My Bag Ladies Radio: The Reality of Life, Living and Being a Woman: Erin Martin

Showing posts with label Erin Martin. Show all posts

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!

Follow me on IG/Twitter and Vine @bagladies.

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, 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.

Follow me on IG/Twitter and Vine @bagladies.

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!

Follow me on IG/Twitter and Vine @bagladies.

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Sunday, December 8, 2013

(I'M ON) STYLEBLAZER.COM AND (IN) WE MAGAZINE ...TWO FEATURES IN ONE WEEK!

I'll take that! I would be remiss if I didn't claim to be not just totally thrilled but completely humbled at having scored two features this week. The first of which is the Entrepreneur Spotlight in the December issue of the ever empowering, ever elevating, ever inspiring WE Magazine during which I dish here on how I came up with the concept that is BagLadiesRadio.com and how I maintain authenticity. Additionally, an exclusive Curl Talk feature published here to the #1 Fashion Obsession, StyleBlazer.com. Yes, I as are alot of fashion junkies, totally obsessed with StyleBlazer.com. I dished with Adrienne Gadling of IAmSadiddy.com fame about being natural and the misconceptions that come with, second go around having locs and my product faves.

Thanks much to WE Magazine E-I-C, DeLisha Sylvester and Adrienne Gadling for just making me love her that much more. Oh, and she authored a great piece too (smirk). It's definitely nice to be acknowledged and validated by my peers. Just makes me grind that much harder. And s/o to Tiffany Josephs, one of the best Photogs I know. Remember my behind-the-scenes post here from our shoot? Without her accompanying image, these two features wouldn't be half as fab.

Subscribe to WE Magazine and StyleBlazer.com and please be sure to share your comments on what you thought of each feature. I'd love to see your feedback! Thanks as always for the support!

Happy Holidays!!

Monday, December 2, 2013

I'M FEATURED IN THE DECEMBER '13 ISSUE OF WE MAGAZINE

Thank you to CEO & Founder DeLisha Sylvester and the rest of the Women's Elevation (WE) magazine team for featuring me in the December 2013 issue.

WE magazine focuses on promotion, inspiration and elevation of women who have started their own business or brand and the challenges that they face.

Chatting with DeLisha was not only a privilege but an awesome opportunity to reflect on how far I've come since having launched BagLadiesRadio.com and furthermore, where I ultimately want to go from here.

Hopefully my sharing my ~~story~~ testimony inspires someone else to just ...Do it! See below the full article:

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

We're On Our Way! #BagLadiesLIVE at #Blogalicious5

3rd times a charm! Yup, this is my third Blogalicious conference. This year is extra special because my Co-Hosts, Danielle Gray and Trina Small are in tow. Yup, I'm dragging them along with me. Did you know? Trina and I first met at Blogalicious when the conference was held in DC. And we would've never thought upon meeting that she would end up holding it down with me on Bag Ladies Radio. A testament to the power of connections facilitated by Blogalicious. This year is also special because I am participating as opposed to just attending. Bag Ladies Radio is this year's media partner!!!! Be sure to follow me on Twitter and Instagram. I will be chronicling this years Blogalicious and tweeting and posting my you know what off in addition to airing on-site shows. Follow the play-by-play at #BagLadiesLIVE & #Blogalicious5.

And thank you to our sponsors, EDEN Body Works, FabKids, Lulu*s and Flat Out of Heels, for making this experience that much more amazing and for supporting our efforts. I'm looking forward to sharing some goodies with you on their behalf. You can still get your tix. See you in the ATL!!!

Bag Ladies Radio is the "official media partner" to this year's #Blogalicious5. For an exclusive Blogalicious 2013 ticket offer for Bag Ladies Radio followers, fans and listeners, click here and enter BLRfriend (case sensitive), for a 20% discount.

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

Monday, September 23, 2013

WE'RE GETTING CLOSER BLOGALICIOUS!

