Sponsored - Aveeno's Beautiful Change Challenge Part 2

We've all seen those tabloid spreads, "Stars Without Makeup," but unlike some who scrutinize and ridicule celebrities who are caught out there without their "game face," I find it empowering. When these women step out in the midst of paparazzi without a stitch of makeup I think it shows that they're secure in their own skin, which is admirable. OK, some of them may not exactly intend to be plastered on the cover of these publications, but they still walked outside their homes without the help of a glam squad.

As women we all have days when we'd rather skip our beauty routines and brave the world bare-faced or throw on a baseball cap to cover our unpresentable strands. But, many of us have to take baby steps, namely me!  Once I decided to take part in this Aveeno challenge, I reflected on my daily beauty routine and recognized that I spend an unnecessarily long time getting ready.

In an effort to simplify, switch, and speed up my morning beautifying routine, I decided to give my hair a break and opt for a one-sided braid. It's super easy to do and it's a refreshing change from my usual topknot or two-strand twists. I've also simplified my daily makeup application. For a few weeks I've been using tinted moisturizers with SPF 30 instead of concealers or foundation. Admittedly, I can only do this because I'm not currently suffering from any discolorations or hyper-pigmentation.

Me wearing a side-bun and braid. 

New AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL™ lets you renew your hair to its naturally balanced state daily. Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy, most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair. Learn more here http://bit.ly/A1cjWg

“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by AVEENO® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AVEENO®”

21 Drops of Heaven

After a busy week, unwinding is the first goal on my long list of to-do's this weekend. Luckily, I'll have some help getting a little R&R thanks to my newfound love of aromatherapy.

21 Drops, a modern line of therapeutic grade essential oils has a trio kit aptly called, "The Weekender," that includes "passion," "sleep," and "hangover" oils. Collectively blended from jasmine flower, sandalwood, and juniper fruit oil, this senses-stimulating set will have you bringing your sexy back, slumbering soundly, and detoxing from excess.




Available at www.21drops.com for $74.00


Do you use aromatherapy?

**The winner of the Dermablend brush set is: Tiffany, congratulations! Please send me your mailing address no later than Friday, June 17th.

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.”

Revitalize with Vitamins!

Now that I'm a mom, I'm doing my best to stay healthy so that I can actually be around to see my daughter grow up. In order to embrace a healthier lifestyle, I've ditched my daily intake of gummi bears for a daily dose of vitamins. I'm currently taking a multivitamin with minerals and iron to help combat my anemia. Prior to being pregnant I never took vitamins, but now I've made them a part of my routine and the results have left me feeling more energized.

In fact, the American Medical Association recommends vitamin supplementation as a way to prevent heart disease. The benefits of taking vitamins are bountiful and I'm glad to finally be onboard!

Do you take vitamins? If so, what kind?

Dreamgirl Diet

As most of you probably heard yesterday, Jennifer Hudson is the new spokeswoman for the popular Weight Watchers program. Our favorite dreamgirl has lost a significant amount of weight after the birth of her son. According to Hudson, this isn't a diet, but a lifestyle change. I commend Ms. Hudson for being a curvy BG, but still trying to be more health conscious.



I've always heard such great things about Weight Watchers, but have never been on any diet; but I do love their frozen meals!

Have you ever tried Weight Watchers? Have you ever been on a diet? Do you think diets work? Please share.

**The winner of the Covergirl Queen Collection Bronzer is K-Bear. Please send me your mailing address. Congrats!

Peeled Perfection!

Since I've traded in my favorite treat - gummi bears for healthier bites, I've tried many nuts and fruit snacks, but none have stacked up to Peeled Snacks. This fairly new line of all-natural, organic dried fruits and nuts have been my go-to treats throughout my pregnancy.

Not only are Peeled Snacks packed with tons of nutritional benefits, they are all very tasty too! It's hard to believe that there is no sugar or oil added. Since I love tart and tangy goodies, my favorite ones are the dried pineapples and cherries.


Visit www.peeledsnacks.com to find a store near you that carries Peeled Snacks.


Are you a fan of dried fruit and nuts? What do you snack on to stay healthy?

**Btw, the winner of the brow powder from Monday was Shawnta!

Handy Hand Sanitizers!

Now that we're fast-approaching the cold & flu season, it's time to stock up on those tried and true travel-size hand sanitizers. These handy anti-bacterial cleansers are perfect for killing germs when you aren't able to wash your hands with soap and water. If you're like me, you take public transportation daily and touch numerous handrails and other frequently-touched surfaces that are littered with bacteria. So be safe the season and throw a couple of these sanitizers in your purse.

Also, be sure to get your free Swine Flu vaccine once it becomes available for everyone next month.

Do you use travel-size hand sanitizers?

