Wednesday, April 30, 2014

#BEAUTYTALK: THIS IS NOT MY MOM'S MARY KAY

Growing up, I would watch with such genuine curiosity, my Mom apply her makeup. Mind you she didn't require a lot. I have two girls of my own who do exactly the same as I used to do my Mom. They rest comfortably on the toilet seat and just watch, paying attention to everything from colors and tools to application techniques, etc. Growing up, the beauty industry/market was so dramatically different and there were just a select few brands my Mom used. Mary Kay being one. The traditional mindset is that Mary Kay lends more appeal to my Mom's generation. While I know Mary Kay is still very popular, I don't necessarily feel the brand targets me ...Until now. I was extended an opportunity by Influenster of which I'm a member, to try a select few complimentary Mary Kay products. The packaging grabbed my attention immediately upon delivery. I mean who doesn't love being addressed as "gorgeous"? 
I'm a self professed "beauty junkie" and the product line-up made me just want to dig in and try out everything which includes:
AND two brushes

So this is what I'm working with and I will follow-up once I've been able to try these products out first hand and show you what I create. 
Which product would you try first? What's your opinion of Mary Kay?
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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

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Gain Flings Are Like Music to Your Nose ...

In January, Gain launched what is described as single-use laundry detergent aka, Gain flings! Said to be three big things in one itty bitty fling. I was a bit skeptical at first because being a Mommy of three children all of whom are involved in various activities means I wash clothes on a regular basis. Almost daily it seems. So I need a detergent that not only leaves my clothes looking clean (stains appear out of nowhere on my kids clothes), but smelling clean too. This is where the "music to your nose" comes in. Gain flings give you a 3-in-1, Gain Detergent + Oxi Boost for extra clean + Febreeze for a lasting scent. I love the packaging and the lid is extra secure so have no fear Mommies of lil' tots. I'm particularly fond of the Moonlight Breeze scent and there's no denying the convenience of the 3-in-1 capsules which you literally "fling" (it's a flick of the wrist) into your machine at the start of the cycle so no measuring, no pouring. It's quick and easy. Just fling it!

And Gain Flings are not only music to my nose but Gain turned to the experts. One such Scent Expert, Dr. Alan Hirsch offered scientific proof. See for yourself.


Do you think the video rings true? What do you look for most in detergent, cleaning power or a great scent?

P.S. - If you need instruction on the wrist action. Let me know and I will youtube the fling! It's all in the wrist.


Follow me on IG/Twitter and Vine @bagladies.

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Click to Subscribe to #BagLadiesLIVE newsletter and don't miss all that's happening in 2014!

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, April 28, 2014

#BLOGGERWEEK™ 2014 KICKS OFF IN DC THIS WEEK!!!!

I'm a contributing Media Partner to this years Blogger Week™ 2014 which is a multicultural festival hosted by Black Bloggers Connect. Blogger/Blogging conferences are great platforms to network and whether you are just starting a blog or exploring the social media landscape or a "veteran", there is always lots to be gained from events such as this. Join myself and other Bloggers, Journalists and Social Media Mavens April 28th - May 3rd. Blogger Week™ features four days of online festivities and two days of in-person events including: Twitter parties, Google Hangouts, workshops, panels, and networking events. Register at http://BloggerWeek.com.

Blogger Week™ in-person events will be hosted in Washington, DC and surrounding areas.The Blogger Week™ Networking Mixer is May 2nd and the Blogger Week™ UnConference is May 3rd. The Blogger Week UnConference will feature hot-topic discussions and breakout sessions to promote innovation, creativity and success for bloggers and social media mavens. Follow all activity via the hashtag #BloggerWeek.

Have you ever attended a Blogger/Blogging Conference?

Follow me on IG/Twitter and Vine @bagladies.

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Click to Subscribe to #BagLadiesLIVE newsletter and don't miss all that's happening in 2014!

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


Thursday, April 10, 2014

#TBT TO THAT TIME WHEN I SLEPT ON THE SIDEWALK ALL IN THE NAME OF SHOPPING

Whilst rummaging through a HUGE bag of product samples from previously aired "Beauty Talk" episodes which is my most popular live on-air segment, I found everything from brand spanking new MAC lipsticks to unopened perfume, cleansers, moisturizers and more! I was doing a bit of spring cleaning and found the bag just this week tucked under my bed. I mean I was swooning over some of this stuff and thinking how could I leave you??? 

Bag O' Goodies
I'm an undercover "beauty junkie." I don't boast about it because I'm not a make up artist or professional but I love beauty products and at one time, I was doing reviews both on and off-air regularly. But what was most nostalgic about happening upon these treasures, was an empty lipstick case battered, bruised and neglected from the debut of Lanvin for HM. I was immediately taken back to my friends and I camping out on the sidewalk overnight on a cold night might I add just for the sake of being able to snag and grab pieces from the collection. And yes, we did have to grab with the quickness because we by far were not the only ones on a mission. Are you a shopaholic too? I scored three lipsticks all of which I still have as per my arsenal and all of which I still wear. You can click HERE for the full post which chronicles my adventure (that it was), and my SCORE! It was major.
And just as an update to that post, that must-have dress, I still have not yet worn but it's mine foreva!!

All in the name of shopping ...I don't know that I would do that again but you only live once, right? To what extremes have you ever gone, in the name of shopping?
The "after." My hand was covered in swatches after sifting through my Bag O' Goodies
Follow me on IG/Twitter and Vine @bagladies.

