EVER THOUGHT OF STARTING A BLOG OR NEED SOME TIPS?? WATCH THIS #TBT TO #BLOGGERWEEK ...

I was pleasantly surprised yesterday when friend and DC based Photographer/Videographer, Jeff Brooks posted a snippet from this years Blogger Week during which I took to the mic along with fellow Bloggers/Vloggers, Yolanda Renee and Jonna Scott-Blakes. Click here to read the full scoop regarding the event and that which I lent a voice to regarding all things Blogging and building your brand. The dish was fantastic and the audience response even better. But the timing couldn't be more perfect for #TBT. Jeff is gearing up to launch his YouTube channel at youtube.com/photog4naturals, and I was terribly flattered to find that he posted a short and sweet snippet from my panel. Jeff's work is amazing.

I GOT $5 ON IT! GET YOUR DISCOUNTED TIX TO @REDSPRINKLE'S 3RD ANNUAL POP-UP ON ME!

Who doesn't love all things beauty? Dishing on beauty, getting touchy feely with beauty products, swooning over colors and techniques like applying lashes and how to master a fab cat-eye. Well you can expect all that and more at Red Sprinkle's 3rd annual Pop-Up (#pop3) Beauty Lounge.

ONE SWIPE AND RIGHT OFF WITH @ASKELF!

I suffered a MAC (Book) attack, had a couple mishaps but work continues. Although I stood down for the last couple of weeks on posting anything, the Blogging continues. So ...If you are like me, you hardly ever do your nails yourself. Well, at one time that applied but my beloved Nail Stylist, Mikal Weathers decided to go off and have a bundle of blessings with the Hubby and then went on maternity leave. The nerve of her. So I'm left to my own devices. And I've found, the same as I am hesitant about letting just anyone tame my mane aka, my hair, the same applies to my nails. Now pedi's, I'm not as discriminating but my hands are a different story. 

I've done my own nails now a couple of times for the first time in like ...FOREVA! The primary reasons why I don't is one, Mikal is just so dang good at what she does, I've posted about her work before here and the pic above is her work. But two, who has time for dat, doing their own nails?! I find if I have tools to make it quick and easy like a dry fast top coat and this right here, elf Nail Polish Remover Pads, I'm more likely to take on the challenge of doing my own nails. I was a bit skeptical about this product at first upon scooping them from my local Target, the infamous shopping destination that always reels me in resulting in my leaving with twice as many items as I intended to buy. I love the small packaging and the citrus scent caught my attention as well. And I figured 2 bucks for 24 pads, not a bad deal. So after walking around last week with busted and disgusted nails for too many days (I hope you didn't see me), I had an opportunity to give these pads a go. 

PRESS PLAY ...AND SEE THE "TAKE-OFF" FOR YOURSELF

I particularly loved that I didn't have to use all 24 pads. But for the cost, they were pretty effective and considering that this nail job was two coats, I was impressed. The citrus scent it nice and less that standard toxic polish remover smell. And like how some polishes leave a very dry finish, these pads actually leave your nails very hydrated if that makes sense so you don't get that dry, ashy nail bed finish. But I found these to be great to toss in your bag so if in a pinch you need to take polish off because of a chip. And the pads are great as a corrector. You know how sometimes you just need to swipe alongside your cuticle to get that lil' bit of polish that ran over, these are great for that too.

2 bucks, toss em' and go. One swipe and right off!

HOW OFTEN DO YOU DO YOUR OWN NAILS? WHAT ARE YOUR FAVE NAIL TOOLS/PRODUCTS?

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GIVEAWAY ALERT: WHAT'S CUTER THAN A QUIET BABY?? #BAGLADIESROCKS

I finally got my _____ together and posted the entry details for the 4Moms rockaRoo priced at $179.99 What's cuter than a quiet baby??? 

Unique Rocking Motion

5 Speeds

MP3 Plug-In

Washable Seat Fabric

Removable Toy Balls

If all of that doesn't keep your cute and cuddly quiet and tame, I don't know what will even if just for a few seconds. A few seconds of quiet "me time" as a new Mommy, is better than no time at all. Click here for the details of how I took possession of the rockaRoo which I just might be passing on to you ...If you win. Too bad the rockaRoo wasn't around when mine were babies. 

TO ENTER:

Follow @bagladies on Instagram

Repost This Image (already posted to my IG)

Tag 3 Mommies

Tag @bagladies

Attach Hashtag #BagLadiesRocks

You can enter as much as you want and increase your chances. The contest runs through this Friday, 10/24 at 12a EST. The winner will be announced via Bag Ladies Dish so if not already subscribed, click here. GOOD LUCK!!!!
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New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen. Follow on Twitter and Instagram

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WHAT I "TOOK" AWAY FROM BABY BASH & BLING AND WHAT I'M "GIVING" AWAY TO YOU!!

