What to Give a Fabulous Brown Girl for the Holidays!

So the Holiday Shopping season is under way with the start of Black Friday! I hope you didnt do too much damage! So I have been inpsired to make a post about what is on a Fabulous Brown Girl holiday list! Even though we love giving back to others, recieving some nice trinkets never hurt either. Check out with this FBG (and I'm sure many others) wants for Christmas! Hopefully, Santa thought I was a good girl this year!

• Carol's Daughter or any natural beauty products line. I am big on fragrance and nourishment's and natural beauty products do just that. If you are a true FBG than you definitely know about Carol's Daughter and all of its greatness. Plus the founder, Lisa Price is a FBG who found her passion of making organic beauty products and she is opening doors for a lot of other woman to follow in her footsteps

• Mini Notebook are perfect for an even more portable laptop that is perfect for the FBG on the GO. Their screens are mainly no bigger than 10" and weigh no more than 3 pounds so it can fit in any oversized bag. IT's great for blogging, checking emails, drafting proposals, and of course SOCIAL NETWORKING.. got to keep up with those Twitter and Facebook pages!

• Coastal Scents 88 eyeshadow palette is is great for FBGs like me who love to play in makeup and are still "entry-level" fab! This palette has every color you will ever need all for under 25 dollars! I know many FBGs who own this palette and swear they can't live with out this highly pigmented color wheel for your eyes!

• Spa Day - Self explanatory! Every woman over the age of 18 deserves to be pampered at least once a year so why not make it her gift for the Holidays.. I promise you won't get a side eye on this one!

• AMEX Gift Cards are as good as money and come in handy for anything we may need. Some people are just not naturally good gift givers..no matter how hard they try they can't seem to think of something they are willing and happy to get without just downright asking. No need to grow any gray hairs over it, just go to your nearest store and pick one up. Your holiday shopping will be done before you know it and your FBG will be smiling from ear to ear!

So FBGs, whats on your Christmas List this year!

FBG Photo of the Week! 11.27.09

This is a FABULOUS picture of First Lady Michelle Obama and President Obama attending their State Dinner, Tuesday, November 24.

Mrs. Obama is stunning with her beaded strapless gown and shawl and the President looks oh so dapper with his sharp black tuxedo ready to host their dinner!



Hope everyone had a great Thankgiving and didn't gain more than 5 pounds! Don't go too crazy on Black Friday if you can help it! Hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday!

A Very FBG Thanksgiving: Community Service in Houston!

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you had as much of a great time with family and loved ones as I did. As well as an opportunity to give a "FBG THANK YOU!" for everything and everyone in your life you appreciate and love!

I am grateful to be able to be home in Houston for Thanksgiving! On the morning of Thanksgiving, my family has started a tradition of serving those less fortunate before we serve ourselves. I am so glad that service is as important to my family as it is to me! The City of Houston hosts a city wide community service event where they ask for volunteers to come and feed the homeless and give clothes to the needy.

This year we were able to give out clothes and it was great to see those less fortunate pick up shoes, shirts, jackets, long johns, and blankets all donated and neatly arranged by volunteers. Check out some quick pictures I took and enjoy the rest of your vacation!

*SMOOCHES*

A gentleman with his arms full of clothes! Glad he can get what he is in need of.

Just a snippet of the line of people who are in need.

A gentleman picking up some things he is in need of.

The "crew" - family and friends taking a group pic

What Are You Thankful For?

Well, it's the day before Thanksgiving and if you haven't already began your vacation, I am sure you are heading out now.

Thanksgiving is a holiday that is really and truly about spending time with your family and giving thanks about what God has provided you directly and indirectly.

2009 has been a year we will never forget with so many highs and lows. I mean everything from getting accepted into grad school to losing a very close family member! But everything happens for a reason so what ever you went through or have come out of be thankful for the lesson because you can not have a testimony without a test!

