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

Friday, May 30, 2014

#MAMANISTAFRIDAYS: IT'S AN "ALL WHITE" AFFAIR ...

So I finally ~~snapped~~ had someone else snap a full head to toe look that I could link up with my girl and former on-air cohost, Trina Small of BabyShopaholic.com for her weekly #MamanistaFridays feature. Every week, Trina and Aracely of MamaFashionFiles.com select a theme and do a featured look. This week's freestyle theme was right on time.

I'm not typically one to rock a full white fit but such was the theme of a recently attended event so if I wanted in, I had to look and play the part. I had totally forgotten about this Lanston dress from Shopbop.com, a fave online outlet of mine. This was my first time wearing and although I thought I was playing a cruel joke on myself by even trying to rock it, I was pleasantly surprised. Note: I purchased like two years ago so I thought my chances were slim of still being able to fit it. But alas, it fit! I revealed how and why earlier in the week. Click here. This particular dress is no longer available but I would suggest searching Lanston at Shopbop.com for similar styles. The structure of Lanston styles are pretty consistent.

Earrings/Necklace, Shopbop.com

The neckline of this dress was terribly flattering and both the spandex and cotton made for a comfy fit with great structure meaning it both accentuated and hid at the same time. I particularly loved the length and I wasn't pulling and tugging all night to keep it in place. I was a tad concerned about perhaps it being too sheer but I just layered under a cropped white blazer with a peplum hem (sorry, no pic), and I was all good.

Clutch, Target / Accessories, Shopbop

Eliesse Wedge, JustFab.com

I played up my accessories cause I needed the color which included a multi color clutch, gold neckwear and earrings and JustFab open toe Eliesse wedges which are great. I'm doing a video of how great they are so please be on the lookout. Layering I think is the key to wearing white and having fun with it. I just sifted through my closet, pulled a few pieces and pulled it together.

What's your trick to pulling off an all white affair?

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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, May 28, 2014

#BEAUTYTALK: THE EYES HAVE IT ...MY FAVE #MKGLAM LOOK

I've finally had a chance to try all the goodies in my Mary Kay #MKGlam VoxBox provided me complimentary by Influenster, in its entirety. I've tried everything from the Lash Love Mascara and Bronzing Powder to the Cream Eye Color and NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss. And this is by far my fave look of all the looks I created. Why? Because of the Gel Eyeliner. Hands down, it's my fave Mary Kay product. At the moment, doing a winged or cat eye does it for me. I may be embracing another technique at any moment. But for the time being, this works. The Mary Kay Gel Eyeliner delivers such an intense color in jet black. And as I posted to my Instagram last week (@bagladies), the expendable brush allows me to get closer to my lash line than I've been able to get with any like product. And the precision of the applicator brush is excellent! I can go as thin or as thick as I like. And the gel stays put so no sliding. I'm not a makeup artist nor do I proclaim to be but what I am, is a beauty junkie and I like to make sure my face is beat aka, I'm not a makeup artist but I wanna look like one. This is not the "best" pic but my eye particularly as per this look executed so well (in my opinion). This was a quick snap in the midst of Memorial Day weekend antics. I love it because using the gel eyeliner (brush and gel below), and then layering my fave mascara created such volume. I look at this pic and my lashes appear lengthy and full almost similar to what I would look like if I were wearing falsies but I'm not! I suck at applying falsies btw. So being able to achieve that dramatic look is a win for me. I also used a couple other Mary Kay products per this look so just to breakdown this look and products used (links included), in its entirety:

FACE - Victoria's Secret Tinted Moisturizer Primer, Deep - I shine so I rarely do a full face when temps get warm. I fell in love with this product a couple years ago. It's very light and provides just enough moisture and has just enough pigment to just even out my complexion just a bit. It has a great sun kissed glow. I oftentimes will apply this and gloss and go.

CHEEKS - Mary Kay Mineral Cheek Color, Shy Blush - I actually liked that this color had staying power. For me, it was just enough color without being too dramatic. It defined my cheekbones really well. I also layered a bit of MAC's Lustre Drops (liquid bronzer) at the top of my cheeks and over the blush just to add a dewy glow which is evident in this pic and I love it. I applied to the middle of my forehead too

BROWS - MAC Fluidline in Dipdown - Everbody knows about this stuff. It's my fave cause for me a pencil doesn't work. I typically will further define my brows with concealer but on this day I was lazy. Sometimes I don't want to look so formal and precise so I used fluidline and layered lightly with a Prescriptives brow shaping powder and done!

