Please email me your mailing addresses.


"Un-Nappily in Love," by Trisha R. Thomas available at www.borders.com for

If you missed my Q&A with the author. You can check it out here!

Take a Walk on the Dyed Side

Summer is the time to switch up your hair hue. If turning your tresses fire-engine red like Rihanna might be too daring, there is certainly a color that will suit your style.

From soft highlights to bold golds, we BGs are never afraid to play with different shades for our strands. Several years ago, I even took a brief walk on the dyed side, but I'm not sure if I'd get up the courage to color again!

Have you ever colored your hair? If so, did you regret it? Take a peek at some of these recent dye-jobs.


Gabrielle Union

Rihanna

Mel B.

Beauty Tips from the East

If you can't afford to take a trip to Abu Dhabi -- like Carrie and her crew in Sex & the City 2 -- but want to create a timeless, exotic, Eastern-influenced look like BG, Freida Pinto, click here for the deets.

Get Your Oil Under Control

Having a dewy glow is always in vogue during the summer - having oily skin is not. Since our skin tends to produce more oil during the warmer months, it's important to use products that will keep our faces fresh and oil-free. That's why for the past two weeks I've been able to avoid oil-triggered makeup meltdowns with Skindinavia's No More Shine Makeup Finish.

This oil-free, weightless mist holds foundation, eye shadows, blush and concealer in place creating a matte finish. It absorbs excess oil, which in turn reduces shine so that your face will glow, but not glisten. In the past I've used blotting papers, but this is much better and quite refreshing!


Spray on just before your makeup and after. Available at Skindinavia for $29 for a 4 oz. bottle (which lasts about 4 months).

What do you use to curtail oily skin?

Is Bitch the New Black?

After reading Helena Andrews's profile in the Washington Post a few months ago, I've been anxiously anticipating her memoir, "Bitch is the New Black," which hit bookstores yesterday.

Comprised of candid, yet heartfelt essays that document the life of a young, single, highly-educated BG with a successful career who's on the quest for love, "Bitch is the New Black," is sassy as it is insightful. Told in a singular, witty voice, Andrews shares her life experiences up until her late 20s in a relatable girlfriend style. With film rights already sold, this book will resonate with many BGs who realize that finding "Mr. Right" and embracing adulthood isn't as easy at it may seem.


Available at www.borders.com for $24.99

Would you read this book? What are your thoughts? One lucky reader will win a copy. Just leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week.

**UPDATE** The winner of the book is K-Bear! Congrats! Please send me your mailing address info.

Winner Announced - Bangles with a Bang!

What woman doesn't like to express herself through clothing and accessories? Well, there's a new brand of bangles that will let fashionistas wear their expressions on their wrists. Bangleism is a line of custom-made bangles that allows you to choose from a host of popular affirmations such as "I Am Extraordinary" and "Believe in Yourself," or gives you the option to be original and create your own designs.

Founded by fellow BG, Arika Pierce, 30, who has a background in law and politics, Bangleism serves as her creative outlet. "I have been working on this for about 9 months now, perfecting the process and now I finally feel ready to share my creations with the world," she says. Her signature hot pink paint can be seen inside all of the bracelets giving them that distinct, pretty pop of color.

So this summer while you're donning sundresses and tank tops, add that extra oomph to your outfit with one of these bold, bright, and unique bangles.


Available at www.bangleism.com for $12

Do you wear bangles? One lucky reader will win her own Bangleism bangle. Just leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced on Tuesday.

**The winner of the Bangleism bangle is K. Rock. Please email me your mailing address info! Congrats. :-)