Brown Girl Gumbo

As Cool as a Cucumber!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:00:00 PDT

For me, nothing is as invigorating or refreshing as the wonderful scent of cucumber! Its natural cooling, soothing and cleansing effect makes it a key ingredient in many of today's most popular beauty products. From facial masks to fragrant sprays, cucumbers are not just tasty, they're great for your overall healthy both inside and out. It keeps your skin soft and your eyes de-puffed. What's not to love?

Are you a fan of beauty products that have a cucumber component? If so, what are a few of your favorites? One lucky reader will win the Yes to Cucumber Soothing Facial Mask (a $14.99 value). Simply leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow!

Here are a few popular pre-pickle products:

Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Mask available at www.walgreens.com for $14.99

Bare Escentuals Bare Vitamins Eye Rev-Er Upper available at www.sephora.com for $21

Bath & Body Works Scrub available at www.bathandbodyworks.com for $15

Carol's Daughter Ocean Eau de Toilette available at www.sephora.com for $27

Fresh Cucumber Cleansing Foam available at www.sephora.com for $48

Dove Fresh Body Wash Cool Moisture Cucumber Green Tea available at www.drugstore.com for $8.79

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Masque available at www.sephora.com for $45

Suave Natural Moisturizing Cucumber Melon Body Wash available at www.drugstore.com for $3.49

Vaseline Fresh Aloe Hydrating Body Lotion with Aloe & Cucumber available at www.drugstore.com for $5.99

Chic Tanks for Summer!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:00:00 PDT

Tank tops are one of the essential clothing items for summer. The typical light-weight materials used for tanks provide perfect ventilation that will keep you cool during those hot & humid summer days and nights. Most tanks can be dressed up or down depending on the accessories and whether or not you pair them with shorts, skirts or jeans.

What are your favorite style of tanks? Loose-fitting, fitted, drapey, embroidered, or etc?

Piped Ribbed Tank available at www.bananarepublic.com for $17.99

Drapey Ruffle Tank available at www.alloy.com for $29.50

Black Tank Top available at www.emoda.com for $46

Pleated Satin Top available at www.charlotte-russe.com for $18.99

Beaded Tank available at www.bananarepublic.com for $34

Ruffle Tank Top available at www.charlotte-russe.com for $17.99

Noise & Color Block Tunic Tank available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $38

Splendid Cotton Gauze Lace Tank Top available at www.revolveclothing.com for $50

Floral Patchwork Woven Top available at www.forever21.com for $22.80

Fabulous Photos of the Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:45:00 PDT

Sanaa Lathan, LisaRaye and Gabrielle Union at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.

Maxwell performing in NYC.

Diddy at an event in L.A.

Malinda Williams at an event in NYC.

Angela Simmons at a Pastry store in NYC.

John Legend at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.

Ryan Leslie at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.

Serena Williams out and about in NYC.

What's your favorite photo this week?

Summer Reading Round-Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:00:00 PDT

The summer is a time for relaxing and what better to relax than to curl up on the couch or in the grass with a page-turning book! I've always been a fan of self-help books, biographies and autobiographies. One of the very first (non-children's) books I remember reading as a child was LaToya Jackson's autobiographical expose of her famous family. I don't know if it's the journalist in me who is intrigued by other people's lives or what, but nothing holds my attention like a great biography/autobiography!

What are your favorite book genres? Are you a mystery, romance or thriller fan? Do you have any summer read suggestions?

Here are a few of the books I plan on reading this summer:

Stormy Weather: The Life of Lena Horne by James Gavine available here.

The Supremes: A Saga of Motown Dreams, Success, and Betrayal by Mark Ribowsky available here.

Confessions of a Beauty Addict by Nadine Haobsh available here.

More Than Just Race: Being Black and Poor in the Inner City by William Julius available here.

The Black Girl Next Door a Memoir by Jennifer Baszile available here.

Get Noticed with Neon!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:00:00 PDT

Even though your fingers probably aren't the first thing that people notice about you, they still play a major role in your overall appearance. So this summer, why not bring attention to your fingers with a flash of neon on your nails? Electric pinks, dazzling yellows, and outrageous orange shades are all the rage this season. If you aren't bold enough to wear these attention-grabbing colors at your fingertips, use these pretty polishes for your pedis!

Sephora Digital Diva Collection available at www.sephora.com for $9 each

Will you be wearing neon nails this season?