LIPS - MAC Lustre from the Flash Tronic collection - I actually only just happened upon this color a few days before after finding a hidden stash of product in my office. I posted about it on my Instagram @bagladies. I don't even know if this color is still available cause it's from like 2009 I think. But I love it. I wore it all weekend. I lightly lined with a Mally liner in Deepest Brown.

THOSE EYES - Mary Kay Gel Eyeliner in Jet Black - I did a winged look on my upper lash and I lined my water line. I then used my fave Maybelline mascara, The Collosal in Classic Black and just on my upper lashes. I didn't apply any on my lower lashes.

FINISHING TOUCH - Mary Kay Translucent Powder - I was surprised at how effective this was in reducing shine. I wore two days in a row. One for a party Saturday nite and as stuffy as the venue got, I didn't have any unwanted shine. And then again at a couple cookouts the following day. Excellent control. And the Mary Kay powder brush makes for easy application and a subtle dusting.

And that's it! I may try to recreate this look as a Youtube video. I'm not a makeup artist as I said but maybe I can play one on Youtube LOL! What do you think of this look? Any suggestions on how to enhance? Have you used any of these products?

Follow me on IG/Twitter and Vine @bagladies.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

5 GOOD THINGS ABOUT BEING SICK. ONLY 5 ...

If you follow me on Instagram, you no doubt know I was sick last week. And not just sick as a dog but sick as a low down dirty dog. It came out of nowhere and took me down. I didn't realize just how sick I was until I actually started feeling better finally on Friday just in time for the Holiday weekend. Sunday was the first day I didn't have to take any meds. All I did otherwise was lay and fight with all my might to breathe. I have such a new found empathy for chronic allergy sufferers and asthmatics. I was unable to post, couldn't tend to my kids, missed events, didn't engage much on social media which is totally not me and was super un-produtive for an entire week! Needless to say, I'm playing serious catch up now that I'm feeling better. And thank God I'm feeling better. BTW, thanks to those of you who extended me well-wishes. So because I'm playing catch-up, I'm behind on everything including drafting posts but I literally had a thought over the weekend, to break down that as much being sick sucks, there are a few, very few good things. Like to hear it?! Well, here's my list ...

1. Losing Weight - It's not the suggested/recommended way obviously but I had absolutely no appetite while sick. I knew I likely had lost but it wasn't until I hung out with my girls on Saturday nite and thought I was playing a cruel joke on myself by trying on a dress I hadn't been able to fit in like forever, only to find that it fit! And fit good *smirk*. Don't get me wrong, I'm not condoning losing weight this way but if I had to be sick, I mean I'll take that.

2. Attention - Everybody wanted to check on me and see how I was which is hard for me because I'm terribly independent, to my own demise. But had it not been for the concern and support of fam/friends, I would've been much worse off. The best effort, a hand delivered care package by a friend that was sooooo thoughtful and also reaffirmed that chivalry ain't dead. Have hope ladies! You can see the bag o' goodies on my IG page @bagladies.

3. Mind Time - Since all I could do was really just lay, it forced me to be still and ponder some thangs. I was one with my thoughts cause I was too sick to do much else. And that is not a bad thing. So often we are moving at record pace until such time as we are forced to slow down. As much as being sick sucks, it did afford me time to just disconnect and clear my mind in a sense.

4. Best Excuse - Be it time off from work or whatever, being sick is the best excuse to not have to do something you maybe didn't want to do anyway. And for me, it was all in my voice so there was no mistaking that I was sick and because of that, I was able to weasel my way out of a couple of things I wasn't too terribly enthused about anyway.

5. Feeling Better - When sick, there is nothing better than the moment of feeling better and when you actually realize it. I realized it Saturday when I was less that sluggish, congested feeling and I could actually breathe freely. I wasn't 100% but I was on my way and wanted to jump for joy. It also reaffirms the importance of why we cannot take our health for granted. It's precious and we gotta make sure we give our bodies just due attention.

You have any suggestions to add to my list?

So I'm nursing myself back to 100%. I haven't fully regained my appetite but I'm getting there. And in all actuality, it probably won't take me long to put back on the pounds shed but I'm enjoying being a few inches smaller for the time being. Have a great week!

