YOLANDA ADAMS TOOK ME TO CHURCH AT THE 2016 UBIQUITOUS HAIR AND BEAUTY EXPO!

I knew I would be guaranteed beauty, education and fun but when Yolanda Adams took to the stage at this past weekend's 2016 Ubiquitous Hair and Beauty Expo, I realized that was not all that was in store. 

#BEAUTYTALK: MY LATEST NAIL SWAG

My nail swag is as much a part of me as ...I don't know, it's just a part of me and when I'm past due such as what I was prior to a paying a recent visit to my Nail Stylist, I feel incomplete. So this is the latest in what my Nail Stylist, Mikal Brannum refers to as the "flower power" series seeing as how I've been stuck on designs that incorporate flowers as of late. The pic above is the "before." Watch the "after" for yourself. (If unable to view the player window, click HERE.)

How often do you get your nails done? Do you feel incomplete like me when past due?

Follow Mikal Weathers on Instagram and Twitter @belovednails365. 

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NEVER TOO MUCH! AND IN THE LATEST #NAILSWAG NEWS ...

You never know how much "swagged" out nails can be pleasing to you until you have someone who keeps your nail swag on 100! There's nothing like having the assurance whether it be sitting in the chair of your hairstylist, barber or fashion stylist, that he/she will

IT'S THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING AND I GOT #NAILSWAG FEVER!

Today's the day, the 1st day of spring! Although you wouldn't know it by what Mother Nature is serving up today in my neck of the woods. But it's here! Most of us suffered a brutal winter so if you are like me, you can't wait for warmer temps, blue skies and open toe shoes. Oh and some fresh nail swag!

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.

ONE SWIPE AND RIGHT OFF WITH @ASKELF!

I suffered a MAC (Book) attack, had a couple mishaps but work continues. Although I stood down for the last couple of weeks on posting anything, the Blogging continues. So ...If you are like me, you hardly ever do your nails yourself. Well, at one time that applied but my beloved Nail Stylist, Mikal Weathers decided to go off and have a bundle of blessings with the Hubby and then went on maternity leave. The nerve of her. So I'm left to my own devices. And I've found, the same as I am hesitant about letting just anyone tame my mane aka, my hair, the same applies to my nails. Now pedi's, I'm not as discriminating but my hands are a different story. 

I've done my own nails now a couple of times for the first time in like ...FOREVA! The primary reasons why I don't is one, Mikal is just so dang good at what she does, I've posted about her work before here and the pic above is her work. But two, who has time for dat, doing their own nails?! I find if I have tools to make it quick and easy like a dry fast top coat and this right here, elf Nail Polish Remover Pads, I'm more likely to take on the challenge of doing my own nails. I was a bit skeptical about this product at first upon scooping them from my local Target, the infamous shopping destination that always reels me in resulting in my leaving with twice as many items as I intended to buy. I love the small packaging and the citrus scent caught my attention as well. And I figured 2 bucks for 24 pads, not a bad deal. So after walking around last week with busted and disgusted nails for too many days (I hope you didn't see me), I had an opportunity to give these pads a go. 

PRESS PLAY ...AND SEE THE "TAKE-OFF" FOR YOURSELF

I particularly loved that I didn't have to use all 24 pads. But for the cost, they were pretty effective and considering that this nail job was two coats, I was impressed. The citrus scent it nice and less that standard toxic polish remover smell. And like how some polishes leave a very dry finish, these pads actually leave your nails very hydrated if that makes sense so you don't get that dry, ashy nail bed finish. But I found these to be great to toss in your bag so if in a pinch you need to take polish off because of a chip. And the pads are great as a corrector. You know how sometimes you just need to swipe alongside your cuticle to get that lil' bit of polish that ran over, these are great for that too.

2 bucks, toss em' and go. One swipe and right off!

HOW OFTEN DO YOU DO YOUR OWN NAILS? WHAT ARE YOUR FAVE NAIL TOOLS/PRODUCTS?

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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

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WHAT I "TOOK" AWAY FROM BABY BASH & BLING AND WHAT I'M "GIVING" AWAY TO YOU!!