We are now just 10 days away from one of the largest annual social media events. And with Blogalicious fastly approaching, we could not have said it better ourselves (press play):

We are in full prep mode as we choreograph our participation as this year's media partner. We are getting our "i spy" on, rolling out the purple carpet, bringing you a complete play by play and so much more! Oh, and my cast and I which includes @StyleNBeautyDoc and @BabyShopa (well not really; she don't have to go anywhere), are trying not to pack everything but the kitchen sink in the process. We got lots to do still but at the same time we can't wait!! How are you coming along with preparations? If you say you still have lots to do also, I will feel ALOT better. See you in October!

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

A MOMMY'S LOVE ...

Being a Parent is continuously and consistently challenging. There is no rule book. No play book. No accolades. I can perhaps offer up that being a Mommy is ultimately what I make it. It's so interesting when I reflect at times how I always knew with every certainty even when younger (much younger), that I would be a Mommy and that I would be a Mommy of three. There was never a question. I never wondered if I wanted to be. If I could be. If I was supposed to be. I mean I just always knew. Now what I didn't know was when or with whom, that two of the three would be twins and that I would ultimately end up a single Parent but such is God's will.

I snapped this picture with my two girls minus my Son (he was at Soccer practice), outside of their school yesterday following the first of two back-to-school nights. And for some reason, I just cannot take my eyes off of it! I am completely enraptured and not because of the quality or anything. I am far from a professional. I look at it and I just think love. I just see affection in spite of my 7 year old daughter giving the puckered lip look. I see just an abundance of what would've been unfathomable adoration and affection had I not ever become a Parent. My 7 year old resting her head on my shoulder and my 9 year old pressed up against me with her face to mine. My love for my children is limitless. My love is endless. It exists even on days when the last thing I wanna be in the whole entire world is a Mommy (please don't act like you don't have those days too). I'm particularly struck by the background. We were actually standing right in front of my child's school yet it doesn't show. This photo is totally untouched, completely unfiltered and sincerely genuine.

This is just one of those posts that really has no rhyme or reason. There is no point really. I just needed to "write" it out. I just literally felt compelled to share. Please feel free to share your thoughts in return.

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Bag Ladies Radio is the Official Social Media Partner to #Blogalicious5!!!

The cat's outta the bag! My lips no longer have to be sealed!! The word has "officially" dropped!!! It humbles me, pleases me and excites me to say that Bag Ladies Radio is the official social media partner to this year's #Blogalicious5.

Blogalicious is one of the largest annual social media conferences celebrating diversity in blogging. It's a 3-day conference (but we party hard too), focusing on any and all elements significant to building your brand and to put it simply "getting it." I've been attending for the last three years and am excited to be participating in this capacity. It's a total testament to that which I've learned from this very annual event. Myself and the #BagLadiesLIVE cast will be bringing the experience to you live from the ATL and further enhancing the experience in a way never before done and propelling the celebration that is the 5 year anniversary of Blogalicious. More to come surely!

And might I add, don't wait! To score your tix to the par-tay, the movement, the experience that is Blogalicious, get it: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5652380422/blogaFIVEbags/3526088039

Tune into Monday's "Power Hour" during which I will be joined live by the Curator of Blogalicious, Stacey Ferguson. Get details at www.bagladiesradio.com/listen

And for the full "official" announcement: http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=0363e33819a641ce968d769c0&id=0caabfa9de&e=816cb1fe52
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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

Catch up on the dish you missed by going to www.bagladiesradio.com/listen. Scroll down to OnDemand and press play.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I'm Hosting Fashion "Dish" for Tomorrow's DC Showing of "Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's"

It's here! The movie touted as the must-see fashion experience that chronicles legends, icons, idols ...Oh and the parties too. You might've only read how it goes down. Well this is your chance to see how it really goes down in the industry at one of the most historical venues in retail and fashion. Tickets are still available for tomorrow's 7:30p DC showing of "Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's" at the AMC Loews Georgetown 14.

I will be hanging alongside Yvonne Pearson of PinkDollHouse.org and Ashley GaGa of AshleyGaGa.com and hosting the "dish" following the showing. I want your thoughts. I want your feedback. I want the dish!

