My Bag Ladies Radio: The Reality of Life, Living and Being a Woman: January 2014

Friday, January 31, 2014

"FOODIE FRIDAY": NOT JUST APPLESAUCE BUT AWESOME-SAUCE!

Winning whatever it may be, is always awesome. Imagine my surprise upon finding out last month via an Instagram shout-out, that I was a GoGo squeeZ #12DaysOfGoGo winner. What is GoGo squeeZ? It's awesome-sauce! So awesome that I was even more hyped to resume my "Foodie Friday" theme for the new year.

Launched in 2008, GoGo squeeZ makes healthy snacks more accessible. You can take your pick from applesauce to fast fruit. All of which are offered in the cutest resealable packages which contain 100% fruit in a variety of flavors (pictured at right). My "winnings" consisted of 12 packs of GoGo squeeZ each containing four pouches each in apple banana which is supper yummy! Not too sweet. Great texture and an ample serving per pouch. What I love most, you can grab a pouch and go and be healthy. I am horrible when it comes to eating breakfast particularly. Trying to get my lil' ones dressed and off to school is no small feat. And while I always ensure they eat, I don't pay just due attention to myself. Being able to grab a pouch of GoGo squeeZ is a quick and tasty remedy. If I know I'm gonna be out and about, I drop a couple pouches in my bag and keep it moving. And if my kids have a long day, I toss a pouch in their book bag. The packaging ensures no mess, no spillage, no accidents and you don't need a spoon which as a Mommy of three, is fantastic!! My kids (son pictured left), don't require my help to open the pouches. I don't have to cover them in a million napkins. And it's a good and guilt-free snack for me and for them.

All I need do or they need do is twist off the newly designed helicopter cap, squeeze and go. Thus, GoGo squeeZ. Follow my GoGo chronicles on IG @ bagladies.

P.S. - I've spied GoGo squeeZ in all my area grocery stores but visit gogosqueez.com to search specific locations.
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All new fall 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 @bagladies.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

MY 2014 VISION BOARD …I FINALLY FINISHED!!

It was less about the board itself but rather a test of my discipline. Completion of the board represented ~~things~~ goals, objectives, dreams and prayers for that which I ~~want to do,~~ will do. Admittedly it took a lot longer than I planned. If you follow me on Instagram @ bagladies, you know I fell ill the day before New Year's eve which is when I intended to start my vision board but I wasn't able to muster the energy to start my own so I instead helped my 9 yr. old (pictured at right), get started on hers. I actually didn't start mine until the following weekend. And it took about a ~~week~~ two weeks actually of doing little by little. I almost didn't do one at all feeling completely discouraged because I didn't start/complete per my original timeline. But I literally had to say to myself, "Who cares when you start or finish. Just do it!" I needed that closure more than I realized and I am pleased. I've even had friends drop by since who have taken notice and have asked me about certain pictures/references and what it means. I enjoy breaking down my vision for 2014. I feel like every time I lend a voice to the board, I'm speaking my goals into existence. I intend to check in from time to time to in an effort to hold myself accountable for what I want to accomplish this year. I pray to be able to look back on this initial post in a years time feeling a great sense of accomplishment and being completely humbled by blessings bestowed. My vision for 2014 in one word, "favor."

Have you ever done a vision board? In one word, describe your vision for 2014.
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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

Monday, January 27, 2014

WEEKEND UPDATE: GIRL TALK, CHESS CHALLENGE IN DC AND THE GRAMMY'S

Pictured with Life Coach and Author, Demetria Lucas

Trying to stay warm by snapping selfies

Although enduring seriously cold temperatures in the DMV, nothing could keep me from joining my Color Comm gals this weekend. Color Comm is a organization for women of color in communications. Color Comm is great for many reasons one of which they host fab events. Friday was brutally cold and after a week which included snow, ice and frigid temps that although common place surely in New York and Chicago, not so much in Washington, DC. I'm screaming, "out with ole man winter and in with spring." Although I wanted to do otherwise, I pulled myself together and hung out for an intimate private happy hour at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, DC and featuring Life Coach and Author, Demetria Lucas aka "A Belle In Brooklyn" most recently known for her BravoTV show, Blood, Sweat and Heels airing now. I've had Demetria on my show before as a live on-air guest (click here to listen OnDemand), yet I had never met Demetria personally so I made good on the opportunity to do so Friday after she offered up some good dish on everything from relationships, how to meet men and now being a reality tv star. It was Question and Answer as a lot of my buds had juicy questions of which Demetria responded with equally juicy answers. Girl talk never gets old even on a frigid Friday nite when all you really wanna do is bundle up under the covers and hibernate.

Pictured with my Kids

My kids dictated most of my weekend schedule which included a chess tournament hosted by Chess Challenge in DC which is a group promoting academic, social and leadership development amongst youth in DC via chess. Although I haven't a clue how to play chess, it doesn't matter because cheering my kids on in anything, gives me life. I love the efforts on behalf of Chess Challenge in DC and my kids coach who instructs them weekly at Clubhouse #14 of the Boys and Girls Club of America. My son won one game, my daughter zip but in my eyes they are winners nonetheless. We'll get 'em next time!

