#TBT TO THAT TIME WHEN I SLEPT ON THE SIDEWALK ALL IN THE NAME OF SHOPPING

Whilst rummaging through a HUGE bag of product samples from previously aired "Beauty Talk" episodes which is my most popular live on-air segment, I found everything from brand spanking new MAC lipsticks to unopened perfume, cleansers, moisturizers and more! I was doing a bit of spring cleaning and found the bag just this week tucked under my bed. I mean I was swooning over some of this stuff and thinking how could I leave you??? 

Bag O' Goodies

I'm an undercover "beauty junkie." I don't boast about it because I'm not a make up artist or professional but I love beauty products and at one time, I was doing reviews both on and off-air regularly. But what was most nostalgic about happening upon these treasures, was an empty lipstick case battered, bruised and neglected from the debut of Lanvin for HM. I was immediately taken back to my friends and I camping out on the sidewalk overnight on a cold night might I add just for the sake of being able to snag and grab pieces from the collection. And yes, we did have to grab with the quickness because we by far were not the only ones on a mission. Are you a shopaholic too? I scored three lipsticks all of which I still have as per my arsenal and all of which I still wear. You can click HERE for the full post which chronicles my adventure (that it was), and my SCORE! It was major.

And just as an update to that post, that must-have dress, I still have not yet worn but it's mine foreva!!

All in the name of shopping ...I don't know that I would do that again but you only live once, right? To what extremes have you ever gone, in the name of shopping?

The "after." My hand was covered in swatches after sifting through my Bag O' Goodies

Follow me on IG/Twitter and Vine @bagladies.

--
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

"THE LOOK OF LOVE", LOOK #3 - CHRONICLES OF THE LBD

"LBD" otherwise known as the Little Black Dress is always a safe bet. But with that being said, the style can be easily manipulated. You can create several different looks with one style. And most of us at least have one LBD in our closet so ...The key is to accessorize! Be it a semi-formal date night or a more casual evening, the LBD always works and particularly if you are looking for a no fuss look to celebrate the day of love with your love …Or whomever. Perhaps even this V Day, it's all about you. Not a thang wrong with it.

I wanted to show the versatility of this Sears Kardashian Kollection Lace Cocktail Dress.

It's true to size with a zip back and a lace neck, back and sleeves. The hemline is just right and after trying my hand at taking a few steps, it doesn't rise which can sometimes be a problem for me "and" these hips. Per previous posts, I am fan of the Kardashian Kollection particularly because of the fit. Most pieces are body conscious and great for those of us who are "ample." Picture pairing with pumps and a clutch as classic. But you can also get a bit more funky and play the LBD down. I love these Lulu*s suede booties especially the peek-a-boo toe and paired with a small bag which can either be rocked as a clutch or across the chest, I played up a more comfy approach to the evening. And I knuckled up with some extra bling on the fingers! But I also wanted a show-stopper, hubba-hubba look. 

Picture your date arriving and you step to the door rocking the LBD with leather thigh-high boots. I've had this Chinese Laundry style for at least a couple of years. I've seen similar styles everywhere. The fit is flattering. I rock over denim, leggings and pair with dresses and skirts all the time. The kitten heel allows me to be comfortable whenever I wear them but pairing them with this LBD just exuded sexy for me. Way to make his jaw drop. 
Do you have a LBD? How would you rock it?

Click here for more looks from my weeklong "The Look of Love" series.

Shop Your Way to maximum savings. Click here for more details. It's quick, free and easy and you earn points for every dollar spent which can then be redeemed so that you can save on future purchases both in-store and online at Sears and Kmart.

--

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

"YOU'VE GOT THE LOOK OF LOVE"

The 1st look in what is a week-long series during which I will be serving up one look per day as we approach the "day of love." Otherwise known as Valentine's Day. Dare I ask if you have a "valentine?" Nevermind, let's focus on the fashion. Even if you don't have a "love", you can at least be content with your love of fashion. I am. Get your daily sneak peek by following me on Instagram @bagladies. I am posting one look a day which will be followed up with a post here featuring where to buy.

