Nat'l HIV Testing Day is here! GET TO KNOW YOU!

Bag Ladies has been pushing the message all week of getting to know you and getting to know your status. We produced a week long show series that ended yesterday and an event on Thursday to celebrate efforts and further raise awareness regarding Nat'l HIV Testing Day which is today. We mentioned on yesterday's show, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation Magic Johnson HIV Testing Caravan which will be posted up in DC both today and tomorrow. DC has one of the fastest growing rates of new HIV/AIDS cases of anywhere in the country so empower yourself and take control of your health and wellbeing and get to know your status. The details regarding DC stops are below. Bag Ladies will see you there cause we ain't pointing the finger. The importance of getting tested applies to us too! The message isn't about changing your ways ...it's about simply making sure you're safe about it and you take responsibility for your actions. You'll b e so glad you did!

On Saturday, June 27th—National HIV Testing Day—AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s (AHF) Magic Johnson HIV Testing Caravan will arrive in Washington, DC after a successful, three week, fourteen city cross country HIV testing tour that took the group through several hard-hit Southern U.S. cities and states to raise awareness about the importance—and ease—of HIV testing.

The HIV testing caravan culminates with its arrival in Washington with two free HIV testing events set for Saturday, June 27thand Sunday June 28th Free testing will take place at the Caribbean Festival from 1pm to 5pm both Saturday and Sunday (Banneker Recreation Park, 2500 Georgia Avenue, NW) and on Saturday in the Washington Highlands neighborhood of Ward 8 (4226 4th Street SE, Washington DC 20032, cross street: Chesapeake) from 1pm to 5pm.

Local partners in the District of Columbia for these HIV testing events include the Caribbean Carnival organizers, City-Gate, Peaceoholics, and the Carl Vogel Center, an HIV/AIDS treatment center where people may be referred for care as needed.

The testing caravan is an ambitious effort to boost AIDS awareness and HIV prevention and testing efforts in some of the hardest hit regions of the United States. The caravan includes in one of AHF’s popular AHF Mobile HIV Testing Units, which are named in honor of and partnership with HIV positive basketball legend Earvin Magic Johnson, Jr. and actor and AIDS advocate Blair Underwood. The tour kicked-off in Los Angeles on Monday, June 8th and culminates with the caravan’s arrival in DC on Saturday morning. AHF is permanently relocating one of the mobile testing units from Los Angeles to D.C., to provide free, easy-to-access rapid HIV testing in various neighborhoods throughout the nation's capital, where it was recently reported that the HIV prevalence rate has surged past 3%-higher than in Lagos, Nigeria.

-- Bag Ladies

What more can we say today?

Just as I'm sure all of you are, Bag Ladies is also mourning the loss of Michael Jackson. There's not alot you can say on this day, besides R.I.P. He touched most of us in so many was. I can recall my brother and I seeing him live ...front row seats and being totally overwhelmed by his stardom and stage presence, surrounded by folks who were passing out, crying and just consumed w/ emotion. My brother and I were gazing up at him and just totally in awe.

There will never be another like him that possesses the type of artistry that he did.

No one did it better than Michael and noone will ever do it better than him.

He endured many trials and tribulations stemming from his stardom and I

think struggled w/ not ever having a childhood but yet he still endeavored to please us, his fans to the fullest and produce music that was stellar. Please share your thoughts on how Michael touched you. Bag Ladies is sending prayers to his family and fans struggling and suffering w/ the loss. But let's also as best we can celebrate his life in spite of. Most of the music stations are doing a great job of running marathons and showcasing his music. I've seen videos not seen in years and have been dancing and snapping my fingers all day so it's hard to be down when you have his great music to keep you lifted up. So let's stand on that. Bag Ladies will be getting down at daBomb tomorrow which will include an MJ tribute. It's not to be missed for sure ...open bar also and 90's throwback. Event details HERE!

We miss you Michael!

-- Lady Erin

AN EVENT WITH A PURPOSE!

For those of you who tune into the show (Bag Ladies Reality Radio), then you've no doubt heard us talk about the upcoming Pynk Feathers and Wellness Treasures Expo on July 11th of which we are very excited about!!! Bag Ladies partnered w/ The Pampering Junkies and is on board as media partner of an event that promises to be BLISSFUL AND LUXURIOUS! A day full of well-being ...spa services, fitness classes, delectable cuisine, Dr. Sunyatta's belly-dancing, facials, yoga and so much more sponsored by Target and OPI. But what's very revealing, is the story of the concept that is the Pynk Feathers and Wellness Treasures Expo and how it came to be. Stephanie McKenzie-Davis, owner of The Pampering Junkies was willing to share. And the story goes ...