Cool Candy-Colored Cameras!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:00:00 PDT

In the fast-growing world of social media, it's likely that many of you already own a digital camera. If you're one of the few who still doesn't own one of the greatest technological gadgets, it's high time that you start snapping away and stand out in the crowd this summer with one of these fun, candy-colored cameras! Who says cool paparazzi shots are only for celebrities?

Do you own a digital camera? If so, do you ever actually get your photos printed or do they just stay on your computer or camera?

Canon Powershot 10.0 Mega-pixels Digital Camera available at www.bestbuy.com for $199.99

Fuji Film Fine Pix 10.0 Mega-pixels Digital Camera available at www.bestbuy.com for $152.99

Nikon Cool Pix 10.0 Mega-pixels Digital Camera available at www.bestbuy.com for $116.99

Olympus Stylus 10.0 Mega-pixels Digital Camera available at www.bestbuy.com for $159.99

Canon Powershot 10.0 Mega-pixels Digital Camera available at www.bestbuy.com for $199.99

Sony Powershot 12.1 Mega-pixels Digital Camera available at www.bestbuy.com for $284.99

Fabulous Photos of the Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:52:00 PDT

I'm posting this week's fabulous photos today since most people will be out tomorrow getting a head-start on the Fourth of July holiday. Enjoy and be safe!

Jamie Foxx at the BET awards in Hollywood.

LisaRaye with her daughter at the BET festivities.

Gabrielle Union at an event in L.A.

Ne-Yo at an event in L.A.

Amerie at the BET festivities in Hollywood.

Sanaa Lathan at an event in L.A.

Beyonce at the BET festivities in Hollywood.

The Dream with Christina Milian at an event in L.A.

Pooch Hall at the BET festivities in Hollywood.

Rosie Perez at an event in NYC.

Spike Lee at an event in NYC.

Tatyana Ali at the BET festivities in Hollywood.

Wendy Raquel Robinson at the BET festivities in Hollywood.

What's your favorite photo this week? Did you watch the BET awards? What was your take?

**BTW, Natakue is the winner of the Schick Intuition razor. Congrats and please email me your mailing address! You'll have 7 days to contact me with your info, otherwise I'll have to select another winner. :-)

Get Your Gams Ready for Summer!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:53:00 PDT

When it comes to shaving, Schick is my favorite brand! I'm already a huge fan of their other razors so when I recently tried their Intuition Plus Moisturizing Care razor, I knew that I would be completely satisfied with the results.

This handy razor actually lathers and moisturizes as you shave, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth. Plus, its four blades are accompanied with shea butter (the one I used) or milk and honey so there is no need for a gel, soap or body wash. This is the perfect razor to get your gams looking gorgeous for the summer!

Schick Intuition Plus Moisturizing Care razor available at www.drugstore.com for $9.99

Have you ever tried this razor? One lucky winner will win one! Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

**Btw, the winner of the Sedu Summer Styling Set is Andrea! Congrats, please email me your mailing address. You will have 7 days to respond, otherwise I will have to select another winner! :-)

Summer Sale on the Hottest Hair Tools!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:00:00 PDT

Now that summer is officially here, it's time to get your hands on the tools that will keep your tresses looking terrific all season long. Folica.com is home to some of the hottest hair styling tools on the market. From the popular Sedu flat iron to tourmaline hair dryers, you are bound to find the right tool for your 'do at Folica.com.

Are you doing anything different with your hair this summer? Perhaps you've been thinking about shaving one side of your head like Cassie, or going for a big, curly, bouncy look a la Alicia Keys or maybe you're low-maintenance and will opt for a short crew cut like Kanye West's main-squeeze, Amber Rose!

Here are a few of the sales that Folica.com are running so you can keep your locks looking lovely:

Versati Red Hot Straightening Set available at www.folica.com for $39.99 (a $192.93 value). This set includes: the Versati 1 inch Power Styler, 8oz Sedu Smoothing Boost, a Heat Proof Pouch and a travel size pop-up brush and travel bag.

