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

Monday, June 30, 2014

#BAGLADIESLIVE WEEKEND: NAPPY HOUR, #WAGONSPOTTING, #FFM. OH, AND I GOT TESTED ...

This weekend was jam packed with activities which has kinda been the trend for the last ~~couple of~~ few months. The good thing is that I'm rarely bored. The bad, I'm always busy. But I also realized because of all the activity particularly this weekend, the timing is perfect to resume my #BagLadiesLIVE Weekend posts. This weekly theme provides a snapshot of what went down. Like to see and read about it?

This past Saturday, I had the privilege of hosting yet again the 2nd edition Nappy Hour presented by Loc Lov Styles in Silver Spring, MD. And just like the 1st, a ball was had by all. My fave part, getting my face "beat" to the gawds by friend and MUA, Stephanie McKenzie. I will post a full recap this week. In the meantime, click here for the scoop on the 1st edition.

No sooner did I return the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4, then I received a curbside delivery of the Volvo V60 T5. The wagon is back! And although I'm only just putting #HeelsToTheWheels, I'm swooning all over this wagon that totally breaks the mold of a traditional wagon. A friend remarked upon pulling up, that I'm now a full blown soccer mom. But the reality is, I am! My 8 yr old son plays soccer and if a Volvo makes me a soccer mom, I'll take that and be the sexiest, wagon driving, soccer mom eva! How can I not in this sexy whip? Oh ...The life of an Auto Blogger. And did I tell you the color is "power blue?" The pic doesn't do it justice. Stay tuned for a full review.

I finally had a chance to check out good friend, Blogger, Bizness woman and so much more, Monica Byrd's twice-monthly, Fashionista Flea Market located in Bowie, MD. I had a great time perusing some fab vendors with great deals. The shopaholic in me wanted to shop till I dropped but my small window of time, wouldn't let me be great. Thank goodness it's a twice-monthly event. For details, visit www.fashionistafleamarket.com.

Swoon worthy white jumper, Hannah Monet

Cute tank, Boutique Pulse

So Friday was National HIV Testing Day. Do I hear crickets? Did you know? Of all the images I posted recently, this one generated the least number of likes and/or responses. I was unfortunately not surprised. Last year on the same day, I posted a pic of my negative results after having been tested and you could hear a pin drop. And I do it to draw attention. One of my very first events upon launching Bag Ladies, my online radio show, was an event to draw attention to the increase in infection rates amongst African American women yet statistics show that many of us don't get tested simply out of fear of the unknown. And for me the fear of not knowing is twice as scary. For me, it's annual. The same as I see my Gynecologist or get a mammogram. I dropped my kids at camp Friday morning, hit the clinic and I'm out. And the notion of you don't need to be tested or it doesn't apply to me is so not a gauge. If you are or have been sexually active, get tested! If you are in a relationship, committed or otherwise, get tested! The test is FREE and it only takes 15 minutes at most. Visit www.whitman-walker.org. #KnowYourStatus

How was your weekend?

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Friday, June 20, 2014

CALLING ALL NATURAL HAIR SALON OWNERS/STYLISTS, IT'S THE 2ND NAPPY HOUR!

We barely wrapped the 1st edition Nappy Hour which went down last Saturday and here I am hosting the 2nd edition on June 28th presented again by Loc Lov Styles. No they didn't twist my arm. Last weekend was a blast! If you missed my recap of the first edition, click here. But unlike the last one, this 2nd edition targets Natural Hair Salon Owners, Stylists and Locticians. If this is you and particularly if you are interested in stellar product that caters to your clients hair care and maintenance needs, you don't want to miss this exclusive event.

On the LocLov.com Red Carpet

LocLov.com Hair & Body Collection

RSVP today and participate in live styling demos, product Q&A's, learn about Loc Lov's educated and holistic approach to healthy hair and also the debut of the Loc Lov's hair and body collection.

Live Styling Demo

You must RSVP to confirm attendance. Afterwhich, the exact location (DC based) will be disclosed. Additionally, your RSVP ensures you don't leave without your swag aka, free goodies in hand. So come thru, eat, sip, mingle and have a good time. For more details on the 2nd edition Nappy Hour, click here and to RSVP, email info@bagladiesradio.com.