"After losing my aunt to Breast Cancer about two years ago at the tender age of 41, I really wanted to say or do something to bring awareness to this ugly disease. I wanted to SHOUT from the rooftops LIFE IS TOO SHORT not to celebrate, but I felt so helpless. I have spent many sleepless nights trying to come up with the perfect event to celebrate Life and Womanhood. More importantly, I wanted to produce an event with a purpose--providing the best services while promoting the best health practices and raising Breast Cancer Awareness in women. Hence, The Pynk Feathers and Wellness Treasures Expo was born. Don't miss your opportunity to participate in this unforgettable event. If your financial situation is stopping you from purchasing a ticket--Please don't hesitate to contact me. This event was developed from my heart. Target and OPI have given their stamp of approval. All we need is your stamp. Don't delay contacting me or purchasing your ticket. There are truly a limited amount of tickets available and I wouldn't want you to miss it."

-- Bag Ladies

Thursday's Mix and Mingle details revealed!!

MIX AND MINGLE AMONGST DMV NOTABLES, BAG LADIES LISTENERS AND THE BAG LADIES THEMSELVES IN SUPPORT OF OUR EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE FOLKS TO KNOW THEIR STATUS.

COME OUT TO A FREE EVENT SPONSORED BY SPIKE LEE, MS. DAINTY'S MOBILE SPA, OPI, THE PAMPERING JUNKIES AND TROJAN TO NAME A FEW ...FREE GIVE-A-WAYS, GOODIE BAGS FOR ALL, FREE HAND MASSAGES/SCRUBS, BAG LADY COCKTAILS AND JUST PLAIN FUN ARE SOME OF THE FEATURES!! CELEBRATE BAG LADIES EFFORTS AND MORE.

NOTE: TO ENSURE YOU DON'T LEAVE W/OUT YOUR GOODIE BAG AND ARE ENTERED INTO THE GIVE-A-WAY POOL, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR NAME AND NAMES OF GUESTS TO UBAGGEDME@GMAIL.COM.

GET READY FOR SOME MIXING AND MINGLING @ ...
INDULJ1208 U STREET NW
5 - 8p

PLEASE PASS IT ON AND SHARE THE DETAILS ...

GET TO KNOW YOU ...SEX, DATING, RELATIONSHIPS, ROMANCE ...

A topic or rather topics of conversation that men and women alike typically don't tire of are relationships, dating, romance and sex. And it's likely b/c one can never proclaim to know all there is to know as it relates to any of these topics. We are constantly searching ...Bag Ladies always has a grand time chatting it up about these subjects and there is always something new to be learned be it how to flirt better, how to kiss better, how to have not better but great, mind-blowing sex and how to communicate or find that one ...So w/ that being said, we hope to enlighten you just a bit as today, Bag Ladies launches a weeklong series during which sex, relationships, dating and romance will be our primary focus of conversation. Get ready cause it's time to really get down. It's time to really kick those shoes off and grab something to sip on.

What do you get when you mix "Stilettos in the Kitchen" by Shanel Cooper-Sykes, Finesse Mitchell and his comedic commentary regarding the dynamics between men and women, Dr. Hilda Hutcherson, her book, Pleasure: A Woman's Guide to Getting the Sex She Wants, Needs and Desires and her take on the importance of mutually satisfying sex, Will Downing and more? You get a series that you absolutely cannot miss that's what. And as Bag Ladies has said before, there is no being too candid or too explicit. We endeavor to dispel notions and taboos.

But while having a good time is all fun and dandy, this series is part of a larger cause, the Bag Ladies AIDS Project. It's all about getting to know you and getting to know your status. HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death amongst AA women ages 25-34 and 200,000 folks are infected w/ HIV and don't even know it! Those numbers are staggering. And WDC has one of the fastest growing rates of HIV/AIDS of anywhere in the country. Makes you think huh? Well that's what Bag Ladies is hoping for. We want to bring what has been on the backburner, to the forefront again and shed some light on that which can so easily be prevented. We are not pointing the finrger. You do what you do. We'll do what we do but let's just be safe about it.

And of course, not to be outdone, Bag Ladies has an event this coming Thursday June 25th from 5 - 8p at Indulj Restaurant & Lounge right here in Washington, DC. Come out and Mix and Mingle amongst WDC notables and Bag Ladies listeners and support a cause that is greater than us. Let's celebrate Bag Ladies efforts and other organization's efforts to raise awareness, your support of those efforts and more. When you mix sponsors like Spike Lee, Trojan, OPI, GiGi, Pampering Junkies, Vagisil, The Body and more w/ free give-a-ways, goodie bags full of product, free massages and scrubs and ..., you are guaranteed to have a great time! Bag Ladies is going to make sure of it either way cause we always deliver.

So tune in all this week to Bag Ladies Reality Radio (showtime 7p EST) and drop in on Thursday for some mixing and mingling.

-- Bag Ladies

WHATEVER SHALL I DO?

