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(This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.)

 As much as I don't want to think about the Holidays and how fastly the frenzy is approaching, it's virtually impossible considering quite a few stores are already decked out in Holiday décor. It's not even Halloween yet! Thus I'm already thinking about gift ideas but I'm also thinking about how I can spend most wisely. If like me, Groupon Goods has you covered.

NO, IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FOR YOU TO GET YOUR FLU VACCINE!!

Well, it's that time of year which means not only giving gifts and eating good but also tis' the season for cold and flu. I had the pleasure of dishing with Dr. Yabo both a Mom and Pediatrician regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC's), efforts to raise awareness about the importance of you, yes you (me too), getting your flu vaccine. The effort is an annual one for the CDC however this year they are lending increased awareness during National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW). Additionally, the CDC is embracing social media and partnering with Bloggers to get the word out. I was all aboard when invited to participate. Oh, and did you know the risk of getting the flu is that much higher for pregnant women and children under 5?

I was particularly touched by Dr. Yabo's efforts to lend a voice as I am a Mommy myself of 7 year old twins and a 9 year old. To put it simply, I don't play with the flu. I literally just reminded my children's Father a couple of weeks ago regarding the fact that they needed to get their flu shots. He promptly scheduled an appointment and they were in and out having been administered a standard dose of the vaccine in the form of a nasal spray which per the CDC is approved for healthy, non-pregnant people ages 2-49. And for all you Mommy's, the nasal spray is ideal because it's quick and it's painless so no crying or runny noses. It's so customary now; my kids actually look forward to it. Dr. Yabo sees first-hand the consequences of not getting vaccinated. A big misconception is that it's too late to get the flu vaccine. Unbeknownst to me, flu season does not typically peak until January or later and lasts up until May. The vaccine takes about two weeks to get into your system which means getting vaccinated now will still afford you protection. Other common misconceptions can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htm.

• The flu vaccine does not give you the flu. The vaccine is actually meant to trick your body into thinking it has the flu thus providing full protection. Side effects such as a fever or sore arm are common. Your Physician should instruct you as to what to look for. You can find more here.

• It is absolutely necessary to get vaccinated every year. The flu virus changes from year to year and the vaccine matches the virus thus providing the best protection.

• Even if you've already had a bout of the flu this season, you can still benefit from getting vaccinated. If you've had it once, you surely don't want to risk getting it again and potentially spreading to other members of your family.

• You have many more options as far as where you can get the vaccine which includes not just your Physician's office but Health Departments, local clinics, retail stores and pharmacies. And most don't even require an appointment. No wait time. You can get in and get out.

Now is as good a time as any. As we all gather together with family for the Holidays and travel to and fro, you nor I want to miss out on the festivities surely nor put ourselves at risk for either getting sick or getting someone else sick by spreading the flu virus. Your best defense, get vaccinated now.

National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) runs from December 8-14, 2013. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/nivw. And you can follow on twitter @CDCFlu. 

Have you and/or your children been vaccinated? If not and if I may, what are you waiting for?

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 

What You Missed ...Bag Ladies Radio Recap

You are definitely a beauty and Bag Ladies surely thinks you are a cutie too!! And that was the message of this week's, “It’s All About Beauty Cutie!”, Bag Ladies recurring monthly episode where they talk all things beauty. Bag Ladies Reality Radio, the nationally broadcast weekly reality radio show that targets women and is all about the reality of ladies, their lives and how they do it so needless to say, beauty is a hot topic of convo and Beauty Talk is one of Bag Ladies most popular segments. As the Holiday season is upon us, much attention was lent to great Holiday deals on some of the most notable and fave beauty brands as well as some of the trends and colors being sported this season and some of the hottest collections and beauty sets that make for great gifts and stocking stuffers. As an added treat as if banter about all things beauty isn’t enough, Bag Ladies featured beauty fanatic and straight talking beauty expert, Daneen Baird from the craze that is Spoiledpretty.com which is an award winning beauty lifestyle site that is the go-to guide to what’s new, what's hot, and what's next in the world of beauty.