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

#MOMMYMIDDAY: PLEASE SUPPORT MY GOD-DAUGHTER'S #GOFUNDME CAMPAIGN

I've only ever considered using GoFundMe while many colleagues, friends and fam use it regularly to solicit support and donations for various endeavors. Such as what one of my best buds is doing in an effort to raise funds for my God-daughter's. Their Mom is my "sandbox homie." She and I have literally known each other since Kindergarten. I don't know how she's kept up with the girls practice schedule for their jump rope troupe. But clearly her efforts and constant exhaustion have paid off because my God-daughter's recently qualified for the 2014 National World Championship being held in Orlando, Florida. One problem though, they gotta get there. They have 6 weeks until the Nationals. And in the meantime, they are trying to raise the funds to get not just one but both of them there.

If I might ask please for your support. No donation is too small. I want to see my babies get to the nationals. And if you're a Parent yourself, you already know how expensive it can be to keep our kids active and involved especially when you have multiple children. Being a Mommy of three myself, I know first hand. But my babies have worked so hard. I barely know how to jump rope much less double dutch. And these girls are doing it! Here's a snippet from a recent practice. See for yourself the talent that got them to Nationals.

Thanks in advance for your support!!!

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Tuesday, May 13, 2014

ARE YOU A SMALL BIZ OWNER? THIS WEEK'S FOR YOU ...

National Small Business Week 2014 runs from May 12th - May 16th. Every year since 1963, the POTUS has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners. Does this apply to you? Did you know more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business? And what I found most fascinating is that small businesses create two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.

So if there is a national week set aside for you, what does that mean for you? There are annual events taking place across the county in four key cities: San Francisco, Kansas, Boston and Washington, DC

The Small Business Administration is a platinum sponsor and has a site dedicated to National Small Business Week news as well as national events/activities. Click here to find out more and follow the hashtag #sbw2014. Happy National Small Business Week!

Are you a small business owner? Would you like to see more support of small business owners? How would you prefer to celebrate National Small Business Week?

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Monday, May 12, 2014

#MOMMYMIDDAY: I ASKED MY KIDS HOW I CAN BE A BETTER MOMMY ...

I don't like to be made a fuss over. And Mother's Day is no different. Being a Mom is the best role I've ever played but most Moms know or just Parents in general know that it is the single most "thankless" job ever. My approach is not being (I won't ever be), so presumptuous as to say I know all there is to know. I'm far from being a perfect Parent however what I do know and what I stand on is that I try my absolute best. Being a single Parent is a constant challenge and even days when I feel as though I've failed miserably ...Maybe I couldn't lend as much as assistance as one of my children needed with their homework cause I didn't have a clue either. Perhaps I yelled too much or screamed too loudly (don't act like you don't have those moments). Maybe I should've just allowed them to indulge and have more candy or just went ahead and bought the toy. Or I should've cooked something from scratch instead of reaching for that frozen dinner. The same as with anything, I tell myself "tomorrow is a new day" and "there is always room for improvement." There is no handbook to being a Parent. A lot of it, you learn as you go. For me, most of it is prayer and then acting in accordance with great examples set for me when I was growing up by my Parents and examples that continue to be set for me by other Parents in my life. I pay attention to my kids. I pay attention to what they say and how they respond and I talk to them. And I don't seek validation from anyone or anybody as it relates to being a Parent. Of course compliments are nice but I'm very much aware that I'm gonna get it wrong ~~sometimes~~ most of the time but God is my only gauge.

As hard as it is though, I WOULD NOT change a thing. Being a Mommy is the best blessing that God has ever bestowed upon me and my children are the best people I know.

So this Mother's Day I switched it up. I have twins who are 8 and my oldest is 9. All I asked of them was to please clean the basement which is totally their domain. With the exception of washing clothes, I rarely even go down there. They rolled their eyes a bit but they agreed. And secondly, I asked them to please make a list of three things that they think I do well or that they like and three things they think I can do better or improve upon. I likened it to a conversation they might've had with their teachers before about what they excel in and what they can do better. It was just a spur of the moment thought. I just found myself genuinely wanting to know what they thought. They agreed and here's what they had to say ...

