Belly Bandit Believer!

Being a new mom comes with many challenges. Fortunately for me, battling the post-baby belly bulge is no longer one of them. Immediately after giving birth to Ava, I used the Belly Bandit, which, according to their website, "helps tighten and shrink your tummy post pregnancy."

Prior to using the abdominal wrap, I had heard conflicting stories from other mothers about whether or not the concept of binding actually helps flatten stomachs and redefine waists. I asked myself, What could it hurt to try? So I decided to give it a go and hoped for the best.



Throughout weeks of feedings and never-ending diaper duty, my once-burgeoning belly stayed bound with this band. While helping to hold everything in place, it also provided back support, which was an added bonus. Around 6 weeks post-partum (I took it off from time to time) I decided to give the wrap a rest and couldn't have been more pleased with the results.

Granted, I'm not sure how my belly would've looked post-partum had I not used the wrap, but I'd like to think that this nifty undergarment played a part in helping me regain my pre-pregnancy figure fast.



This photo was taken a little less than 7 weeks after giving birth.

Prices start at $45.95. Visit www.bellybandit.com for more information.

Have you ever used an abdominal wrap after childbirth?

BGG Chats w/Celebrity Hair Stylist Ted Gibson!

From magazine spreads to red carpet looks, Ted Gibson has styled the hair of some of today's hottest celebrities, including Gabrielle Union, Angelina Jolie, Zoe Saldana and more.

Ted's effervescent attitude and knowledge of hair has made him one of the country's most sought-after stylists. He's appeared on a number of shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, and most recently as the resident hair guru on TLC's hit series, What Not To Wear. His mantra, "Beauty is Individual," is a testament to celebrating every woman's uniqueness.

Click here for our Q&A!

What's styles are you wearing this summer?

Pink Eggs & Glam!

If you've ever had a blemish that you want to conceal, but it's in a hard-to-reach place like near the crevice of your nose, there's a spectacular sponge that will get the job done! Thanks to my makeup artist cousin, Nicole Rogers, I was introduced to this pink, ergonomically-designed egg-shaped sponge by BeautyBlender. It's ideal for those nooks and crannies where you can't properly apply foundation or concealer with your fingertips or a brush. The suede textured-sponge is super soft and blends areas with precision. Plus, this set comes with its own cleanser to keep pesky germs and bacteria at bay.


Beauty Blender Duo Set available at www.sephora.com for $39.95

Have you ever used one of these sponges? How often do you clean your makeup sponges?

**The winner of the Delipscious Sheer Lip Color is CY. Congrats! Please email me your mailing address.

Get Delipscious Lips

For neutral-lip-loving BGs who want to transition into a bit of color for summer, The Body Shop has the ideal lip treat for you! Their new line, Delipscious, has a range of sheer lip colors that provide your kisser with just the right amount of tint, but isn't too bold.

Not only does it give lips a sheer color, but it also moisturizes and is made from food-grade ingredients, including blueberry and pomegranate seed oils. I typically go for glosses, but for a more pigmented pout this is the perfect product. Plus, each of their seven shades work for all skin tones!


Available at the www.thebodyshop.com for $10

Have you tried any Delipscious Sheer Colors? One lucky winner will win a tube. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week.

Common Knowledge

Having a successful rap career isn't the only thing Common has in common with Will Smith, Ice Cube, and Queen Latifah. He shares the love of acting with each of these rappers-turned-actors.



In his first leading role as down-to-earth basketball star Scott McKnight in the new romantic comedy Just Wright, Common is showing Hollywood that he has more to offer than just music. I recently had the chance to catch up with him to dish about his new role and why you won't hear him playing the piano anytime soon.

For the rest of my interview click here.

BGG is Joining the Parade!

You guys have been with me since my first post nearly 3 years ago. Words can't describe my gratitude for your comments and feedback. Because of your support, I've been given the awesome opportunity to have my own blog on PARADE.com. Although I'm not ending Brown Girl Gumbo, my new blog - Trend Blend will be very similar in content, but will have some exclusive celebrity Q&As.





I hope that you'll join me at PARADE.com and continue to check out BGG!

XOXO

BGG Remembers Lena Horne

Lena Horne, the beautiful legendary actress and singer, passed away yesterday in New York City. She was 92. Most known for her role in the all-black screen musical, Stormy Weather, Horne was a trailblazer for African-American actresses. I will always remember her as being Diana Ross's fairy godmother in one of my favorite movies, The Wiz. She will be missed!

