#HeelsToTheWheels: Kia Ride & Drive at #Blogalicious5

Did you know? I'm a bit of an automotive enthusiast. And you better not be thinking, "but you're just a girl." I had a monthly automotive column in the print edition of Sister2Sister for 3 + years. I loved and still love putting my "heels to the wheels" of new cars. I'm not a grease monkey by any stretch but I do love keeping in the know about what automotive brands are doing. How brands are incorporating technology and making vehicles more functional and amongst Bag Ladies Radio listeners, the style of a vehicle is big topic of dish. You know, the aesthetics. The same as I want my heels to make me look good, I want my vehicle to do so also. 

One of the most popular events held during #Blogalicious5 was Kia's Ride and Drive. Kia was this year's Blogalicious 2013 Title Sponsor. And for the entirety of the 3-day Blogalicious weekend, Kia made three of their models available. Attendees could literally take their pick and cruise the streets of downtown ATL accompanied by a Kia Motors rep who offered tidbits about the functionality and pointed out key features.

I put #HeelsToTheWheels of the 2014 Kia Sorento. I literally had to ditch my responsibilities as this year's Blogalicious 2013 Social Media Partner for just a bit ...Shhhh. A 2013 Top Safety Pick, the Kia Sorento is extremely spacious with third row seating yet from the exterior, amazingly compact. It definitely has a distinct look and feel that dispels the notion you might otherwise have of Kia. As I navigated the streets of downtown Atlanta with my assigned Kia rep and my backseat driver and friend Dorothy Redmond (an auto enthusiast also), the ride was smooth. The features, fuel economy and size make the 2014 Kia Sorento a world-class crossover.

I particularly loved the Panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade which allowed me to open and close with the push of a button. It was a gorgeous day (see the blue sky and the view was gorgeous. The audio system had me at the first jazz tune. I hadn't gotten my fix while at Blogalicious so to relax to the sounds of some good jazz was heaven for me and come to find out, the accompanying Kia rep was a jazz fiend also and we had good dish regarding some of our fave artists. The Bluetooth, Back-Up Warning System and Push-button start were just a few of the other features which caught my eye. I am always on the go and never not busy so a vehicle which allows me to stay mobile yet not miss a beat and look good too, always lends appeal. And even better at a preferable price point. The 2014 Kia Sorento starts at $24,100.00

I won't name names. But I wasn't the only attendee swooning over Kia

Kia got much love as you can see upon closing out the 2013 Blogalicious weekend with a cocktail reception. I wasn't the only one swooning over their 2014 lineup.

What do you think of Kia? Which Kia vehicle do you like most? Could you see yourself putting #HeelsToTheWheels in the Sorento?

P.S. - Thanks to Kia for the goodie bags. Upon Social Media Manager, Marissa Lorenzo's insistence, I grabbed three bags for my kids. They most love the stuffed animal and the pen/stylus.

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.

1st Day Down: #Blogalicious5 VIP Breakfast and Registration Activities

One day down. We've barely begun. But the party has already started. The 5 year anniversary kicked off with a bang and we still have two days left. We're going strong! Check out some of the footage captured. See anyone you know?

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram. And follow the dish at #BagLadiesLIVE & #Blogalicious5. I've got some great give-a-ways on behalf of my sponsors. 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.

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.

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS TONITE'S MCDONALD'S TWITTER PARTY!

In celebration of the 10th annual McDonald's 365Black Awards, airing tonite, Sunday, 8.25 at 11p EST on BET and hosted by Taraji P. Henson, Blogalicious is hosting a pre-awards twitter party to dish about the 365Black initiative and this year's awardees. The chat begins one hour before the actual awards show tonite at 10p EST and features Kym Whitley who is the gold carpet correspondent. Kim will surely give the scoop on the awards all-star lineup which includes Yolanda Adams, Angie Stone and LeToya Luckett ...Just to name a few.
You must RSVP to be eligible for all that will be given away to Twitter participants which could be you! I'll tell you what I know about the prizes which includes 6 $50 McDonald's Arch cards. What else, you ask? RSVP, join the party and win! And then tune into the awards. Click here to RSVP.

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Follow on Twitter and Instagram @bagladies. Visit www.bagladiesradio.com for show details, OnDemand and iTunes. 

MCDONALD'S IS BRINGING THE PAR-TAY ...AGAIN TO BLOGALICIOUS 2013!

McDonald's is on board as a sponsor yet again. I've lost count of how many times McDonald's has been a part of the Blogalicious experience. I've attended Blogalicious twice previously and each time, McDonald's brings the par-tay!! Safe to say, "third times a charm."

You and I both can get the scoop on just how much of a presence McDonald's will have at Sunday's Twitter party hosted by both Blogalicious and McDonald's in recognition of BET's 365 Black Awards. I will share more details as they become available but mark your calendars for Sunday's (8.25), Twitter party at 11p EST (it's a late one). There will be 6 $50 McDonald's Arch cards given away to participants. Could be you!!!

