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

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

I'll BE SPEAKING FOR THE 2ND TIME AT THIS WEEKEND'S 2014 NATURALISTA HAIR SHOW. IT'S GONNA BE EPIC!

Last year was just one day. This year's second annual Naturalista Hair Show, is so epic it's been extended to two days! And guess what? I'm back again. The Naturalista Hair Show goes down this weekend, August 2nd thru August 3rd in Silver Spring, MD at the DoubleTree Hotel. This year's show will feature workshops, panel discussions, hands on classes, product and apparel market aka, a shopaholics dream, styling and product demos as well as fitness and nutrition tips. And if that isn't enough, this year's event also features a pop-up salon of which my own stylist, Salih Watts, Owner and Master Loctician of LocLov.com will be participating. Salih also took home the award for "Best Loctician in the DMV" last year. How much you wanna bet he can do it again? My money is on him.

My Stylist pictured with one of his models after winning "Best Loctician in the DMV" Award

I guess Founder of The Naturalista Hair Show and Owner of N Natural Hair Studio, Angela Walker must have known I had such a good time last year, she asked me back again this year. To that I say, my pleasure. Click here for a snippet regarding last year's edition. This year, I will be dishing yet again and lending a voice to the "Beauty & The Blog" panel alongside Vlogger and this year's Keynote Speaker, Yolanda Renee of Et Cetera, Jonna Scott-Blakes of naturally-glam.com and Annisa LiMara of A'LiMara. The panel will be moderated by Christine Jacques-Louis of Root2Curl.com. You know I love to dish especially all things beauty and particularly alongside fab ladies two of whom I had the pleasure of dishing with during the 1st annual Blogger Week DC. Read the recap here.

Last year's edition. I'm the shortie pictured alongside Mae of naturalchica.com, Jonna of naturally-glam.com and Jess of hairgetskinky.com

Take it from me, you don't want to miss this event. There was a line out the door last year prior to the doors even opening. Mix and mingle amongst some fab folk and dish all things beauty, natural hair and soooo much more. Visit naturalistahairshow.com for event details and to get your tix. Get your tix. Oh, and don't miss my panel. See you there!

Do you have any questions for me? Leave them as a comment and I will include in Sunday's panel discussion and acknowledge you as having asked the question aka, shout you out.

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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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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

#BAGLADIESLIVE WEEKEND: #GMSUMMERSERIES AT @WOLF_TRAP FEATURING LIONEL RICHIE AND CEELO GREEN

What do you get when you mix good people, social media, live music ...Oh and whips?! A fabulously intimate and exclusive affair which is exactly how I would describe last week's General Motors Summer Series at Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA which featured a live Lionel Richie concert with guest, CeeLo Green.

I'm always down to mingle. Click here for tips from a previous post. And mingle I did amongst some of my fave Blogger buds like Julia Coney from All About the Pretty and Richeen Ariel from The District Insider.

Unlike the above pic, Julia and I kept it tame.

We dined on cocktails and hors d'oevures while dishing all about the latest Cadillac models which included the 2015 Cadillac Escalade. A beast of a luxury utility vehicle and the next generation in the Escalade model. The design, craftsmanship, bells and whistles elevate this model to another level. Although I might've initially been a tad intimidated, as you can see I clearly got comfy with it and had fun exploring the spacious interior of one particular model in a beautiful candy apple red color. It's safe to say that I look forward to putting #heelstothewheels and getting to know the 2015 Cadillac Escalade better.

Plush Interior

That Escalade grille had a nice smile

I saved the "cookie."

And to think, the night didn't even end there. To top it off after gabbing it up with General Motors executives and representatives from the always especially accommodating MSLGroup, myself and the other attendees were escorted to our "orchestra" seats for the show. I had my Mom in tow which made the night that much more fun. One, she gained a whole new perspective into that which I do and she got to see one of her fave artists. I thought I knew all of Lionel Richie's songs. I didn't have anything on my Mom and to look over and see her on her feet, waving her hands in the air, was the best. This show was one of the best I've ever seen and mind you, I've seen Michael Jackson live. Lionel took it all the way back to the Commodores and hit everything from Brick House to Dancing on The Ceiling which my Mom almost was. For a split second, I felt really old knowing every song word for word until I realized that it was just my Parent's good taste in music. Mixing the nostalgia of good music with modern automotive luxury, can't be beat and when placed against the backdrop of the fabulous venue that is Wolf Trap ...And on that note. Be sure to visit WolfTrap.org for upcoming shows and if Lionel Richie is coming to your neck of the woods, take it from me, don't miss it.