Check out some of these choices:


Purell Hand Sanitizer in Crisp Apple available at www.drugstore.com for $2.99


Walgreen's Hand Sanitizer available at www.walgreens.com for $0.99


Burt's Bees Hand Sanitzer with Aloe & Witch Hazel available at www.walgreens.com for $4.99


Pure Seduction Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer available at www.victoriassecret.com for $3


EO Peppermint Hand Sanitizer Spray available at www.smallflower.com for $2.99


Orange Vanilla All-Natural Travel Size Hand Sanitizer available at www.bathandbodyworks.com for $3.50

**The winners of the Queen Latifah fragrance are Nerd Girl and K-Bear! Congrats, please email me your mailing addresses. Thanks to all who participated. Be sure to check BGG daily - I'm going to have an ultimate gift bag giveaway soon.

Healthy Snacking: Fresh Fruits!

This summer I've tried to curb my appetite for sugary sweets like gummi bears and Skittles. Instead, I've opted for delicious fresh fruits. We all need to make a conscious effort to make fruits a part of our daily diets.

The summer is the best season to get your hands on a the freshest fruits available and for a more affordable price. Right now, the fruits in season are: blueberries, blackberries, apples, melons, grapes, nectarines and peaches. Add them to a salad or keep them at work for a healthy snack.

So put down those sugary snacks and head to your local farmer's market or produce store to stock up on fruits that are tasty and good for you!

What are your favorite fruits?

Get Moving!

For those of you who have been procrastinating when it comes to working out, there's no better time to start than now! With summer in full-swing, there are so many outdoor options for exercising. I know that many of us BGs put off working out to preserve our 'dos, but our health should always come first. Doing at least 30 minutes of cardio 3 times a week will keep those pesky pounds away and our hearts healthy.



What's your favorite work-out routine? Do you prefer bike riding, jogging, swimming, etc? For those BGs with relaxed tresses, do you oftentimes forgo working out in an effort to keep your lovely locks straight?

**Btw, the winner of the Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Mask is Calming Corners. Please email me your mailing address. You will have 7 days from today to respond, otherwise, I will have to select another winner. Congrats!

Let's Talk About Sex!

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending The Body Shop and MTV's Staying Alive Foundation Say "Yes, Yes, Yes," To Safe Sex event with Solange Knowles. The press event was held to promote and reinforce the importance of practicing safe sex. Research shows that last year 2.5 million people were infected with HIV; nearly half are ages 15-24.

To help spread the word, The Body Shop is launching an exclusive Tantalizing Lip Butter ($8) in an effort to raise funds for HIV/AIDS awareness ($5 of each butter sold will go towards the foundation). Solange, a spokeswoman for the campaign, was there to answer questions and yours truly asked her if she felt as though recording artists should take more responsibility with their lyrics in regards to practicing safe sex.

Click here to listen to her answer. *I taped it sideways by mistake! lol

Do you think people have become more complacent toward practicing safe sex and the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS? Leave a comment and one lucky reader will win the dragon fruit-flavored lip butter. The winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow. Hopefully, every one else will go out and purchase the lip butter and help support the cause. Beauty with a purpose is always good!


Available at www.thebodyshop.com for $8

Get an Electrifying Smile!

Call me old-fashioned, but it was only recently that I became hip to the wonderful world of electric toothbrushes! Of course, I knew about them, but I always thought that they were too expensive. Thanks to my mother-in-law who gifted me with the practical gadget, I am now obsessed with the cleaning devices.

They are great at keeping teeth clean and gums healthy in between dentist visits. Plus, you can find quality ones within your budget. I can't believe it took me so long to take advantage of dental technology!

Do you use electric toothbrushes? Are you one of the millions who has a fear of the dentist? Please share!

Check out these bustling bristles:


Oral B Triumph Professional Care Toothbrush available at www.macys.coom for $129.99


Crest Spin Brush Pro Charge Powered Toothbrush available at www.walgreens.com for $20.99


Philip Sonic Care Set (includes two toothbrushes) available available at www.drugstore.com for $22.99


Philips Sonic Care Healthy White Tooth Brush available at www.target.com for $109.99


Oral B Slim Pulsonic Toothbrush available at www.macys.com for $59.99

**The winner of the IMAN eyeshadow is Shawnta! Please email me your mailing address. Congrats!

Get in Gear!

Since we’re a mere 2 weeks into the New Year, hopefully those who have made a resolution to lose weight or to live an overall healthier lifestyle haven’t fallen off of the wagon just yet! Although working out did not make my resolutions list this year (or ever), it really should be taken seriously and implemented into our daily routines or at least a few times a week. The benefits of working out are abundant and our bodies will thank us accordingly.

Maybe these super cute fitness accessories will jump start my mood to hit the gym. Wishful thinking!

How often do you work out? What's your favorite indoor exercise?


Everlast Boxing Gloves available at www.lucy.com for $30


Cap Barbell 32 lb. Neoprene Dumbbell Set available at www.modells.com for $59.99


Resistance Tubes by Natural Fitness available at www.lucy.com for $12


Adidas Alexia Mesh Fitness Shoe available at www.modells.com for $64.99


Valeo 65" cm Pink Body Exercise Ball w/Pump available at www.uniquefit1.com for $19.99


Apple iPod Arm Band available at www.apple.com for $29


Jansport Duffel Bag available at www.modells.com for $59.99


Jeanette Jenkins "The Hollywood Trainer" (Queen Latifah's personal trainer) Workout Videos: Cardio Dance and Sexy Arms, Abs and Legs DVD available at www.thehollywoodtrainervideo.com for $19.95 each

**One lucky reader will win both fitness DVDs (a value of $40). Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow!

Pretty in Pink for a Purpose

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. That frightening statistic shows that breast cancer has affected most of us. I have lost two aunts to it and hope that they find a cure to eradicate this devastating disease.

