Winter may not officially start until December 21st, but in some parts of the country it has already arrived! Earlier this week while I was still in Chicago, "Old Man Winter," was in full-effect with gusty winds and slushy snow! I guess it had been a while since I was caught in one of the Windy City's winter storms so of course I was totally unprepared. When I return in a few weeks, I will be sure to bring along a pair of warm and comfy winter boots or galoshes!

Forgoing your fashionable boots are a must when the elements call! Do you own a pair of winter-friendly boots? If not, check out some of these boots all under $100!


Suede Sherpa Trim Boots available at www.oldnavy.com for $34.50


Lafarge Boots available at www.aldos.com for $99.98


Frowald Boots available at www.aldos.com for $59.98


C9 Champion Nanette Boots available at www.target.com for $36.99


Cougar Cutie Galoshes available at www.zappos.com for $58


Luvu Boots available at www.ninewest.com for $39.99


Nike Winter Hi-3 available at www.zappos.com for $94


Recine Boots available at www.aldos.com for $99.98


Sarkin Boots available at www.aldo.com for $54.98


Sporto Gojo Boots available at www.famousfootwear.com for $79.99

Tags: None Categories: Black Life Beauty Fashion Trends Face & Style Culture & Lifestyle Scoop & Celebrity

Typically, during the holiday season people only think of buying gifts for their friends and family, but with the economy in such poor shape, this year has made many of us think about what is really important the well-being of our loved ones. So before you indulge in a bit of scaled-back holiday shopping, think about giving back to those who are really in need. BGG has gathered a few websites where you can donate directly to charities or while purchasing goods from some of your favorite stores websites.

Have you ever donated to charity or volunteered during the holiday season? If not, will you consider it this year?

Good Shop - In the "Who do you GoodSearch for" box, choose from one of the thousands of charities and schools already listed in their database or add your favorite cause to their list. Next, click through to their partner retailers and start shopping! A percentage of your purchase will go to your favorite charity or school.

Toys For Tots - The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

Unicef Inspired Gifts - Inspired Gifts is an innovative program that allows you to purchase real, lifesaving products--like bednets and vaccines--to be shipped directly to one of over 150 countries where UNICEF is saving children's lives.

**For those BGs who enjoy giving back as well as buying presents for friends and family, stay tuned!

Tags: None Categories: Black Life Beauty Fashion Trends Face & Style Culture & Lifestyle Scoop & Celebrity

For those of you who wont be donning a stylish party skirt this season, BGG has rounded up some of the hottest holiday frocks for all of your upcoming ftes! Ring in the festive season with reasonably priced dresses that will take you from a business cocktail party to a lively family soiree. Getting dolled up for the holidays is one of the reasons why it's my favorite time of year!

Do you purchase new dresses each year for the holiday season?


Flirty Satin & Tulle Party Dress by Mori Lee available at www.edressme.com for $112


Maggy London Belted Charmeuse Party Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $105.90


Armani Exchange Luxe Ruffle Dress available at www.armaniexchange.com for $120


Gold Two-Tone Chiffon Bubble Dress available at www.edressme.com for $94


Sequin Chiffon Key-hole Dress available at www.bebe.com for $90.30


Jessica McClintock Single Shoulder Party Dress available at www.dillards.com for $90


Max & Cleo Sleeveless Taffeta Ruffle-Hem Dress available at www.macys.com for $148


Holiday Dazzle Shirred Sexy Dress available at www.bebe.com for $83.30


Silence & Noise Ruffle Tie-Back Party Dress available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $78

Tags: None Categories: Black Life Beauty Fashion Trends Face & Style Culture & Lifestyle Scoop & Celebrity

Although I am a pro at applying most cosmetics, I am not a master at applying eye shadow or foundation. So when I received a copy of renowned makeup maven Bobbi Browns new book, For Everyone from Beginner to Pro: Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, I was absolutely thrilled!

The book is packed with tips on everything from how to maintain healthy skin to applying false eyelashes. The best part is that it features a wide range of models with various skin-tones. This is definitely the perfect gift for all of your beloved beauty buffs!


Available in bookstores and at www.amazon on Dec. 1st for $32.

Plus, BGG is giving away 5 copies! Just leave a comment for the rest of the week and the winners will be selected randomly and announced next Monday, Dec. 1st.

Do you consider yourself a master at applying your own makeup?

Tags: None Categories: Black Life Beauty Fashion Trends Face & Style Culture & Lifestyle Scoop & Celebrity

With Thanksgiving only one week away, it's time to pull out your tried and true recipes for the festive family feast! I am by no means a great cook, but I will be making my tasty and traditional dish - green bean casserole. I had never tasted the dish or even heard of it prior to a visit to my mother-in-law's house a few years ago. Every year since then I've prepared it for Thanksgiving and so far there are never any leftovers so I must be doing something right!


Click here for the Campbell's green bean casserole recipe.

What delicious dish(es) are you looking forward to eating next week! Do you help cook Thanksgiving dinner?

Tags: None Categories: Black Life Beauty Fashion Trends Face & Style Culture & Lifestyle Scoop & Celebrity