And I wouldn't be doing the weekend justice without providing you my top 5 Grammy moments. I spent most of my time on Twitter while watching and the commentary had me in tears. All jokes aside, the buzz about Jay Z and Beyonce performing together is why I watched although after they performed, I seriously considered changing the channel. But alas, I actually watched The Grammy's in it's entirety. MY TOP 5:

Robin Thicke performing with Chicago - Say what you will but I LOVE Chicago! Download some of their old stuff and don't forget to thank me later

Photo Cred: redcarpet-fashionawards.com

Pink banging that Johanna Johnson red dress out on the red carpet - Her bawdy is sick and the fit and cut just looked amazing on her against the contrast of her blonde hair.

Pharrell, Stevie Wonder and Daft Punk - I mean anything with Stevie Wonder is just …I would've preferred to hear from Stevie more. And did you notice he missed his cue at the start of the song?

Cyndi Lauper - My 9 yr. old daughter asking upon seeing her take the stage, "is that the girl who sang the song in Goonies?"

Jay Z and Beyonce - I mean their opening performance was one thing but was I not the only one who loved Jay's acknowledgment of God blessing him with his Mrs. Carter?

Leave me a comment and share your fave moments from last nite's Grammy's?

Weekend Update is back for the new year! What is it you ask? A theme, a weekly update during which I regale you with my weekend activities which includes what's happening and where you wanna be (or wish you were).
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Monday, January 20, 2014

He Had a Dream …What's Yours?

In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday which has been recognized as a federal holiday since 1986, I am asking the question not only of myself but of you, "WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?"

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream. Not only a civil rights leader but a Baptist minster and Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was dedicated to non-violence and best remembered for his delivery of his famous "I Have a Dream" speech on August 28, 1983.

I have many dreams …To be a better Parent. To be a better businesswoman. And those are just two!

SHARE YOUR DREAM IN THE COMMENTS BELOW AND LET'S INSPIRE ONE ANOTHER.

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Friday, January 10, 2014

YOU MADE IT THROUGH THE FIRST FULL WEEK OF 2014! HOW'D YOU DO?

So the first full week of 2014 is over! How'd you do? Be it trying a new fitness regimen, a new diet or just doing things differently, whatever those things might be. What's most important is that you survived. You are here. You are still standing. And regardless of how much you didn't accomplish, tomorrow is a new day to try again. Did you this week or do you now even, find yourself having feelings of anxiety about all that you want to accomplish this year? I do from time to time. There are days where I just write down tasks even though there is no conceivable way that I will be able to accomplish them all in the course of one day unless I clone myself.

One of my resolutions for 2014 is to do that which I used to do consistently last year which was before my head touched the pillow at night, I would read the "word." I have become a huge fan of YouVersion which is a free bible app which I can sync across all my devices, my iPhone, my iPad, etc. You can follow plans, take notes, share scriptures and more. And I particularly love the reminder tool which even on those nites when all I wanna do is hit the hay, I get an alert to read and I always feel the better for it. For me, it's just a test of my own personal discipline but it's also part of my spiritual journey and efforts to become better versed in the word. I always admire those who can literally turn to a verse or scripture in seconds whereas I'm the one sitting there thumbing through pages until I come to the book or verse being referenced. I'm currently following the YouVersion plan, "Toward a Fearless New Year" which touches upon when insecurities creep in or when lack of focus stifles motivation, fear of the future and more. For those of us who either sometimes or all of the time battle feelings of anxiety, I'd be remiss if I didn't share these nine promises which I thought were "right on" and very relatable.

When I am anxious about some risky new venture or meeting, I battle unbelief with the promise: "Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God; I will help you, I will strengthen you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
When I am anxious about my ministry being useless and empty, I fight unbelief with the promise, "So shall my word that goes forth from my mouth; it will not come back to me empty but accomplish that which I purpose, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11).
When I am anxious about being too weak to do my work, I battle unbelief with the promise of Christ, "My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9), and "As your days so shall your strength be" (Deuteronomy 33:25).
When I am anxious about decisions I have to make about the future, I battle unbelief with the promise, "I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you" (Psalm 32:8).
When I am anxious about facing opponents, I battle unbelief with the promise, "If God is for us who can be against us!" (Romans 8:31).
When I am anxious about being sick, I battle unbelief with the promise that "tribulation works patience, and patience approved-ness, and approved-ness hope, and hope does not make us ashamed" (Romans 5:3–5).
When I am anxious about getting old, I battle unbelief with the promise, "Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save" (Isaiah 46:4).
When I am anxious about dying, I battle unbelief with the promise that "none of us lives to himself and none of us dies to himself; if we live we live to the Lord and if we die we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose again: that he might be Lord both of the dead and the living" (Romans 14:8–9).
When I am anxious that I may make shipwreck of faith and fall away from God, I battle unbelief with the promise, "He who began a good work in you will complete it unto the day of Christ" (Philippians 1:6). "He who calls you is faithful. He will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:23). "He is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25).

