Our speaker for today is a woman after my own heart. Ms. Natalie McNeal who can be found at The Frugalista Files took a "vow of frugality" in 2008 after she spent a month without getting her hair done, eating out or getting a manicure or pedicure and saved $400. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.! Natalie blogs about and teaches people how to live the frugal and fabulous life.
Natalie will be a panelist on the Cyberstyle & The Multicultural Blogger panel and here's a little bit more about her:
1. Tell us something about you that you would never tell your mom? I would probably tell her, so I could irritate her.
2. In your spare ten minutes each day, what would you wish you could be doing? What are you actually doing? I would be writing something meaningful, but I am tweeting and Facebooking.
3. If money was no object, what item of clothing or accessory would you like to have? An extensive Louis Vuitton collection.
4. You're five minutes away from work and realized that you forgot something. What would be that one thing that would make you turn around and go back home? My keys.
5. Describe yourself in 5 adjectives? Thick, sensitive, assertive, frugal and fabulous.
6. If you were granted three wishes from an angel or genie what would you want? Financial security, a beach home in Los Angeles and my book written!
7. When you were growing up what did you want to become when you grew up? A journalist
8. Which is the trait you love the most and least about yourself? The best thing about me is my ability to adapt to different situations. My procrastination is HORRIBLE. I’ll make it go away. Tomorrow.
9. Do you have a tattoo, where is it located and what does it stand for? No tats.
10. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking? Hmm. Adjust the twins. Heheh!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
End-of-Month Registration Sale!
Did you hear the news?We've rolled back conference registration prices for a limited time. Take advantage of this special low price by registering today: http://blogalicious2009.eventbrite.com/
Friday, August 28, 2009
Spotlighting Leticia
We are spotlighting Tech Savvy Mama today and please be assured that once you visit her site, you will leave smarter than before. I love visiting because I can rely on her blog to give me all the tips and reviews on what's the best educational resources for our little ones. Also, as her name indicates, you can count on her to tell you all about the tech toys for adults too!
Leticia will be speaking on the "Upgrade You: Taking Your Blog to the Next Level" panel and here's a little bit more about her:
"Leticia (aka Tech Savvy Mama) is completely addicted to the internet and any new gadgets. As someone born and raised in the heart of Silicon Valley, she thinks that the love of technology was due to both nature and nurture but her marriage to a network engineer took the geek girl in her to the next level. For a very brief period of time, Leticia was proud to claim that she owned more computers than her husband!
Leticia shares her love of technology, knowledge from years of experience as a classroom teacher & technology consultant, and perspective as a mom on Tech Savvy Mama. Through Tech Savvy Mama, Leticia addresses current issues about technology use in the home and helps families find the best technology products, websites, and resources for children of all ages. She has found that her own children (ages 5 ½ and 3) are becoming quite critical about technology and are learning about qualities of a good website when looking at sites to review.
Being a classic Type A overachiever, Leticia isn’t content just working on Tech Savvy Mama and teaching. She is the City Editor for Being Savvy Washington DC, consults for PBS Teachers, is also one of five teacher moms who writes for Leapfrog’s Teacher Tagvocates, and muses about life in the DC Metro area on DC Metro Moms. Leticia also helps chair the parent group at her son’s preschool and was asked to coordinate the elementary school silent auction but since her daughter wasn’t enrolled yet, she took politely declined that opportunity. Leticia can often be found blogging, Tweeting, and working into the early hours of the morning while the rest of her family sleeps. To get through the day, Leticia relies on her morning coffee and her iPhone.
While at Blogalicious, you are most likely to find Leticia enjoying pampering treatments, using TweetDeck on her iPhone, or searching out any restaurants in the Atlanta area where Top Chef cheftestants currently cook.
In the event that Leticia wins the lottery or inherits a large sum of money before Blogalicous, she will still be there and won’t have given up any of the above."
Check her out ...
Blog: Tech Savvy Mama
E-mail: tech savvy mama at g mail dot com
Twitter: techsavvymama
Leticia will be speaking on the "Upgrade You: Taking Your Blog to the Next Level" panel and here's a little bit more about her:
"Leticia (aka Tech Savvy Mama) is completely addicted to the internet and any new gadgets. As someone born and raised in the heart of Silicon Valley, she thinks that the love of technology was due to both nature and nurture but her marriage to a network engineer took the geek girl in her to the next level. For a very brief period of time, Leticia was proud to claim that she owned more computers than her husband!
Leticia shares her love of technology, knowledge from years of experience as a classroom teacher & technology consultant, and perspective as a mom on Tech Savvy Mama. Through Tech Savvy Mama, Leticia addresses current issues about technology use in the home and helps families find the best technology products, websites, and resources for children of all ages. She has found that her own children (ages 5 ½ and 3) are becoming quite critical about technology and are learning about qualities of a good website when looking at sites to review.