 This weekend marked the return of the Baby Bash and Bling Expo and Show to Washington, DC, an experience that embraces glam and Mommyhood. The event targets not just new and expectant Mommies but I dare not say veteran Mommies rather Mommies such as myself who have been in the game for longer than a minute (pauses to wipe brow).

JOIN ME FOR #CURLSFORACAUSE GOOGLE+ HANGOUT AND RAISE AWARENESS ...

In recognition of October being Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence awareness month, Jonna Scott-Blakes of naturally-glam.com, is raising funds. Jonna's 4th annual #CurlsForACause event is happening October 18th and I'm participating! Mark your calendar now and join me and other speakers as we dish on everything from empowerment and brand/business building to fashion and beauty during a virtual telethon on Google +.

We are donating our time so that you might be encouraged to donate yours along with funds of which are going to two designated charities, Beyond Boobs and Transitions Family Violence Services. And not only is this a perfect opportunity to gain increased awareness but

5 REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO GET YOUR TIX DC FOR FRIDAY'S #HOTMOMMAHAUTE

We're in the home stretch and counting down to Friday's #HotMommaHaute, a girls night out just for you and your best buds (the more the merrier), to mingle with other fashion lovers, fashionistas, style enthusiasts and beauty connoisseurs in the metro area.

#BEAUTYTALK: LAST NITE AN EBAY SELLER SAVED MY LIFE ...

There is no greater pain than that of having a fave beauty product discontinued. 

I was turned onto Victoria's Secret (VS) Tinted Moisturizer a couple of years ago when they sent me product for a review. The moisturizer is light but provides great coverage and is very moisture rich. I found the product to just be great

5 BRANDING/BLOGGER LESSONS LEARNED FROM THIS WEEK'S #CAPFABBACADEMY AT @CITYCENTERDC

Being a social buttafly ain't easy. From the outside looking in, it can appear all glitz and glamour, you're never bored and you always have places to be and people to see but the reality for most of us who are Bloggers or those of us who work within the social media landscape, it's work. Don't get me wrong, I ain't complaining. And the effort is that much more worth it when you walk away with great take-a-ways such as I did upon having attended this week's CapFabb event.

CapFabb is an organization made up fashion and beauty Bloggers in the capital Washington, DC metropolitan area. Events bring together area Bloggers to connect and

SPECIAL GUEST & CELEB MOM, TANIKA RAY HAS BEEN ADDED TO #HOTMOMMAHAUTE!!! GET YOUR DISCOUNTED TIX.

The October, 10th date for next month's #HotMommaHaute experience of which I will be participating as a featured panelist, is fastly approaching. The experience will be an evening targeting you, be you a Blogger, fashion lover, style enthusiast or beauty connoisseur in the Washington, DC area. 

#HotMommaHaute founded and hosted by Monica Byrd, moderated by Christine St. Vil and featuring newly announced special guest and celebrity Mom, HGTV and Extra TV Host, Entertainment Correspondent and Pop Culture Specialist,

IT'S FALL! VIRGINIA IS NOT JUST FOR "LOVERS" BUT FOR CIDER AND APPLE PICKING TOO AT GREAT COUNTRY FARMS ...

Fall is upon us. Officially so at 10:29p EST today. If not yet in the mood for cooler temps and if like me, savings on your utility bill, I have just the event that will surely get you in the fall mood. My #heelstothewheels series featuring Kia continues. If you've been following my chronicles via Instagram at bagladies (you should be), you've noticed that I've been pushing the sleek, sophisticated and luxurious 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid sedan. But my latest jaunt to the Apple Gala and Cider Fest at Great Country Farms located in Bluemont, Virginia featured the just plain fun 2014 Kia Soul, referred to as the "Urban Hatchback."

The inferno red color of the Soul had me at curbside delivery. It's called inferno but it is more candy apple. It was bright and vibrant and eye-catching. And that color combined with the shape of the Soul made it feel like the best romp around vehicle. My three little ones took the trip with me to Great Country Farms and the Soul was really the perfect accompaniment. It just so happened that our trek was one of the most gorgeous September days in Washington, DC

#BEAUTYTALK: MOVING INTO FALL WITH MY LATEST NAIL SWAG on VINE

Seasons change, people change and nail polish colors change. I was wayyyyyyy past due on updating my swag so not only was this week's visit with my Stylist, Mikal Weathers terribly necessary but

#BAGLADIESLIVE WKND.: SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES AND CREATIVE ARTS @DCMEETMARKET

Upon stepping one foot out the door this past Saturday in Washington, DC you knew it was HOT. The weatherman said officially it was 95 but it felt like 102. I had to put #heelstothewheels and I couldn't get the door of my 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX unlocked quickly enough so

THE #HOTMOMMAHAUTE EXPERIENCE IS COMING TO YOU DC AND I'M THERE! WILL YOU BE?