Whoa-Whoa Zooooom!

Nail swagging on show tix

Prep for the event featuring an Asos print bodycon dress and Forever21 Vest

Myself and the crowd were mostly on our feet the entire show

My Mom practically dancing on the ceiling

My Mom and I

Follow my automotive chronicles and excursions on Instagram and Twitter at @bagladies via hashtag #heelstothewheels.

What's your fave Lionel Richie song? Mine is surely Zoom ...

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Friday, July 18, 2014

#BEAUTYTALK: STELLA GOT HER NAIL SWAG BAAAAAA-CK!!!

My Nail Stylist, Mikal Weathers and I have been like two ships passing in the night for far too long so I've been lagging in my nail swag. Notice the lack of bragging as of late? Why? Because I ain't had no swag to brag about. But FINALLY, the stars aligned and I was able to get right. Mind you, I had to go elsewhere in the meantime and it was a tragedy of epic proportions. You know the same as women are possessive about their hair stylists, the same can be said for how I am about my nails. I don't want anyone else touching em', not even myself because no one is on par with my stylist.

But I'm back and I'm bragging and doing it once again for the vine. My latest edition was taken from one of my Pinterest pins of which Mikal of course added her own personal touch. The style features Gelish "I'm Brighter Than You" and Le Chat "Happy Hour."

Let's hope I don't ever have go this long again. How often do you get your nails done and are you as particular and possesive as I am about who does your nails?

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Thursday, July 17, 2014

MY 1st THOUGHTS ON @FANDANGO SCREENING OF DISNEY'S PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE #FANDANGOFAMILY

So if with children as am I, you know attending movies is no cheap affair. So I was glad to be extended the opportunity to attend last nite's free Fandango screening of Disney's Planes: Fire & Rescue. Unlike Cars, this one is about planes and features a dynamic crew tasked with protecting a historic park. We had our free concessions which included pop corn and drinks. And we posted up for a movie that while not long in length (it ended sooner than I expected), it was entertaining and funny.

Dusty Crophopper was my fave character

There is no other way to see this movie than in 3D. The effects coupled with stunts, were adorable. My three were totally engaged in the movie for the entire time. And while a cartoon may not lend the most appeal to us as Parents (adults), when you throw in the voices of Actors Ed Harris (one of my faves), Dane Cook and Jerry Stiller, it's bound to be a good time. I caught myself cracking up at some of the jokes. But the overall message was particularly striking in that life doesn't always go as you planned but what you didn't expect can be even better. It had an air of just reaching for the stars. And my kids got it too.

En route to the screening in 2014 Ford Escape SE

It's not to be missed. And the kids and I walked away with some goodies including free individual movie tix. Disney's Planes: Fire & Rescue, opens this Friday, July 18th.

WHAT WAS THE LAST MOVIE YOU SAW?

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Wednesday, July 16, 2014

MY LATEST @KLOUT PERK HAS ME GOING @COMPLETELYBARE ...WELL MAYBE

Having online influence has it's perks. A testament to that is my latest swag sent compliments of Klout featuring Completely Bare. A lineup of at-home hair removal products which includes Don't Grow There Body Moisturizer and Hair "Inhibitor", Wax Strips for face, bikini and body, Not Feeling It Spray for before and after and Bikini Bump Blaster. Now normally I turn to a professional for all my hair removal needs particularly for waxing. I have a resident Esthetician who is amazing. I've not ever done an at-home wax treatment but I'm willing to be a guinea pig for the sake of seeing how effective Completely Bare products are. If you've ever been waxed, you know it's not the most comfy so if you here a lone, random "OUCH", it's probably me.

Stay tuned for the "after."

Completely Bare is a spa founded by Hair Removal Expert, Cindy Barshop. Klout.com measures and builds online influence.

Do you wax? If so, have you ever used an at home treatment?

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Tuesday, July 15, 2014

#BEAUTYTALK: MY LATEST HAUL featuring @BOBBIBROWN AND @JOMALONELONDON

Being a self-professed beauty junkie in addition to a shopaholic means any time spent in a department store, money will be spent in a department store. I recently had the pleasure of hanging at one of my fave shopping destinations, Neiman Marcus in celebration of a friend's birthday. Read the full details here. So it goes without saying that I didn't leave empty handed. Between the freebies and swag and that which I decided to pick up for myself, I left with a pretty significant haul. Upon trying out Jo Malone London scents and picking and choosing amongst some Bobbi Brown faves, I left with:

Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick - Bobbi Brown offers a wide range of shades for darker complexions but I just loved the natural looking coverage this foundation provides. I don't wear foundation on a daily but when I do, I want something seamless. It blends easily and I can apply with my fingertips. The Bobbi Brown ambassador suggested the walnut color to be a great match to my cinnamon complexion.

