Happy Holidays from the Get ‘Em Girls!  For the second year, we are showing our holiday spirit and bringing in the holiday season by giving our readers the chance to win fabulous gifts from our favorite brands with our 12 Days of Giving holiday giveaway. We kicked off this year’s giveaway with two Carol’s Daughter gift sets, a FHI Heat prize pack, a gift card from Sears, a Tarte Treasure Chest sold exclusively in Sephora and on day five we have a $250 Gift Card to Rocawear.com

Today, Rocawear is a dominant lifestyle apparel brand for a wide range of customers, with annual retail sales over $700 million. Inspired by an urban aesthetic rooted in young men’s sportswear, Rocawear has expanded is brand through licensing pacts to develop lines for Rocawear has expanded is brand through licensing pacts to develop lines for children (Kids Headquarters), junior’s (Signature Apparel), socks (Gina Group), handbags and belts (M. London), big & tall (Endurance), headwear (Nas Industries), jewelry (K & M Associates),  ladies intimates and men’s loungewear/underwear (Age Group), ladies footwear (Topline), Men’s Footwear (Two Feet Productions) and sunglasses/Optical frames (Colors in Optics).

To enter to win the $250 Gift Card to Rocawear.com all you have to do is enter the answer to one of the following question in the comment section below.

Rocawear just celebrated their Anniversary? (enter year)

This would be a great gift for the big or little man in your life.  Below are some of my favorite pics in the Men and Boys section.

The $250 Giftcard giveaway to Rocawear.com is open until Sunday 12:00 a.m. EST and will be randomly selected using Random.org, but you won’t want to miss any of our fabulous giveaways, so make sure to check back every day to enter them all. Don’t forget to tell your friends to join in on the fun and sign up to receive first dibs on the next day’s gift. Good luck!

Happy Holidays from the Get ‘Em Girls!  For the second year, we are showing our holiday spirit and bringing in the holiday season by giving our readers the chance to win fabulous gifts from our favorite brands with our 12 Days of Giving holiday giveaway. For the next 12 weekdays, we will feature a new giveaway, starting today!

We are kicking off this year’s giveaway with two great gifts fit for a Queen and a Princess — Carol’s Daughter’s Recipe for Naturally Beautiful Hair and A Magical Beauty gift sets. If you are not familiar with the Carol’s Daughter brand, you may know some of the fabulous celebrity fans that swear by their products, including Jada Pinkett-Smith, Beyoncé, and Mary J. Blige.

To enter for the chance to win both Carol’s Daughter gift sets, all you have to do is enter into the comment section below the name of your favorite Carol’s Daughter product and why you love it. If you have never used a Carol’s Daughter product and you’re anxious to get your hands on some, simply tell us what year did Carol’s Daughter’s founder, Lisa Price open her first boutique store…and that answer can easily be found by heading over to CarolsDaughter.com. Make sure to enter your correct e-mail address so we can contact you directly. The gift set giveaway is open until 12:00 a.m. EST and will be randomly selected using Random.org, but you won’t want to miss any of our fabulous giveaways, so make sure to check back every day to enter them all. Don’t forget to tell your friends to join in on the fun and sign up to receive first dibs on the next day’s gift. Good luck!

Beautiful hair, like the perfect party dress, is an essential holiday accessory. To keep your hair looking flawless, use this set of moisture-replenishing treatments that will help repair damage and boost bounce.

Recipe for Naturally Beautiful Hair  Gift Set Includes

• Tui Herbal Shampoo
• Tui Hair Smoothie
• Hair Milk
• Carol’s Daughter Comb
• Carol’s Daughter carrying case.

In celebration of Disney’s first African-American princess in the upcoming film “The Princess and the Frog,” Carol’s Daughter has created   a collection of products honoring this momentous occasion. Giving young African-American girls a role model whom they can truly identify with and aspire to be like, Princess Tiana represents a major milestone in Disney’s history and an icon for generations to come.  Pamper your little princess with this trio of genuinely natural hair and bath treats that gently clean, condition and soothe. This little loving magic is sure to bring out her inner shine. Magical Beauty Collection gently clean, condition and soothe, capturing Princess Tiana’s unique experience in one universal collection and making every aspiring princess feel like Tiana at bath time. Each product features an inspirational message reflecting the values and lessons that Tiana learns during her journey, giving girls an engaging way to connect with Disney’s newest princess. The set features “The Beauty Within” Shampoo, “Inner Shine” Conditioner, “Sharing Means Caring” Bubble Bath, and a Loofah.