If you are like Bag Ladies and in Washington, DC at the moment then you are just happy that it's not raining. When the weather is good, possibilities for weekend activities are endless. But I can only speak for the moment cause who knows what the rest of the weekend will bring as far as the weather is concerned. But there are many activities worthy of consideration such as ...

Anthony Hamilton and Musiq Soulchild at Constitution Hall

Boy$ Club - Perfect Father's Day Gift

Safeway's Nat'l Capitol BBQ Battle - Yummy!

AFI-Discovery Channel SILVERDOCS Documentary Festival - 9 Lives of former WDC Mayor, Marion Barry being shown this weekend

Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival

Perhaps we'll see you somewhere ...

-- Bag Ladies - Tune into Bag Ladies Radio Monday at 7p EST for official details regarding Thursday June 25th's stellar event!

TAKE CONTROL. BAG LADIES SURELY IS ...BAG LADIES AIDS PROJECT

Did you even know there was such a day as National HIV Testing Day? Admittedly, Bag Ladies didn't know either prior to a couple of months ago and that coupled with finding out that there are an estimated 400,000 individuals within the United States that are infected with HIV and not aware of it left Bag Ladies speechless and that's tough to do with us. The numbers are staggering and even more unnerving is the fact that HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death amongst African American women ages 25 - 34. When considering our target audience, we (Bag Ladies), knew we had to do something to raise awareness regarding HIV/AIDS and further promote National HIV Testing Day.

Starting Monday, June 22nd, Bag Ladies is broadcasting a weeklong special edition show series covering not only relationhips, sex and dating but also safety, prevention and protection. The series will run through June 27th. Nationally recognized guests include Demetria L. Lucas, Finesse Mitchell and Will Downing to name a few. And to further celebrate the cause and our efforts, Bag Ladies is hosting an exclusive Happy Hour event sponsored by Spike DDB, Trojan Brand Condoms, GiGi, OPI and more. And guess what, not only will you mix, mingle and be schooled about HIV/AIDS but you will also be treated to some good tunes, divine cuisine, free stuff and more. And who doesn't love free stuff? The PSA produced by Academy Award nominated Director, Spike Lee will also be shown during the event.

Tune into Bag Ladies Reality Radio on Monday, June 22nd at 7:35p EST for an official reveal of event details and show schedule. We want you there and you won't want to miss this one!

-- Bag Ladies

Oooh, Ooh, Ooh, Jimmy Choo!!!

Oooooh, Ooh, Ooh, Jimmy Choo!!! This breaking news is absolutely worthy of an entirely dedicated post. If you are as much of a fiend for shoes as Bag Ladies, then waiting patiently for the debut of what promises to be an awesome collaboration may very well be one of the most difficult things you have ever done. So I guess you're likely saying get to it already, huh? What collaboration do I speak of you ask? The collaboration between Jimmy Choo and one of our fave retailers, H&M of course!!! Yup, that's right. Jimmy Choo is following in the footsteps of other famous icons and designers that have collaborated with H&M to include Madonna, Matthew Williamson and Stella McCartney and promising us "a sophisticated, fashion forward, accessible and glamorous collection." Per Founder and President, Tamara Mellon. The collection will feature a women and men's line including handbags, shoes and apparel. And if you are one of those living inside a cave, please allow Bag Ladies to jog your memory, Jimmy Choo was made even more famous by Carrie Bradshaw from "Sex & the City". I lost count of how many times the label Jimmy Choo was mentioned per episode. I think perhaps there was a contractual agreement that required Carrie Bradshaw to mention Jimmy Choo x number of times but with styles such as these how could you not utter the name Jimmy Choo every chance you get.

The collection will launch in 200 H&M stores on November 14th so mark your calendars now cause I am already envisioning the number of women that will swarm those few outlets and unless you wanna be trampled, you need be prepared. Look to mybagladies for a follow-up on how to best suit up to ensure you aren't bumped and bruised while attempting to secure what will surely be some must-have pieces. Hold your breath for the collection price points.

-- Bag Ladies

BAG LADIES FATHER'S DAY FAVES ...

We all know the day during which we honor all those special men in our lives be it your Daddy, your Brother, an Uncle or just some random dude, is upon us. Bag Ladies has already provided you information on one of our fave gift ideas for Father's Day which is also an event, taking place here in Washington, DC, The Boy$ Club. Click here for more details. It's so awesome! I wish I could be a dude for a day just so I could attend this all-men's event but such is life. Anyway, here are a few more ideas to take the pressure off your having to come up with something on your own. Just be sure to extend Bag Ladies the credit :-) when you're being showered with hugs and kisses. More selections will be discussed tonite on Bag Ladies along with so much more! Tune in at 7p EST to www.bagladiesradio.com.