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Thursday, June 19, 2014

I WAS FEATURED FOR "WONDER WOMEN WEDNESDAY" ON @_LOCOLOGY_

Locology, which is the Instagram page of LocologyMagazine.com, has a weekly feature tagged as "Wonder Women Wednesday" during which they showcase women who have a natural hair journey specific to locs, dreadlocks, dreads or however you might refer.
I was flattered to have been featured yesterday. I jokingly replied to the post that I oftentimes feel like I'm wearing a cape. Wonder Woman! This is my 2nd time around having locs. After having locs for about 4 years, I cut them in 2004 when my first child was born. I always said I would go another round but this time was completely unintentional. I previously kept my hair very short. An "even steven" is what I called it. I missed seeing my barber for a couple weeks and before I knew it, I had an adorable fro and I just didn't want to cut it. Thus, locs for the 2nd time around. It's been 3+ years and my locs are growing twice as fast this time around and I'm having much more fun with styling options which is a testament to working with a great stylist (Salih Watts, loclov.com), and using good product. You can see pics all over my Instagram page @bagladies.

This particular featured pic was from a shoot last year by Tiffany Josephs. I LOVE my current length. It's the longest my hair has been in like forever. I said for the summer I would just rock up-do's and not let my hair down until my birthday in October. I can't wait to see the length then. I'm also considering color to switch it up for the summer.

Do you have locs or have you ever considered?

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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

SO MANY BEAUTIES! PICS/VIDEO OF ME HOSTING NAPPY HOUR PRESENTED BY WWW.LOCLOV.COM

When an event comes together and everyone plays their part and works together to ensure everything goes off without a hitch ...And to top it off, the event is attended by fantastic beauties who are engaged and mingling and having a good time. You can't ask for anything better. And I had the privilege of hosting!

Dishing w/ Jess of HairGetsKinky.com

Me w/ arms outstretched ...

Meeting & Greeting Cassie Brown

Mingling. Onlooker, Kia of Yummy411 and Yvonne of PinkDollHouse.org

Demos featuring Lola's Beauty Mark

Grown-Up Punch on the Patio

Saturday's Nappy Hour presented by LocLov.com, was a blast. The sips, the nibbles, the swag, the hair and beauty dish, the live styling demos and more, made for a very fun affair. It was ALL love. And let's not forget the punch on the patio for us grown folks. I look forward to doing it again soon. Pics from the event will be shared throughout the week so please be on the lookout. But if you missed Nappy Hour or even if you didn't, here is a fantastic video collage shot by Professional Photog, Montell. Montell was the resident Photog on deck for the day but he surprised the Loc Lov staff and myself by putting this together. See anyone you know? Press play ...

An InLinkz Link-up

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Monday, June 16, 2014

#BEAUTYTALK: 5 REASONS WHY YOU ARE IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR HAIR

I dished all things hair and beauty Saturday while hosting "Nappy Hour" presented by Loc Lov Styles (it was a blast btw), and I came to the conclusion that I am by far not the only one who has a relationship with their hair. Do any of these apply to you? Uh, then welcome to the club.

1. If you talk to your hair. And I don't mean "hi" and "bye" talk. I mean lengthy conversations where you express and convey your love for your mane usually in front of a mirror. But let's not forget when your reprimand your hair also for not working witcha on a bad hair day.

2. Upon receiving a compliment, you stroke your hair, twist the coils or play with it in a semi-coy way the same as you might nuzzle up to your man or boo thang when someone says, "you make a cute couple." I have a mean habit of when my locs are down particularly, I literally look at them and stroke them as if they are soft as feathers. Can't tell me nuffin.

3. On a day when you hair looks particularly good, you sway those hips and dance for your hair in the mirror (a full length one), while complimenting your hair and yourself. "Oooh girl, you look good today." You might even get your sang on too.

4. You peruse YouTube and Pinterest looking for styles in the best interest of your mane, the same as you would browse an online dating site.

5. You never disappoint your hair. Your style is always a compliment. If your hair looks good, your fashion sense is even better. The same as if stepping out on a date, you gotta keep him on his toes. You show-off you.

If any of these apply to you, I'll be the first one to tell you that you are indeed in a relationship with your hair. And I wish you years of love and happiness. My relationship with my hair just might be the most healthy relationship I've ever had :-). Feel free to add to my list in the comments. I'd love to hear yours.

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Tuesday, June 10, 2014

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO MINGLE? 9 TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF EVENTS ...

For those of us who work in the social media landscape, we are always attending sumpin. But much too often, I see folks not taking full advantage of events and the visibility events lend (blame it on the social media strategist in me). But seriously, events can be a platform for you and one that you should maximize to the fullest in consideration of your own branding efforts.
You are making the effort to attend so you should get a return, right? Right?