A Magical Beauty Gift Set includes

• Shampoo “The Beauty Within”
• Conditioner “Inner Shine”
• Bubble Bath “Sharing Means Caring”
• Loofah

I am trying to remain objective, but I could honestly care less about any other team but the Denver Broncos!  We were looking so sexy out there yesterday.  Unfortunately the game wasn’t being shown in New York and I was too busy to head to a bar.  So once again I had to watch play by play action on NFL.com.  I never knew I could be so passionate watching colored arrows move across my screen. We have a tough game next Sunday against the undefeated Indianapolis Colts.  Hopefully my Warriorsssss will come out and playyyyyyaaahhhh!!!

One of my favorite Tweethearts is Chad Ochocino and though he does not play for my beloved Broncos,  I just had to show him some love because he makes it look so easy and is all about the game and his fans!

EbtheCeleb I know there is no words or sympathy card that could take away the pain you feel from the lost your beloved Cowboys took from the Giants. Not to worry I keep Kleenex on deck should you or Cthagod need some.

…and congrats to the undefeated Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints for clinching their divisions and for remaining undefeated (yes I’m trying to be mature) and RIP to Tim McKernan who was know for wearing a barrel at all Broncos game. He passed away from Lung Disease this past Friday.  Through rain, sleet and snow Mr. McKernanover cheered on the Broncos for 30 yrs until 2007.

Game Photo Credit: Ed Zurga/ Associated Press -Denver/Kansas
Game Photo Credit: David Kohl/ Associated Press-Cincinnati
Tim McKernan Photo Credit David Zalubowski / Associated Press

On Saturday December 5th join Duffy’s Hope and sponsors Rocawear and The YBF.com for their 4th Annual Celebrity Basketball game. BET Network host Alesha Renee, Barry Floyd (Tee Tee for m the Hit TV Show The Game), R&B Singer Sammie and pro-skater Jereme Rodgers  are just a few of the celebs that will be participating in the annual basketball soiree.   This year’s game will be held at Glasglow High School in support of HIV Prevention in Newark, Delaware.

Four months ago we attended the 7th AnnualCelebrity Baseball event in Wilmington, Delaware and had an awesome time. Over 2000 fans came out in support for stars like host Raven Symone, Teyana Taylor, Lance Gross, and Free who played to benefit youth mentorship and violence awareness programs in the urban Delaware community.

The event weekend kicks off with a welcoming reception for talent, sponsors, media, and guests prepping the surrounding Newark community for the main event the following day with a surprise guest. Keynote speaker and host, BET’s Alesha Renee, will address over 500 student participants on HIV awareness, prevention, and entertainment followed by a celeb meet and greet following the opening reception. Thebasketball game will be held at Glasglow High School on Saturday December 5th, 2009 at 5:00PM followed by a private dinner reception.

For more information about Saturday’s event stop by www.duffyshope.org

About Duffy’s Hope, Inc. :

In 1998, Allen “Duffy” Samuels established Duffy’s Foundation, which started as part of the Wilmington Youth Organization. In 2002 Duffy’s Foundation became Duffy’s Hope, Inc. (DHI), whose mission is to “Advance community hope by fostering academic achievement and social enrichment for youth”. Five signature programs for DHI are: The H.O.P.E. Mentoring Program, HIV/AIDS Forum, DHI Summer Basketball League,Celebrity Softball Game and Celebrity Basketball Game. www.Duffyshope.org

It’s been a while, but our fun and funky brown Charlotte girls are back!!! Doing what they do best…making women look like they stepped straight out of a magazine!!! The professional photography and make up duo are putting a little twist into their latest event! December 5th-6th the lovely ladies will host a beauty and class series for the holidays in Charlotte, NC.