Being a classic Type A overachiever, Leticia isn’t content just working on Tech Savvy Mama and teaching. She is the City Editor for Being Savvy Washington DC, consults for PBS Teachers, is also one of five teacher moms who writes for Leapfrog’s Teacher Tagvocates, and muses about life in the DC Metro area on DC Metro Moms. Leticia also helps chair the parent group at her son’s preschool and was asked to coordinate the elementary school silent auction but since her daughter wasn’t enrolled yet, she took politely declined that opportunity. Leticia can often be found blogging, Tweeting, and working into the early hours of the morning while the rest of her family sleeps. To get through the day, Leticia relies on her morning coffee and her iPhone.
While at Blogalicious, you are most likely to find Leticia enjoying pampering treatments, using TweetDeck on her iPhone, or searching out any restaurants in the Atlanta area where Top Chef cheftestants currently cook.
In the event that Leticia wins the lottery or inherits a large sum of money before Blogalicous, she will still be there and won’t have given up any of the above."
Check her out ...
Blog: Tech Savvy Mama
E-mail: tech savvy mama at g mail dot com
Twitter: techsavvymama
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Awesome Mommy Niri is up today
Today's spotlight is on Mommy Niri out of Boston. Niri has so much going on that it's kinda hard to even describe her happenings so you should just visit mommyniri.com. Niri will be a panelist on "Secrets to a Successful Blog" and as soon as you visit her site you'll see why she's on that panel. Her site is different and awesome - I just love it!
She's an interesting lady and when I had to choose whether to post her official bio or her answers to our 10 fun questions, I couldn't.
"Mommy Niri, a mom to 2 little girls, exchanged her rat race life as a software engineer for her rug rats. Having had a love for journalism forever but not daring to pursue it in the turbulent South Africa (where she was born and bred), she is now writing to her heart’s content from her current hometown of Boston. You can also find her writing at Retrevo.com (as a parenting angle on technology) and MomsOfHue.com (featuring women of color) and has worked with companies like Hooked On Phonics and iRobot. She has been featured in several newspapers including Parent's And Kids Magazine. You can find her speaking at the upcoming Blogalicious conference. Her writing has gained her popularity as Mommy Niri has been nominated for the Nickelodeon Parent's Pick Award. She doesn’t do anything she isn’t passionate about (except maybe diapers)!"
AND
1. Tell us something about you that you would never tell your mom? That she was correct about everything!
2. In your spare ten minutes each day, what would you wish you could be doing? What are you actually doing? What spare 10 minutes?
3. If money was no object, what item of clothing or accessory would you like to have? Something that hides these thighs!
4. You're five minutes away from work and realized that you forgot something. What would be that one thing that would make you turn around and go back home? My cellphone
5. Describe yourself in 5 adjectives? Passionate, Honest, Kind, Loyal and Just
6. If you were granted three wishes from an angel or genie what would you want? 1 - To Have my mom back alive, 2-To see all my family together again 3-To have Mommy Niri be a success
7. When you were growing up what did you want to become when you grew up? A lawyer
8. Which is the trait you love the most and least about yourself? A little hot-headed
9. Do you have a tattoo, where is it located and what does it stand for? None, wish I did
10. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking? The same I do when everyone is looking. I am just me, all the time.
Be sure to add Niri to your blogroll - if she's not already there!
She's an interesting lady and when I had to choose whether to post her official bio or her answers to our 10 fun questions, I couldn't.
"Mommy Niri, a mom to 2 little girls, exchanged her rat race life as a software engineer for her rug rats. Having had a love for journalism forever but not daring to pursue it in the turbulent South Africa (where she was born and bred), she is now writing to her heart’s content from her current hometown of Boston. You can also find her writing at Retrevo.com (as a parenting angle on technology) and MomsOfHue.com (featuring women of color) and has worked with companies like Hooked On Phonics and iRobot. She has been featured in several newspapers including Parent's And Kids Magazine. You can find her speaking at the upcoming Blogalicious conference. Her writing has gained her popularity as Mommy Niri has been nominated for the Nickelodeon Parent's Pick Award. She doesn’t do anything she isn’t passionate about (except maybe diapers)!"
AND
1. Tell us something about you that you would never tell your mom? That she was correct about everything!
2. In your spare ten minutes each day, what would you wish you could be doing? What are you actually doing? What spare 10 minutes?
