PART 2: #BagLadiesLIVE Tell-All!!! It's a Sneak Peek!

What are our obsessions? What can't we live without? How long was our longest relationship? What are our fave movies? How do we start our day? It's a true tell all! The cast of #BagLadiesLIVE which includes myself, @bagladies, the "Dr." @stylenbeautydoc and "Baby" @babyshopa, are dishing amongst ourselves yet again. As a follow-up to last week's dish, it's Part 2: #BagLadiesLIVE Sneak Peek. All you want to know about us and maybe some stuff you don't.

We had such fun last week revealing details from how we started blogging to how Bag Ladies Radio was started and more. It was so nostalgic. Can we be any more vulnerable? Can we be any more transparent? Can we be any more candid? Of course! Bag Ladies is reality radio. Tune in and find out just how much you can relate to us. Not only that but we are dropping even more tips on how to get your start and make your mark in social media. And we are interviewing each other. We each are required to come up with five questions to ask of one another that we will not be privy to prior to tomorrow's show. Do you hear the *crickets*? Oh, this dish is gonna be good ...As always of course. And my "machine driva", @ravendelana of verandalane.com is moderating again. Translation, keeping us in check!

Do you have questions of your own for us ...Blogging, biz moves, our personal lives, etc.???? Anything you wanna know, tweet @bagladies and attach #BagLadiesLIVE. 

Tune in LIVE! You have options. You can post up @ bagladiesradio.com/listen or keep it mobile and dial in @ 347.327.9510, opt. 2. Whatever you do, don't miss it!

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

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Catch up on the dish you missed by going to www.bagladiesradio.com/listen. Scroll down to OnDemand and press play.

TONITE'S DISH: HOW TO PICK A BATHING SUIT ...TRENDS, STYLES AND MORE!

Listen @ www.bagladiesradio.com/listen. From your mobile device @ 347.327.9510, opt. 2

Do you know? Swimsuit season is fastly approaching. How are you feeling? Are you nervous, apprehensive or just plain scared? Is your body where you want it to be? If you had to put on a swimsuit tomorrow, would you?

Most women can relate to not always feeling most comfy in a swimsuit. Unless of course you are Beyonce' and have the most "banging" bawdy in the world! Most of us have flaws or what we see as flaws that leave us not so enthused about sporting a bathing suit. And what are the trends? What are the hottest styles? What works best for your body type? We are dishing and providing solutions so if you are "top heavy", "hippy" or "bottom blessed", we got you.

And you know the whole body types be it pear shape, apple shape or whatever? Yeah, we're getting to the bottom of those definitions. Tune into the dish!

Join the #BagLadiesLIVE cast featuring Author and Style & Beauty Expert, Jene' Luciani.

Tune in LIVE! You have options. You can post up @ bagladiesradio.com/listen or keep it mobile and dial in @ 347.327.9510, opt. 2. Whatever you do, don't miss it!

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

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First Thoughts: My Prayer for Boston

www.wsj.com

Most have something that they do to relieve stress or overwhelming emotion. Some hit the gym and sweat it out. Some take to canvas and paint it out. Some head to the kitchen and eat it out. Myself, I pick up a pen and grab a piece of paper and write it out. I've been keeping a diary since Elementary school so writing regularly is part of my routine. I communicate best on paper. As I was working yesterday afternoon around 3p, my Twitter feed was visible as usual. I noticed one tweet, then two tweets and then three tweets not too specific but asking questions regarding the Boston Marathon and word regarding explosions. I said out lout, "huh?" Being as though I work from home, I have the luxury of turning on the television which I did immediately. At that point, word was just coming out about what had occurred. NBC did a great job disseminating information and not validating anything that wasn't yet confirmed. The challenge being a viewer is that they could only report on what they were hearing because the full scope of what had occurred had not yet been realized. So the footage being shared be it still shots or video footage was raw, unfiltered and very graphic. They were simply sharing as it was coming in. The shot above was one shot that so captured the emotion. A fallen runner. Police with obvious expressions of terror and taking immediate action. The disarray. And smoke.