My 8 year old twin daughter was the first one to serve me her list yesterday morning upon waking me with her twin brother. It was barely 7a. I was sooooo groggy LOL! They are never up this early on a non-school day. They were excited about Mother's Day like it was Christmas morning. I think they were so proud of themselves because they prepared me breakfast in bed (total surprise) which consisted of O.J. and a bowl of cereal. Mind you, their older sister was still snoring away. She had the right idea. But my youngest daughter is the absolute most affectionate and sweetest child you will ever meet. She washed a few lone dishes in the sink left over from the night before and swept the floor before serving me breakfast. She handed me her list with a handmade card and her list follows:

Things My Mother Does Well

Feeding Me
Putting Me to Sleep
Keeping me entertained

Things You Can Do Better

Eating Dinner with us

Watching tv with us

Coming downstairs

My twin son also 8 is coming into his own these days. When I show up at school or if he is in the company of friends, he doesn't like me to show too much affection but behind closed doors, he is a true Mama's boy and not afraid to extend hugs and kisses. His list follows:

Good

Cleaning up our room

Taking care of us

Feeding us

Work On

Taking us more places

Let me take baths instead of showers

Vacuuming

And my 9 year old who is really feeling her age these days. She will be a fifth grader next school year so she's really exacting her authority over her younger bro and sis. What she says goes (if you let her tell it). She's very independent. Her list follows:

Good

Being nice

Giving us what we want

Loving us

Work On

Taking us more places (sound familiar; I think she was peeking over her brother's shoulder)

Buy more school clothes

Don't yell at us

I found myself smiling moreso because they obliged my request. I thought the perspective of each of them was interesting. I expected much worse LOL!! I thought perhaps they would list we don't like that you make us eat vegetables or something LOL! Although my son referencing vacuuming I think had everything to do with him actually working on his list as they were cleaning up the basement. And does he know baths take way too long on a school night? I don't even remember the last time I took a nice long bath. Hit the showers! The three of them are road runners so they always like to "go" aka, take them more places. My 9 year old being a fashionista explained the reference to buying clothes and as she seems to be the one most punished these days, I guess she would prefer my not yelling LOL! I though my youngest daughter's response was most telling and I did tell her I would work on sitting down with them and eating more and watching tv with them more. As a single Parent, they are always first. I typically prepare dinner for them and either I eat later or as they are eating, I'm already washing dishes or checking homework or prepping for the next day and although I do sit down with them sometimes, according to my daughter, I don't do it enough so I told her I will work on that. After dinner if there is chill time, I am normally working honestly so I'm in my office during that small window before they have to hit the sack. But I told her I will work on that also. All in all, I'm glad I asked. I find wondering how good a Parent one is, is a consistent theme amongst most of my Mommy friends but instead of talking amongst ourselves, perhaps we should just go to the source and I'm glad I did.

I hope you had a Happy Mother's Day! Would you consider asking your kids the same? What do you think they would say?

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Wednesday, May 7, 2014

#BEAUTYTALK: MY LATEST NAIL SWAG on VINE and featuring ESSIE

The same "big chop" urge we sometimes get when it comes to our hair, I recently felt when visiting my Nail Stylist to get my nail swag on. Click here for my last visit during which I went for a dramatic stiletto shape and eye catching design. And mind you, my nails are natural and they grow fast! And they only grew longer (of course) following my last visit. So the only thing I could think of upon my most recent sit-down, was chop-chop!!! The length of my nails were so long, they were getting stuck in between keys on my keyboard and snagging stuff. I mean the length had become lethal. My nails could've been a deadly weapon or sumpin LOL!

So this time around, my Stylist, Mikal Brannum (follow on IG @belovednails365), and I went for a tame (especially for me) look with an aztec accent. I love the way she layered Essie colors, "Vices Versa", "Under The Twilight" and "I'm Addicted" over a soft lavender base color. And we paired my toes with Essie "Too Taboo." The same as I dress according to my mood, the same applies to my nail swag. This is soft and mellow with a little bit of pop. This is how I'm feeling, press play. I got my nail swag and my pedi swag back! How do you feel about it? What polish colors are you rocking?

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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

I'M A SPECIAL GUEST FOR THE #DMV EDITION OF INTERNATIONAL NATURAL HAIR M/U DAY

For the second year in a row, I have the pleasure of speaking alongside some fabulous ladies at International Natural Hair Meetup Day (INHMD) in Washington, DC. If you don't already know, INHMD, founded by Adeea Rogers is an annual one day event on May 17th, where groups across the world and I mean literally to infinity and beyond, meet up and lend a particular focus to natural hair. So everything from maintenance to styling to transitioning and more. Last year, I spoke alongside Celebrity Natural Hairstylist, Felicia Leatherwood. Felicia has previously been a guest on my show. Click here to listen to that show OnDemand.