3. If money was no object, what item of clothing or accessory would you like to have? Something that hides these thighs!
4. You're five minutes away from work and realized that you forgot something. What would be that one thing that would make you turn around and go back home? My cellphone
5. Describe yourself in 5 adjectives? Passionate, Honest, Kind, Loyal and Just
6. If you were granted three wishes from an angel or genie what would you want? 1 - To Have my mom back alive, 2-To see all my family together again 3-To have Mommy Niri be a success
7. When you were growing up what did you want to become when you grew up? A lawyer
8. Which is the trait you love the most and least about yourself? A little hot-headed
9. Do you have a tattoo, where is it located and what does it stand for? None, wish I did
10. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking? The same I do when everyone is looking. I am just me, all the time.
Be sure to add Niri to your blogroll - if she's not already there!
http://www.mommyniri.com/
http://www.momsofhue.com/
@mommyniri - twitter
niri@mommyniri.com
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Chevy Blog & Drive Carpool to Blogalicious!
Need a Ride to Blogalicious 2009?
Sign up to Blog & Drive – okay, don’t do both at the same time ; - )
Are you and your friends attending Blogalicious? Sign up for the Chevy auto blogging car-pool. We’re looking for people to blog about their trip to Blogalicious and while you’re at it - tell us what you think of the ride.
Are you going solo? Well, join the Blogalicious 2009 Message Board on Big Tent and connect with other bloggers to form a Blog & Drive group. Chevrolet is providing a limited number of car-pool vehicles for registered attendees of Blogalicious 2009. All you need is a group of three that’s willing to tell us what’s on your mind.
Save money and cruise to A-T-L in a hot new Chevy. Space is limited so apply fast at the following link: http://gm.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3qiFIgVrr6hb9pW&SVID=gm
You must be 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license to operate a Blog & Drive vehicle. We recommend that Blog & Drive groups blog at least two posts about their experience in the vehicle. Twitpics, podcasts, live streams and the like are also welcome. Groups are selected by Blogalicious and General Motors on a transparent and equitable basis.
Sign up to Blog & Drive – okay, don’t do both at the same time ; - )
Are you and your friends attending Blogalicious? Sign up for the Chevy auto blogging car-pool. We’re looking for people to blog about their trip to Blogalicious and while you’re at it - tell us what you think of the ride.
Are you going solo? Well, join the Blogalicious 2009 Message Board on Big Tent and connect with other bloggers to form a Blog & Drive group. Chevrolet is providing a limited number of car-pool vehicles for registered attendees of Blogalicious 2009. All you need is a group of three that’s willing to tell us what’s on your mind.
Save money and cruise to A-T-L in a hot new Chevy. Space is limited so apply fast at the following link: http://gm.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3qiFIgVrr6hb9pW&SVID=gm
You must be 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license to operate a Blog & Drive vehicle. We recommend that Blog & Drive groups blog at least two posts about their experience in the vehicle. Twitpics, podcasts, live streams and the like are also welcome. Groups are selected by Blogalicious and General Motors on a transparent and equitable basis.
Speaker Spotlight: Melanie Babcock
As you may know, we've got a Town Hall discussion scheduled for Day 1 of Blogalicious that promises to be a very intriguing and informative session. "Marketing to Women of Color: The Real Deal" will be a discussion between a group of marketers and a group of women of color bloggers with audience participation that we hope will help uncover some of the roadblocks between the two groups and hopefully lead to an action plan to help further integrate women of color in the blogosphere.
Today's spotlight is one of the marketers on that panel - Melanie Babcock, Senior Vice President for Digital Strategy and Services with MS&L. Here's a little more about Melanie:
"Melanie is an interactive specialist with 13 years of interactive/web consulting expertise. She is responsible for helping clients develop and deliver innovative, high-impact digital communications solutions to meet their business and communications objectives. Some of her most recent work includes developing digital communications programs for Best Buy, The Home Depot, Governor’s Office of Workforce Development and Equifax.
Melanie brings a wealth of interactive and digital media experience to her clients. Before joining MS&L, Melanie was the Director of Interactive Strategy at an international PR agency where she helped build their interactive and social media practice including a blogger relations and social networking/community practice. Here she worked on several clients including Kodak, Frito-Lay, Kids II, Lenovo, FedEx and Wendy’s.
Melanie lives and breathes the digital and social media space. She is a born entrepreneur, who enjoys delighting clients with creative interactive marketing and social media solutions. Melanie earned her MS in Information Systems from Ball State University and a BS in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan."
We're looking forward to hearing from Melanie!
Today's spotlight is one of the marketers on that panel - Melanie Babcock, Senior Vice President for Digital Strategy and Services with MS&L. Here's a little more about Melanie:
"Melanie is an interactive specialist with 13 years of interactive/web consulting expertise. She is responsible for helping clients develop and deliver innovative, high-impact digital communications solutions to meet their business and communications objectives. Some of her most recent work includes developing digital communications programs for Best Buy, The Home Depot, Governor’s Office of Workforce Development and Equifax.