And in other Blogalicious news ...
Room blocks are filling fast! If you haven't yet scored your space in the tower (entirely our own; we have our own tower), click here. And the exclusive Blogalicious ticket offer for Bag Ladies Radio followers, fans and listeners still stands. 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 the dish you missed by going to www.bagladiesradio.com/listen. Scroll down to OnDemand and press play.

NOW I WANNA WRITE AN E-BOOK + PERFECT MY ELEVATOR PITCH. THE LATEST BLOGALICIOUS 2013 NEWS!

The call has been issued. It's back for round 2 by popular demand!! It's the Blogalicious Social Media Guide! First launched in 2010. Here's your chance to be a part of Volume II. Are you a Blogging expert or do you consider yourself such? Check! Are you adept in social media? Check! Are you always dropping words of wisdom aka "Golden Nuggets?" Check! Heed the call and become an Author in your own right. Whatcha waiting for? I'm not. Click here for submission and deadline requirements.

I had the pleasure of meeting Harriette Cole at last year's #Blogalicious12. Best-selling Author, Writer and Editor, Harriette Cole delivered the closing keynote. Well she just couldn't stay away of course. Harriette Cole is back this year with a VIP only event focusing on how to effectively communicate your brand or better put, "How to Master your Elevator Pitch." Have you ever been somewhere or with someone yet you can't find the words to say what you do in a presentable way or in a manner that sparks interest? Harriette will tell you how. Soon to be shared, RSVP details. Note: space is limited.

And if that's not all ...

Sharelle D. Lowery is this year's Mistress of Ceremonies. I look forward to reconnecting with Sharelle again this year.

Rooms are going fast! If you haven't already booked, click here. And don't forget our exclusive discounted ticket offer just for Bag Ladies Radio listeners, followers and fans: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5652380422/blogaFIVEbags/3526088039
Enter promo code BLRfriend (case sensitive)

Announcements regarding the latest and greatest additions to Blogalicious 2013 continue to pour in. As the "official media partner" to this year's Blogalicious 2013, stay on top of wassup by visiting www.BagLadiesRadio.com and clicking Blog. All you need do is search Blogalicious for the latest happenings.

Tomorrow's #BagLadiesLIVE

Visit www.BagLadiesRadio.com and click Listen for the scoop on tomorrow's show and the guest lineup. We are dishing on the Back-To-School frenzy.

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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.

The Blogalicious 2013 Schedule is Up!

For those of us who have previously attended Blogalicious, we wait on "pins and needles" for the weekend schedule and to see just how Blogalicious will out-do themselves from the previous year. This year's 2013 line up is sick! And includes an outline of events and activities from the first Blogalicious Pop-Up Shop (heard first on Bag Ladies Radio), to a #Scandalicious watch party and of course, a plethora of workshops and panels led by awesome speakers supporting this year's Blogalicious 2013 theme, "Create, Build, Fund."

And to think there is still more to come!! It's a work in progress literally. Take a peek for yourselves: http://blogaliciousfive.sched.org

As the "official media partner", myself and cast will be there. So what are you waiting for?! Don't forget our exclusive Bag Ladies Radio ticket offer at: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5652380422/blogaFIVEbags/3526088039
Enter promo code BLRfriend (case sensitive)

Be sure to check back here often for the latest and greatest news. Search Blogalicious.

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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.

I'm Craving Some Beauty Talk ...

#BagLadiesLIVE is going down tonite. Myself and cast have alot of catching up to do ...From what went down in the Chi-Town for #BlogHer13 to what's to come in the ATL for #Blogalicious5.

And we got a hunger, a thirst, a craving for some Beauty Talk. One of our fave topics of dish. We are kicking it with our girl Erin Bailey of www.ScandalousBeautyOnline.com, named one of the "Top Black Beauty Bloggers" by Essence.

Tune in live online, 7:30p EST @ bagladiesradio.com/listen or dial in and eavesdrop at 347.327.9510, opt. 2

Follow live commentary on Twitter @bagladies and to ask a question or share a comment for an on-air shout, tweet @bagladies and attach #BagLadiesLIVE

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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.

Heard 1st on Bag Ladies Radio: Exclusive Scoop and Discounted Tix on BlogaliciousFIVE.

I got some exclusive "dish" this morning on this year's 2013 Blogalicious, going down in the ATL in October. This year marks the 5-year anniversary and it's gonna be a celebration in every sense of the word. Bag Ladies Radio is the official media partner. Click for Friday's announcement: http://mybagladies.blogspot.com/2013/07/bag-ladies-radio-is-official-social.html 

My guest and Blogalicious Curator Stacey Ferguson provided me an exclusive sneak peek regarding the first ever Blogalicious Pop-up Shop meaning it has not been heard anywhere else and has only been heard on Bag Ladies Radio. 