Chi Beach Blue Straightening Set available at www.folica.com for $99.99 (a $248.95 value). This set includes: a CHI Limited Edition In Love Aqua Blue Blush 1" Flat Iron, 8.5 oz. bottle of CHI 44 Iron Guard, 2 oz. bottle of CHI Silk Infusion and a Folica Heat Proof Iron Holder

Sedu Pink Revolution Sleek & Straight Set available at www.folica.com for $99. This set includes a pink Sedu Revolution Pro Nano Ceramic Tourmaline 1 Inch Styling Set, a Sedu Professional Straightening Accessory Comb, a Folica Pop-Up Brush and Travel Bag, and a Vera Bradley Signature Bag

BaByliss Summer Vacation Styling Set available at www.folica.com for $99.99 (a $246.99 value). This set includes: Babyliss PRO Nano Titanium Ionic Dryer, BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium Mini Flat Iron 1/2", Babyliss Pro TT Tourmaline Travel Dryer, and Babyliss Pro Silicone Heat Mat

**One lucky reader will win this Sedu Summer Styling Set, which includes: Sedu Revolution Pro Tourmaline Ionic TGR 4000i Hair Dryer, Sedu Revolution Pro Ionic Finger Diffuser, Sedu Beach Beauty Sea Salt Spray, ESCA 3-3/4" 5X Lighted Travel Mirror, Folica Pop-Up Brush and Travel Bag (a $312.98 value). Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

A Legend Lost: Michael Jackson 1958-2009

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:00:00 PDT

The man who brought us some of the best pop songs in music history, Michael Jackson, has died. The King of Pop, 50, died from cardiac arrest on Thursday, June 25th.

Please share your favorite Michael Jackson songs, moments, etc. I must say, one of my favorite MJ moments was seeing him dance with the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, a few years ago on the BET Awards. I have many others, but that one stands out to me the most right now.

Rest in peace, Michael Jackson.

Get Kissable!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:00:00 PDT

Kissable Couture, one of the hottest lip gloss lines on the market has three new shades to get your puckers ready for the summer! Their new Le Fleur collection consists of 3 brilliant shades: hyacinth, peony and rose gardenia. The hyacinth and peony gives lips a pinkish/mauve tint, while the rose gardenia works as a great mix for a luxurious iridescent hue. The great thing about Kissable Couture glosses is that they are never too sticky and the perfect consistency allows for smooth application.

Each gloss is available at www.kissablecouture.com for $22

One lucky winner will win the entire Le Fleur collection (3 shades, a value of $66). Please be aware that unlike my previous contests, Kissable Couture would like for you to leave your name in the "contact" section at their site www.kissablecouture.comfor a chance to win. However, comments are still very welcome here! Also, all readers can receive 30% off all Kissable Couture products. Simply enter the code BGG during checkout at www.kissablecouture.com.

Have you ever tried Kissable Couture glosses?

Also, if you're in the D.C. area, there's an event that's raising HIV/AIDS awareness that you should definitely try to attend. See below:

Beauty with a Purpose!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:00:00 PDT

There are hundreds of products on the market that promise to make you look and feel better, but there are far too few products that do that and actually give back to those who help create those very products. That's why I find Shea Yeleen to be a great example of a high-quality beauty product with a purpose.

This shea butter-based company was founded by Rahama Wright, 29, to empower women through organizing and training them to produce, market and sell high-quality shea butter. Fifty percent of the profits go right back to these African communities to further empower these women to sustain livings and provide for their families.

Shea Yeleen boasts a host of different products including body butters, body balms and lip balms. Check website for pricing sheayeleen.org.

Do you seek products that give back?

Chic & Simple T-Shirt Dresses for the Summer!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:00:00 PDT

This summer why not keep cool in a casual t-shirt dress that can be perfect for weekend brunches or shopping with friends. Paired with ornate sandals and appropriate accessories, a t-shirt dress can be the ideal alternative to summer staples such as a sun-dress or the popular shorts and tank combo.

Would you wear a t-shirt dress?

Jersey T-Shirt Dress available at www.bananarepublic.com for $44.99

Diane Von Furstenberg Silk Jersey Dress available at www.bloomingdales.com for $365

Catherine Maladrino Silk Jersey T-Shirt Dress available at www.netaporter.com for $190.40

Pastry Tiger Love Dress available at www.shoppastrykicks.com for $20.80

Silence & Noise Silk Print Dress available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $68

T-Shirt Dress available at www.gap.com for $22.99

Bebe Tab Sleeve Shirt Dress available at www.bebe.com for $59

L.A.M.B. T-Shirt available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $95

Three Dots Scoop Neck Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $49.90

Fabulous Photos of the Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:00:00 PDT

Jada Pinkett-Smith at the David Letterman Show in NYC.

Nelly and Ashanti at an event in NYC.

Fabolous at an event in NYC.

Queen Latifah at an event in NYC.

Keri Hilson at an event in L.A.

Estelle and John Legend at an event in NYC.

Kelly Rowland at an event in London.