Melanie brings a wealth of interactive and digital media experience to her clients. Before joining MS&L, Melanie was the Director of Interactive Strategy at an international PR agency where she helped build their interactive and social media practice including a blogger relations and social networking/community practice. Here she worked on several clients including Kodak, Frito-Lay, Kids II, Lenovo, FedEx and Wendy’s.
Melanie lives and breathes the digital and social media space. She is a born entrepreneur, who enjoys delighting clients with creative interactive marketing and social media solutions. Melanie earned her MS in Information Systems from Ball State University and a BS in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan."
We're looking forward to hearing from Melanie!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Blogalicious 2009 Welcomes Chevrolet & OnStar
Get your roll on with Chevy & OnStar this October!
We are pleased to announce these great names as the Exclusive Automotive Sponsors of Blogalicious. General Motors has been supportive of our conference from the start (waaay back when it was merely an fledgling idea) and they made sure to become a part of this monumental event. A special word of thanks to Kameya Shows at OnStar and Monique Brentley at General Motors for working so hard to make this happen.
So, what does this mean for you? Glad you asked...
We are pleased to announce these great names as the Exclusive Automotive Sponsors of Blogalicious. General Motors has been supportive of our conference from the start (waaay back when it was merely an fledgling idea) and they made sure to become a part of this monumental event. A special word of thanks to Kameya Shows at OnStar and Monique Brentley at General Motors for working so hard to make this happen.
So, what does this mean for you? Glad you asked...
Ride in Style TO Blogalicious
Chevy & OnStar are sponsoring a Ride & Blog Carpool to Atlanta. Bloggers in multiple cities across the country will be able to carpool in a chic Chevy, equipped with OnStar, for a fun and comfortable ride to Blogalicious. Details coming soon. In the meantime, you can start preparing by (1) registering for the conference (required to participate) and (2) thinking about 2-3 bloggers in your city that can join you. Check out the Ride & Blog Carpool forum on the Blogalicious Big Tent to organize your group.
Ride in Style AT Blogalicious
Our amazing sponsors will also be hosting a test drive at the conference. We'll have more information for you soon about this, so check back soon and get ready to drive a Chevy! But wait, there's more. Chevy & OnStar has generously offered to provide our attendees with party transportation to Girls Night Out. No need to catch a cab or worry about hoofing it in your cute shoes. Our Auto Sponsors have got.you.covered.
Is Blogalicious 2009 Only for The Mommy Blogger?
We've received some really good questions lately and it seemed fit to share the answers with everyone. So here goes. If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to send them to us and we will get back to you. You can send all inquires to info(at)blogaliciousweekend(dot)com.1) Question: Is Blogalicious 2009 a blogging conference for moms only?
Answer: Nope. Blogalicious is a conference for all women, mommy or not. Some of our attendees have children and some of them don't. Heck, some of our mommy bloggers are using this weekend for some much deserved "me time" while also pursuing their passion for blogging.
2) Question: Why Blogalicious 2009? There are already so many other conference, do we really need another one?
Answer: While there are several other great blogging conferences, before Blogalicious 2009, there were no conferences with a target audience of the women of color. Women of color are all over social media. We document our lives on our blogs, we promote our latest work on our blogs, and we are new moms, veteran moms, non-moms, and all of the above. (see question #1 above). As women of color in social media, there are some issues directly related to us that have not yet been addressed in a forum like Blogalicious. We saw the void and took action.
3) Question: Why did you pick Atlanta for the conference location?
Answer: Atlanta is a beautiful city. The weather in October is nice, hotels are great, and the airport is an easy one to fly to, even from the West Coast. Between the The Georgia Aquarium, Stone Mountain Park, World of Coca-Cola, there are so many fun things to do before and after the conference. And since Blogalicious Weekend falls on Columbus Day weekend, you can spend an extra day or two to visit just some of these great places. Visit the Atlanta Travel Guide for ideas on more fun things to do in Atlanta.
4) Question: What can I expect while at Blogalicious 2009?
Answer: You can expect to feel at home at our conference. We've designed a great weekend with many activities. We've also partnered up with some fabulous companies that have designed some really great opportunities for the weekend- just for you. We can't wait to share all the exciting things planned and are bursting at the seams to spill the beans. As soon we finish up all the paperwork and links and website are done being created - again, just for you- we are going to share all the juicy details.
Answer: Nope. Blogalicious is a conference for all women, mommy or not. Some of our attendees have children and some of them don't. Heck, some of our mommy bloggers are using this weekend for some much deserved "me time" while also pursuing their passion for blogging.
2) Question: Why Blogalicious 2009? There are already so many other conference, do we really need another one?