As I started to understand the magnitude and what had occurred, the tears started streaming. I mean it was just unimaginable. It felt like it was December all over again. The emotion I felt was comparable to the emotion I felt upon hearing about the New Town, CT shooting. I thought of my kids and just wanted to see them and hug them and tell them I love them. I spoke to a friend yesterday evening as he was leaving work. He is not the social media fiend that I am and he had no clue as to what had happened. I started crying as I was explaining the events to him. He was in total awe. I turned to Twitter for that sense of community and "tweeted" out my emotions. The same emotions being shared amongst alot of followers. And after finally pulling it together and after finally deciding to turn the channel and give myself a break, I saw a tweet regarding one of the victims being 8 years old. I'm a Mommy and my oldest is 8! It struck a chord and the tears started all over. Below, my first thoughts:

Erin A. Martin

15 hours ago near Washington

Man oh man. People spend their lives preparing for this annual event. For some, it's on their bucket list. A must-do. And to go and have something like this occur. And you have so many who travel far and wide and are now just wandering the streets trying to find loved ones or simply find their way. The same as w/ the injured, I can't fathom the impact on the first responders. They will NEVER be the same. This event will never be the same. Boston will never be the same. The say the injuries are comparable to what you see in a war zone. I liken this to how some become about love. They are cynics b/c they've suffered so much heartbreak. You have to give going anywhere a second thought now b/c there is no guaranteed security. People question their safety even when they seemingly shouldn't have to. Why? It's been proven over and over again when tragedies such as this occur. The only one who you can EXPECT protection from (not the police, not the army, not security personnel ...As valiant and as courageous and as diligent and resilient as they are) ...I'm saying the only one you can EXPECT protection is from MY GOD. Cover all of us ...In Jesus name ...#PrayersGoingUp #BostonMarathon

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

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#BAGLADIESLIVE RECAP: NOW I WANNA TRY ONLINE DATING

Founder of eflirtexpert.com and Author of Love @ First Click, Laurie Davis

This week's #BagLadiesLIVE was an all new #TalesOfSingledom segment featuring eflirtexpert.com founder and Author of Love @ First Click, Laurie Davis. The plethora of online dating sites is so overwhelming and although I know many who have attempted online dating, being single myself, I've never actually tried my hand. And I'm faaaaaaarrr from alone. Per an impromptu Twitter chat, I received alot of feedback. I wanted to break down the basics of:

• How to find a dating site
• How to build a profile
• What types of pics should you use

AND what turned out to be the most profound during last nite's dish ...

• How do you set your expectations differently when dating online vs. traditionally

Last nite was a "digital dating how-to" and Laurie Davis lent a great voice and dropped tips like:

• Your profile should read like a story based on you.
• Share pictures of yourself as well as yourself in action meaning participating in what you like to do (your interests).
• Understand that your profile is significant so be aware of what you say. It's your first impression.
• "Keep your emotions in check." If noone responds immediately to your profile, don't take it personally.
• Remove "rejection" from your vocabulary
• Ultimately, online dating doesn't guarantee a "love connection." It's a tool and should be treated as such.

Laurie also dropped the address to an online engine she created which you can utilize to navigate the plethora of dating sites and find a match. The process of finding a site can be sooooo tedious and is most times what turns women off before even trying. Laurie has made it easy for us. Visit www.eflirtengine.com. 

I am seriously considering now trying my hand. I ain't having much success in the dating field presently. There's a bit of a shortage of prospects so why not and let the sites do the work for me. I'm terribly busy anyway so online dating seems like a worthy option as far as eliminating the leg work and the guess work in some instances. And since having dished with Laurie, I feel much more "armed and ready." How bout you??

For more on that which you may have missed, catch-up OnDemand. If the show isn't already playing per the playa to your right, visit bagladiesradio.com/listen. Scroll down and press play.

For more on Laurie, services offered by eFlirt Expert and how to order Laurie's book, Love @ First Click: The Ultimate Guide to Online Dating, visit www.eflirtexpert.com.

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

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"LET'S GET DIGITAL!!" ONLINE DATING TONITE ON #BAGLADIESLIVE!!