When you do find yourself anxious, what are you most anxious about? And how do you relieve the anxiety? Please share. Your method(s) might help another.

Happy 2014!!

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Thursday, January 9, 2014

5 HOT LOOK-A-LIKES TO MY LULUS.COM BOOTS THAT EVERYBODY WANTS!

I love a fab shoe!! And I mean shoe in the broad sense be it a pump, a sandal, a flat or a boot. It's safe to say my love of shoes can easily be classified as a fetish (drops mic and takes a seat.) I literally have a #ItsAFetish Pinterest board dedicated solely to my love of shoes. Can you relate? Click here to follow styles that I swoon over.

So winter is upon us. I look forward to winter for a few reasons. Not many though cause I like cold less as I get older (giving Mother Nature the side-eye.) But being able to rock certain boots that I only pull out when the temps go down is one. To the left is one style in particular that ALWAYS attracts attention. I've been stopped on the street, in the airport, while eating. And I've even had friends try to steal these boots off my feet while I am wearing them mind you! I adore these boots. I am barely 5 feet but the over-the-knee length actually elongates my legs and makes me look slimmer. I love the buckle embellishments that give them even more flair. They are warm. And there is just a 1" stacked heel so the fit is extremely comfortable. I've literally been out with my kids all day ripping and running and I can stay in these boots all day. The leather is soft and stretchy and with the side zipper, they are very easy to put on and take off. And you can dress them up and pair with a skirt/dress or dress down and pair with leggings/denim.

Pictured with my son at his recent Soccer tourney again in my tried and true boots.

Lulus.com is one of my favorite online shopping destinations primarily consisting of emerging designers. But you can find everything from dresses and shoes to accessories and beauty products. And at amazing prices! Not only am I a fan but Lulu*s has been very supportive of my Bag Ladies. Lulu*s sponsored my participation in last year's #Blogalicious5 as official Social Media Partner.

I'm always flattered by the compliments but I'm sorry to say that this particular style is no longer available (I've had them for like 2 years), but because I am so often asked about them …I literally had a 10 minute conversation with friends last evening over dinner about options for wearing and where they can find. So I said to myself hmmm, let me check Lulu*s and see what they got. I selected five look-a-likes and while they aren't exactly the same obviously, they are just as HOT with great price points (I included the cost and direct link), and like me, may give you a reason to love the colder months that much more.

Clayton 14. I love the fact that these are only $48 bucks! And like mine, they are over-the-knee, soft and supple leather with silver buckles and a side zip. Click here!

Bamboo Montage 80X. Like mine, this style has a 1" heel and is over-the-knee. And although you can't see, there is a gold zipper on the side and the exposed buckle is gold too. And only $52 dollars. Click here!

Outlaw 81. Although a tad shorter in length, they are leather. And there are exposed buckles at the top and bottom. What you don't see is an exposed side-zipper trimmed in a hot electric blue. $46 bucks. Click here!

Herley11. The studs had me at "hello." Leather, over the knee with a 1" heel and a zipper in the back. The black leather is vegan. $46. Click here!

Wanted Bayon. So I deter a bit. These are brown but I just love the exposed gold buckles. And these are over-the-knee. The most costly as they are both leather and suede but still a steal at $89. Click here!

What do you think? Which style is your fave? Get em' while you can! Note, quantities for some are very limited. And might I add although not really my style, these boots although over the knee can be worn year round. I have ankle and mid-calf boots that I often wear in the warmer months even.

Happy 2014!!

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Monday, January 6, 2014

MY FIRST POST OF 2014!!! I'M ALREADY SLIPPING ON MY RESOLUTIONS ...

It's 2014!!! Most (myself included), have identified goals, resolutions, changes, improvements ...Whatever you want to call them, that we want to achieve and/or make in the new year. Alas, we are only 6 days in and some of us might already be slipping or falling off track. I've already gotten called out by my BFF and accused of being a "sucka" (aka sucker), for almost dragging something into 2014 that I vowed to leave in 2013. Instead of getting defensive, I told her only a true BFF will call you out. I thanked her for holding me accountable.

If you find yourself digressing a bit, here is some inspiration. And btw, there is absolutely no harm in hitting the restart button. Just don't give up on what you want.

"Make room for the good by releasing things that are no longer working."

"Push through your limits. Life begins where you comfort zone ends."

"Crumbs to cake ...Be worthy of the cake."

"Envision your goals and speak it out loud to another for accountability."

"Action trumps everything."

"Acknowledge failure."

"Life is push and pull."

"When you let go of the old, that's when the new can come in."

Do you have any resolutions for 2014? Please share. And who in your life will call you out if you don't follow through with changes/resolutions?

P.S. - One of my goals starts with this post which is my first of the new year. I am working on establishing better consistency meaning posting on a schedule and not just at random. Please hold me to it. Call me out if you need to (LOL!), just like my BFF.

Happy 2014!!

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