Answer: While there are several other great blogging conferences, before Blogalicious 2009, there were no conferences with a target audience of the women of color. Women of color are all over social media. We document our lives on our blogs, we promote our latest work on our blogs, and we are new moms, veteran moms, non-moms, and all of the above. (see question #1 above). As women of color in social media, there are some issues directly related to us that have not yet been addressed in a forum like Blogalicious. We saw the void and took action.
3) Question: Why did you pick Atlanta for the conference location?
Answer: Atlanta is a beautiful city. The weather in October is nice, hotels are great, and the airport is an easy one to fly to, even from the West Coast. Between the The Georgia Aquarium, Stone Mountain Park, World of Coca-Cola, there are so many fun things to do before and after the conference. And since Blogalicious Weekend falls on Columbus Day weekend, you can spend an extra day or two to visit just some of these great places. Visit the Atlanta Travel Guide for ideas on more fun things to do in Atlanta.
4) Question: What can I expect while at Blogalicious 2009?
Answer: You can expect to feel at home at our conference. We've designed a great weekend with many activities. We've also partnered up with some fabulous companies that have designed some really great opportunities for the weekend- just for you. We can't wait to share all the exciting things planned and are bursting at the seams to spill the beans. As soon we finish up all the paperwork and links and website are done being created - again, just for you- we are going to share all the juicy details.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Bloggers' identities may be revealed
I stumbled across this article in my internet travel today and wanted to share it with you; of course, this doesn't really apply to any of you because we all blog with integrity! But I wanted to pass it on:
Google reveals blogger's identity after Vogue model's 'skank' insult.
Miss Cohen, 37, went to the Manhattan supreme court to discover who had attacked her so she could sue for defamation. The Skanks in NYC blog featured photos of Miss Cohen and described her in a series of unflattering terms....In what may prove a far-reaching ruling, Joan Madden, a New York supreme court judge, rejected the blogger's claim that the blogs were a "modern day forum for conveying personal opinions, including invective and ranting" and should not be treated as factual assertions. The judge quoted a ruling by a Virginia court in a similar case that said that anonymous online taunters should be held accountable when their derision goes too far. Google said it had complied with the ruling by supplying the blogger's IP and email addresses to Miss Cohen's lawyers. The blog was removed as soon as Miss Cohen took legal action. Read more...
Google reveals blogger's identity after Vogue model's 'skank' insult.
Miss Cohen, 37, went to the Manhattan supreme court to discover who had attacked her so she could sue for defamation. The Skanks in NYC blog featured photos of Miss Cohen and described her in a series of unflattering terms....In what may prove a far-reaching ruling, Joan Madden, a New York supreme court judge, rejected the blogger's claim that the blogs were a "modern day forum for conveying personal opinions, including invective and ranting" and should not be treated as factual assertions. The judge quoted a ruling by a Virginia court in a similar case that said that anonymous online taunters should be held accountable when their derision goes too far. Google said it had complied with the ruling by supplying the blogger's IP and email addresses to Miss Cohen's lawyers. The blog was removed as soon as Miss Cohen took legal action. Read more...
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Marta takes the spotlight
Sometimes it's difficult to determine how much is too much to put out there on the internet. You want to speak from your heart and tell your story, but then you may hesitate because you're not sure whether there could be repercussions. Well, our speaker, Marta, writes from her heart - she has found her voice and shares with us lots of personal photos, so much so that after spending a little time on her blog, you'll feel like you know her entire family - and that's her secret!
Marta Darby from http://www.mybigfatcubanfamily.com/ will be speaking at the panel on "Secrets to a Successful Blog" and here's a little more about her:
"The most important thing that you need to know about Marta is that she does not go anywhere without her red lipstick. She sings in the car when she thinks no one is looking and has even gone as far as playing some serious percussion on her steering wheel.
Marta was born in Havana and fled Cuba with her family when she was just 5 years old.
If she were granted three wishes, one of them would surely be to see a free Cuba in her lifetime. She would also wish for her children to have happy and fulfilled lives. Her third wish would be for really long legs, but that’s not important right now.
When she was growing up, she wanted to be an artist and a writer. Writing her blog, My big, fat Cuban family makes her feel like she’s accomplished both. She embodies Cuban hospitality with her great sense of humor and passion for good food and great friends."
Make sure to add mybigfatcubanfamily.com to your blogroll today!
Marta Darby from http://www.mybigfatcubanfamily.com/ will be speaking at the panel on "Secrets to a Successful Blog" and here's a little more about her:
"The most important thing that you need to know about Marta is that she does not go anywhere without her red lipstick. She sings in the car when she thinks no one is looking and has even gone as far as playing some serious percussion on her steering wheel.
Marta was born in Havana and fled Cuba with her family when she was just 5 years old.
If she were granted three wishes, one of them would surely be to see a free Cuba in her lifetime. She would also wish for her children to have happy and fulfilled lives. Her third wish would be for really long legs, but that’s not important right now.