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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

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

#BEAUTYTALK: MY LATEST NAIL SWAG ON VIDEO


Spring is upon us which not only means new clothes and new shoes but new nails too. Whenever my Nail Stylist, Mikal Weathers (on IG @belovednails365), and I get together, something great always comes out of it. My nails are completely natural although the length is a bit longer than I typically go for but I like to step out there sometimes. Click here to see the actual Pinterest pin which inspired this design. The featured color is "Angel From Above" by LeChat but I call the design "Black Bottoms." Press play for the vine video I shot and see for yourself. 


Are you a do-it-yourself'er when it comes to your nails? How do you keep your nail swag on point?

Follow me on IG/Twitter and Vine @bagladies.

Be sure to follow Mikal Weathers on IG @belovednails365 to schedule a sit-down but to also sneak a peek at her artistry and her "Tell Me" Tuesday feature during which she dishes treatments, trends in color and more! 
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Click to Subscribe to #BagLadiesLIVE newsletter and don't miss all that's happening in 2014!

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

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

NATURAL HAIR TIPS FROM THE NATURAL HAIR NSTITUTE TO TAME YOUR MANE!


When I happened upon a post on Instagram last week soliciting volunteers for a "FREE" natural hair consultation offered by The Natural Hair Nstitute to allow currently enrolled students to perfect their skills, I was all in. This is my second time around having locs and I love dishing about maintenance, products, treatments and how I can tame my mane.


I previously met one of the founders of The Natural Hair Nstitute, Angela Walker, at last years, The Naturalista Hair Show which Angela also founded. I participated on a panel alongside fabulous Bloggers, Jonna of Naturally-Glam.com, Jess Gray of HairGetsKinky.com and Mae of NaturalChica.com. I love Angela's efforts to draw attention to the natural hair community and how she shapes her brands to encompass that sense of community is awesome. It was my pleasure to lend her my full support. It was my first time visiting her space and upon arriving, I was greeted and asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding how long I've been natural and how I feel about my hair and the perception of those of us who are natural. As I go about my daily life, I don't necessarily focus on the fact that I am natural but as I answered the questions, I realized how much more empowered I feel being natural. For me, being natural affords me more versatility and being natural in no way diminishes my confidence. I also realized that I've been natural for at least 20 years. Wow, that's a long time! But even though I have been natural for so long, I realize that there is still much to learn. I dare not be so presumptuous as to think I know all there is to know when it comes to taming my mane and making sure it's healthy. I was excited to receive feedback from participating students about how I tame my mane and how I can improve particularly regarding retaining moisture. I wanted to share my favorite take-a-ways and hopefully they might help you in your natural hair journey.

HYDRATE - The standard recommendation is that you drink 6-8 oz. of water 8 times a day but not only is this critical to your physical health but to your hair health. Staying hydrated helps to retain moisture and keeps your scalp from getting irritated.

HAVE A ROUTINE - Unlike my nightly skincare routine during which I remove all makeup and moisturize, I only typically apply product to my hair as needed. Be proactive. Don't wait until a problem arises. Every 2-3 days, apply oil to your scalp and massage it in.

LAYER PRODUCT - In an effort to seal in moisture, apply a leave in conditioning spray which can be applied all over to both your hair and scalp. But then follow-up with an oil and apply directly to your scalp to seal. I am a fan of Eden Body Works Peppermint Tea Tree Oil. But this was a never before considered tip for me because I love the leave in sprays because having locs, the sprays don't leave a residue. But I never considered layering. 

KEEP A HAIR JOURNAL - Document that which you eat and products that you use. If you notice an adverse hair reaction be it irritation or shedding or dryness, it makes the process of pinpointing the cause much easier. But keeping a journal also helps when trying different products and if you like a product in particular, it makes it easier to keep track of what you like and don't like.

BREATHE - Not only does this apply to just ourselves and everyday life but also our hair. You know the one-liner, "don't be afraid to let your hair down"? It applies literally to our hair too. You gotta let it out and let it breathe. Up do's are great. I love up do's. My locs have great length so I go through phases when sometimes I want them out and sometimes I want them up but I do switch it up. Don't keep your hair pinned up and pent up all the time.

DIY - I loved this suggestion regarding adding natural ingredients like rosemary, sage or peppermint to water and pouring into a spray bottle and utilizing that as a leave-in. Not only does it help to retain moisture but it also leaves your mane smelling great. And I can do this myself.

I hope these tips help. Do you have any tips of your own to offer? 

Stay abreast regarding details for this year's The Naturalista Hair Show, August 2 - 3 2014 in Silver Spring, MD.
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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, April 7, 2014

WAFFLES ANYONE? WIN 10,000 BUCKS WITH #EGGOYOURWAY!!


How many of you Mommies with school-aged little ones opt for a quick and easy breakfast in an effort to lessen the frenzy? As a Mommy of three myself, sticking to a routine is key but I always love to switch it up and give my kids something to look forward to at breakfast. They are much less grumpy if I can offer a tasty treat. One such treat are Eggo frozen waffles. Eggo waffles are quick, easy and offer a perfect portion. And right now, Eggo is running a contest with a wining of not two, not five but 10,000 dollars!! You can also win a year of Eggo waffles. I previously won a year of pancakes. Trust, it was great!

All you need do is get creative and submit your recipe for a chance to win. Click bit.ly/eggoyourway. Not only can you enter but you can also view the gallery of other entries and get some fun recipe ideas too. Did you know Eggo waffles aren't just for breakfast? How about using to make a sandwich for a midday snack? The sky is the limit so grab the kids, get creative and submit your recipe for a chance at that 10,000 bucks (if I don't beat you to it :-). #EggoYourWay

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Click to Subscribe to #BagLadiesLIVE newsletter and don't miss all that's happening in 2014!

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