I pieced this look together because not every date is a night on the town or some lavish affair. This look is casual and very comfy yet still sexy and on trend. Picture grabbing a bite or catching a movie or taking an evening stroll. If you know me, you already know how I feel about leopard but even moreso when worn as a jogger style pant. These Leopard Lounge Pants are a fave piece from the Sears Kardashian Kollection. The pant has a matching zip front jacket but as much as I love leopard, it can be overdone at least on me. I paired the pant with one of my fave pieces from the Kmart Nicki Minaj collection. I know right. I had admitted low expectations of this collection but I have been pleasantly surprised. This Quilted Moto Jacket has cute zipper accents and in a vibrant red (pic doesn't do the color justice), it provides a great contrast against the leopard. 

So onto that which really sets it off, the shoes!!!! The shoes just do it for me. I've had these Zara pumps for at least a year so unfortunately although I checked, they are no longer available. But I still wanted to provide an idea of how you can shape this look. I LOVE mixing prints and going against the norm. I totally rock a look according to my mood and I didn't want to do a solid pump or just a traditional black. Switch it up! These are closed toe so I don't have to worry about frost-bitten toes and the heel is more of a kitten style so even if out and about and on my feet for an extended period of time, no worries. Make this look your own and take from your closet what you have, to create a similar look.

The jacket is still available on Kmart.com and the leopard print pant on Sears.com and both pieces are on sale! And with Shop Your Way MAX, you can order today and have by tomorrow or select the option to pick it up at your local store. 

If not already a Shop Your Way member, sign up!! It's a free and easy members-only program! As a member, you get exclusive discounts and deals and even "big gas" savings. And most awesome, you earn 10 points for every $1 spent both in store and online. The points can then be redeemed at Kmart, Sears and Lands End stores. On a recent purchase, I redeemed accrued points and saved 20 bucks! Trust, it's great incentive and the savings are worth it. Happy Love Day!

What are your V Day plans? Would you wear this look?

--

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

MY FIRST POST OF 2014!!! I'M ALREADY SLIPPING ON MY RESOLUTIONS ...

It's 2014!!! Most (myself included), have identified goals, resolutions, changes, improvements ...Whatever you want to call them, that we want to achieve and/or make in the new year. Alas, we are only 6 days in and some of us might already be slipping or falling off track. I've already gotten called out by my BFF and accused of being a "sucka" (aka sucker), for almost dragging something into 2014 that I vowed to leave in 2013. Instead of getting defensive, I told her only a true BFF will call you out. I thanked her for holding me accountable. 

If you find yourself digressing a bit, here is some inspiration. And btw, there is absolutely no harm in hitting the restart button. Just don't give up on what you want.

"Make room for the good by releasing things that are no longer working."

"Push through your limits. Life begins where you comfort zone ends."

"Crumbs to cake ...Be worthy of the cake."

"Envision your goals and speak it out loud to another for accountability." 

"Action trumps everything." 

"Acknowledge failure."

"Life is push and pull." 

"When you let go of the old, that's when the new can come in."

Do you have any resolutions for 2014? Please share. And who in your life will call you out if you don't  follow through with changes/resolutions?

P.S. - One of my goals starts with this post which is my first of the new year. I am working on establishing better consistency meaning posting on a schedule and not just at random. Please hold me to it. Call me out if you need to (LOL!), just like my BFF.

Happy 2014!!

--
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

IS THIS YOU? I'M LOOKING FOR CONTRIBUTORS TO #BAGLADIESLIVE.