Tune in online @ www.bagladiesradio.com/listen or dial in @ 347.327.9510

Spreak break although nice while it lasted, is ova! #BagLadiesLIVE returns to air tonite at 7:30p EST with an all new #TalesOfSingledom segment ...

Technology is ever changing. The ways in which we communicate are ever changing. Encounters don't even require direct contact. A "booty call" has lost all appeal. Making one no longer even requires an actual phone call. How do you navigate the dating world ...Digitally it seems. Is it possible that it's actually impossible to "find a man" without getting online? Have we been convinced that the only way to do so, is to turn to online dating sites? A plethora so overwhelming, how do you know where to start?

• What should your profile say?
• What pic should you use?
• Do you have to change your expectations when dating online?
• And how do you know if someone of interest is even who they say they are? None of us wanna end up lost never to be found.

It's the "how-to's" of Digital Dating featuring Founder of Eflirtexpert.com and Author of Love @ First Click, Laurie Davis ...You ain't the only one who wants a man. 

You can post up and tune in tonite online at www.bagladiesradio.com/listen or keep it mobile and dial-in and eavesdrop at 347.327.9510. Join me!!

Attach #BagLadiesLIVE and tweet us your questions in advance of tonite's show and we will ask your questions of Laurie LIVE on air! Once on air, follow along on Twitter via  #BagLadiesLIVE or @bagladies.

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

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#BEAUTYTALK: THE "TWEET" FOR A GOOD MASCARA

Need a GOOD inexpensive mascara quick! #BeautyTalk

— Erin Martin(@bagladies) April 3, 2013

The tweet that started it all!!! Upon entering Target to grab one thing, I quickly recalled that I had run out of my fave mascara earlier in the morning much to my dismay. How could it be I asked myself. I tried my best to scrape the wand and all I got was nothing. Why didn't I re-up before finding myself completely out? Blame it on my head, not my heart. But while standing in the beauty aisle(s) at Target, I realized I didn't have a clue as to what I wanted or what was all the rage in mascara right now. I'm a beauty junkie, not an expert. There is a difference. I honestly hadn't purchased a drugstore brand in ages. My last mascara purchase was Bare Escentuals Buxom Amplified Lash in Loud Black from www.sephora.com.

I couldn't choose just one.

I knew if I didn't grab it, I wouldn't have time otherwise and going a day without mascara is NOT an option. It's part of my minimal beauty routine even meaning if nothing else, I apply mascara. I know, take to Twitter! I sent out a #BeautyTalk (named after my most popular #BagLadiesLIVE segment),  "tweet" and Twitter ignited in an uproar and almost instantaneously, I received two suggestions for Maybelline. Instead of taking on the undue pressure of choosing, I grabbed both the Colossal Volum'Express and the Falsies Volum'Express in true #Shopaholic style. At this point, I had a basket cart and more than just one item.

How many of you can relate to going into Target for one thing yet consistently meaning all the time, every time, leaving with ten thangs?! But I digress ...The bottomline is that of the two, I am completely hooked on the Colossal Volum'Express.

Upon cracking the package the following day and applying, I mean it extended my lashes amazingly well fabulously, less the clumps which for some reason I always have a problem with when it comes to my lashes. And my lashes tend to stick together so I am somewhat particular about mascara but not only did the Colossal lengthen but the wand brush also separated my lashes and produced a much fuller effect, totally exceeding my expectations. I also noticed the wand handle being wider and larger made it much easier for me to maneuver and apply. I'm quite a bit sold. I've yet to try the Falsies but I'm now dying to. S/O to followers @SeventhDistrict and @Vanessa_Gyan for their input.

What is your fave mascara and why??? Do you have lash issues too with clumping or sticking together???

P.S. I cannot tell a lie, I didn't stop at the mascara. One of my followers, @ClumpsofMascara, turned me onto a new lip color per a pic posted to IG. It's Maybelline Vivid Rose. The pic doesn't do the color justice but I'm in love ...Yet again. Smooches!