BGG Chats w/Beverly Johnson!

Photo by Fadil Berisha

Before Chanel Iman, Tyra or Naomi ever thought about walking down the fashion runways, there was Beverly Johnson - one of the original "supermodels." Paving the way for countless African-American models, Beverly has strutted her stuff on hundreds of runways and graced a myriad of magazine covers. Not only has this true beauty modeled, she is also an actress and author. But for all of you hair and beauty buffs, Beverly is a businesswoman who owns a line of wigs and most recently a restorative/conditioning and styling product line called, Beverly Johnson Hair Care.

Available at Target, Beverly Johnson Hair Care, has the perfect products to help protect heat and chemically treated hair. I've been using several of the products for a few weeks now and have been thoroughly pleased with the results and I'm sure you will be too!

Check out our Q&A:

BGG: What inspired you to start your wig/hair business?
Beverly Johnson: In 1996, I discovered a wig and hair extension company that was on the verge of bankruptcy. I was presented with the opportunity to partner with the company and against the advice of my business manager, agents and attorneys, I decided to invest in the company. One year later, the company not only was in the black but we were showing record profits. I was grateful that I had found an outlet for my vast beauty expertise and desire to help ethnic women look their optimum.

BGG: What can women expect when they wear your wigs and use your hair products?
BJ: Women can expect to indulge in wigs that truly have been stylized to maximize their specific hair style needs. As for the hair care products, they have been specifically designed for ethnic hair needs.

BGG: What's your favorite product from your new hair care line?
BJ: The Conditioning Pomade--this is a highly effective pomade that smooths edges with optimum results. I think it's the best pomade ever formulated in the history of hair care!

BGG: Do you remember your reaction when you first saw yourself on the cover of a magazine? Did you go out and buy a ton of copies?
BJ: I was on location on an island when my first Glamour magazine cover hit the newsstands. The editor brought the issue with her and showed it to me. When I first saw it, I thought is that really me? I was excited beyond belief. Upon arriving back home, I saw the row of magazine covers in the airport newsstand; it was awesome.

BGG: Why do you think there's been a regression of women of color being represented on today's runways?
BJ: Fashion is cyclical. If you notice all things in fashion have cycles. During the seventies, there was an enormous surge of black models on the runways. Then it lessened. Then the nineties saw another resurgence. Now we are in a holding pattern. It's heartbreaking to see so many stunning black models being under used. As usual, the solution is about having our own outlets to provide employment.

BGG: If you could give only three words describing what it takes for a young woman to have a successful modeling career, what would they be?
BJ: Stunning beauty, tremendous drive and fortuitious LUCK.

BGG: You are not only a phenomenal supermodel, author and actress, but an outstanding business woman too. What do you think you has been the key to your success?
BJ: Nothing comes easy for me. But I do notice that I have tremendous perserverance. I simply keep going and ride each wave of reinvention with dignity, grace and humor!



**One lucky reader will win the entire Beverly Johnson Hair Care line, which includes an Extra Strength Serum, Anti-Breakage Serum, Light Polishing Shine Spray, Strengthening and Smoothing Treatment 2 Vial Pillow Pack, Combing Spray, Relaxing Mousse, and Conditioning Pomade. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced later this week.

Great Gifts for Mom!

Now that I'm a mom, I'm looking forward to celebrating Mother's Day this Sunday more than ever! Even though my birthday is only a few days before the special day, I hope my hubby doesn't try to give me one gift for both days - combo gifts are never fun. Hopefully, he'll check out BGG's gift guide to get an idea of what we mothers want. From beauty buys to the hottest new gadget, BGG has you covered.

Check out these gift ideas:


Cotton Waffle Weave Robes available at www.vivre.com for $39 (originally $115)


Bond 9 NYC Chinatown Swarovski Rose Pocket Spray .25 oz available at www.saks.com for $225


Picture frame available at www.figleaves.com for $58


Fruit bouquet available at www.ediblearrangements.com (prices vary)


Apple iPad available at www.apple.com starting at $499


Chloe Marcie Small Leather Satchel available at www.nordstrom.com for $1595


Bliss gift card available at www.blissworld.com. Who doesn't love a spa day?


