COME WITH ME TO @YOUTUBE CREATOR DAY #YOUTUBEDC

What do you get when you bring together Bloggers, Vloggers and other social media mavens, experts and guru's, in a collective space aka Google office, to discuss what is safe to say, the most popular and widely known free video sharing platform?? YouTube Creator Day!!

I GOT $5 ON IT! GET YOUR DISCOUNTED TIX TO @REDSPRINKLE'S 3RD ANNUAL POP-UP ON ME!

Who doesn't love all things beauty? Dishing on beauty, getting touchy feely with beauty products, swooning over colors and techniques like applying lashes and how to master a fab cat-eye. Well you can expect all that and more at Red Sprinkle's 3rd annual Pop-Up (#pop3) Beauty Lounge.

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

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:

"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.

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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

#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!

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Follow me on IG/Twitter and Vine @bagladies.

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Click to Subscribe to #BagLadiesLIVE newsletter and don't miss all that's happening in 2014!

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

#BLOGGERWEEK™ 2014 KICKS OFF IN DC THIS WEEK!!!!

I'm a contributing Media Partner to this years Blogger Week™ 2014 which is a multicultural festival hosted by Black Bloggers Connect. Blogger/Blogging conferences are great platforms to network and whether you are just starting a blog or exploring the social media landscape or a "veteran", there is always lots to be gained from events such as this. Join myself and other Bloggers, Journalists and Social Media Mavens April 28th - May 3rd. Blogger Week™ features four days of online festivities and two days of in-person events including: Twitter parties, Google Hangouts, workshops, panels, and networking events. Register at http://BloggerWeek.com.

Blogger Week™ in-person events will be hosted in Washington, DC and surrounding areas.The Blogger Week™ Networking Mixer is May 2nd and the Blogger Week™ UnConference is May 3rd. The Blogger Week UnConference will feature hot-topic discussions and breakout sessions to promote innovation, creativity and success for bloggers and social media mavens. Follow all activity via the hashtag #BloggerWeek.

Have you ever attended a Blogger/Blogging Conference?

Follow me on IG/Twitter and Vine @bagladies.

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Click to Subscribe to #BagLadiesLIVE newsletter and don't miss all that's happening in 2014!

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

WELL WILL YOU? PLEASE CHECK ONE.

IF YOU CAN:

Draft/edit content

Manage social media accounts

Provide support as needed 

Must be flexible, familiar with social media tools, have Internet and be able to work remotely (you don't have to be based in DC). 

I am looking for a creative team player(s) who is organized and shows initiative. Oh, and you gotta like to have fun cause "this" is exciting. If you or someone you know is interested, please share and/or please email info@bagladiesradio.com. Subject: Intern Post

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Click to Subscribe to #BagLadiesLIVE newsletter and don't miss all that's happening in 2014!

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

#TBT: HOLIDAY EDITION #KMARTTHENNOW

Today kicks off what will be an on-going #TBT series. I and Kmart are taking you on a stroll down memory lane. Wanna go?? I and some Blogger buds are pulling out the old albums, treasure chests and memory boxes and digging for old Holiday pictures. You know the ones in which you and me too were sporting trends (sometimes against our will; Mommy made me), that were not only hot then but also now. You know that every style/trend comes full circle ...

I hit my Mommy up during Thanksgiving and not only was I totally oohing and aahing over never before seen pics of her, my Dad and my Stepdad but also adorable pictures of my Brothers and I. For this edition of #TBT: #KmartThenNow, I chose to show myself in my first ever Holiday pic at barely 3 months old. And get this, the pic per my Mom was actually taken at Kmart back in the day. Upon hitting Kmart.com, I found a similar fit (what is that velvet?!), in a matching color scheme that would be adorable on either of my girls ages 7 and 9. I haven't yet decided which one of them will score.

Left: Me all decked out in Holiday wear. Note the red velvet bottoms / Right: Girl's Velvet Holiday Dress

Can you tell which pic is from then and which is current? I jest. Now the challenge! I and Kmart want you to share your then and now pics too. Find an old Holiday pic of yourself and either post a side by side look of your little one wearing a similar look (most applicable to Mommies) or find a similar look either in store at Kmart or on Kmart.com and share, share, share! Until I say stop! For a chance to win a Kmart gift card just in time for the Holidays. Who couldn't use a few extra dollars this season? So get to digging up those old flicks and get to sharing across all platforms. You can tag me on Twitter and Instagram @bagladies. But whatever you do and to score that giftcard, be sure to attach the hashtag #KmartThenNow.

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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.

#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.

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.

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.

A 20% Discount to Blogalicious 2013? It's a Bag Ladies Radio Exclusive ...

I am siked to be able to extend to all my Bag Ladies Radio listeners, followers and fans a discount to this year's Blogalicious 2013. If you missed the shout-out by Blogalicious Curator, Stacey Ferguson on last week's Power Hour, visit www.bagladiesradio.com and click Listen to catch up OnDemand/iTunes.

Onto the good stuff!! To redeem your not 5, not 10 but 20% ticket discount to Blogalicious 2013 going down in the ATL from October 3rd - October 5th, you must visit this Bag Ladies Radio official link:
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5652380422/blogaFIVEbags/3526088039
Once there, enter promo code: BLRfriend (please note: the code is case sensitive)


Blogalicious is one of the largest annual social media events celebrating diversity in blogging. Bag Ladies Radio is this year's official media partner. But look to the left. That's moi in the hat. This is a pic shot from last year's #Blogalicious12 in Vegas. Obviously my sharing totally takes away the premise of "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." But my point is that as much as Blogalicious is a worthwhile investment in your brand/your biz, it's a straight up PAR-TAY too! Don't say I didn't tell ya!

Please be sure to leave a comment and let me know if you're coming. Myself and the #BagLadiesLIVE cast will 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.

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.

ANY EXCUSE FOR A #MOMSNITEOUT IS A GOOD EXCUSE!

I in the stripes and Ericka and Kacey from poshmumsy.com and Yvonne and her pet "Tory" from pinkdollhouse.org 

Why not? A lil' leg for a nite out.

A Mommy of three myself, any excuse for a nite out is a good one. I was turned onto National Mom's Nite Out by blogger bud Keri Henderson, Editor of
adivastateofmind.com.

#MomsNiteOut is basically a celebration of "Mommyhood" with national events across the country. The kids were with their Dad so why not? Yesterday's event held at The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City and hosted by the DC based event planning firm, District Fete had a hefty social media presence and included a fashion show, makeovers, store savings, and swag free goodies. I reconnected with a couple blogger buds and met some new buds of whom I had previously connected with via Instagram but hadn't had the pleasure of meeting until yesterday.

Being as though the event took place at one of my fave local shopping destinations, I certainly didn't leave empty handed. But this post is not meant to be another "shopping confessions" so I will keep the goods to myself. Your best chance of sneaking a peek, is following me on Instagram @ bagladies.

For more on #MomsNiteOut, visit momsniteout.com.
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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.