And Stacey graciously extended a discounted tix offer to you, Bag Ladies Radio listeners, followers and fans. You must visit the following link and then enter promo code BLRfriend (case sensitive) in order to receive your 20% discount to Blogalicious 2013: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5652380422/blogaFIVEbags/3526088039

If you missed this morning's Power Hour and all the exclusive dish regarding Blogalicious 2013, the newest addition to the Bag Ladies Radio lineup, featuring Stacey Ferguson, press play to listen OnDemand:

Listen to internet radio with Erin Martin on BlogTalkRadio

And there is still time to get your submissions in for the BlogHerLicious Vlog Festival per a collabo between BlogHer and Blogalicious: http://beblogalicious.com/2013/07/special-sponsor-event-announcement-the-blogherlicious-vlog-festival-at-blogaliciousfive/

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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.

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.

FAVE #Blogalicious12 Take-A-Ways!

So there likely isn't much more that I can offer about the magnificence that was #Blogalicious12, that hasn't already been spoken, written, "tweeted", posted, captured, etc. ...

I had the pleasure of attending #Blogalicious11 and I knew immediately that Blogalicious is a must-attend annual event and #Blogalicious12 did nothing but reaffirm and leave me with tons of motivation, a plethora of new friends, great contacts (still in the midst of following up), nothing left to tweet ;-), unfathomable exhaustion (sooooooo worth it), and loads of "sin city" tales. And before you even go there, please don't ask. "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

The experience that was #Blogalicious12 is hardly one that I could or would keep to myself so to kick-off my #Blogalicious12 Recap Series, which will include fave moments, fave quotes, fave speakers/presentations, fave food, fave drinks, fave parties ...Oh hell, everything about #Blogalicious12 is a fave. Anyway, below are my ...fave take-a-ways ;-):

Gracious! I had to hit the Red Rock Biz Center to ship all the #Blogalicious12 swag (freebies)!!!!! It was cost-effective and arrived most expeditiously. The cost would've been more had I bought another suitcase (to stuff with swag) and checked it. Lawd knows, there was no room in my already two overstuffed bags.

There were many failed attempts to get ALLLLL the swag in one shot. FINALLY ... 

1. I've actually always wanted to try Crest Whitestrips and with Proctor & Gamble (P&G), having been a sponsor of #Blogalicious12, I can now give them a try on P&G's dime ;-). Hopefully they will yield the promised intensive professional effects. (A before/after will be posted)

2. The temps are literally dropping as I type and winter is soon to be upon us. In my household, moisturizer is in much higher demand during the colder months (we don't do ashy ;-), so thank you Eucerin.

3. Every woman knows you can never have enough tee shirts to pow around in and if you are a blogger, you absolutely understand being up in the wee hours trying to curb writer's block and comfort being an absolute MUST so thank you Gain for the tee(s). I sooooo wish I'd grabbed those bottles of detergent offered.

4. My lil ones snatch my lip balm whenever I turn my back (like thieves in the night), so although one might not think, the Coors chap stick is truly cherished.

5. McDonald's not only had a great set-up as one of the sponsors. And not only threw a fabulous poolside party but they also provided nourishment throughout the conference. I'm hooked on the Strawberry Parfait. But McDonald's also had great goodies! I've been using my laptop feet everyday since returning from Vegas.  I let my son take the black pouch with that infamous McDonald's "M" that he knows and loves.

6. Nail polish given to all attendees as per the "trip to da strip" hosted by Tao and Lavo. I mean what can you say, it's nail polish. Always good. #nailswagbl #BeautyTalk

7. Being the "Bag Lady" that I am, I love bags ...Of all kinds so the #RossDressForLess bag is all good. Check me in another week. I likely won't be able to see the bottom.

8. The card holder in the @RealityFashion swag bag is too cute. The glitter/sequin accent gives it just the right hint of Vegas bling. All the better to hold  my FAB new moo biz cards.

9. Hanes socks/footies. Great!! Once I lotion down with my Professional Repair Eucerin, on goes a pair of Hanes socks. Ahhhhh ...

You may have noticed a few items not contained in the swag bag given to all attendees. A true "shopaholic" (which I've long since proclaimed), always makes time to shop and thus I did. The hot pink leather bracelet, leopard print scarf,  and earrings were on my dime but are nonetheless fave take-a-ways ;-). 

The gold dangling earrings dipped in neon green are too cute!! The pic doesn't do them justice. I got these in the airport no less while awaiting departure. I'm a total earring fiend. I was so flattered by @TheManeSource's compliments of my earring choices during the conference. 

And there you have it. What were some of your fave take-a-ways and how are you either using or planning to put to good use?? #Blogalicious12 Recap Series continues ...

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Lady Erin

@bagladies