When she was growing up, she wanted to be an artist and a writer. Writing her blog, My big, fat Cuban family makes her feel like she’s accomplished both. She embodies Cuban hospitality with her great sense of humor and passion for good food and great friends."
Make sure to add mybigfatcubanfamily.com to your blogroll today!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Fabulous Sponsor Update!
It's been awhile since we've given you an update on the wonderful sponsors that have signed on to help make the conference a success. We're excited to announce the addition of the following three brands as official sponsors of Blogalicious 2009....
You heard it here first! Mattel is launching its very first collection of African-American Barbie dolls. The fun, new "So In Style" or "S.I.S." line is designed to give little brown girls positive role models and to teach them that they can be inspirational mentors all while being stylish too. Look for Mattel and the S.I.S. collection at Blogalicious where they will be sponsoring the Cocktail Reception. We'll even have the special treat of meeting and hearing the doll's designer tell us first-hand what inspired her to create these adorable dolls.
America's favorite household cleaner is making an appearance at Blogalicious! Pine-Sol is a brand committed to diversity and it shows. The company has teamed up with Ebony Magazine and together they have been hosting SisterSpeak Luncheons all around the country honoring remarkable African-American women. We're pleased to say that Pine-Sol has teamed up with Blogalicious to honor YOU at the Friday evening Cocktail Reception.
LeapFrog has a stellar reputation when it comes to providing fun, engaging and educational toys for our little ones. And they're well-known for reaching out to bloggers to solicit honest and genuine feedback about their products. So naturally, it's fitting that they partner with Blogalicious to show you just how much they value your opinion and support. To top it all off, you'll have LeapFrog to thank for your much-needed Morning Coffee and Snack Break!
Join us in thanking to these great companies for supporting Blogalicious and women of color bloggers.
People's Choice Panel - Now it's your turn to vote!!!
We asked you what you wanted and you let us know … now it’s your turn to vote. We’ve sifted through all your suggestions and these three topics rose to the top. Cast your vote before September 1st and let YOUR voice be heard. (Go to the poll is on the sidebar)
“Show Me the Money – Monetizing your blog” – You want to take your blog to the next level in terms of making a little extra money on side, this session will explore how to get started, discuss realistic expectations of how much money can be made, who you should contact, and discuss the various options available to bring in some money.
“Yikes … An Audit! – Tax Implications of Making Money from Blogging” – Now, you’re making a little extra money from doing what you enjoy, it’s time to think about Uncle Sam. This session will explore the various tax implications of making those few (or thousands) of extra bucks.
“Raising Multi-racial kids on Your Blog” – You’re not a woman of color but you are raising a child of color. This session will explore the unique issues that you may face as you navigate the blogosphere and the real world.
“Show Me the Money – Monetizing your blog” – You want to take your blog to the next level in terms of making a little extra money on side, this session will explore how to get started, discuss realistic expectations of how much money can be made, who you should contact, and discuss the various options available to bring in some money.
“Yikes … An Audit! – Tax Implications of Making Money from Blogging” – Now, you’re making a little extra money from doing what you enjoy, it’s time to think about Uncle Sam. This session will explore the various tax implications of making those few (or thousands) of extra bucks.
“Raising Multi-racial kids on Your Blog” – You’re not a woman of color but you are raising a child of color. This session will explore the unique issues that you may face as you navigate the blogosphere and the real world.
Monday, August 17, 2009
The light shines bright on Veronica
Today's Speaker Spotlight is on Ms. Veronica Arreola. What can I say? It's best that you read for yourself. Let's just say that she's amazing!
Veronica will be one of the women on the Town Hall discussion "Marketing to Women of Color: The Real Deal". Veronica blogs at http://www.vivalafeminista.com/ which is described as "written by a woman living in Chicago trying to navigate and understand the intersection between being a feminist, a mom, and a Latina. Besides the every day rantings and ravings."
Here's a little more about Veronica in her words:
1. Tell us something about you that you would never tell your mom? That she did succeed in scaring me out of getting a tattoo. She died 6 years ago and I still think she’d find a way to carve it out with a butter knife.
2. In your spare ten minutes each day, what would you wish you could be doing? What are you actually doing? Reading a book outside. Thinking about the next thing I’m going to write.
3. If money was no object, what item of clothing or accessory would you like to have? A pair of fabulous black Mary Jane heels. I have a nice pair, but not a fab pair. Those cost a bit more than Payless.
4. You're five minutes away from work and realized that you forgot something. What would be that one thing that would make you turn around and go back home? My office keys – happens a lot actually.
5. Describe yourself in 5 adjectives? Happy, messy, busy, energetic and loving
6. If you were granted three wishes from an angel or genie what would you want? One day where my late-mom and daughter can finally meet. We’d go to Disney World. Wish #2 would be for my mortgage to be paid off. Wish #3 would be to be healthy enough to see my daughter grown and with her own family.