Bobbi Brown Art Stick - I couldn't refuse the Electric Pink and what I love about this stick is that it's like a liner and lip color all in one and it comes with a sharpener.

I had to try em' before I buy em'

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner - I am still on a mission to master a fab cat eye and I love the fact that this offers the staying power and application of gel but in a pencil. And the plus is that it has a built in sharpener so you can make the head of the eyeliner as small as you like. And a tip that had most of us in attendance oohing and aahing was starting at the outer corner of the eye instead of the inner corner. Aha ...

Bobbi Brown Blush - This was interesting because I was ready to select a much brighter and much more pink color until I applied Slopes 17 only to realize that it was much more flattering to my complexion. Had I bought the other color, it would've surely been a do-over.

Jo Malone - Silk Blossom Cologne which is an irresistible limited edition scent. I'm a total smell goods fiend. And I go goo goo gah gah over everything from candles to perfumes and more. One spritz of this scent and I was a gonner. But the packaging is so adorable, I don't even want to open the box. It's a must-have.

Oh and did I mention the freebies which included everything from Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin Cologne and Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream to a Jo Malone Makeup Bag and Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara. And the complimentary 10-Step Beauty Guide which provides tidbits on how to apply everything from concealer to lipstick, is a must-have. It's more than you might get in an at-cost tutorial. I'll be sure to keep it handy.

Quite a haul huh? If you could select any of these items, which ones would you haul away? Fun times ...I'll see you in my mirror playing "beat the face."

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Monday, July 14, 2014

#BAGLADIESLIVE WEEKEND: ESCAPE TO SIMPLICITY WITH FORD & #BEAUTYTALK AT NEIMAN MARCUS ....

Streaming via USB

MyFord Touch Navigation

I've taken on some new projects so the last couple of weeks have been jam packed. I had to stand down for a sec on publishing posts but I'm picking up right where I left off with the latest edition of #BagLadiesLIVE Weekend which included putting #HeelsToTheWheels and escaping to simplicity with Ford. My latest curbside delivery is the 2014 Escape SE. You know the statement, "keep it simple stupid"? Well Ford does that very well when it comes to the functionality and technology of the Ford Escape. As much as I love luxury (parting recently with the Audi SQ5 and Volvo V60 was such sweet sorrow), automotive brands tend to tow the line between either not enough bells and whistles or so many bells and whistles, learning all the functionality of a vehicle can be overwhelming. Ford does a good job of finding a happy medium with the Escape SE. It is extremely user friendly witH MyFord touch screen and MyFord voice activated communications and entertainment system. As busy as I've been as of late, the 2014 Ford Escape SE has literally become my mobile office. I can make and take calls totally handsfree and without missing a beat. I can connect my iPhone via the USB and stream ... And the metallic blue is easy on the eyes. Stay tuned for the full review ...In the meantime, follow my #heelstothewheels chronicles on Instagram @bagladies.

So ya'll know I'm an admitted beauty junkie. "Beauty Talk" is still my most popular recurring on-air segment. And did you know although I'm not live on air, all previously aired Bag Ladies episodes including "Beauty Talk" episodes can be accessed via iTunes as as free podcast? Just search Bag Ladies Radio. But moving on ...What happens when a bunch of dolls descend on Neiman Marcus to be catered to by renowned beauty brand ambassadors in celebration of one's birth? A fab affair! The set-up was gorgeous and myself and the rest of the attendees were treated to some great dish on the latest trends in colors, techniques and products by Bobbi Brown and Jo Malone. Friend and Blogger, Yvonne Pearson was the "hostess with the mostess" as we kicked off her birthday celebration. And how much more fabulous can an affair be when hosted against the backdrop that is Neiman Marcus.

Neiman Marcus Pulled Out All The Stops ...

I'm a candle fiend and this scent had me at hello. It enveloped our table.

Which color should I choose? I love getting touchy feely with product.

I mean c'mon ...I'm in Neiman Marcus. Of course I spied a Chanel bag that I was swooning over. The shopaholic in me wanted to come out.

Where there's a mirror, there's a selfie ...This dress which I got so many questions about, was a 12.99 Marshalls score purchased a year ago and never worn. My shoes, JustFab.

We had a blast!

My two fave takeaways, Jo Malone Lime, Basil and Mandarin Cologne and Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Electric Pink. And that's not even all the goodies!!

How was your weekend?

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