 This weekend marked the return of the Baby Bash and Bling Expo and Show to Washington, DC, an experience that embraces glam and Mommyhood. The event targets not just new and expectant Mommies but I dare not say veteran Mommies rather Mommies such as myself who have been in the game for longer than a minute (pauses to wipe brow).

JOIN ME FOR #CURLSFORACAUSE GOOGLE+ HANGOUT AND RAISE AWARENESS ...

In recognition of October being Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence awareness month, Jonna Scott-Blakes of naturally-glam.com, is raising funds. Jonna's 4th annual #CurlsForACause event is happening October 18th and I'm participating! Mark your calendar now and join me and other speakers as we dish on everything from empowerment and brand/business building to fashion and beauty during a virtual telethon on Google +.

We are donating our time so that you might be encouraged to donate yours along with funds of which are going to two designated charities, Beyond Boobs and Transitions Family Violence Services. And not only is this a perfect opportunity to gain increased awareness but

5 REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO GET YOUR TIX DC FOR FRIDAY'S #HOTMOMMAHAUTE

We're in the home stretch and counting down to Friday's #HotMommaHaute, a girls night out just for you and your best buds (the more the merrier), to mingle with other fashion lovers, fashionistas, style enthusiasts and beauty connoisseurs in the metro area.

#BEAUTYTALK: LAST NITE AN EBAY SELLER SAVED MY LIFE ...

There is no greater pain than that of having a fave beauty product discontinued. 

I was turned onto Victoria's Secret (VS) Tinted Moisturizer a couple of years ago when they sent me product for a review. The moisturizer is light but provides great coverage and is very moisture rich. I found the product to just be great

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

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

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

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

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

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:

#BEAUTYTALK: I'M FEATURED BY @LOVECOCOTIQUE FOR THEIR ULTIMATE BEAUTY ARSENAL SERIES

So there's no denying that I'm a beauty junkie. I was reminded of just how much I am upon being selected by Cocotique to be featured for their Ultimate Beauty Arsenal Series. Cocotique, founded by Dana Hill is a deluxe beauty box subscription service specific to women of color which is great because while there are a lot of "beauty boxes", Cocotique is a particular fave because it meets my needs. Every month subscribers receive a box of lifestyle and beauty goodies curated just for them. And get this? You don't even have to leave the house. Your box of goodies arrives on your doorstep every month. How awesome is that? You get a monthly surprise delivered direct to you. There are various subscription options one of which allows you to cancel at anytime. 
Click here to learn how Cocotique works and how to subscribe.

I was flattered to have been both asked and featured in the Ultimate Beauty Arsenal Series amongst some fab ladies. As I was responding to questions about my beauty habits, fave beauty products and more, it reaffirmed how much I love product and using product and reviewing product and of course, shopping product.

Click here for my full feature. And you be the voice of reason please. Do you think I'm a beauty junkie? Are you an admitted junkie also? Ha! You didn't think I was gonna ask that huh? Thank you for reading. Oh, and the first step is acknowledgment. 

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#BAGLADIESLIVE WEEKEND: THE 2ND TIME AROUND WAS EVEN BETTER; NATURALISTA HAIR SHOW 2014 #IAmN

I had the pleasure of dishing yet again about that which I've learned thus far along my journey as both a Blogger and Producer/Host of BagLadiesRadio.com. The social media landscape is ever-expanding and talking about it is something I love to do. Even moreso when you have an event that provides a great platform and other fabulous Bloggers and Vloggers to accompany you. Thus this year's 2nd edition Naturalista Hair Show. Upon being asked to participate, I was all in. Last year was great. Not only did I get to dish but I also had the pleasure of putting faces with the names of Bloggers that I admire and had connected with via social media but had never actually met. And I swooned over natural hair styles. And got my shop on too. This year was no different. The "Beauty and The Blog" panel featured myself and Yolanda Renee of etcblogmag.com, Jonna Scott-Blakes of naturally-glam.com and Anissa LiMara of ilovealimara.net. And was moderated by Christine Louis of root2curl.com. I had the pleasure of speaking alongside Yolanda and Jonna before (click here), and we picked up right where we left off. 