Here are some the things I am thankful for:

• January 20, 2009! (aka Inauguration Day) - I was able to attend the historic day and see the first African American president get sworn in! And it was absolutely amazing. If I could do it all over again I will (cross your fingers)
  
• FABULOUS BROWN GIRL! - starting the blog (my baby) has given me a better direction on what I like and who I am! I have wonderful readers who continue to inspire me to keep writing. It's very therapeutic for me and gives me purpose and something to look forward to that I started all by myself!
  
• My Family - Even though we can't choose them, having my family in my life gives me strength. I never want to let them down so my focus will remain on making them proud
• Living in Atlanta - Living here is something that I have always wanted to do! And now with God's help, I am doing it! Even though I am not calling it my permanent home base as of yet, I am learning a lot of things about myself that I wouldn't have necessarily had the chance to do if I still lived in DC. Not bashing DC in the least, but let's just say I have the chance to focus on me more so and in the long run that is going to make me into a better woman
• My Friends- I am thankful for all of my friends who encourage me and put a smile on my face! They inspire me to do so many great things and I can't wait to see where we all end up because I know it will all be FABULOUS!
• Starting to Find My Passion - I prayed for God to begin to reveal my passions that I have and lead me toward some direction! He has started showing me things and I love the feeling of having direction. Because there is nothing worse than going with the motions and the feeling of being lost and not having a purpose!
  
• My relationship with God -After leaving DC I knew that above all else I wanted to strengthen my relationship with God! I recognize so many things He has done for me and I am learning to sit still and listen to His voice. I can not describe the feeling when you see that God answered your prayers specifically to the most tiny detail that you asked for! And it may not have come at the moment you asked for it, but all good things come to those who wait and seek His face!

So FBG's what are you thankful for this year? Leave a comment and let us know how grateful you are for your life, your family, your health, your career, your education

Happy Thanksgiving! Do what the holiday says and GIVE THANKS! Smooches!

Discuss: PRECIOUS and Colorism

Now that I am sure most of you have seen the movie PRECIOUS, what are your thoughts? When I saw the movie I didn't quite feel right or back to my normal self for the REST of the day. I wanted to cry for Precious and for the REAL LIFE Precious' that are living like this every day.

But there are others who saw beyond the story's obvious hurt, and had opinions of the

movie that were not pleasing to them from a Hollywood perspective. If you recall in the movie, everyone that tried to help Precious in the movie (Miss Rain, Nurse John, and the Social Worker, played by Mariah Carey) were all of a lighter skin complexion. However, everyone that tried to hurt Precious (Her father and her mother, played by Mo'Nique) was of a darker complexion.

Many people feel like there is colorism in Hollywood and that some of these roles could have been played by darker skin actors. Especially since Miss Rain in the actual novel PUSH by Sapphire was a darker skin woman with dreadlocks. So her character's physical description was taken out of context. I have yet to read the heart wrenching novel, but I plan on doing so after the movie's images are not so vivid in my mind.

Listen to this NPR Radio broadcast with Fabulous Brown Girl, Jada Smith, speaking on the issue that concerns her. Also, what are your thoughts? Do you feel that the imagery was conscientiously taken out of context or is it not that serious and we should only focus on the issue of stopping abuse?

Also here is Sapphire, the author of PUSH, speaking about turning PUSH into PRECIOUS... Ironically, she is speaking about the very issue that is somewhat happening now.


Watch CBS News Videos Online

Fabulous Brown Girl is Growing Strong!

If you have recently discovered Fabulous Brown Girl -- Welcome!! Fabulous Brown Girl has only been around for close to 3 months (we are still an infant) and we are so happy with all the positive and uplifting feed back we have been getting!

If you have recently found out about FBG and you like the content you have been reading so far don't be afraid to spread the word! We promise to keep up our end of the bargain by giving great insight and commentary on what matters to young professional women of color.