The new season launch of  Bag Ladies Radio is fastly approaching! And we have a lot to talk about be it dish on fashion, beauty, relationships, celebrity news and more. And I could use some help (can't we all from time to time.) I'm always looking for women who love to dish "aka" talk with a lineup of stellar guests. And women who can lend a new and witty, funny yet candid perspective to the reality of life, living and being a woman which is what Bag Ladies Radio embraces. It's "my" reality, "your" reality, "our" reality. I don't front. I don't sugar coat. I don't put on airs. Bag Ladies Radio is "real talk."

Click here for previously aired shows. 

It's not a requirement but particularly if you blog/write specific to any of these topics, email me today and please include a link to your blog and/or writing samples. Otherwise, if you just have a sincere interest in contributing, please email me regarding why. I look forward to hearing from you!


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.

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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

QUICK! GRAB YOUR BADGE OF "REALITY"

UP FOR GRABS!!! Singledom, Mommyhood, Hustling, Girl Power!, Fashion, Beauty ...Any of this sound familiar? If Bag Ladies Radio Show is a reflection of the reality of you, your life and how you live it, grab your badge today! It's the newest addition to the Bag Ladies brand that's all for you! Join all the other women aka "Bag Ladies", just like you who share in "mine", "yours", "our" reality. The code can be embedded and the badge worn on your site or blog. All you need do is copy (just the code), and paste. Grab it while it's hot but wear it proudly!!! And if you have a badge, leave the code in the comments. I might just return the fave. #BagLadiesLIVE

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.bagladiesradio.com" title="Bag Ladies "Reality" Radio"><img src="http://www.bagladiesradio.com/ListenerBadge.png" alt="Bag Ladies "Reality" Radio" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

--

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. Click the iTunes button or scroll down to OnDemand and press play.

"INSTANT REPLAY" ON TOMORROW'S #BAGLADIESLIVE

I love each and every show however why certain shows are a fave, varies. It could be the personality of the featured guest, the topic of conversation, the "dish" itself, a hilarious quote ...I could go on. And then there was "INSTANT REPLAY." "INSTANT REPLAY" is being introduced as per Bag Ladies Radio OnDemand feature which allows you to listen to all previously aired Bag Ladies shows, 24/7. Have you noticed tweets/posts regarding the fact that even if you miss Bag Ladies live, you don't have to throw up your hands and sulk. All you need do is catch up OnDemand. After a show airs live, it becomes immediately available OnDemand at bagladiesradio.com/listen or as I recently announced, on iTunes! You can literally listen whenever you want. And if you are on iTunes, you can subscribe to the show and be automatically notified when shows are made available and listen from wherever, whenever.

"INSTANT REPLAY" on #BagLadiesLIVE is straight to the point. It's a condensed version of a previously aired segment, the main "dish", that is a fave replayed just for you and your listening pleasure. Upon opening the show and sharing with you the "chosen" show and why it's a fave, "INSTANT REPLAY."

Tune in tomorrow, 7:30p EST @ bagladiesradio.com/listen for this month's "INSTANT REPLAY." Moving forward, "INSTANT REPLAY" will be added to the line up every month.
--

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.

"SO TELL ME WHATCHA WANT!": I NEED YOU AND YOUR FEEDBACK

Even though Bag Ladies is an established show, I'm constantly paying attention to the audience, my listeners to ensure that content "dish" is relevant and that I and the #BagLadiesLIVE cast lends a voice to the reality of you, your life and how you live it. It's not all about us and I NEVER take that for granted. I'm able to do what I do; the show exists because you tune in. If no listeners, no show. We wanna talk about what you wanna hear. So I'm always tweaking and making improvements in an effort to be better at what I do which is lending a voice to you ...Your experiences, your emotions, the highs and the lows, the joys and the woes and making Bag Ladies Radio the best that it can be. I leave my ❤   on the airwaves for you.
In order to do that better, I need your feedback. Please see the survey below. I wanna know what works best for you. What do you wanna hear me "dish" about? What time do you prefer? And what ideas do you have for show topics. Answer and you just might be selected to hangout on air amongst the #BagLadiesLIVE cast! Would you like that? Thank you!