Grab your girlfriends and join myself along with other "hot mommas" for #HotMommaHaute, a wonderful experience just for you, fashion lovers, fashionistas and style and beauty connoisseurs in the Washington, DC metropolitan area!

I am a featured panelist alongside:

#BAGLADIESLIVE WEEKEND: JUST ANOTHER #LABORDAY IN THE OFFICE, WATCH FOR YOURSELF ...

Cranking out recaps, meeting deadlines for upcoming features, getting my mane tamed, putting #heelstothewheels ...Just another "Labor Day" in in the office. Press play and see for yourself ...

#HEELSTOTHEWHEELS SERIES: @LOCLOV'S HOLISTIC APPROACH TO NATURAL HAIR CARE

I've no doubt been enjoying putting #heelstothewheels in the 2014 +Kia Motors Worldwide Optima Hybrid EX. The fact that it is a Hybrid and has definitely resulted in my being more considerate of  the environmental impact of not just cars but habits, products used, etc. I had a Q and A sit-down ride along in the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX with my own stylist (only the best), as well as Owner and Master Loctician, Salih Watts of www.loclov.com, for my most recent #heelstothewheels edition, to dish on the development of Loc Lov Styles 100% natural hair and body collection.

Owner and Master Locitician, Salih Watts of www.loclov.com, pictured in the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX as we dish Loc Lov Hair and Body collection.

Q: RUNNING A SALON IS HARD ENOUGH, WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START A HAIR AND BODY COLLECTION?
A: I have seen the damage that unhealthy products and styling practices cause in our client's hair, so myself and my Product Manager, Zeenat Watts, developed our own line of 100% natural hair care products that are highly effective.

Q: WHAT MAKES YOUR PRODUCT COLLECTION SO EFFECTIVE?
A: Loc Lov products can restore and reinvigorate damaged or neglected hair.

Q: WHERE ARE LOC LOV PRODUCTS MADE?
A: All of our products are made in-house at our salon in Silver Spring, MD with the right combination of premium quality and 100% natural ingredients. Before introducing products to the masses, we tested and perfected over the past 5 years on our very own clients with all different textures, styles and special hair needs.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR MOST POPULAR PRODUCT?
A: That is a hard question to answer because every customer has different needs. If I had to choose, I would say our Refresh'N which we refer to as the Febreeze for hair. It's designed to be used in between shampoos to neutralize any unwanted odor in one's hair and replace with a fresh, light and natural scent. But we also have products that address common issues like psoriasis and dermatitis and the response has been excellent. Sometimes clients feel as if they have no choice but to deal with their issues not knowing there are available treatment options that are effective. We also have a shea butter product that doubles as both a hair and body moisturizer.

Loc Lov's product lineup includes a no-reside Hair Hold Polish, Refresh'N, Hair Nectar and more. Visit www.loclov.com for the complete hair and body collection.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON INGREDIENTS USED IN LOC LOV PRODUCTS?
A: Grapeseed oil, Aloe Vera, Rosemary, Tea Tree. But it varies depending on the purpose of the product. Our biggest thing was just wanting to be all-natural because I've seen the adverse affects of using products full of chemicals and other things that can take a toll on your hair.

Q: WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO FROM HERE WITH LOC LOV PRODUCTS?
A: Products are currently available for purchase in-house and online at www.loclov.com. But we want to be available to the masses and want to secure mass distribution in both independent and major retail outlets. The natural hair market is huge. We don't want to cater to a select few. We want to cater to the mass market and those who can truly benefit from the products we are producing so that their natural hair needs are effectively met.

Q: LAST QUESTION, WHAT IS YOUR MOST FAVE FEATURE OF THE 2014 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID EX?
A: The panoramic sunroof is amazing. It's so open and makes this ride feel even more spacious.

Do you rock eau natural? What do you look for in natural hair products?

For more about Loc Lov, visit www.loclov.com. This #heelstothewheels series continues. Follow my "Heels To The Wheels" chronicles featuring the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX on Instagram and Twitter @bagladies, hashtag #heelstothewheels.