L'Occitane Nourishing Shea Embrace Set available at www.loccitane.com for $69


Sterling Silver 1/2 ct. TW Diamond Studs available at www.kohls.com for $209.99 (originally $525)


Tarte Super Set available at www.sephora.com for $47 (originally $137) Contains products for the lids, lashes, lips, and complexion in a reusable tote bag.

Brush Stroke

Even though I'm not a big hair person, there is one styling tool that I just can't live without - my paddle brush. Because I wrap my hair, using a paddle brush to smooth my strands is essential to keeping my hair looking healthy. Brushes in general are such important grooming tools for most hair types, especially for those of us who wear longer styles. A good hairbrush can de-frizz, tame flyaways, smooth, detangle and even make hair shinier! From ceramic thermals to boar bristles, every BG should own a great hair brush.

Do you use a brush to style your tresses? Check out some of these:


2-Tone Soft Grip Large Hardwood Round Brush available at www.sallybeauty.com for $7.99


Contour Oval Cushion Brush available at www.sallybeauty.com for $3.99


Prego Ceramic Round Brush available at www.ulta.com for $6.49


Detangler All Nylon Hair Brush available at www.bergdorfgoodman.com for $82


Ion Titanium Paddle Brush available at www.sallybeauty.com for $5


Kent Natural Shine Large Cushion Porcupine & Bristle Brush available at www.smallflower.com for $24.25


Olivia Garden Pro Thermal Round Brush available at www.ulta.com for $14.36


Spornette Spiral Ceramic Brush available at www.ulta.com for $14.99

The Queen Knows Best!

Queen Latifah is one of our country's most talented entertainers. The Queen first hit the scene as a rapper, but has now blossomed into an outstanding Oscar-nominated actress, singer, producer, Covergirl and now author. Her new project, "Put on Your Crown: Life-Changing Moments on the Path to Queendom," is an inspiring and empowering book for women.

Latifah shares her own life experiences to help encourage women to be confident, strong and independent. From the importance of giving back to loving the skin you're in, Latifah tackles many issues that can improve a woman's self-esteem and self-worth. "Put on Your Crown," is a must-have book for every woman looking for an uplifting read.


Available in bookstores nationwide starting May 6th.

Are you a fan of Queen Latifah? One lucky reader will win a copy of "Put on Your Crown." Simply leave a comment and a winner be announced later this week.

**The winner of the IMAN foundation is Nicole Rogers. Congratulations!

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?

IMAN's New Makeup is a Must!

Last week I was invited to the launch of IMAN's new Luxury Radiance Liquid Makeup at the Affinia-Shelbourne Hotel here in New York City. Since I'm already a fan of IMAN Cosmetics I was really excited about learning and testing this new addition to her makeup line.



At the event, Iman, the gorgeous and surprisingly humorous supermodel, spoke with us about the benefits of wearing her foundations while 3 lovely models of different skin tones were showcased to demonstrate the precision of the product; the colors blended with each of the model's skin-tones perfectly. With 8 different shades, you're bound to create a perfect match too!


One of the models getting her makeup done with the new foundation.

After seeing how great the models looked after their makeup application, I was looking forward to giving it a go myself. Because I only wear a tad of foundation under my eyes (to help blend my concealer) I was a bit hesitant to apply it over my entire face, but was pleasantly surprised at how far a little (4 small dots) foundation goes. It gave me a nice overall coverage without looking too heavy or overly made-up. It basically just helped even out my skin-tone.

The added bonus is that this mineral-enriched makeup is a composition of natural plant extracts acai and magnolia, and vitamin E, which we all know does wonders for the skin. All in all, every BG should have some IMAN cosmetics in her makeup bag because her collection really complements our various skin tones.


Luxury Radiance Liquid Makeup available at select drugstores nationwide for $15

Are you a fan of IMAN products? Would you try her new Luxury Radiance Liquid Makeup? One lucky winner will one a foundation in the color of her choice. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced later this week.

Brown Girl of the Week: Trisha R. Thomas

Earlier this year I asked if you guys would like to read about fabulous women doing great things in a new column called, Brown Girl of the Week, and you all responded with a resounding "YES." For the first installment, I had the pleasure of catching up with Trisha R. Thomas, a celebrated writer who has authored over 10 books and is most known for her popular best-selling "Nappily" series.


In bookstores May 25th!