Not only known for her expertise and knowledge but also for her celebrity clientele which includes Jill Scott and Nicole Ari Parker. Additionally, Pamela Jenkins who is Founder of Koils by Nature was on deck. If you don't know Pamela, get your tix and meet her. It should be on your bucket list. Pamela is not only one of the nicest and most modest women I have ever met but she's GORGEOUS. Being in her company always makes for a good time. Koils by Nature is presenting this year's INHMD, and Pamela will be present and lending a voice to dish at this year's DMV edition of INHMD. And for those of you around the way, you know what DMV means. It means it's going down in your neck of the woods so you have no excuse not to be in attendance. The lineup this year is stellar and I am thrilled yet again to be graced by the presence of fabulous participants and attendees. Last year we dished on the perception of natural hair in the workplace.

This year, the dish includes how to style and manage your hair at home, natural hair for kids and more. And some of the most popular bloggers, vloggers and personalities in the natural hair community like CharyJay and Diana Ramsey (to name a few), will be there. And then of course, there's moi. I'll be on hand as a special guest. The event also includes a marketplace so you can get your shop on. Tix for INHMD can be purchased at www.inhmddmv.eventbrite.com. See you on the 17th!

Follow me on IG/Twitter and Vine @bagladies.

Monday, May 5, 2014

"MY MIC SOUNDS NICE" AT 1ST ANNUAL #BLOGGERWEEK

Caught in the moment and lending a voice to a panel which included myself, Jonna Scott-Blakes of Naturally-Glam.com and Yolanda Renee of etcblogmag.com, to "The BIG Business of Beauty Blogging." After a week of engaging activities which included a Google Glass preview, Tele-conference and Google Hangout, the first annual Blogger Week, which was founded by Jessica Ann Mitchell and hosted by Black Bloggers Connect, ended with a BANG at Saturday's UnConference. It was a great day of panels and discussions. There was such a sense of community amongst those of us who attended. I loved both connecting with old friends and making new friends. Attendees came to Washington, DC from far and wide to descend on the Sheraton Hotel and dish on everything from how to monetize your blog to how to solicit more engagement and more.

After-Panel Antics. Myself, Yolanda and Jonna

I had the pleasure of not only participating as a Media Partner to Blogger Week but also speaking to those in attendance and sharing what I've learned. Gimme a mic and I will run with it as is evident in the above pic snapped by Photographer, Jeff Brooks. I have many pics and tidbits to share and I will be doing so throughout the week primarily on Instagram @bagladies. If not already, follow me so you can see how much fun was had.

And if you missed this one, mark your calendar now! Preparations for the second annual Blogger Week 2015 are already underway.

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Thursday, May 1, 2014

#BloggerWeek Recap: How To Make Your Blog Go Viral featuring @DerrickJaxn

Uh, how could you not want advice from this man? Even though I am a participating media partner in the 1st annual #BloggerWeek hosted by Black Bloggers Connect, I've been nonetheless impressed by the information being shared as it relates to improving content, soliciting engagement and as per last nite's Google Hangout, how to make your blog go viral. There is distinct sense of community amongst myself and other Bloggers, journalists and social media mavens attending. And although #BloggerWeek is local to DC, both Tuesday's teleconference and yesterday's Google Hangout, were attended by those both local and not local.

Yesterday's Google Hangout featured Lifestyle Blogger and Author, Derrick Jaxn. Derrick was very candid about his journey and provided great tips on how to increase followers, gain audience attention and maintain interest. I myself being a talker, I asked. And asked again. And asked again. But I mean and as I've said, how could I not? If you don't ask, be assured that I will ask. I mean I host a radio show for goodness sakes so while I can be quiet, I'm not typically shy. As per my post yesterday on Instagram (click here), how could you not want to hang out with this man? Anyway, below is a video recap of what myself, Founder of Black Bloggers Connect and #BloggerWeek, Jessica Ann Mitchell and Derrick Jaxn dished on during last nite's Google Hangout. Oh, and Derrick complimented my pic *giggle*. #BloggerWeek events and activities continue. I will be lending a voice to a panel Saturday regarding the business of beauty blogging. I can't wait! Register at www.bloggerweek.com and join me!

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