The photo shoot will be all about the traditional beauty shot! Of course with the Joy:27 “stank” on it!!!  A close up photo, where the main focus is on the make up, hair and accessories. The ultimate “Can’t go wrong” shoot! No worries about losing a few pounds, wardrobe, lots of poses or any of that! Just let us do the work, and capture the essence of your beauty at its best!!! Includes any make up look of your choice! Applied by Celebrity Make Up Artist…Joy Randall, Owner of Flawless Make Up Art!!!

And this holiday season as an added bonus Joy:27 will offer a make up class series to update you on holiday trends and pro tips! Each week they will feature a different class, starting with “Find Ya Red”! A class covering skin tones and undertones to help you find the ultimate Red Lip for YOUR style! One of the hottest trends this season! Trust… EVERYBODY has one!

Contact Joy at 704-975-9526 or joy20seven@gmail.com to reserve your spot today!

a bubble bath was just what the doctor ordered

I didn’t even bother lighting candles or turning on some music to set the mood. I just wanted to dive into the bath tub. Fast!

And I did.

Here’s how my evening went:

• I started with a hot Johnson’s Bedtime Bath: 3 capfuls will do ya! Turn up the hot water & watch the suds go! I probably stayed in the tub a little longer than I should, but the “waterlogged” (wrinkled) fingers & toes were worth it. Just felt good to soak for awhile. **I also use up & up Baby (Target’s store brand). Its a good alternative.
• Huggies Calming Touch Lavendar & Chamomile Lotion: Yeah, I know — Huggies and Johnson & Johnson’s don’t match. Well, it did tonight! Its a thick, rich moisturizing lotion that smells so good, even hours after you use it. Gotta love that.
• Celestial Seasonings SLEEPYTIME Herbal Tea: (caffeine-free) Just add honey (instead of sugar) & you’re good to go. Honestly, I’ve never finished a mug. I always fall asleep, which is alright with me. I also like to add those honey-lemon cough drops (a quick fix for a scratchy throat)

I just wanted to share my Lavender & Chamomile night with you all. I hope you plan on making this a part of your regular relaxation regimen soon. (You’re welcome!)

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to la-la land (after I get off of work…wishful thinking) … Thank you & good night!

Join the ladies of WEEN Radio in the Pink Suite  tonight at 9pm as they celebrate WORLD AIDS DAY.  Log on and listen as they take an inside look and discuss women’s issues (teen pregnancy/ HIV/AIDS) in the movie, Precious.  Also joining the ladies will be one of the Executive Producers of the movie, Lisa Cortes.  Feel free to call in and ask questions and/or comment on the movie tonight! ( and if you haven’t seen Precious …what are you waiting for???!!)

2009 NY pop up shop

During the month of December you can shop (RED) for the holidays! Stop by joinred.com to view all of their great partner retailers this holiday season.  Also if you are in New York, San Francisco, London or Tokyo area; you can stop by (RED) Pop Up Shops. A portion of all profits made from items purchased at the RED Pop Up Shops go directly to the Global Fund, to fight AIDS in Africa.   (RED) partners include Apple, Bugaboo, Converse, Dell, Emporio Armani, Gap, Hallmark, Starbucks and special editions Solange Azagury-Partridge, Girl Skateboard, Channel Islands Surfboards and Timbuk2. (Selection will vary by location).

(RED) Pop Up Store are located in Gap Flagship stores:
New York: The (RED) Store, 680 Fifth Avenue (at 54th St), NY, NY 10019, USA
Open Dec 1 – Jan 3

San Francisco: The (RED) Store, Flood Building, 890 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102 USA
Open Dec 1 – Dec 14

Tokyo: GAP Flagship Harajuku, 1-14-27 Jingumae, Shibuya Ward, Tōkyō Metropolis, Japan
Open Dec 1 – Dec 25

London: The (RED) Store, 376-384 Oxford Street, London, W1C 1JY
Opens Dec 1 – Dec 17th

(RED)
(RED) is a business model created to raise awareness and money for the Global Fund by teaming up with the world’s most iconic brands to produce (PRODUCT) RED branded products. A portion of profits from each (PRODUCT) RED product sold goes directly to the Global Fund to invest in African AIDS programs, with a focus on women and children.

Global Fund
The Global Fund is a unique global public/private partnership dedicated to attracting and disbursing additional resources to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. This partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector and affected communities represents a new approach to international health financing. The Global Fund works in close collaboration with other bilateral and multilateral organizations to supplement existing efforts dealing with the three diseases.

