5 BRANDING/BLOGGER LESSONS LEARNED FROM THIS WEEK'S #CAPFABBACADEMY AT @CITYCENTERDC

Being a social buttafly ain't easy. From the outside looking in, it can appear all glitz and glamour, you're never bored and you always have places to be and people to see but the reality for most of us who are Bloggers or those of us who work within the social media landscape, it's work. Don't get me wrong, I ain't complaining. And the effort is that much more worth it when you walk away with great take-a-ways such as I did upon having attended this week's CapFabb event.

CapFabb is an organization made up fashion and beauty Bloggers in the capital Washington, DC metropolitan area. Events bring together area Bloggers to connect and

SPECIAL GUEST & CELEB MOM, TANIKA RAY HAS BEEN ADDED TO #HOTMOMMAHAUTE!!! GET YOUR DISCOUNTED TIX.

The October, 10th date for next month's #HotMommaHaute experience of which I will be participating as a featured panelist, is fastly approaching. The experience will be an evening targeting you, be you a Blogger, fashion lover, style enthusiast or beauty connoisseur in the Washington, DC area. 

#HotMommaHaute founded and hosted by Monica Byrd, moderated by Christine St. Vil and featuring newly announced special guest and celebrity Mom, HGTV and Extra TV Host, Entertainment Correspondent and Pop Culture Specialist,

IT'S FALL! VIRGINIA IS NOT JUST FOR "LOVERS" BUT FOR CIDER AND APPLE PICKING TOO AT GREAT COUNTRY FARMS ...

Fall is upon us. Officially so at 10:29p EST today. If not yet in the mood for cooler temps and if like me, savings on your utility bill, I have just the event that will surely get you in the fall mood. My #heelstothewheels series featuring Kia continues. If you've been following my chronicles via Instagram at bagladies (you should be), you've noticed that I've been pushing the sleek, sophisticated and luxurious 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid sedan. But my latest jaunt to the Apple Gala and Cider Fest at Great Country Farms located in Bluemont, Virginia featured the just plain fun 2014 Kia Soul, referred to as the "Urban Hatchback."

The inferno red color of the Soul had me at curbside delivery. It's called inferno but it is more candy apple. It was bright and vibrant and eye-catching. And that color combined with the shape of the Soul made it feel like the best romp around vehicle. My three little ones took the trip with me to Great Country Farms and the Soul was really the perfect accompaniment. It just so happened that our trek was one of the most gorgeous September days in Washington, DC

#BEAUTYTALK: MOVING INTO FALL WITH MY LATEST NAIL SWAG on VINE

Seasons change, people change and nail polish colors change. I was wayyyyyyy past due on updating my swag so not only was this week's visit with my Stylist, Mikal Weathers terribly necessary but

#BAGLADIESLIVE WKND.: SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES AND CREATIVE ARTS @DCMEETMARKET

Upon stepping one foot out the door this past Saturday in Washington, DC you knew it was HOT. The weatherman said officially it was 95 but it felt like 102. I had to put #heelstothewheels and I couldn't get the door of my 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX unlocked quickly enough so

THE #HOTMOMMAHAUTE EXPERIENCE IS COMING TO YOU DC AND I'M THERE! WILL YOU BE?

Grab your girlfriends and join myself along with other "hot mommas" for #HotMommaHaute, a wonderful experience just for you, fashion lovers, fashionistas and style and beauty connoisseurs in the Washington, DC metropolitan area!

I am a featured panelist alongside:

#BAGLADIESLIVE WEEKEND: JUST ANOTHER #LABORDAY IN THE OFFICE, WATCH FOR YOURSELF ...

Cranking out recaps, meeting deadlines for upcoming features, getting my mane tamed, putting #heelstothewheels ...Just another "Labor Day" in in the office. Press play and see for yourself ...

#HEELSTOTHEWHEELS SERIES: @LOCLOV'S HOLISTIC APPROACH TO NATURAL HAIR CARE

I've no doubt been enjoying putting #heelstothewheels in the 2014 +Kia Motors Worldwide Optima Hybrid EX. The fact that it is a Hybrid and has definitely resulted in my being more considerate of  the environmental impact of not just cars but habits, products used, etc. I had a Q and A sit-down ride along in the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX with my own stylist (only the best), as well as Owner and Master Loctician, Salih Watts of www.loclov.com, for my most recent #heelstothewheels edition, to dish on the development of Loc Lov Styles 100% natural hair and body collection.

Owner and Master Locitician, Salih Watts of www.loclov.com, pictured in the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX as we dish Loc Lov Hair and Body collection.

Q: RUNNING A SALON IS HARD ENOUGH, WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START A HAIR AND BODY COLLECTION?
A: I have seen the damage that unhealthy products and styling practices cause in our client's hair, so myself and my Product Manager, Zeenat Watts, developed our own line of 100% natural hair care products that are highly effective.

Q: WHAT MAKES YOUR PRODUCT COLLECTION SO EFFECTIVE?
A: Loc Lov products can restore and reinvigorate damaged or neglected hair.

Q: WHERE ARE LOC LOV PRODUCTS MADE?
A: All of our products are made in-house at our salon in Silver Spring, MD with the right combination of premium quality and 100% natural ingredients. Before introducing products to the masses, we tested and perfected over the past 5 years on our very own clients with all different textures, styles and special hair needs.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR MOST POPULAR PRODUCT?
A: That is a hard question to answer because every customer has different needs. If I had to choose, I would say our Refresh'N which we refer to as the Febreeze for hair. It's designed to be used in between shampoos to neutralize any unwanted odor in one's hair and replace with a fresh, light and natural scent. But we also have products that address common issues like psoriasis and dermatitis and the response has been excellent. Sometimes clients feel as if they have no choice but to deal with their issues not knowing there are available treatment options that are effective. We also have a shea butter product that doubles as both a hair and body moisturizer.

Loc Lov's product lineup includes a no-reside Hair Hold Polish, Refresh'N, Hair Nectar and more. Visit www.loclov.com for the complete hair and body collection.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON INGREDIENTS USED IN LOC LOV PRODUCTS?
A: Grapeseed oil, Aloe Vera, Rosemary, Tea Tree. But it varies depending on the purpose of the product. Our biggest thing was just wanting to be all-natural because I've seen the adverse affects of using products full of chemicals and other things that can take a toll on your hair.

Q: WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO FROM HERE WITH LOC LOV PRODUCTS?
A: Products are currently available for purchase in-house and online at www.loclov.com. But we want to be available to the masses and want to secure mass distribution in both independent and major retail outlets. The natural hair market is huge. We don't want to cater to a select few. We want to cater to the mass market and those who can truly benefit from the products we are producing so that their natural hair needs are effectively met.

Q: LAST QUESTION, WHAT IS YOUR MOST FAVE FEATURE OF THE 2014 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID EX?
A: The panoramic sunroof is amazing. It's so open and makes this ride feel even more spacious.

Do you rock eau natural? What do you look for in natural hair products?

For more about Loc Lov, visit www.loclov.com. This #heelstothewheels series continues. Follow my "Heels To The Wheels" chronicles featuring the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX on Instagram and Twitter @bagladies, hashtag #heelstothewheels.

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