MY 2014 VISION BOARD …I FINALLY FINISHED!!

It was less about the board itself but rather a test of my discipline. Completion of the board represented things goals, objectives, dreams and prayers for that which I want to do, will do. Admittedly it took a lot longer than I planned. If you follow me on Instagram @ bagladies, you know I fell ill the day before New Year's eve which is when I intended to start my vision board but I wasn't able to muster the energy to start my own so I instead helped my 9 yr. old (pictured at right), get started on hers. I actually didn't start mine until the following weekend. And it took about a week two weeks actually of doing little by little. I almost didn't do one at all feeling completely discouraged because I didn't start/complete per my original timeline. But I literally had to say to myself, "Who cares when you start or finish. Just do it!" I needed that closure more than I realized and I am pleased. I've even had friends drop by since who have taken notice and have asked me about certain pictures/references and what it means. I enjoy breaking down my vision for 2014. I feel like every time I lend a voice to the board, I'm speaking my goals into existence. I intend to check in from time to time to in an effort to hold myself accountable for what I want to accomplish this year. I pray to be able to look back on this initial post in a years time feeling a great sense of accomplishment and being completely humbled by blessings bestowed. My vision for 2014 in one word, "favor."

Have you ever done a vision board? In one word, describe your vision for 2014.
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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

(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!!

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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 @bagladies.

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:

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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 @bagladies.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM BagLadiesRadio.com!!

HOPE YOU HAVE A HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! MY KIDS ARE ALL "HALLOWEEN'ED" UP AS THEIR FAVE CHARACTERS. THEY MADE MY MORNING AS THEY TOTALLY EMBODIED THE CHARACTERS. MY DAUGHTER (AKA, MINI ME) ESPECIALLY. I USED PICMONKEY.COM TO ADD SOME FUN HALLOWEEN THEMED OVERLAYS AND A LIL' BIT OF "SPOOK."

ARE YOU DRESSING UP? IF SO, AS WHO OR WHAT?

-- Erin

All new fall 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 @bagladies.

Foodie Friday: Featuring A "Me-Approved" Foodie Quote

Julia Child

This week's Foodie Friday is in the form of an inspirational quote from the late Julia Child. What do you think of the "me-approved" quote? Have you ever seen the movie, Julie and Julia released by Sony Pictures in 2009 and starring Meryl Streep? It's very good. It's all about how Julia Child (remember her), made a name for herself as a chef/cook and a Blogger who spent like a year attempting all her recipes. The movie includes a hilarious Saturday Night Live sketch with Dan Akroyd mocking Julia Child's voice and tendencies. If you are my age (I ain't telling how old I am), you surely remember Julia Child shows from like PBS or some other network back in the day. She had a VERY distinct voice. I remember my Grandmother and babysitter used to watch her cooking show regularly.

Anyway, are you a foodie? And does this quote apply to you? It does me and on that note, Happy Foodie Friday!


Follow Foodie Friday via hashtag #ImAFoodie and on Pinterest.

-- Erin






All new fall 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 @bagladies.

#Blogalicious5 Sneak Peek at I'm In Love With A Church Girl Starring Adrienne Bailon

Based on the real-life story of Writer & Producer, Galley Molina, I'm in Love with a Church Girl is a faith-based romantic drama hitting theatres this Friday, October 18th and starring Adrienne Bailon and "Ja Rule" as we all know him but preferable to this film, Jeff Atkins. Had it not been for his image on display, I would not have recognized Ja by his gubment (aka government), name.

Day 3 of #Blogalicious5 kicked off with a very intimate morning Q&A with Adrienne Bailon who most of us know from 3LW and The Cheetah Girls. Also Rob Kardashian's girlfriend and most recently as part of The Real cast.

Adrienne was very candid almost testimonial in a sense about treading her way in the industry and her modest and humble background. But she was also very assured and confident about her efforts to distinguish herself from what we all know her as which is a member of two former girl groups. Thus her lead role in I'm in Love with a Church Girl which is Adrienne's most dramatic film role to date. She is clearly proud of her role in this film. She said "Ja Rule" also brought an unexpected element and the chemistry between the two of them is great and that he really executes the role well. She spoke to her faith and that being what attracted her most to the role.

Tweed, check! Booties, check! Hair, check!

Oh, lest I forget, Adrienne's hair was swoon-worthy "laid" and her tweed mini was too cute paired with hot black leather booties! Totally on trend for fall. Adrienne made a conscious effort to pose for pics on her own time with each and every person in attendance (myself included). I had to put on my paparazzi hat for a minute.