I can't wait until Saturday. Why? I have the privilege of hosting this Saturday's Nappy Hour presented by my own Stylist, Salih Watts and his staff at Loc Lov Styles. Click here for the full details from yesterday's post. This exclusive event targets Bloggers, Vloggers and Social Media Mavens. It will be an intimate affair featuring everything from live styling demos to give-a-ways and a lip and lash bar. But with all those features, having a good time and ensuring a return relies more on you then you might realize.

Here are 9 tips to guarantee a return while getting your "mingle" on.

1. Bring more than enough business cards - Events are a platform for you to network so how can you get down to bizness with no cards??? I see it often. And if stuck on how to segue to passing a card to someone. Mingle up to someone and just say, "Nice to meet you, may I give you my card?"

2. Shake hands - When mingling, this makes an impression and leaves an impression. If the person doesn't extend their hand first, extend yours.

3. Smile - The best way to ensure that you are unapproachable, is to walk around an event mean mugging like you don't wanna be there. That's not mingling. And even if you don't wanna be there, fake it till it's over. But a smile goes a LOOOONG way. You are likely not the only one uncomfy. Some find it hard to be outgoing and sociable. But a smile is the best ice-breaker. Note: This applies if you're single too :-)

4. Make eye contact - Look at people directly as you are mingling and when you are talking to them. This shows genuine interest and again will make and leave a lasting impression.

5. Take pics - Oftentimes event pics are shared on multiple platforms so as you mingle take pics even if just of the layout and the aesthetics, take selfies, photobomb if you have to. And post them. Don't go home with umpteen pictures that you never post. Posting those pics lends visibility to the event and you too. And it will show your followers that you know how to get your mingle on.

6. Engage - It's one thing to be in attendance but another to be present. Walk around aka, mingle, smile, say hello, ask questions. If live tweeting and posting, use hashtags to draw attention to your presence at the event and solicit engagement. Ask for people's handles and tag them in pics. They are more inclined to follow you back.

7. Mingle - Attending events can be uncomfy for some especially if attending alone. But you'd be surprised that one of the best ways to get into the mix, is to "mingle." Mingle is defined; to move freely around a place or at a social function, associating with others. Don't just sit all by your lonesome. Challenge yourself to walk around and before you know it, you will strike up a conversation and make a new friend.

8. Don't just leave - I see this all the time. Upon conclusion of the event and once you've gotten your mingle on, don't just duck out. Circle back around and say bye to anyone you might've met for the first time. They are more likely to remember you. Thank whomever was behind the event and provide them feedback. What did you like about the event, etc. And this can be done even if you have to leave early. People will love and notice that you made the effort to both mingle and say bye.

9. Follow-up - The most critical. No more than a day or two later, follow-up with those you met and mingled with, connect with them via social media, follow them and email them. This is the most effective way to ensure you stay on their radar and who knows what opportunities that may facilitate.
Do you have any mingling tips of your own to ensure you get the most out of events?
and
I hope to see you Saturday. If you haven't already RSVP'ed to Saturday's Nappy Hour, click here for the event link.

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Monday, June 9, 2014

I'M HOSTING LOC LOV'S NAPPY HOUR NETWORK + MINGLE THIS SATURDAY ...

If you love to dish hair and beauty as much as I do, then you don't want to miss this affair. And especially if you are a Blogger, Vlogger or Social Media Maven. My own beloved stylist, Salih Watts, the one responsible for keeping my mane tamed is presenting an evening just for you, an intimate affair and I have the privilege of hosting.

Nappy Hour, presented by Loc Lov Styles and hosted by yours truly ...

Picture wrapping up all your Saturday going's-ons and errands and swinging through Nappy Hour for good conversation, fun, lite snacks and libations aka, something to sip on, while having an opportunity to take in not only live styling demos for both locs and natural free hair styles. But also enjoy a live Q&A regarding Loc Lov's own hair and body collection including two signature products just introduced. Celebrity MUA, Lola's Beauty Mark will be participating and dolling everyone up as per her lip and lash bar. So you can come, get cute and then hit the town after. There will also be FANTASTIC give-a-ways and swag. If I said it, you can believe it to be true.

Loc Lov Styles is setting standards and they are endeavoring to share their educated and holistic approach and much more. Nappy Hour is an exclusive event so you must RSVP via email to info@bagladiesradio.com. Click here for the event link. Upon confirmation of your attendance, the location will be disclosed. See you Saturday!!

P.S. - Have your biz cards in hand!

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