Check out our Q&A:
BGG: What can your fans of the "Nappily" expect from your new book, "Un-Nappily In Love"?
Trisha: Venus and Jake are together. That's the first and most important thing. I get that question more than any, will Jake and Venus stay together? Now more than ever it's crunch time. Jake is a celebrity from his rap background and in "Un-Nappily In Love" he's living his dream as an actor. He stars in a movie with the new 'It Girl' Sirena Lassiter, who also happens to share a past with Jake that will come to light. I'm hoping fans of the series will love this ending more than all the others.

BGG: Congratulations on your first novel, "Nappily Ever After," being adapted into a Universal Pictures movie starring Halle Berry! Did you ever think that any of your books would be brought to the big screen?
Trisha: I never envisioned my book being made into a film. All I wanted was someone to read it and get what I was saying, someone to co-sign and say, 'yeah, that's the truth ain't it.' But to hear a resounding, "hell yeah, that's the truth!"made me smile, and cry at the same time.

BGG: At what age did you know that you wanted to become a professional writer?
Trisha: Probably at age six or seven. When I could read, I knew I wanted to write.

BGG: What do you do to get back on track when you have a case of Writer's Block?
Trisha: I love this question. I'm not afraid of Writer's Block. I believe in its power to make you a better writer. My philosophy is this: When you hit the brick wall and you can't go around it, or over it, you need to back it up so you can see it from a distance. The brick wall means, you've gone as far as you can go and it's not leading in the right direction. Put the story in reverse, make a U-turn and go to the place that made you smile, made you confident. Start over right at that point. Writing requires more re-writing than most people realize. There's nothing wrong with starting from a fresh perspective.

BGG: Do you create your characters based on a mix of people who you know personally or are they based solely from your imagination?
Trisha: The characters from Nappily Ever After were very close to my mind and heart. I penned it with my past and a dash of imagination. Now I write completely from imagination with a dash of my past.

BGG: What's your favorite book? Why?
Trisha: My all time favorite book for the longest was "A Ship Made Of Paper," by Scott Spencer. I must've read it three or four times. I love the way he writes putting you right in the story. Contemporary writers have a bad reputation as being too aloof with feelings, descriptions, and overall presumption. And it's true. Most contemporary writers expect you to know what the street, buildings, sky, everything should look like. A lot of fill-in-the-blank-here. But what if your book actually made it to 2050? Wouldn't you want someone to know what it felt like in 2000, 2010, 2020? It's important to capture the depth of your time period whether it's now or written for a story in the 1800's.

BGG: What advice would you give to an unpublished author who is struggling to get a book deal with one of the popular publishing houses?
Trisha: I'd say, focus on the writing first and the publishing later. Get a full story written which is about 75,000 words. Have it read by as many people who you can find, and get their feedback. If there's a consistent theme or question unanswered, rewrite and answer those questions. When all that is done, you're ready to start submitting to agents and publishers. You can also go to press independently. Being with a big publishing house doesn't create a bestseller. I know many authors who had great success as self-published writers and then signed with large publishers, only to be disappointed with dismal results. i think a good story will sell regardless of who's doing the publishing. I love a good story with characters who you can root for. Write and be that character who succeeds in the end. Nothing can stop you when you have that attitude of finishing the race no matter what.

Have you read any of Trisha's books? If you've read her debut novel, "Nappily Ever After", are you looking forward to seeing the movie adaptation? Be sure to check out BGG in the coming weeks for your chance to win a copy of her latest book, "Un-Nappily in Love."

Sole Food

If you want your feet to stand out this spring, get them noticed in vibrant, candy-colored shoes. Nothing says fresh and fun like a bright pair of pumps, sandals, heels or platforms. Ditch boring basics and pair these festive hues with flirty dresses and skirts of the season.

Do you wear bold shoe shades in the spring and summer?

Check out some of these:

Tory Burch Wrap-Up Heel available at www.toryburch.com for $325


Sigerson Morrison Strappy X-Band Sandal available at www.barneys.com for $350


Purple Snakeskin Urban Gladiator Heel available at www.torrid.com for $29.98


Nine West Cawley available at www.zappos.com for $88.95


Martinez Valero Haley available at www.zappos.com for $179


Christian Louboutin Neuron Suede Sandals available at www.theoutnet.com for $645


Charles by Charles David Notty Shoes available at www.zappos.com for $98