We dined while listening to Adrienne dish on the film and her album in progress. Adrienne also dropped a tidbit about The Real much to my dismay which doesn't appear as though it will be picked up. So surprising. Everyone I know is a fan. But you never know. Adrienne also dropped a bit of news regarding her nail polish line, Fingertip Fetish. I particularly love to dish fashion and beauty so I was hanging on every word regarding this luxury line. I can't wait to try it for myself and rock some #nailswag.

We dined. We dished. And got some goodies too. 

After all was said and done, the intimate dish was great and I got some goodies. The dish provided insight into the film which typically you aren't privy to when it comes to new releases. I'm in Love with a Church Girl hits theatres Friday and also stars notables Stephen Baldwin and Vincent Pastore who you may know from Sopranos.  I can't wait to see it. And this is one of my fave quotes of #Surrender from Adrienne's character, Vanessa Leon, "God doesn't care about what you've done in your past, or what you're in the middle of right now. He wants you to come as you are."
For more on the film, the novel and soundtrack visit, www.iminlovewithachurchgirl.com.

Don't you just love Adrienne Bailon? Are you planning to see the movie?

All new fall 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 @bagladies.

Wells Fargo Made Me Look Good at #Blogalicious5

#Blogalicious5 has now come and gone. I came. I saw. I went for the 3rd time and participating as Social Media partner lent an entirely different perspective to one of the largest annual social media events celebrating diversity in Blogging. Some of my fave moments were both connecting with old friends and making new ones. Blogalicious is non-stop learning and non-stop laughing. The event sponsors further enhance the Blogalicious weekend experience and just foster more opportunities for engagement. Not only did Blogalicious 2013 sponsor Wells Fargo hold one of the liveliest conference events, The Perfect Pitch Contest but they also afforded attendees free head shots. Yes, I said free! If you know anything about the cost of sittings, you know head shots are not cheap. For what was supposed to only be an hour although Photographer, Zach Porter stuck around for far longer, attendees could drop by and get their shot(s) for free!

Nothing can touch the work of my beloved Tiffany Josephs and our recent photo shoot of which I dished about here but to not have had a MUA on deck and no opportunity to touch up my makeup or pull together a more preferable look (call it the vain in me), the shots were great. Of the two, this one is my fave. Zach was great at identifying best angles and making you feel at ease. Thank you Wells Fargo for the take-a-way and for making me look good at #Blogalicious5.

I've tasked myself with catching up on all posts related to the 2013 Blogalicious Weekend experience so hold tight. I had to unplug for a sec upon returning home. But I've got much to share including this year's swag haul. I've barely touched my goodie bag.

All new fall 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 @bagladies.

THERE'S STILL TIME TO ENTER!! CONTESTS END SUNDAY, 10.6 AT 12A EST

Who wouldn't want to win an entire line of hair care products?! And even moreso from one of the most awesome brands, EDEN Body Works?! I'm totally smitten with their Peppermint Tea Tree Oil and Edge Control Glaze. And if that isn't enough, how about a gift card to Lulus.com? Hurry up and follow me on Instagram and check the images for entry rules. Good luck!!!

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

#BagLadiesLIVE at #Blogalicious5: MY DISH WITH EBONY MAGAZINE E-I-C, AMY DUBOIS-BARNETT

Me pictured with Amy Dubois-Barnett, Ebony Magazine Editor-In-Chief

Responsible for the complete overhaul of Ebony mag, Amy Dubois-Barnett set the tone for day 2 of Blogalicious 2013 by delivering a candid and honest opening keynote that was less a keynote and more a testimony! Although her fab shoes proved to be a bit distracting, those of us in attendance hung on every word as she shared branding and business insights but most engaging was the personal journey of her life thus far (the good and the bad), and that which she has gained. I was particularly struck by Amy's transparency and vulnerability. She joked while behind the mic even about her hair not being done for such an occasion as if anyone noticed. Her outfit was fierce in spite of and she looked gorgeous! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Amy Dubois-Barnett and dishing about an ever present challenge for those of us who work in social media in some capacity particularly Bloggers. Oh, and don't think I didn't ask Amy about her shoes. Press play to eavesdrop on the raw and uncut dish.  

Dishing with Amy Dubois-Barnett, Ebony Magazine Editor-In-Chief

xoxo to T Heyward of missprettyasapeacock.net for snapping pics of me in action!

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.  I've got some great give-a-ways on behalf of my sponsors EDEN Body Works (check out the site makeover), Lulu*s, FabKids and Flat Out of Heels. Contests end on Sunday, 10.6. You can still enter. Don't miss out!

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

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.