Pictured with Jonna and Annisa after our panel

My view from the stage

Pictured with one of the attendees

After panel antics with Diana Ramsey of sisterswithbeauty.com. She made me do it!

The questions were great. And there is nothing more humbling than sitting a'front an audience who is engaged and hanging on every word that you have to say. I was flattered to have been asked some awesome questions and even more flattered after the event by the many compliments regarding both what I said and what I wore. Hold fast for details. And that's not even all. The hair!!!!! The lovely ladies in attendance rocking eau natural were just gorgeous. This year's Naturalista Hair Show included not only panels but hands on workshops so that you could actually try your hand at different natural styles. There was also a marketplace of fab vendors. I paid a visit to a dear friend, Terry Williams, owner of Shea Butter Like Whoa. And there was also a pop-up salon of which my own stylist participated. And guess what ? For the second year in a row, my stylist Salih Watts, Owner and Master Loctician of LocLov.com won the award for "Best Loctician in the DMV!!!"

My Stylist, Salih Watts pictured with his lovely models Kim and Stacey after being awarded

I had to cop some butta 

Me and the fabulous "Lady Kim" wrap maxi I had the pleasure of rocking 

I have to extend a special thanks to Hannah Monet. The lovely ladies behind this online boutique extended me an invitation to showcase one of their fabulous pieces, a wrap maxi named "Lady Kim" and the response was awesome. Per an IG post, it is effortless, comfortable, chic and sexy and was the perfect choice because I had an earlier commitment and literally did a 10 second quick change and makeup touch up before making my way to the event and didn't miss a beat in this gorgeous frock. I can't wait to share more about Hannah Monet. Be sure to follow them on IG @shophannahmonet and visit the online boutique at hannahmonet.com.

My VIP Swag Box

Founder of The Naturalista Hair Show and Owner of N Natural Hair Studio, Angela Walker outdid herself by not only adding more elements including a fashion show but this year's event was extended to two days! As good as 2014 was, I can only imagine what has yet to come for next year's 2015 edition. How will she add to the "epicness?" I can't wait. Can you?

What natural hair events have you attended?

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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

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MY LATEST @KLOUT PERK HAS ME GOING @COMPLETELYBARE ...WELL MAYBE

Having online influence has it's perks. A testament to that is my latest swag sent compliments of Klout featuring Completely Bare. A lineup of at-home hair removal products which includes Don't Grow There Body Moisturizer and Hair "Inhibitor", Wax Strips for face, bikini and body, Not Feeling It Spray for before and after and Bikini Bump Blaster. Now normally I turn to a professional for all my hair removal needs particularly for waxing. I have a resident Esthetician who is amazing. I've not ever done an at-home wax treatment but I'm willing to be a guinea pig for the sake of seeing how effective Completely Bare products are. If you've ever been waxed, you know it's not the most comfy so if you here a lone, random "OUCH", it's probably me.

Stay tuned for the "after."

Completely Bare is a spa founded by Hair Removal Expert, Cindy Barshop. Klout.com measures and builds online influence.

Do you wax? If so, have you ever used an at home treatment?

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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

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#BEAUTYTALK: MY LATEST HAUL featuring @BOBBIBROWN AND @JOMALONELONDON

Being a self-professed beauty junkie in addition to a shopaholic means any time spent in a department store, money will be spent in a department store. I recently had the pleasure of hanging at one of my fave shopping destinations, Neiman Marcus in celebration of a friend's birthday. Read the full details here. So it goes without saying that I didn't leave empty handed. Between the freebies and swag and that which I decided to pick up for myself, I left with a pretty significant haul. Upon trying out Jo Malone London scents and picking and choosing amongst some Bobbi Brown faves, I left with:

Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick - Bobbi Brown offers a wide range of shades for darker complexions but I just loved the natural looking coverage this foundation provides. I don't wear foundation on a daily but when I do, I want something seamless. It blends easily and I can apply with my fingertips. The Bobbi Brown ambassador suggested the walnut color to be a great match to my cinnamon complexion.

Bobbi Brown Art Stick - I couldn't refuse the Electric Pink and what I love about this stick is that it's like a liner and lip color all in one and it comes with a sharpener.