Kelis at an event in NYC.

Mekhi Pfeifer at an event in L.A.

Sam Fine (celebrity makeup artist) and Iman at an event in NYC.

Rihanna out and about in NYC.

Paula Patton at an event in L.A.

What's your favorite pic of the week?

**Also, be sure to check out President Barack Obama's Father's Day piece in PARADE, this Sunday. Click here to read an excerpt!

Great Gifts for Dad!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:00:00 PDT

Why not treat the man who taught you how to ride a bike, cheered you on from the sidelines at your sporting events or walked you down the aisle, with a gift that he will enjoy and cherish. Whether he's a true techie or a grill-master dad, there are always great gifts to suit his manly desires.

Check out some of these:

Amazon Kindle 2.0 available at www.amazon.com for $359

4PC Premium Barbecue Grilling Tools available at www.costsaving2u.com for $39.49

One Dozen Hand-Dipped Chocolate Covered Strawberries available at www.redenvelope.com for $49.95

Apple iPhone 3G available at www.apple.com for $199

Magwear Magnetic Wristband available at www.redenvelope.com for $19.95

Monogrammable Men's Leather Watch Case available at www.redenvelope.com for $49.95

Pop-Up Leather Card Case available at www.redenvelope.com for $29.95

Rolling Razor available at www.rollingrazor.com for $14.95

Poker Set available at www.tradecommerce.com for $57.99

Have you already purchased your Father's Day Gift?

The Wiz Returns!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:36:00 PDT

Last night, I was invited to take a stroll down the yellow brick road to see The Wiz starring pop/R&B songstress Ashanti. I have always been a huge fan of the 1978 film version with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson so I was excited to see the live production. If you're wondering if Ashanti was able to hold her own with powerhouse cast mates such as LaChanze (she won a Tony for her role in the Broadway production of The Color Purple), Tichina Arnold and Dawnn Lewis, you'd be pleasantly surprised to learn that Ms. "Aw Baby" herself did a wonderful job! The male cast was excellent too, but for me the Tin Man played by Joshua Henry stole the show with his unbelievable vocals.

Overall, the show is a must-see for those who love the spin on the classic L. Frank Baum tale. Although, the costumes seemed a bit lack-luster, it was still a feel-good production that's great for the entire family. If you're in the New York City area and would like to see the play, it will be showing until July 5th at The New York City Center located 131 W. 55th Street.

Are you a fan of The Wiz?

Pop the Cork!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:00:00 PDT

This summer don't let Champagne corks be the only corks popping at your summer soirees. Why not rock a pair of cute cork shoes this season to add a fashionable, yet comfy flair to your flirty frocks, shorts and skirt ensembles. The versatility of cork shoes are endless and the natural texture and hue works with just about any color palette.

Do you own a pair of cork shoes?

Natural Cork Madera Platform Sandals available at www.bluefly.com for $126.90

Steve Madden Multi-Brown Women's Sandal Wedge available at www.stevemadden.com for $99.99

Chinese Laundry Okinawa Sandals available at www.zappos.com for $69.02

Carrie Corked Woven Sandal available at www.bebe.com for $80.49

Franco Sarto Patent Cork Wedges available at www.zappos.com for $88.95

Metallic Fancy Cork Platform Sandals available at www.shopbop.com for $87.50

Michael Kors Trellis Cork Wedge Sandals available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $298

Marc by Marc Jacobs Woven Metallic Wedges available at www.netaporter.com for $175.20

Prada Cork Platform Sandals available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $485.90

Also, for you makeup mavens, MAC is having a sale!! Click here for more details.

**The winner of the Bliss Naked Body Butter Lite is Barbara! Congrats and please email me your mailing address info!

Summer Bliss!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 05:19:00 PDT

Just in time for the summer, Bliss, has come up with a lighter formula of its popular Body Butter! Although the consistency of this luxurious lotion is thinner, it still packs a powerful punch of moisturizing agents. It provides the ultimate hydration without the heavy, greasy feeling of other body butters. Bliss is definitely one of my favorite bath & body lines.

Bliss Naked Body Butter Lite available at www.sephora.com for $29

Are you a fan of Bliss products? Would you like to try this product? If so, leave a comment and a lucky reader will win a bottle. The winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

Fabulous Photos of the Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:00:00 PDT

Vivica Fox and Terrence Howard at an event in D.C.

Beyonce at an airport in London.

Quincy Jones and Tevin Campbell (remember him!!) at an event in NYC.