7. When you were growing up what did you want to become when you grew up? Astronaut, marine biologist, teacher, writer.
8. Which is the trait you love the most and least about yourself? I love that I’m optimistic, I hate that it leads me to take on too much!
9. Do you have a tattoo, where is it located and what does it stand for? None! Yet.
10. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking? Watch entertainment news.
Want more of Veronica...check her out:
Chicago Abortion FundWomen In Media & NewsNOW Mothers & Caregivers Economic Rights
Blog: http://www.vivalafeminista.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/veronicaeye
She's in the current issue of Ms. Magazine - On sale now!http://www.msmagazine.com/summer2009/mommyblogs.asp
She'll be speaking at:Florida Consortium for Women's Studies October 2-4 in Tampa, FL http://web1.cas.usf.edu/wst/fcws/
Veronica will be one of the women on the Town Hall discussion "Marketing to Women of Color: The Real Deal". Veronica blogs at http://www.vivalafeminista.com/ which is described as "written by a woman living in Chicago trying to navigate and understand the intersection between being a feminist, a mom, and a Latina. Besides the every day rantings and ravings."
Here's a little more about Veronica in her words:
1. Tell us something about you that you would never tell your mom? That she did succeed in scaring me out of getting a tattoo. She died 6 years ago and I still think she’d find a way to carve it out with a butter knife.
2. In your spare ten minutes each day, what would you wish you could be doing? What are you actually doing? Reading a book outside. Thinking about the next thing I’m going to write.
3. If money was no object, what item of clothing or accessory would you like to have? A pair of fabulous black Mary Jane heels. I have a nice pair, but not a fab pair. Those cost a bit more than Payless.
4. You're five minutes away from work and realized that you forgot something. What would be that one thing that would make you turn around and go back home? My office keys – happens a lot actually.
5. Describe yourself in 5 adjectives? Happy, messy, busy, energetic and loving
6. If you were granted three wishes from an angel or genie what would you want? One day where my late-mom and daughter can finally meet. We’d go to Disney World. Wish #2 would be for my mortgage to be paid off. Wish #3 would be to be healthy enough to see my daughter grown and with her own family.
7. When you were growing up what did you want to become when you grew up? Astronaut, marine biologist, teacher, writer.
8. Which is the trait you love the most and least about yourself? I love that I’m optimistic, I hate that it leads me to take on too much!
9. Do you have a tattoo, where is it located and what does it stand for? None! Yet.
10. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking? Watch entertainment news.
Want more of Veronica...check her out:
Chicago Abortion FundWomen In Media & NewsNOW Mothers & Caregivers Economic Rights
Blog: http://www.vivalafeminista.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/veronicaeye
She's in the current issue of Ms. Magazine - On sale now!http://www.msmagazine.com/summer2009/mommyblogs.asp
She'll be speaking at:Florida Consortium for Women's Studies October 2-4 in Tampa, FL http://web1.cas.usf.edu/wst/fcws/
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Join The Blogalicious Message Board
We hear you... The Blogalicious blog is great for updates and news, but you want to be able to connect with other bloggers planning to attend the conference. Piece of cake! Hop on over to the Blogalicious 2009 message board on BigTent and make yourself at home. You'll be able to look for a roommate, ask questions, and dish about all things Blogalicious. Sign-up is easy and free.
Only 30 Days Left to Book Your Hotel Room!
As of today, there is only 1 month left to reserve your guest room at the W Hotel at the Blogalicious discounted conference rate. By staying at the conference hotel you'll have the advantage of being in middle of all the conference activity, the benefit of being only an elevator ride away from your room, and the perk of not having to worry about transportation to and from the Blogalicious events.
Need to find a roommate? Check back here tomorrow!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Help Denene win!
Shout out goes to the fabulous Denene Millner over at MyBrownBaby for being a 2009 Black Weblog Award Finalist. We haven't officially introduced you to Denene as yet through our Speaker Spotlights - but, we had to make you aware that you can help her win in the Best Parenting and Family Blog, and Best Blog Design categories.
You're going to love Denene when you meet her (i.e. if you are not already following her blog); in the meantime pop on over to her blog and help her win!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
What to do with my family?
You know that Blogalicious is just about 2 months away, right? You know that it's during Columbus Day weekend, right? You know that you're going to have a good time, right?
Now you're wondering how to work it out for yourself . We're sure one of the biggest issues you're facing is should I leave my family? Well consider this - you can make a trip to Atlanta WITH your family! Yes, I said WITH them ... because while you're getting your blogalicious on, they can be site-seeing and doing all the other fun stuff that the ATL has to offer.