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

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.

RELATIONSHIP RECAP!!

Relationships are a topic of conversation that is always relevant so we could think of no better topic, to kick off the NEW SEASON PREMIERE of Bag Ladies Reality Radio!!! We're back baby!!!

Last night's show featured, Shay Williams-Garrett, "Your Date Diva". Shay has joined Bag Ladies Reality Radio previously to lend her expertise and she certainly didn't disappoint last night. Shay is a writer, author, speaker, relationship coach and more! If we had to be specific with the more, we'd say a motivator, a great personality and a source of encouragement and empowerment. Whenever we've featured Shay, she lends attention to not only changes that need to be made as far as one's pursuit and efforts to find a partner but personal, internal changes that one needs to consider making when it comes to themselves and their confidence and the energy that will yield the best results and bring the fulfillment we all desire in a partner and in a relationship even if per Madame Myra, just someone to add some warmth to those cold toes now that there is a slight chill in the air. You can connect with "Your Date Diva" and learn more by visiting http://www.lovein30days.com/.

If you missed some or all of the show which included the "Perfect Partner Meditation" and why piecing together a man ain't always the best option (may yield temporary satisfaction though ;-), please be sure to check out Bag Ladies Reality Radio OnDemand. If reading this, last night's show is likely playing in the background since the player is posted to mybagladies blog but our OnDemand feature enables you to access previously aired shows, 24/7 and download to your iPod via iTunes. Told you, you never have to miss us! Please stay tuned for more details on the new season, new segments, new features and our fabulous guest lineup!! Bag Ladies Reality Radio airs every Wednesday at 7:30p EST. Next week, is our most popular segment, "Beauty Talk". Stay tuned!

Bag Ladies Reality Radio ...REAL Women, REAL Talk!!!

Madame Myra's Top 10: Simply Put, Why We Ladies Are Better

Not that we need to justify but just in case someone poses the question, "what makes you think you are better than moi?", here are at least 10 reasons or rather facts to choose from. Tune into Bag Ladies tonite at 7p EST and listen to what Top 10 Madame Myra dishes out ...

-- Bag Ladies

1. We evolve hotter.
A recent study revealed that women are getting better looking through evolution; meanwhile, men are staying the same. After following more than 2,000 people through four decades of life, the study showed that attractive women had 16 percent more children than average-looking chicks and that beautiful people are 36 percent more likely to have a daughter as their firstborn. All those gorgeous daughters mean more beautiful women than in past generations.

2. We survive car accidents more often.
This is sad but true: Men are 77 percent more likely to die in a car accident than women, according to a study done by Carnegie Mellon University. Our boyfriends should be thanking us when we nag them to "Wear your seatbelt!"

3. We're better at seeking comfort.
A Mind survey of 2,000 people revealed that women are far more likely than men to talk through their problems. Fifty-three percent of women talk to their friends about what's stressing them out, as opposed to 29 percent of men.

4. We're more recession-proof.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 80 percent of those who have lost their jobs since December 2007 have been men. Ouch. This could be because male-dominated fields have been hit the hardest, like manufacturing and finance. That really sucks...but hey, maybe it's time more men became nurses and educators.

5. We graduate college more often.
We already know that female enrollment is higher than male, but the Department of Education's statistics reveal that men are also less likely than women to graduate and get their bachelor's degrees. Men are also more likely to take longer than five years to complete their degree

6. We eat healthier.
A survey of more than 14,000 people, conducted by the University of Minnesota, showed that women choose far healthier foods than men. While men are more likely to chow down on frozen pizza and red meat, women are piling fruits and veggies onto their plates. It all sounds pretty obvious, but we get so much grief for our chocolate addictions that we just had to point this one out!