Since its creation in 2002, the Global Fund has become the main source of finance for programs to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, with approved funding of US$ 18.7 billion for more than 572 programs in 140 countries. It provides a quarter of all international financing for AIDS globally, two-thirds for tuberculosis and three quarters for malaria.

Global Fund financing is enabling countries to strengthen health systems by, for example, making improvements to infrastructure and providing training to those who deliver services. The Global Fund remains committed to working in partnership to scale up the fight against the diseases and to realize its vision – a world free of the burden of AIDS, TB and malaria.

What would Thanksgiving be without Turkey and NFL football?  Though I will be watching all of the games, the Denver Broncos and NY Giants match up excites me most. Yes I am a New Yorker, however I am also a Denver Broncos fan. Always trying to keep my Get ‘Em Girls well rounded about sports, I decided to profile  Hakeem Nicks of the New York Giants and Richard Quinn of the Denver Broncos about their transition into Pro-football, future goals and favorite foods. Both Nicks and Quinn are rookies, former UNC football teammates and best friends.

Get ‘Em Girls: This being your rookie year, how has the transition from college to NFL been?
Hakeem Nicks: I feel like it has been easy. Going into training camp, I was held back by a hamstring injury, but I was able to bounce back.

GEG: Did playing at UNC prepare you for this transition?
Hakeem: Most definitely, my coaches at Carolina helped to prepare me using their background experience they received while in the NFL.

GEG: What do you miss most about UNC?
Hakeem: I miss being around my teammates and the UNC coaching staff the most.

GEG: Many times women are unfamiliar with football stats, can you break down your accomplishments in a way a woman who doesn’t know much about football can understand?
Hakeem: This could take some time, so I am going to try and keep it brief (laugh). I never lost a game of football in high school. I came into UNC as a True Freshman and was a 3 year starter, left UNC early and was drafted in the first round by the NY Giants and just recently I was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for October.
*True Freshman is a freshman who play his first year instead of “Red Shirting.”  “Red Shirting” allows a player an extra year of football eligibility.

GEG: You say you never lost a game in high school, how did you handle losing a game once you arrived to college?
Hakeem: I had a completely different mindset. I knew the competition level would be different, so I had already mentally prepared myself.

GEG: Butch Davis compared you to Michael Irvin. How does that make you feel? Do you feel any pressure from the comparison?
Hakeem: Michael Irvin is a great person to be compared to. I didn’t feel any pressure, I was more like honored when Coach Davis made the comparison. I look forward to meeting him one day.

GEG: Have any of the veteran players took you under their wings and mentored you?
Hakeem: All of the NY Giants Wide Receivers mentored me, especially during training camp. When I attended Carolina,  Jesse Holley, a Senior Wide Receiver, gave me a lot of great advice.

GEG: Have you returned the favor and became a mentor to someone?
Hakeem: I mentor a lot of the younger receivers at Carolina when I go back to visit.

GEG: Playing football in New York, there can be a lot of glitz and glamour, flashing lights, and red carpet events going on, how do you not get caught up in your own hype/limelight?
Hakeem: I stay humble. I’m a humble person, I pretty much keep to myself.

GEG:  Do your family members and friends help you to remain humble?
Hakeem: No, that’s just my character, if you’ve ever met me you could tell.

GEG: New Yorker’s can be very fickle when it comes to our athletes, one day we love you the next day we hate you. Does that ever get to you?
Hakeem: No, you can’t let stuff like that get to you. You just have to stay focused. Go out there every week and just keep playing, giving 100%.

GEG: What artist are you listening to when you are trying to get hype and give that 100% game day performance?
Hakeem: Webbie, Boosie, Wayne, Jeezey and Drake.

GEG: …And if you were slowing it down for someone special?
Hakeem: Maybe Usher or R. Kelly

GEG: What are your career goals after football?
Hakeem: I haven’t pinpointed exactly what I want to do, however I am passionate about football so I know it will be something football related.

GEG: What are your favorite foods to eat?
Hakeem: Fried Chicken, Macaroni & Cheese and Collard Greens are some of my favorites.