After much chatter amongst Lady Erin, Madame Myra and Miz Adams to include the Life of Bag Ladies and where they are on the scene, newsworthy buzz mostly dominated by the Tiger Woods saga, What’s Poppin w/ the Paparazzi featuring all types of celeb juice from Rihanna’s antics to what is Nicki Minaj’s talent exactly and why is she jocking Lil Kim's style? And not to be forgotten, Madame Myra’s Top 10 myth busters, it was time to get down to the nitty gritty …all while doing this sober as this week’s episode was minus, “What’s Sippin.” But rest assured that as the Bag Ladies themselves proclaimed, they will more than make up next week for this week’s sobriety.

The Bag Ladies woman is one that strives to put her best face forward all the time so after having discussed the concept that is spoiledpretty.com, the Bag Ladies and featured guest Daneen Baird discussed all things beauty from the colors being worn on nails to lips, eyeliners and more and Miz Adams told a story of conquering her fear of the red lip which most women can relate but as Lady Erin said, “it comes down to finding the right red to compliment your complexion and you will never wanna take it off. There’s nothing sexier.” Daneen compared it to finding the perfect black dress. Holiday beauty collections and stocking stuffers were the hottest topic of convo as Daneen rattled off her top 6 gift picks which included everything from Godiva Chocolate Candles (pictured above left) in scents like Milk Chocolate Truffle and Raspberry Ganache to Bath & Body Works Lounge Socks (pictured below left) that contain shea butter moisturizer. And Bag Ladies had a few stocking stuffer faves too like the Victoria's Secret Love Rocks Lip Gloss Ring (pictured above right ...Lady Erin was applying the sheer cherry gloss during the show), the Sephora Lip Service Deluxe Sampler and the best of bliss 2009 (both pictured below right) in lemon+sage. Now aren’t you ready to rush out and get your Holiday shopping on? Tune into Bag Ladies Reality Radio OnDemand and catch up on the great convo you might’ve missed per the live episode and get the full scoop on celeb juice, product reviews and more and be sure to tune in next week and each and every Tuesday to Bag Ladies Reality Radio at 7p EST for more real women, real talk. It’s all about you ladies!!!

LABOR DAY: Ideas On How To Spend Without Having To ...Spend

As much as we'd all like to hit the road jack, it's not feasible for everyone. So Bag Ladies has a few cool ideas from Madame Myra's weekly Top 10. So if you don't already have plans, perhaps you might after reading this. And if all else fails, forget the cuddling and instead, drown your sorrows about the fact that you are stuck at home by hitting the malls, stores and boutiques for hella discounts and bargains. Have a great and safe Labor Day Weekend! We'll chat with ya Tuesday ...7p EST only on bagladiesradio.com

1. Pull a recipe from a famous restaurant off the Web — try CopyKat.com or RecipeGoldmine.com — and make your own version of a five-star meal together.

2. Have him over for game night. Mad Gab, Uno, and Twister can all be played with just two people.

3. Buy all the fixings for tacos and make your own at home. You need only a handful of ingredients: tomato, avocado, meat, cheese, shells. Download Latin songs onto your iPod to set a festive mood.

4. Head to a casino with $20 in change and play the slot machines. They often serve free cocktails on the casino floor.

5. Have dinner at a bar during happy hour. There are usually drink specials, and you might also score free appetizers (or at least a gratis bowl of chips). Plus, cozying up on bar stools can feel more intimate than sitting across from each other at a table.

6. Teach each other to play your favorite video games, then place a sexy wager (whoever wins gets treated to a full-body massage that night, for example) before going head-to-head.

7. Belt out some tunes at your local karaoke bar. Sing with the crowd in the bar area for free or rent a private room, which usually runs about $6 to $15 an hour. They typically have anything from Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” to Kanye West’s “Love Lockdown.”

8. Go roller skating at a local rink. General admission is usually around $10, including the skate rentals. Even if you suck, you can still have a blast falling on your asses.

9. Plan a date in reverse. Meet for brunch (breakfast is usually cheaper than dinner), then hit an afternoon movie for the matinee price. Finally, make your way back home and spend the rest of the day in bed together.