Partying for a Cause with Petals-N-Belles

We BGs know that the only way to move forward in life is to give back. That's why I was so excited to attend the Petals-N-Belles' Limitless 2012 one-year anniversary event at Greenhouse here in New York City earlier this week. Founded by Damali Elliott last year, Petals-n-Belles is a New York-based mentoring  organization created to empower and inspire young girls.

Hosted by 106 & Park TV personality, Rocsi Diaz, the fabulous fundraiser was co-chaired by ESSENCE's Editor-at-Large, Emil Wilbekin and social media maven and founder of Dinner with Bevy, LLC, Bevy Smith. With over 300 attendees, Petals-N-Belles raised over $10,000 to help support its spring and summer mentorship programs.

Not only did guests give back, but they also mingled and partied to the tunes of DJ Kiss. Plus, some of the mentees were present and spoke positively about the powerful influence of Petals-n-Belles. Having only been established for a year, Elliott is well on her way to improving and impacting the lives of countless young girls one mentee at a time.

Check out these pics from the event:

From (L toR): Petals-N-Belle founder, Damali Elliott, Shantelle (singer), and Rocsi Diaz

Event co-chairs: Essence Editor-at-Large Emil Wilbekin and social media maven/Dinner with Bevy LLC founder, Bevy Smith

Chrisette Michelle

Petals-N-Belles partner Isis Adewale and Board member Larry Ossei-Mensah

All photos Hannan/Selah/Essence.com

For more information on Petals-N-Belles, please click here.

Do you mentor? Were you or are you currently being mentored? 

Brown Baby Gumbo Is Back/Disney To Debut New BG-Friendly Animated-Series

For all of my BG mommy readers, please check out my sister site: Brown Baby Gumbo, where I'll be stirring up everything that chic brown babies (and moms) love! I started this blog back in 2010 a few months after the birth of my daughter, Ava, but I put it on hiatus shortly after its launch. Now that I'm able to devote more time to it, I've decided to bring it back.

Check out what Disney has in store for little brown girls and boys over at Brown Baby Gumbo!

I appreciate your support on my new site venture in advance! XOXO - Karla 

EVENT ALERT: "Million Hoodie March" in NYC for Trayvon Martin

While I typically only cover light-hearted, fashion, beauty, and celebrity stories, I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the disgusting and heinous death of Trayvon Martin, 17, who was gunned down by  "neighborhood watchman" George Zimmerman, 28, Feb. 26 in Sanford, Florida. To date, Zimmerman has not been officially charged with any crime and is currently a free man. Zimmerman claims that he acted in "self-defense."

Thanks to social media, people who are outraged that Zimmerman is not in jail facing a murder trial will have the opportunity to join others who are calling for justice and an end to racial profiling at 6pm this evening for a "Million Hoodie March," in New York City. It has been reported that Martin's parents will be in attendance.

The event, which was organized via Facebook will start in Union Square and end at the United Nations building on the east side. Organizers hope that participants will wear hooded apparel for the march. "A Black person in a hood isn't automatically 'suspicious,'"reads the event's Facebook page.

Participants are also urged to upload photos of themselves in their hoodies to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using hashtag #MillionHoodies. Also, be sure to sign the petition to prosecute Martin's murderer on Change.org.

President Barack Obama Loves Black People

In an effort to ensure that we BGs and guys get out and re-elect President Barack Obama into office, he announced via video the 2012 launch of African-Americans for Obama campaign to rally African-American voters.

In the video, the president says, "I don't think there's a better time than African-American history month to consider the tremendous progress that we've made through the sacrifices of so many, or a better time to commit to meeting the very real challenges we face right now."

He added that he wants us "to continue making history," by using our voting power at the polls.

Watch the entire video below:

Do you think President Barack Obama will be re-elected?

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Even though he left this earth over 40 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s memory and legacy are still alive today. We BGs and guys should be especially grateful for his contribution toward making our lives better in this country. His unyielding desire for all people to be treated equally despite the color of their skin was remarkable. If it weren't for his courage and others civil rights activists like him, we wouldn't be where we are today.

Take a moment out of your day to stop and reflect and honor this outstanding man's legacy. Be sure to check out your local newpapers or go online to find MLK-related events taking place in your area today.

He may be gone physically, but his dream will live forever!

Have you visited the MLK Memorial in D.C? Are you planning to visit sometime this year?

EBONY Launches Vintage Tumblr

If you're a fan of fashion, celebrity photography, vintage ads, and all things related to the African-American experience from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s, EBONY magazine's newly launched Tumblr will be your go-to destination for old-school inspiration.

The beautifully poised Dorothy Dandridge gracing the June 1962 cover.

Will you be checking out their Tumblr?

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?

Canvas Cutie

Being a bit of a photo fanatic, I couldn't have been more excited when I received an email from Easy Canvas Prints. They asked if I'd like to receive a complimentary 8 x 10 canvas in exchange for an honest review. Since I had always wanted to have a canvas print made, I jumped at the offer.

Now for the hard part...deciding on a photo that I deemed worthy of "canvassing." Having a photography background made my task of narrowing down the chosen pic seem unsurmountable. It literally took me days and countless questions of "do you like this one," to my annoyed husband.

After sifting and sorting through my collection, I finally decided on a simple photo of my daughter, Ava. I don't know what made me select this particular photo (taken on my camera phone), but perhaps it was her innocence captured or the fact that she's wearing stripes, my favorite.

Ava at about 3-months old.

Whatever made me choose this photo, I was surprisingly pleased with the final product. The fact that it was taken on an old Blackberry camera phone made me skeptical about my selection, but the quality of the canvas was outstanding! The image was sharp and the colors were clear and vibrant.

If you're on the market for turning a regular print into a masterpiece, definitely give Easy Canvas Prints a call.

Have you ever turned a picture into a canvas print?

My 200th Post!!

When I started this blog last September, I knew that I wanted to write about my favorite things: fashion, beauty products and celebrities/entertainment. I've always enjoyed writing so I wanted this blog to serve as my outlet. I never knew that people would actually enjoy reading it, but I am so glad that you guys do!

I've been thinking about incorporating a few more topics into BGG, but I'd love to hear what you guys would like to read about.

Please share your ideas.

I can't believe this is my 200th post. Again, thanks sooooo much for reading BGG and leaving comments; your support is really appreciated.

Today Marks My 150th Post!

Today I decided to take the day off and celebrate my 150th post! I just want to thank all of you who have enjoyed reading BGG since I started it last September. Writing about fashion, beauty, music, celebrities, etc. is truly my passion! So to know that other people actually enjoy reading my posts is so gratifying. I am so grateful for all of you, especially my loyal readers like K-Bear, Kwana, Ros, Kitty Vodka, Mimieyes, Ondo Lady, Divine Blackness, Ashley-Nicole, Don, Antithesis, 12Kyle, Afrodite, PCD, Product Junkie, KBL, Ananda and T.

If you have questions about ANYTHING or have any suggestions on what you'd like to see more of on BGG, please let me know by leaving a comment!

Thanks again for your support and I'll be back tomorrow with Fabulous Photos of the Week!