Press play for the trailer and purchase your tix while you can by visiting www.bagladiesradio.com/events.

For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

Catch up on the dish you missed by going to www.bagladiesradio.com/listen. Scroll down to OnDemand and press play.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

OnDemand: "BEAUTY TALK" with LIANNE FARBES 07/10 by Erin Martin

"BEAUTY TALK" with LIANNE FARBES 07/10 by Erin Martin | Blog Talk Radio

Listen to internet radio with Erin Martin on BlogTalkRadio

For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

Catch up on the dish you missed by going to www.bagladiesradio.com/listen. Click the iTunes button or scroll down to OnDemand and press play.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

OnDemand: Fashion & Beauty on #BagLadiesLIVE

This week's dish was a mix of celebrity and entertainment gossip, fashion news, beauty talk and more!

Listen to internet radio with Erin Martin on BlogTalkRadio

For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

Catch up on the dish you missed by going to www.bagladiesradio.com/listen. Click the iTunes button or scroll down to OnDemand and press play.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Tonite's #BagLadiesLIVE: LATEST AND GREATEST FASHION & BEAUTY BUZZ!

We are dishing tonite on the fashion and beauty headlines that have caught our attention and yours too. We are going in surely.

What fashion and beauty news are you "a'buzz" about? If you want to weigh in, be sure to follow during #BagLadiesLIVE on Twitter @bagladies and to share your commentary LIVE and ask questions and to get get a LIVE on-air s/o, attach #BagLadiesLIVE.

For full show deets and how to tune in LIVE, visit www.bagladiesradio.com.
Dish with you then!

For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

Catch up on the dish you missed by going to www.bagladiesradio.com/listen. Click the iTunes button or scroll down to OnDemand and press play.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

A Meeting of the "Mommies": Disney's "On The Road" Social Media Moms Celebration

Me (on left) and Michelle Stepney (right). Michelle's "Ready for your Closeup" presentation was AWESOME!

Anyone who is a Mommy knows that it truly takes a village. This notion is totally embodied in Disney's efforts to bring Mommies of all backgrounds and ethnicity's together to discuss the role social media plays in their lives and careers in addition to balancing family and work. It was my pleasure to attend last week's Disney "On The Road" Social Media Moms Celebration in Bethesda, MD. I mean c'mon, I grew up on Disney so anything attached to the brand generates immediate excitement. And I love Disney's recognition of social media and the value that those of us who work in the industry of social media, can extend the Disney brand. The voice we lend. With that being said, it was less a promotion of "Disney" and more just a coming together of like minded women.

I was extended an invitation in the 11th hour but I was nonetheless thrilled and flattered too even though I emailed my co-host, Danielle Gray aka "Dr." at like midnight Friday morning stating that I couldn't even fathom how I would muster the energy to make it to the conference that day with a never ending list of "to-do's." But God-willing, I got the kids off to school and even thought it was pouring rain and although I arrived late, there was still plenty of dish to spare. Danielle sent energy vibes my way that surely paid off.

My feet may be kicked up but trust I was working. It was every Mommy for herself when it came to the ~~few~~ very few available outlets. You can't tell from the pic but this was one heck of a balancing act I was pulling off.

The air of support as I listened to speakers and sat amongst Mommies who are entrepreneurs, Bloggers, bizness owners or simply looking to get their foot in the door was awesome. The energy was amazing. And there is nothing like being surrounded by women who just get you and understand your reality. Such is what I try to bring every time I take to the airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. I set up shop and lent an ear to the expertise of those who spoke. The networking was plentiful. There were alot of familiar-faced Mommies. The tales of exhaustion and trying to manage family life and domestic responsibility all while being the boss were hilarious. The reaffirmation of how imperative family support is was reassuring. And the dish was great! Ya'll know I'm a fiend for stimulating conversation. And for swag. Check it out!

Bag O' Swag

"The Swag"

Follow me on Instagram @bagladies for more chronicles of this event.

For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

Catch up on the dish you missed by going to www.bagladiesradio.com/listen. Click the iTunes button or scroll down to OnDemand and press play.