MY DAPPER LIL' MAN: A BLAZER IS A MUST-HAVE EVEN IN KIDS FASHION

What was previously my fave look may now have some competition. I love my dapper lil' man sporting this pinstripe blazer. I enjoyed pulling this look together and jazzing up his uniform. And I must say, this was part of this year's Easter suit. And if like most, often as Mommies we go all out for Easter yet the kids get minimal use out of the outfit. But the same as my daughter's have gotten more wear out of their blazers which accompanied their Easter ensemble, so has my son. This look didn't require much. The blazer was such a statement and further accessorized by the MadPax backpack (one of my son's faves), which added a bright pop of color. I just love this look on him and his facial expression although not the best, makes me smile. Get the full scoop on this pin at pinterest.com/bagladiesradio/style-me-back-to-school. Please be sure to like, follow and repin. #StyleMeBackToSchool continues ...

Follow @bagladies on Twitter and Instagram for #StyleMeBackToSchool looks and the styling behind-the-scenes.

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.

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!

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.

LAST NITE'S NEW YORK FASHION WEEK RECAP QUENCHED MY FASHION AND BEAUTY THIRST

Fashion and beauty, two fave topics of dish always satisfies ...Like a Snicker's! And who better to lend a voice than @CurlyGirlLexi, @LoveBrownSugar, @GlamazonsBlog and of course Bag Ladies own @StyleNBeautyDoc. These ladies embarked on a fabulous Style Blogger Crawl of New York Fashion Week better known as #NYFWCRAWL and sponsored by EDEN Body Works, Rent The Runway, Shea Moisture and Smirnoff. Envision attending exclusive shows, fabulous parties, having full backstage access and direct contact with some of the hottest designers in the biz. Well these ladies did and last nite we dished all about it.

Popular Women Internet Radio with Erin Martin on BlogTalkRadio

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.

CATCH UP ON #STYLEMEBACKTOSCHOOL

We've added a twist of preppy, "layered" it on thick and tapped into tho hottest fall trends in kids fashion so far this week. #StyleMeBackToSchool continues. Here are the latest pins:

These looks are too cute and no, it's not just because my lil' ones are the guinea pigs for this challenge. It's been a lot of fun exploring ways in which a uniform can be transformed to an on-trend look. Do you have any style tips of your own? Share them please and I will work them into looks not yet showcased.

Please follow the #StyleMeBackToSchool board at pinterest.com/bagladiesradio/style-me-back-to-school/ and like and repin to score a chance for your child to be featured.

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.

THE "ACCESSORIES" HAVE IT. TOP FALL FASHION TRENDS FOR BOYS

Accessories are the best way for your child to flex his her creative muscle. The top fall trends for boys are hot and that much more adorable to me cause I have a son to sport the trends. This #StyleMeBackToSchool look features some of my faves from thick rimmed glasses to plaid. For details on this look, follow #StyleMeBackToSchool on Pinterest. Be sure to like and re-pin so your child can rock the trends. #StyleMeBackToSchool runs all month long.

What are your fave fall trends in kids fashion?

Check out the full scoop on the #StyleMeBackToSchool kick off and be sure to follow my "Style Me Back To School" board on Pinterest so that you can repin and share. Fantastic give-a-ways soon to be announced and a way for your child to be featured!

Follow @bagladies on Twitter and Instagram and #StyleMeBackToSchool for looks and the styling behind-the-scenes.

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.

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.

IT'S WEEK 2 OF #STYLEMEBACKTOSCHOOL AND WE'RE "LAYERING" IT ON THICK ...

And displaying some of the hottest fall trends in kids fashion from moto jackets, hoodies and vests to floral hair clips, leggings and ankle boots. The same styles and trends that we swoon over can be easily translated to adorable age appropriate looks for your child. I love these featured FabKids.com pieces: Pyramid Stud Capri Leggings, Rocker Girl Vest (wish it came in my size), Mixed Stripe Hoodie, Stripe Play Legging

Be sure to follow #StyleMeBackToSchool at pinterest.com/bagladiesradio and get your pin on! Like and repin #StyleMeBackToSchool looks and recreate for your child adding his/her own touch. We aren't through yet. The challenge runs month long and our wheels are spinning with creative ideas to turn an otherwise stale school uniform into an on-trend look. Your child can be featured too!

Follow @bagladies on Twitter and Instagram and #StyleMeBackToSchool for looks and the styling behind-the-scenes.

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.

#StyleMeBackToSchool: Look 3!

Let's keep this going shall we! You don't always have to stick with traditional Back-To-School wear. Check the DIY tip.

Check out the full scoop on the #StyleMeBackToSchool kick off and be sure to follow my "Style Me Back To School" board on Pinterest so that you can repin and share. A new pin will be added each day. Fantastic give-a-ways soon to be announced and a way for your child to be featured!

Follow @bagladies on Twitter and Instagram and #StyleMeBackToSchool for looks and the styling behind-the-scenes.

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.