7. We have stronger immune systems.
No wonder men act like such babies when they have a sniffle — women really do have stronger immune systems than men! If there are little battles going on in our bodies, women have a secret weapon: estrogen. A study done by McGill University indicated that estrogen gives women an edge when it comes to fighting off infections. That's because estrogen confronts a certain enzyme that often hinders the body's first line of defense against bacteria and viruses.

8. We live longer.
Among the world's population of those who are over 100 years old, 85 percent are women, according to the New England Centenarian Study. In general, women continue to live five to 10 years longer than men as well.

9. We're better managers, especially in this economy.
This one is a little controversial, but a slew of experts are confident that women make greater bosses because they are better listeners, mentors, problem solvers, and multitaskers than their male counterparts. In a recent Daily News article, management expert Jay Forte said, "It's a very service-oriented economy [right now], so you need employees to be motivated. Women are better connectors than men and more astute about knowing how to activate passion in their employees."

10. We communicate more.
This one isn't about talking a mile a minute, like you probably suspected. It's now scientifically proven that women can process more words than men. A study done by Louann Brizendine of the University of California at San Francisco showed that men can process approximately 7,000 words per day, compared to women's 20,000 words. The study found that this characteristic can start as early as the fetal stage and is more biological than social.

Tuesday recap ...

Bag Ladies wants to get into the habit of posting a recap of the show so not only can you pull up and listen to past episodes from our show page at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bagladies but you can also check us out here for all the juicy details. We like to think of it as closure which we all desire.

Our last day in March, Tuesday the 31st edition was damn good as we not only premiered our first commercial but we also extended our listeners an awesome special offer!! Read on ...We kicked the show off by talking about weekend activities which included the debut of our Saturday Night Live special edition. Bag Ladies broadcast live from OFF the WALL at Studio 10. We will soon be posting pics from that event. Miz Adams got down at a local bar although she tried to convince us that it was all about biz.

What's Poppin w/ the Paparazzi tidbits:

Kelly Rowland dropped from label; distraught and on suicide watch
Oprah's school in S.Africa rocked by another sexual misconduct scandal
Madonna tryna adopt another lil one of us
Kim Kardashian claims cellulite

Topic of convo, readying the "area down there" and the various methods women use and what lengths we go, to remove hair. We are fastly approaching the summer season so we thought it timely to bring attention to this subject as we women begin prepping to "really" show off.

Madame Myra knocked it out of the park w/ her Top 10 and ran down the lengths women used to go to back in AD and BC times to remove hair which included burning it off, using arsenic and more!! But also, there was a period when more hair was sexy and pubic toupees were worn!! If for no other reason, check out the show so you can hear Madame Myra do her thang.

Bag Ladies discussed methods of hair removal from the most effective to the least effective w/ our featured guest, Mrs. Danielle Gibbs, educator at Aveda Institute of DC and owner of Elevar Mobile Spa. She left us w/ her Top Do's and Don'ts to make waxing relaxing be it a bikini or brazilian:

• Do let your hair grow to about ¼ an inch before any wax service. This will allow the wax to adhere to the hair successfully for successful hair removal.
• Do screen your wax professional. Ask questions about their experience, inspect the cleanliness of the spa and spa room. Look for a trained esthetician.
• Don’t patronize anyone that double dips (uses the same wax stick during the entire service). This is not sanitary, and can cause bacteria in the wax resulting in cross contamination… NASTY!!!
• Don’t steam, sauna, or take hot showers after waxing.
• Do anticipate some soreness if it’s your first wax. However with continued treatments, it will become less distressing.

Danielle is a licensed esthetician and her company, Elevar not only offers a variety of mobile services but spa parties as well. And for the month of April, you will receive a 20% discount on selected services!! All you need do is mention Bag Ladies when scheduling.
To schedule a private appointment and to have services rendered in a private, comfortable atmosphere, contact: 240.417.0802 or justfaceitdani@gmail.com.

Let us know wassup but more importantly, tune in cause when you miss us, you miss out ...

- Bag Ladies