Radio Controlled Cooler - Don't get up, this cooler brings it to ya!

Monogrammed Steak Brand & Carving Board -

If he likes to grill, perfect!

Beer of the Month Club -

Take your pick of membership options.

He'll never thirst again.

-- Bag Ladies

Not so breaking news ...Wassup w/ Usher now?

Despite what you might have heard, Usher has not officially filed for divorce from his wife, Tameka. Although there have been reports of Usher having been seen w/ another woman and probs on the homefront, they are not calling it quits as of yet. It's all over the Internet and blog scene though and if Bag Ladies were that gullible, we might've reported it too w/out validating the facts. But per radaronline and various other sites, a Fulton County clerk confirmed that no petition has been filed as this time. I'm sure Usher might be pondering as there is much more to consider. I think the correct terms are alimony and child support. And Tameka gives the impression like she might try to take Usher to the cleaners. Supposedly, their camp will be releasing a statement tomorrow which Bag Ladies will bring as soon as it's released. And supposedly there is an upcoming Essence magazine piece featuring the Raymond fam so be on the lookout for that. In the meantime, Tameka is continuing to Tweet all their dirty laundry and in the meantime, Usher continues to hang w/ Def Jam exec Grace Miguel who is reported to be 42 (older than Tameka who is 41) and married herself. The saga continues ...

-- Bag Ladies

Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you gonna get ...

I'm sure our friend Bharet over at Co Co. Sala might be thinking just that on this day. It's been just a little over a year but Co Co. Sala has been awarded the 2009 Rammy Award for the Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. Of course Bag Ladies knew it all along. You may recall our going on and on during the course of a previous show. From our first visit to their Sunday Brunch during which we sampled everything from the French Toast S'mores to the Fiery Passion Mimosa to that divine, can't get enough Chocolate Bacon, we knew Co Co. Sala was an irresistible concept that Washingtonians would love and we must have been right, because they would not have won the award without your support. So Bag Ladies extends much love and congrats to Bharet and the rest of the folks at Co Co. Sala.

Bag Ladies and our friends at Co Co. Sala

Bueller ...Bueller ...Bueller ...Bueller ...

If you're a child of the 80's then you no doubt watched, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" a million times over ...boy or girl, you wanted to be Ferris Bueller. You longed to live that carefree lifestyle. To get away with anything and everything. To go on crazy adventures and do it all with that sexy smirk. I never tire of Ferris. I catch it on cable from time to time and although I intend to just catch a few scenes and go about my bizness of washing clothes, doing the dishes or whatever domestic responsibilities require addressing, inevitably I end up dropping everything and watching the entire movie. "It's so choice." Even as a grown-up with the responsibility of little ones, a mortgage and all the other things that come with being an adult, I would still love to blow off work, have a Ferrari at my disposal even if just for the day and dine in uppity French restaurants. Oh, and I'm sure there might be a past principal I'd like to get back at.

But it's one thing to love Ferris but do you love the movie enough to wanna own a piece of it? Now you can. Not to be forgotten, Cameron played a crucial role as Ferris's BFF. Remember Cam's cold, dark, museum-like humble abode? Well it's up for sale ...garage and all. If ya got 2.3 million bucks and are looking to relocate to Highland Park, IL, this might be the deal for you.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

-- Lady Erin

Oh yes it's Ladies Night and Bag Ladies is feeling right! How bout you?

A ladies night that is sure to be a homerun!!! And even if not a fan of baseball, it's hard to turn down free food and beverages from Hard Times Cafe, Noah's Pretzels and Honest Beverages and partaking of all of this upon the Rooftop Party Deck of Nationals Park. And if that's not reason enough, how about DJ Chris Styles, complimentary manicures and massages? Bag Ladies ain't turning down the invite from Bree and Lisa that's the for damn sure. So wonder no more where we'll be today between the hours of 4:30 and 7:05p cause Bag Ladies is knocking this one out the park. And you can be there too ...

The Washington Nationals host Ladies Night & Homerun Happy Hour presented by Hard Times Cafe. First started in the 2007 season, Ladies Night has become wildly popular and has turned into one of the most well attended Nationals Park events.

The players meet and greet and pose for pics. And you can also contribute a dime or two for a good cause by hopping upon a mechanical bull for a ride to benefit the National Area Capital Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Irresistible, right? Tix are only 30 bucks and not only provides you admittance to the happy hour but also a reserved seat should you so desire to stay and cheer the Nationals on as they face off against the Giants. There is still room for you!! Join us. Purchase your tix here. All you need to know is below:

WHEN: Thursday, June 4, 2009
4:30pm – Rooftop Party
7:05pm – First Pitch Nationals vs. Giants

WHERE: Nationals Park
Rooftop Party Deck - Garage B
Half & N Streets, SE
Washington, DC

Bag Ladies will see ya there!!