I had to try em' before I buy em'

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner - I am still on a mission to master a fab cat eye and I love the fact that this offers the staying power and application of gel but in a pencil. And the plus is that it has a built in sharpener so you can make the head of the eyeliner as small as you like. And a tip that had most of us in attendance oohing and aahing was starting at the outer corner of the eye instead of the inner corner. Aha ...

Bobbi Brown Blush - This was interesting because I was ready to select a much brighter and much more pink color until I applied Slopes 17 only to realize that it was much more flattering to my complexion. Had I bought the other color, it would've surely been a do-over.

Jo Malone - Silk Blossom Cologne which is an irresistible limited edition scent. I'm a total smell goods fiend. And I go goo goo gah gah over everything from candles to perfumes and more. One spritz of this scent and I was a gonner. But the packaging is so adorable, I don't even want to open the box. It's a must-have.

Oh and did I mention the freebies which included everything from Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin Cologne and Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream to a Jo Malone Makeup Bag and Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara. And the complimentary 10-Step Beauty Guide which provides tidbits on how to apply everything from concealer to lipstick, is a must-have. It's more than you might get in an at-cost tutorial. I'll be sure to keep it handy.

Quite a haul huh? If you could select any of these items, which ones would you haul away? Fun times ...I'll see you in my mirror playing "beat the face."

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#BAGLADIESLIVE WEEKEND: ESCAPE TO SIMPLICITY WITH FORD & #BEAUTYTALK AT NEIMAN MARCUS ....

Streaming via USB

MyFord Touch Navigation

I've taken on some new projects so the last couple of weeks have been jam packed. I had to stand down for a sec on publishing posts but I'm picking up right where I left off with the latest edition of #BagLadiesLIVE Weekend which included putting #HeelsToTheWheels and escaping to simplicity with Ford. My latest curbside delivery is the 2014 Escape SE. You know the statement, "keep it simple stupid"? Well Ford does that very well when it comes to the functionality and technology of the Ford Escape. As much as I love luxury (parting recently with the Audi SQ5 and Volvo V60 was such sweet sorrow), automotive brands tend to tow the line between either not enough bells and whistles or so many bells and whistles, learning all the functionality of a vehicle can be overwhelming. Ford does a good job of finding a happy medium with the Escape SE. It is extremely user friendly witH MyFord touch screen and MyFord voice activated communications and entertainment system. As busy as I've been as of late, the 2014 Ford Escape SE has literally become my mobile office. I can make and take calls totally handsfree and without missing a beat. I can connect my iPhone via the USB and stream ... And the metallic blue is easy on the eyes. Stay tuned for the full review ...In the meantime, follow my #heelstothewheels chronicles on Instagram @bagladies.

So ya'll know I'm an admitted beauty junkie. "Beauty Talk" is still my most popular recurring on-air segment. And did you know although I'm not live on air, all previously aired Bag Ladies episodes including "Beauty Talk" episodes can be accessed via iTunes as as free podcast? Just search Bag Ladies Radio. But moving on ...What happens when a bunch of dolls descend on Neiman Marcus to be catered to by renowned beauty brand ambassadors in celebration of one's birth? A fab affair! The set-up was gorgeous and myself and the rest of the attendees were treated to some great dish on the latest trends in colors, techniques and products by Bobbi Brown and Jo Malone. Friend and Blogger, Yvonne Pearson was the "hostess with the mostess" as we kicked off her birthday celebration. And how much more fabulous can an affair be when hosted against the backdrop that is Neiman Marcus.

Neiman Marcus Pulled Out All The Stops ...

I'm a candle fiend and this scent had me at hello. It enveloped our table.

Which color should I choose? I love getting touchy feely with product. 

I mean c'mon ...I'm in Neiman Marcus. Of course I spied a Chanel bag that I was swooning over. The shopaholic in me wanted to come out.

Where there's a mirror, there's a selfie ...This dress which I got so many questions about, was a 12.99 Marshalls score purchased a year ago and never worn. My shoes, JustFab.

We had a blast!

My two fave takeaways, Jo Malone Lime, Basil and Mandarin Cologne and Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Electric Pink. And that's not even all the goodies!!

How was your weekend?

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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

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