Everything from entertainment, social activism, special events, office and networking tips, and the hottest trends to staying FABULOUS! We will continue to try and bring together a positive network and a sisterhood were no one is talked down upon because we can go anywhere and feel negativity vibes!

So BE FABULOUS and SPREAD THE WORD by sharing our blogs with friends on your facebook or twitter page! Its easy and its works!!

Fabulous Brown Girl wants to thank you in advance for the mind blowing support and we promise to keep bringing FABULOUS things your way!

FBG Photo of the Week

This week's FBG Photo of the Week comes from Michelle Williams who did a FABULOUS photo shoot with acclaimed celebrity photographer Derek Blanks. She did an alter ego photo shoot where she portrayed several different characters of people who comment on her life as both a secular and gospel artist.

Here at Fabulous Brown Girl, we were particularly blown away by her solo shots because they were so fierce and like nothing we have ever seen before coming from Michelle. So Kudos Michelle for giving FBG everything we need with these gorgeous photos!

Take a look at some more of her pictures with this slide show. I hope you are enjoying one of my favorite Destiny Child song's where Michelle's vocals gave the song that extra something!!

Oh! and TGIF!! Have a great weekend!

Godmama Oprah Has Announced Her Talk Show Departure

Okay, BIG NEWS was announced yesterday about Oprah Winfrey deciding that her syndicated national talk show of over 23 years will be ending Septemeber 2011, 25 years after her show debut in 1986, making it the longest runnning talk show in the history of television.

Oprah Winfery is what Michael Jackson was to pop music and dancing!! She reigns supreme and has inspired so many people to pursue working in the media, owning their own businesses, and being moguls! She has been a staple on daytime television since I was just a tot! She doesn't even feel the need to be nominated for Daytime Emmy's anymore because she wants other people to have a shot! Now if that ain't a FABULOUS Brown Girl, I don't know what is!

Even though Fabulous Brown Girl knew this day was going to eventually come, we were secretly hoping the Oprah would continue doing her show from a nursing home if she had to with her walker still looking FLY!

Clearly, Oprah wants to focus on the next phase of her career and that is with the Oprah Winfery Network, where she will host a show and reruns of the sydincated talk show will air as well.

So who will be the new Queen of Talk when Oprah retires from her network talk show... Tyra, Wendy, Ellen... ?? I know, I know, we are just as sad as you are when we begin to fathom such a travesty happening, but we are definitely wishing Oprah the best!

FBG Style Watch: Winter Coats

While winter is creeping up on us, FABULOUS BROWN GIRL wants to make sure you stay fabulous and warm at the same time! There are so many different kinds of coats that you can have several styles for any outfit you rock!

Check out some these popular outwear coat styles and let FBG know which one is your favorite!

Puffy Coat

Great for school days, weekends, or casual outings when you just want to bundle up!

Dressy or Formal Coat

Great for church or any formal event that you would wear a business suit to!

Military Style Coat

This style is cute and different to rock! It is a chic look that can go both ways- casual or formal!

Double Breasted Coat

This is a classic look that is great for young professionals like ourselves who need a jacket to match our fab professional wardrobe!

Bright Colorful Coat

This style is for FBGs who like to stand out and be seen! Bright color coats are a great way to not look like everyone else who may wear the typical black, grey, and creme!

Classic Trench Coat

This is a look that never gets old! The trench coat is timeless and everyone woman should own one. It is easy to switch between semi casual outfits and formal outfits. It keeps you warm and holds together all our beautiful curves!

Biker Coats

This style is great for our urban rocker FBGs who have a healthy nightlife! Just because its cold doesn't mean out nightlife wardrobe has to suffer. Just add this coat on top of any hot dress or legging outfit and get ready to hit the town!

FBG Spotlight: Janet Jackson Interview

This was a great interview of Janet Jackson breaking her silence and showing her strength as she remembers her brother, Michael Jackson, who she says she was the closest to.