Kanye West at an event in NYC.

Gayle King at an event in NYC.

Jamie Foxx at an event in NYC.

Mariah Carey at an event in NYC.

Tia Mowry-Hardrict at an event in L.A.

What's your favorite photo this week? Have a great weekend!

Curlicious Lashes!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:00:00 PDT

Any professional makeup artist will tell you that one of the key factors to making eyes stand out is to curl your lashes! Using an eyelash curler can instantly add that extra va-va-voom and length to your lashes that will make your peepers pop! Many people are afraid to use the clunky, cosmetic contraption, but it really is easy to use. Here are a few tips:

1. Use on mascara-free eyes
2. Use a blow-dryer to heat the curler to ensure curling power
3. Open the curler and clamp lashes near the root...apply for 10-30 seconds
4. Apply mascara

Tarte Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler available at www.sephora.com for $15. I have this eyelash curler and it works well when I remember to curl my lashes!

Have you ever curled your lashes?

Who Wears Short Shorts?

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:00:00 PDT

Now that it's getting warmer, it's time to bare your gorgeous gams in a chic pair of shorts! From cuffed khakis to drapey full shorts, this summer it's all about showing off your legs in sexy shorts that suit your style. Plus, this season more and more women are dressing up their shorts with cute camisoles and hot accessories for a fun night out on the town.

Do you wear shorts in the summer or are you shorts-shy? Would you wear shorts for a night out?

Crisp Cotton Shorts available at www.jcrew.com for $49.50

Lockhart Shorts available at www.frenchconnection.com for $78

Diesel Sesenta Brown Shorts available at www.diesel.com for $144

Grey Antics God Bless America Shorts available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $58

Horizon Stripe Short available at www.jcrew.com for $58

Cuffed Shorts available at www.wetseal.com for $21.50

Silence & Noise Drapey Full Short available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $38

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Margate Cuffed Shorts available at www.dillards.com for $35.70

Maje Shorts available at www.yoox.com for $69

Rojas Hi-Waisted Shorts available at www.emoda.com for $194

Retro Chambray Bermuda Shorts available at www.jcrew.com for $49.99

Shirred Twill Shorts available at www.charlotterusse.com for $19.99

Fabulous Photos of the Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:00:00 PDT

Vanessa Williams performing in NYC.

John Legend at an event in Beverly Hills, CA.

Aisha Tyler at an event in L.A.

Dwayne Wade at an event in L.A.

Gabrielle Union at an event in L.A.

Halle Berry at an event in L.A.

Swizz Beats and Teyana Taylor at an event in NYC.

Taraji P. Henson at an event in L.A.

Eve at an event in L.A.

Tyrese at an event in L.A.

Niecy Nash at an event in NYC.

Usher at an event in Beverly Hills, CA.

Lil' Mama out and about in NYC.

Zoe Saldana promoting her movie, Star Trek.

What's your favorite photo from the bunch? Btw, the winner of the "Ms. Typed" book is Liz! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address info.

Are You...Ms. Typed? BGG Chats w/Dr. Michelle!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:00:00 PDT

If you watch The Tyra Banks Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, or Today, chances are you've seen Dr. Michelle Callahan lend her expertise on relationships, mental health, dating, etc. The incredibly down-to-earth psychologist and dating coach has recently penned her first book, "Ms. Typed: Discover Your True Dating Personality and Rewrite Your Romantic Future," which provides a hilarious take on the different dating personalities we all have.

From the "Ms. Sex Machine" to the "Ms. Independent" woman, Dr. Michelle gives savvy advice on how to stop sabotaging our relationships and find the mates of our dreams.

Check out our Q&A:
BGG: What made you decide to write “Ms. Typed?”
Dr. Michelle: I talk to a lot of women who are frustrated with their love lives and they want advice on how to change their partners, instead of realizing that the best way to change their romantic future is to change themselves. You can’t control what a man does, but you can control what you do. When you become a happier and healthier person, you attract a happier and healthier partner and relationship. I decide to write Ms. Typed to show women how they get in their own way during their dating relationships and how they sabotage their chances of finding love.

BGG: What do you feel is the biggest mistake women make while dating?
Dr. Michelle: I think one of the biggest mistakes women make while dating is pretending to be someone who they are not and compromising their own integrity and values. That’s exactly what being Ms. Typed is about. It’s about losing yourself in a relationship only to discover that pretending to be someone you aren’t and giving a man any and everything he wants doesn’t work. You can’t beg, borrow or steal to make love work. When you are your true self and let men know who you are, and what you believe in, the men have the choice to stay or move on. You really only want to deal with the ones who are interested in the real you, not the super sexy, fun, casual, no cares, “I’ll do anything for you” type of person many women pretend to be in order to keep a man interested.