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New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen. Follow on Twitter and Instagram

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AND ALL THIS TIME I THOUGHT I WAS WATCHING THE #VMAs

Who knew? I thought I was tuning into the 2014 Video Music Awards, only to realize that I wasn't "sadly" but "pleasantly" mistaken to learn that I was actually tuned into the Beyonce' show, Yonce' show, Hey Mrs. Carter show, BeyHive show. However you refer to the #1 consummate living performer, she shut it all the way down. As I tweeted, if I wasn't bowing down before, I am now. I struggled throughout the entirety of the show to stay awake for Bey's performance. With the exception of a couple of performances, I wasn't overly impressed and as much as I wanted to call it a night, I endured. And then of course once Beyonce' shut it down, I was amped and couldn't go to sleep. I mean did you see it? Who could sleep after that? I couldn't If you didn't wanna stand to your feet and mimic her choreography, you surely wanted to get your sang on like we all do when in the shower and we think no one is within ear shot. Or maybe that's just me. And lets not forget the sexy gyrations which if single like me, left you feeling some kinda way because there are no "booty call" options (at the moment). I mean gracious and let's not forget that bejeweled Tom Ford bodysuit that gave me all my life. The heck of a smooch with Hubby Hov ...Those lips. And Blue Ivy!!! *Drops mic* ...Wait, Yonce' did that.

Fierce!

Red Carpet Ready

Need I say more?

What'd you think of Beyonce's finale? Was she worth the wait?

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#BAGLADIESLIVE WEEKEND: POSTED UP AT @BOULEVARDOFCHIC, FLOSSING WITH BALLERS AND #HEELSTOTHEWHEELS WITH @KIA

This weekend was a flurry of activity. I managed to get to and fro and from here to there to everywhere in the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX. I can't rightly complain about having to play the "social buttafly" when putting #heelstothewheels in a nice whip. And with features like a panoramic sunroof that almost goes front to back, power folding outside mirrors, bluetooth and more, the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX definitely fits the bill. And there's so much more to share. Be sure to follow my chronicles on Instagram and Twitter @bagladies via hashtag #heelstothewheels.

My twins and I from inside the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX. As someone commented on IG, "turn down for what?"

One of my fave pitstops this weekend was at fashion Truck Rally, Boulevard of Chic which went down at Rash Field in Baltimore, MD. It was a free festival of fashion. And with my lil' ones in tow, we posted up and browsed some wonderful vendors that had great pieces. I also attended to lend support to participating online boutique Hannah Monet. The young ladies of Hannah Monet recently outfitted me in a fabulous maxi wrap dress for a recent speaking engagement. Read here. I wasn't surprised in the least of how in awe attendees were of their pieces. The shopaholic in me was just itching to come out. This jaunt had me shopping more for my kids than myself. Aren't they lucky?

The rally included a fashion show

Modeling one of Hannah Monet's most popular pieces, their tulle skirt

Not only was there fashion but there was food and a manicure station set up by Baltimore based polish brand Underground Nail Queenz. My daughters are accustomed to seeing Mommy swagged out so how could I not treat them to some swag by @jazzyliciouz_nailz for copping two bottles of glow in the dark polish. I've been following @ugn_queenz on Instagram for awhile so it was nice to have a name and a face to put with the polish brand. Always on my networking mojo :-). And my girls were the happier for it of course.

My mini-me getting her swag on

Underground Nail Queenz Polish Display

Keep in mind, there's an artist at work ...

My daughters posted up

There were fab finds

Like these

And sales. But I had to suppress the shopaholic in me

Be nice if I had a haul to go along with this piece but I exercised restraint

I did indulge in one of the food trucks though and satisfied my hankering for some Korean grub. This bulgogi was YUM!

And if you thought that was all, my kids had a grand time snapping photos and flossing with Washington Wizards player, John Wall. This was an event put on by the Boys and Girls Club of America. My three attend a local club. The event was a back to school affair hosted by John Wall's non-profit, #2squad during which the kids got to meet John Wall and they also received a backpack and a tee designed by Sean John. 

My lil' ones 

I lost sight of my 10 year old for a hot sec and she returned having done an interview with a local tv station about the event. I was beaming ...

Tees were distributed

Backpacks were given out just in time for the new school year

And these Sean John tees were adorable. I tried to cop one

My son is all smiles next to one of his fave bball players, John Wall

His twin sis got her photo opp too

And let's not forget my oldest mini-me

Posted up ...

My weekend roll dawgs ...

    My kids are just days away from kicking off the new school year so anything to amp them up to kick off the new year with a bang, is always welcome. My son who plays basketball, was totally in his element and enjoyed every minute as did I, enjoy watching them have such a good time. That's what it's really all about anyway ...

SPEAKING OF BACK TO SCHOOL, HOW READY ARE YOU?

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New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen. Follow on Twitter and Instagram

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