GEG: Is your mother preparing a big Thanksgiving dinner?
Hakeem: There will definitely be some food waiting for me when I get home.

GEG: Did your mother pass on any culinary skills to you?
Hakeem: Yes, my Fried Chicken is very impressive.

GEG: What motivates you?
Hakeem: The game of football motivates me, I love to play.

RICHARD QUINN

Get ‘Em Girls: This being your rookie year, how has the transition from college to NFL been?
Richard Quinn: Pretty good, the speed of the game is a lot faster. Carolina had a great program that has prepared me for this transition.

GEG: Why did you choose UNC?
Richard: I chose UNC because they were looking to rebuild their program and I also valued my education as well as my athletics.

GEG: What do you miss most about UNC?
Richard: Good people, campus life was off the chain.

GEG: Your position has changed since entering the NFL. How did you transition from Wide Receiver to Tight End?
Richard: I picked up about 40 lbs to be able to block the bigger guys. I came in at 215lbs. and I now weigh about 255lbs.

GEG: For the Get ‘Em Girl readers who are unfamiliar with football positions, can you break down both positions in a way a woman who doesn’t know much about football can understand?
Richard: A Wide Receiver plays on offense and runs routes to catch the ball from the Quarterback . A Tight End also plays offense and handles the ball, however they have to be versatile and play a little blocking defense too.

GEG: How do you prepare before a game?
Richard: I watch film, look over my notes and get my iPod playlist together.

GEG: Give me some of the artist I would hear on your gameday playlist?
Richard: Drake, Wayne, Gucci Mane, Jay Z & Young Jeezy

GEG: Have any of the veteran players took you under their wing and mentored you?
Richard: Former Tarheels & veteran football players Vonnie Holliday (Broncos) and Alge Crumpler (Tennessee) have both mentored me. Alge mentored me about the draft process and gave me a heads up on what to expect entering the NFL.

GEG: Any thoughts on career goals after the NFL?
Richard: Right now I would be interested in a position at a University as an Athletic Director or coaching football, but we will see as the years go by.

GEG: You know over here at Getemgirls.com we are passionate about food, can you cook?
Richard: Yes, I can cook a little bit of everything. I really don’t have a specialty.

GEG: If you were cooking your mother a special dinner what would it consist of?
Richard: Mashed Potatoes, Baked or Fried Chicken with a vegetable.

GEG: What’s your favorite food?
Richard: Fried Chicken

GEG: Will your family be coming to Denver for the holidays?
Richard: Yes, my mother, brother and friend Bryon. Bryon is our old teammate and best friend from Carolina.

GEG: Who is Bryon routing for on Thursday?
Richard: He’s neutral, but he’ll be sitting on Denver’s side with my family.

GEG:  Have Hakeem and you placed any friendly wagers on tomorrow’s game?
Richard: No, but that sounds like a great idea.

GEG: Is your mother preparing a big Thanksgiving dinner?
Richard: No, actually we are all going to my agents house for a big dinner, but she is preparing a surprise dish.

GEG: What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dish your mother prepares for you?
Richard: Turkey & Stuffing

GEG: Name one female in your life you would classify as a Get ‘Em Girl and why?
Richard: My mother, she works hard everyday. She’s a Get ‘Em Woman (laughs).

GEG: Are you involved in any philanthropic endeavors?
Richard: I have participated in a blood drive charity event with the Broncos thus far and I look forward to starting my own charity in the near future.

GEG: What motivates you?
Richard: Being the best, I strive to be the best. I now have a 16 month year old girl and she also motivates me. I want to make sure she is provided for. Once you have a child you become second and your child becomes first. She gave me a whole new perspective on life. I have to be the best for her.

I wish these two men success in all of their endeavors.  I look forward to seeing them follow in the footsteps of some of my UNC classmates and friends such as Vonnie Holliday, Algee Crumpler, Dre Bly, Ebenezer Ekuban,  and Greg Ellis.  On the field and off the field UNC Chapel Hill has produced some of the best leaders I know and I am so honored to be a part of the tradition!

** …and ladies I know you were expecting us to ask some juicy questions about women, but I purposely decided to give Hakeem and Richard a pass since they are both rookies and should be focused only on their “field game” lol.