BGG: Once a woman realizes that she is “Ms. Typed,” what’s the easiest way for her to break that cycle?
Dr. Michelle: Once a woman takes the quiz and determines that she has been Ms. Typed, she should read the chapter about her dating type and follow the specific advice for her type. Also, women are often more than one type, so she should read the chapters about her other types. If she discovers that the advice is helpful, but that she really needs to change her thinking and a whole lot more, she can use the Ms. Typed Makeover Kit to help her transform her entire life to find her true dating personality and create a healthy foundation for future dating relationships. The Ms. Typed Makeover Kit will walk women through creating a vision for their lives, letting go of what is holding them back, and taking action on all of their dreams and plans.

BGG: Do you think that men are drawn to certain, “Ms. Types?”
Dr. Michelle: Men are attracted to the types that are the nicest and most accommodating to men’s needs like Ms. Second Place, Ms. Mom, Ms. Rose Colored Glasses and Ms. Sex Machine. All of these types place being in a relationship at the top of their list and they usually work very hard to maintain their relationships, even when it works against their own best interest.

BGG: Healthy relationships take work and we know that communication is key, how can women effectively communicate with their mates?
Dr. Michelle: Women should be honest about their feelings, but be careful not to overwhelm their partners by telling too much too soon. When you first start dating someone, you don’t have to tell them all of your dirty laundry, how many sexual partners you’ve ever had, or everything that was wrong with your Ex. When you are in a more serious relationship, try to keep the conversation focused on what you need your partner to do differently, instead of just generally complaining. You shouldn’t have to go on and on to make your point. If you are constantly telling your partner what you need and he isn’t listening or adjusting his behavior, you might be with the wrong person. Be honest and specific, and when things start to get heated, take a break and revisit the topic later. Don’t push things over the line by insisting that you keep talking even when one or both of you is getting really upset.

BGG: What advice do you have for women who believe that they’ll never find a “good man?”
Dr. Michelle: Women may need to redefine what they consider to be a “good” man. Sometimes what we WANT and what we NEED isn’t the same thing. Women often overlook a “good” man who has what they need, but not what they want. Make a list of your relationship wants and needs and see what a difference there is between what is nice to have versus what is absolutely necessary. Also, when women are Ms. Typed, they could meet a “good” man and they would let their “issues” get in the way. Ms. Typed often misses out on Mr. Right because she isn’t ready to be in a relationship. You may know a good man, but your own relationship baggage might be getting in the way of the two of you successfully getting together.

Available at bookstores nationwide for $21.95

How would you describe your dating personality or do you know someone who has a personality dating pattern?

One lucky winner will win a copy of the book! Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.

**Update: The winner of the book is Loc'd & Loaded! Please send me your mailing address info! Congrats!

Splurge Daydreams

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:00:00 PDT

I was recently thumbing through a high-fashion magazine and saw a slew of outrageously priced items including, sunglasses, shoes, handbags jewelry, etc. It made me wonder, "What item would be so tempting that I'd have to forgo the rent to have it added to my wardrobe?" After realizing that would never happen, I decided that my guilty pleasure would probably be to splurge on a pair of timeless, dazzling diamond earrings!

What item would be worth breaking the bank for you? Would it be super sexy stilettos, the latest designer purse, a vintage dress, etc.? Have you ever paid an extremely high price tag for an item you just had to have?

Please share!

Splash of Scents!

noreply@blogger.com (Brown Girl Gumbo) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:00:00 PDT

There's nothing more invigorating than squirting on a bit of body splash after a nice shower during the warmer months. For me, spraying on my favorite body splash is the perfect alternative to perfume because it gives me a hint of scent without being too overwhelming. Plus, it just makes me feel so refreshed and clean!

Do you use body splashes?

Limited Edition Pool Party Chiller Mist available at www.victoriassecret.com 3 for $25

Body Refreshing Spray available at www.sephora.com for $6

Degree Body Mist available at www.drugstore.com for $4.99

Country Apple Body Splash available at www.bathandbodyworks.com for $5

Korres Body Water available at www.sephora.com for $18

Dove Body Mist available at www.drugstore.com for $4.49

Natural Papaya Kiwi Refreshing Body Spray available at www.avon.com for $9