Why I Love to Blog

I had the pleasure of speaking at The X Factor: Marketing to Women in the Digital Ageyesterday. I was on a panel with Avi Savar, Founder & CEO, Big Fuel Communications, Seth Baron, Advertising Program Manager, Google | YouTube, Honor Brodie, Editor in Chief, Tory Burch, and moderated by the amazing Maura Curtin, Executive Director, Social Media Advertising Consortium. We spoke on The Power of the Individual Voice: Social Media & the Blogosphere. I shared my story about how I got into blogging and why I've stayed in the "world." As I was driving home last night from NYC, I was chatting with a friend from college and telling her about the conference and what I spoke about. She's not a blogger, but has often wanted to get into it. She's heard me go on and on and on about blogging for about 3 years now... but last night was the first time she ever point-blank-asked-me: But why do you love it?

Here's 10 Reasons WHY...

1. I get to work-from-home with these little guys...
[caption id="attachment_8640" align="aligncenter" width="390" caption="They do usually have BIG smiles on their faces. LOL..."][/caption]

2. Thanks so Twitter, Facebook and Skype I get to communicate with my friends (I like to call it my virtual office) all day long.

3. I get to meet some pretty incredible people.

4. I have the opportunity to work with brands and companies whom I love.

5. I love being able to write every single day about the things that I am the most passionate about (yes... even sometimes a sale at Lands' End!)

6. A day at the office can be a night at the Emmy's.

7. I'm able to get my kids involved in my work.

8. Get to be my own boss.

9. You can be anywhere and work (as long as there is internet).

10. Love being able to report on fashion for moms.

Martha Stewart Show: Think Pink

One of the hottest trends for spring? PINK.  Yesterday at a taping of The Martha Stewart Show, I joined blogger Vera Sweeney (I'm Not Obsessed Mommy) for a pinkerrific afternoon. Everyone in the audience had to wear pink--a pleasure since I'm sick of winter coats and black boots.  Here are some pictures of the outing.  The show airs Monday, March 8th.

Martha and her Wedding Editor, Darcy Miller, take questions after the show.

The crowd was a sea of pink--even a few brave male fans showed up.

 

Peonies, and roses (all in pink) were the highlight of the floral segment.

 

Nicole (Totsy & Momtrends) & Vera (I'm Not Obsessed Mommy); pretty in Pink 

Want to attend a Martha Stewart Show when you are in NYC?   

Go here for information on getting tickets.

Fashionable Fun for Moms

These hip moms know all about personal expression. They are among the top mom bloggers in the world.  The best part is they also know how to rock their personal style.  Meet some of the coolest mamas from Mom 2.0 Summit.

 

Erin Lane from Scandinavian Child in green ethnic-print tunic.

Dresses look modern on Lindsay and Julie.

Kristin aka the Mamanatrix rocked her H&M "leather" jacket

Jenny aka The Bloggess paired uggs with a vintage dress

Rachel is a work of art thanks to some script from Katherine Center.

Julia & Liz sport DVF 

Mom 2.0 Summit

The power of mom blogs has never been stronger. Need evidence? Consider the range of blogging conferences targeting women. Why would you want to attend a mom blogger conference? How about affirming that motherhood rocks and cavorting with hundred of insanely talented women.  Last week this Totsy Mom hit the road and flew to Houston, TX to join up with Mom Summit 2.0.

The conference centered on the business side of blogging, but never forgot that there are women (mostly) behind these blogs. We are multi-faceted and fascinating. So there was a little something for every part of us.


Social: A Mad Men Style Party to connect with old friends and meet the new.
Healthy: Moms tried out the latest Wii Fit Plus Yoga session and headed out on a run on the streets of Texas.
Powerful: Heather Armstrong from the insanely popular blog Dooce. Reminded us of something key, “If you are involved in social media you are very powerful.”
Collaborative: Bloggers were encouraged to work with brands to develop unique content campaigns that entertain and inform.
Ambitious:  Write down a clear vision for where you want your business to go and how you are going to integrate this business with your family life.
Over-scheduled: We were warned to use our time wisely and well. Twitter can eat your entire day.  There’s nothing wrong with being entertained, but don’t kid yourself about how you are spending (or perhaps wasting) your time.
Artistic: A evening out at Fotofest let moms immerse themselves in the visual.

This message was sent home thanks to a video conceptualized by author Katherine Center and the women behind Shutter Sisters. Watch the video here:





The essence of the video is this—motherhood matters. All the big and small choices we moms make are impacting our family and the next generation of leaders. Take pride and joy from your dedication to your family.

Mom Blogging Conferences

This past weekend I headed south to Nashville, TN for the amazing Blissdom Conference headed up by Alli Worthington, Barbara Jones and Paula Bruno.

I had been to Nashville once before in high school for a Junior National Swim Meet. I remember being there and loving the "vibe" of Nashville. People "up here" don't usually wear cowboy boots and/or cowboy hats, so I was excited to be heading back... (of course, this time as an adult).

Oddly enough, I didn't see Nashville. Not once. I was in Nashville - my plane landed... I walked to the curb of the airport... got into the designated car for me... and then was driven to the Opryland Hotel. Cue the music and dim the lights... the hotel was spectacular! (Side note: I did leave the hotel - for a quick 2 mile run around the parameter of the hotel with my running girls - Christine, Allison and Marie).

I spent the next 4 days and 3 nights inside the Opryland Hotel, which hosted Blissdom.

If you've never been to a mom blogging conference, I highly suggest you go to one, especially if you're a mom blogger. To be in the atmosphere of amazing women writers and bloggers is exhilarating. I had the honor to speak on 3 different panels - vlogging, niche blogging and evoling into a professional blogger. It was fascinating to listen and hear and share with over 450 women... all women who "get" what I do - because they're doing the same thing. There's something special about that.

My personal area of focus is fashion for moms. I love waking up every single morning able to blog and/or vlog about fashion advice for moms and soon - fashion advice for kids. I have really tried to carve out a section of this vast internet space for myself... and hone in on something that I love. For me, there's nothing else better in the world. I honestly couldn't ask for a better job. It was amazingly contagious to be in the room with other bloggers who feel the same exact way about their own blogs. To know that what you're writing makes a difference... and you're connecting and engaging through this great medium with (the possibility) of reaching millions. It's utterly amazing. And it was amazing to ponder that thought with other mom bloggers.

There are 4 "rules" to follow if you're thinking of getting into blogging:

1.) Write about what you love.
2.) Meet other bloggers - conferences, meet-ups, online, etc.
3.) Blog as much as you can, the frequency of your posts determine how "popular" you will be. 4.) Make sure your content is original.

Blissdom was everything I thought it would be and more. Whenever I head to an event - which is going to take me away from my family - I have high expectations. If I'm going to be away from my family, I want whatever I am going to to be worth it. Blissdom was that and beyond. From inspiring bloggers and speakers... to delicious food... to fabulous dancing... to wonderful networking and connections... to feeling a true sense of belonging... it was top notch. Everything was brilliantly done.

So Nashville... I'm sorry I wasn't able to see more of you - there's always next year!