I was both touched and proud of her while watching the interview that throughout all that has gone on in her life and her late brother's life that remains strong for her family and her fans. She said that she "smiles when things get a little painful. "

She also talks about her life, her childhood, her relationship with her father, Joe Jackson, and her romantic relationship Jermaine Dupree!

If you missed it last night, check out the full interview! Fabulous Brown Girl heart Janet Jackson so much!

FBG Spotlight: Giving Back to OUR HOUSE

Last Thursday, FABULOUS BROWN GIRL had an awesome opportunity along with Brandi Starr from Starr Studded Events to volunteer at Our House in Atlanta, GA. Our House is a child care facility designed for people who could not afford expensive day care costs, or may be recovering from being homeless and making attempts to get back on their feet.

We threw birthday parties for every age group! We gave them cupcakes, lemonade, chips, and animal crackers! Seeing these kids faces light when we entered the room was a very memorable moment! Gifts were even given out to children whose birthdays were actually during the month of November! Unfortunately, these children's family probably do not have the resources to have birthday parties for their little ones even though they proably really want to!

Like I posted yesterday, giving back is not just about doing favors for others, its ultimately about giving to yourself. Giving yourself the feeling of philanthropy is a great gift. It humbles you and allows you to be appreciative of what you were blessed with.

I want to give Brandi Starr a huge Thank You! for making this opportunity possible for me to take part of! It is definitely something I think would be great to do again in the future!

Check out this slideshow of the OUR HOUSE birthday parties! Photos courtesy of Kustom Kreations Photography. Can't you tell we had a great time?! I mean how can you not when you are throwing birthday parties for these wonderful kids ?!

A Little Fabulous Brown Girl Inspiration: Serving Others and Being Fabulous

Happy Monday!

Here at Fabulous Brown Girl our motto is being fabulous means doing more...

A truly fabulous person knows that it is not always about her and her latest trends, men, and socialite lifestyle, but about about recognizing that there are others who can not afford to have what you do and that being fabulous is really about taking time to give back to others.

What service are you committed to? Are you involved with a service oriented non profit organization? Are you involved in a ministry at your church?

These are just a snippet of ways that you can give back and be even more fabulous!

Let Fabulous Brown Girl know what you are doing to give back and TRULY be fabulous!

Remember you are not doing God a favor by serving others, He is the one doing you a favor!

FBG Photo of the Week!

Here is our pick for Fabulous Brown Girl Photo of the Week! When I saw this photo I have to admit my mouth literally dropped! This dress is amazing! Rihanna may have her own issues, but she is definitely overcoming them and looking FABULOUS at the same time.

FBG admires how Rihanna loves to switch it up! We see she is now rocking blonde tresses on top with shaved sides. She is always changing her look and apparently can pull off ANY style she tries!

KEEP looking out for more FBG Photos of the Week! Leave a comment and let us know what you think! Happy Friday!

FBG Music Break: Letoya Luckett and Ludacris

This is one of my new jams to groove to! I love the beat and the lyrics Letoya sings about! I mean I think we all have a past fellow who thought he was doing THE MOST and didn't recognize our sunshine (yes Common!!) until it was too late!!

So now anytime he sees you in all your glory and he has to make you feel bad or try to get back on your good side. Too bad for him we moved on to bigger, better and more FABULOUS things!

So Fabulous Brown Girls, who would you dedicate this to? Let us know and check out Letoya and Ludacris NEW video for REGRET!!!

FBG is a Featured Blog on Substance Abuse Counselor

Fabulous Brown Girl has just learned of some great news! Our blog has been named the new feature blog on Substance Abuse Counselor.

The content on our blog has captured the eyes of the director who features blogs and websites on the come up! Seeing how FABULOUS BROWN GIRL only started two months ago, I am truly honored to begin to be recognized by other positive outlets!

This is great news and a reminder that you never know who is watching you, so continue to chase your dreams and follow through with every great opportunity that comes your way! Oh and never forget to STAY FABULOUS!!