Visit www.maybelline.com, for product and purchasing information.
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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

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WEEKEND UPDATE: #GETKIDSMOVIN

www.getkidsmovin.com 

Natasha Brown of Think Brown Ink and myself

What do you get when you mix kids, fashion, exercise and
music? Get Kids Movin! An event, sponsored by Sport Zone Elite (DC sneaker store), designed to prevent and reduce childhood obesity. The event, inspired by ten year old recording artist, Chi Chi Monet who took notice of obesity amongst her peers, lends attention to healthy eating and physical activity.

Get Kids Movin!, held at The Boulevard at the Capital Centre was free to the public and brought together Parents and children throughout the DMV, to engage in interactive workshops, a fashion show, performances

My kids really were glad to be present

fitness sessions and other activities. Natasha Brown of Think Brown Ink joined me on #BagLadiesLIVE to give me the scoop prior to and extended an invitation to myself and my children to attend. #MommyMidday in full effect!

There was no better event to usher in spring and the weather could not have been better. And the event was a great excuse to get the kids outdoors and moving ...Literally.

My daughter and 10 yr. old recording artist, Chi Chi Monet

Hula Hoop Competition

Dance Performances

Clown

My daughter with her poodle

Former #BagLadiesLIVE guest and Children's Wardrobe Stylist, Whitney Alana and myself

My "mini-me" actually rocking some of the hottest trends in kids fashion ...Hot pink and patterned leggings

How do you get your kids outdoors and keep them engaged in physical activity? How do you teach them about nutrition and healthy eating?
Click http://mybagladies.blogspot.com/2013/04/mommymidday-i-trick-my-kids-into-eating.html for my last post about how I sometimes trick my kids into eating healthy. Shhh ...Don't tell them I told you.

For more on Get Kids Movin! and upcoming events, visit www.getkidsmovin.com.
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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

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#MOMMYMIDDAY - I TRICK MY KIDS INTO EATING HEALTHY ...SOMETIMES

Whatever works! As a Mommy, getting my kids to eat healthy can be challenging at times. Eating good is hard. I'd love to be able to eat whatever I want whenever I want but alas, my "bawdy" ain't going for it and doing so will yield unwanted results. Children are much the same. Growing up, there wasn't much emphasis on healthy eating. My brothers and I pretty much snacked as much as we wanted and ate what we wanted. I can't even fathom the ounces of kool-aid I've consumed in my lifetime. A huge pitcher was ever present in the fridge and the more sugar the better. 

www.target.com 

Times have changed and kids health and nutrition are a priority. As a Mommy there are times when it's easy to reach for the least healthy snack. While I totally believe in allowing a kid to be a kid and allowing my own to indulge sometimes, I do try to balance their diet with healthy options. I've long since learned that it's all in the presentation! As much as I love visual appeal and love to get deliveries of items purchased in pretty packaging, my kids do also. These snack-size plastic bags purchased in-store at Target, are perfect! That infamous one dollar aisle that greets me upon entering Target always stops me dead in my tracks. It's like a literal "grab-and-go." The hot pink owl on the bag immediately stood out and thus I chucked one pack into my cart. Although I intended to use for Easter treats, I didn't and after putting my kids to bed last nite and cleaning up the kitchen, I had a thought to pre-prepare some snacks. I realized I still had these cute little bags. Earlier in the day, I grabbed a ton of fruit ...Strawberries, oranges, grapes, bananas. So I washed and divided the fruit into individual bags and placed them in the fridge on a shelf within reach. The other bonus is that when the kids ask me for a snack, allowing them to go directly to the fridge and grab what they want, establishes independence and my kids love that. They are at that age (7 and 8), where they don't want me to do everything anymore. They think they are "grown." Uh huh ...But little do they know, it works for me also because I don't have to stop what I'm doing whenever they come a-calling.

My kids are on spring break this week so however I can lessen the Mommy can you? Mommy will you? Mommy can I? Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!, I will do. I wish I'd grabbed a few more packs. I will now be on the lookout for like options. Do you know of any?

How do you trick your kids into eating healthy? How do you incorporate nutrition into your child's diet? Do you have any faves?
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On a side note, this post is a total testament to my consistent habit of going into Target with the intention of grabbing one thing yet coming out with ten thangs!  

Catch up on the dish you missed by going to www.bagladiesradio.com/listen. Scroll down to OnDemand and press play.

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And for more on segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com.