To help fight against breast cancer, you can pamper yourself with these pretty in pink products. A portion of the proceeds from these items will go to breast cancer research.

Do you typically buy similar products during Breast Cancer Awareness month (October) to help fund research for the disease? If not, would you?


Clarisonic Brush in Pnk available at www.sephora.com for $195


Estee Lauder Elizabeth Hurley Lip Trio available at www.nordstrom.com for $16


Smashbox Pink Power Eye & Lip Kit available at www.ulta.com for $46


Jane Iredale PureGloss in the Pink available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $19


Breast Cancer Awareness Pocket Brush Set available at www.sephora.com for $15


Ojon Revitalizing Mist for Breast Cancer Awareness available at www.sephora.com for $26


Pink Ribbon Terry Cloth Robe available at www.target.com for $49.99


Tweezerman Petite Tweezer Case available at www.drugstore.com for $25

Staying Fit in the Summer!

There's no season better to stay in shape than in the summer. It's the perfect time of year because the weather generally allows us to partake in outdoor activities that are great for getting in shape. Since many of us BGs wear our hair naturally, long gone are the excuses of "sweating out our hair." For us who do wear our hair pressed or chemically straightened, it's time to do away with the hair excuse all together. We need to get out there and embrace an active and healthy lifestyle!

Here are my top 5 summer fitness activities:

1. Swimming
2. Running around the park
3. Volleyball on the beach
4. Rollerblading
5. Biking

What are some of your favorite outdoor physical activities to do during the summer? Please share!

Sun-kissed

Now that summer is almost here, our days of having fun in the sun are on the rise. But before you head outdoors, be sure to lather on sunscreen.

Picnics in the park and lounging on the beach are fun, but can cause major skin damage if you’re not protected with sunscreen. Contrary to what many BGs think, we are susceptible to skin cancer due to sun exposure just like our fairer counterparts.

So while you’re packing your totes with magazines, snacks and cool drinks, be sure to toss in an extra bottle of sunscreen too. The best accessory this summer is healthy skin!

Here are a few sunscreen tips from renowned African-American dermatologist, Dr. Susan Taylor:

• All women with brown skin should use sunscreen daily
• Always apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you’re exposed to the sun to allow your skin to absorb the product and create a protective shield.
• Use sunscreen generously on all exposed skin—face, neck and hands. Apply at least a shot-glass full (about one ounce).
• Sunscreen in foundation wears off after only a couple of hours so it’s best to apply sunscreen separately, under makeup, or in moisturizers that say SPF 15 on the label.

Do you use sunscreen?

Check out some of these products:


Sephora Sun Safety Kit available at www.sephora.com for $25


Burt's Bees Natural Suncare Chemical-free Sunscreen SPF 15 available at www.walgreens.com for $12.99


Carol's Daughter Gelee de Soleil SPF 15 Tanning Oil available at www.sephora.com for $14


Murad Oil-free Sunblock SPF 30 available at www.sephora.com for $30


Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 85 available at www.walgreens.com for $10.99


Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Creme SPF 15 available at www.sephora.com for $35


Bliss "The Big Sunscreen" SPF 30 available at www.blissworld.com for $30

Maintaining a Healthy Heart

We BGs always find the time to take care of others, but oftentimes neglect ourselves when it comes to health. For example, statistics show that African-American women are at a greater threat of death from heart disease than women of other races. This dismal stat can be reversed if we take better care of our hearts. That's why it's imperative that we take control of our cardiovascular health.

It is recommended that we do some form of cardio 3-5 days a week for 30 minutes.

Whether power-walking, biking or rock-climbing, incorporating some type of cardio in our weekly routine is essential to maintaining good health.

Not only does doing cardio exercises get our blood pumping, it also helps shed unwanted pounds.

So if you want to fit into that itsy bitsy bikini this season - go out and get moving!

What's your cardio workout of choice? Please share!

Nip/Tuck?

Now that former Destiny's Child member, Kelly Rowland has confirmed to People magazine after much speculation, that she did in fact undergo breast augmentation, made me think about the increasing number of celebrities and now ordinary working-class people who go under the knife for the quest of physical perfection.

Of course, everyone has the right to choose whether or not they want to have cosmetic surgery, but do we hold celebrities like Rowland to a certain standard? She told People, "It is a decision I made for myself. I like it, and that's all that counts. I now feel complete." Do you think that by her admitting her procedure, gives young girls who see her as a role model the wrong impression of loving themselves for who they are?

According to cosmetic surgery statistics, these are the most common procedures:


Whether it's liposuction or a nose job, would you ever consider having cosmetic surgery? Men, do you prefer women with natural breasts over surgically-enhanced ones or does it matter at all? Please share your thoughts!