Take for example, a tour of the Georgia Aquarium, or the historic MLK site, or go to the Bodies exhibit or feed your face at the Taste of Atlanta, or even go to Stone Mountain or enjoy the Fall Festival. There are countless family-friendly activities in Atlanta (click here for our family friendly guide). So don't feel bad because it's not really a hard decision. Make a vacation out of it - you'll have a good time and so will they!
(P.S. Stay tuned for more family friendly options)
Now you're wondering how to work it out for yourself . We're sure one of the biggest issues you're facing is should I leave my family? Well consider this - you can make a trip to Atlanta WITH your family! Yes, I said WITH them ... because while you're getting your blogalicious on, they can be site-seeing and doing all the other fun stuff that the ATL has to offer.
Take for example, a tour of the Georgia Aquarium, or the historic MLK site, or go to the Bodies exhibit or feed your face at the Taste of Atlanta, or even go to Stone Mountain or enjoy the Fall Festival. There are countless family-friendly activities in Atlanta (click here for our family friendly guide). So don't feel bad because it's not really a hard decision. Make a vacation out of it - you'll have a good time and so will they!
(P.S. Stay tuned for more family friendly options)
Monday, August 10, 2009
Help Wanted: Graphic Design Intern
Calling all talented graphic designers! If you're someone who is creative, has experience with graphic design, understands media, and loves blogging, then we have the perfect opportunity for you. Blogalicious is looking for an intern to assist in the creation and development of its eConference Guide. This is a great chance to hone those design skills while building valuable relationships and working behind-the-scenes at the only conference for women bloggers of color.
Familiarity with the city of Atlanta and experience with planning events is a bonus.
Interested applicants please send qualifications and work samples to: info@blogaliciousweekend.com
Familiarity with the city of Atlanta and experience with planning events is a bonus.
Interested applicants please send qualifications and work samples to: info@blogaliciousweekend.com
The Official Blogalicious Conference Program: Get In!
Don't miss this unique opportunity to reach an audience of smart, powerful and diverse women who have a penchant for spreading the word about businesses, products and services that appeal to them! Unlike other conferences, by placing an ad in the Official Blogalicious Conference Program, you're not only promoting your "gig" to the conference crowd, but, should you make an impression on them and they give you a mention on their blogs, you'll also be reaching their widespread blog audiences too.
We don't want you to feel limited to advertising a business though. If you want to increase your blog's readership, drive traffic to your online portfolio, or simply announce your arrival to the blogosphere, there is no better way!
Conference Program Advertising Specifications:
Full-Page ad: $400 (B&W) $600 (Color)
Half-Page ad: $200 (B&W) $300 (Color)
Quarter-Page ad: $50 (B&W) $100 (Color)
Business Card ad: $20 (B&W) $30 (Color)
Half-Page ad: $200 (B&W) $300 (Color)
Quarter-Page ad: $50 (B&W) $100 (Color)
Business Card ad: $20 (B&W) $30 (Color)
There's an option for everyone!
Email us at: info@blogaliciousweekend.com to place your ad today.
Deadline is September 13, 2009.
Brittany in the Speaker Spotlight
If you've been over to our home blog (http://www.mamalaw.com/), you may have seen that I have started my beauty bootcamp - to learn all things beauty in 6 short weeks. But what I really should have done was pop on over to our speaker, Brittany's, site. Brittany authors http://www.clumpsofmascara.com/and you can find her in so many other places, that I got tired thinking about how much she has going on.
Brittany will be on the "Cyberstyle & The Multicultural Blogger" panel and she's got a lot to share with us. In Brittany's words, "Clumps of Mascara is a beauty blog for ladies who are looking to enhance beauty, not perfect it. Follow the journey of a newbie in the beauty world with mistakes galore...and pictures to prove it."
To help us get to know Brittany a little better we asked a few fun questions and here are her responses:
1. Tell us something about you that you would never tell your mom?
When I was a senior in high school, I let a friend convince me to smoke a Black & Mild. It didn’t sit too well with my tummy. Hours later I was on the floor with horrible stomach cramps. My Mom rushed me to the emergency room and after thinking that I was knocking on death’s door, it turns out that I just had a huge bubble of gas in my stomach. She still doesn’t know how that bubble got there but I know it’s from the Black & Mild.
2. In your spare ten minutes each day, what would you wish you could be doing? What are you actually doing?
Relaxing! I really don’t get much time to do this on an average week day. Sometimes I just want to sit down and not do a thing. My full-time job takes up most of the day and then when I come home I immediately start getting dinner together and spend the rest of the evening doing Clumps work. That alone takes a good 4 hours. So yes, a good 10 minutes a day to just to sit down and be at peace would so rock my world!
3. If money was no object, what item of clothing or accessory would you like to have?
Wow, that’s a good one! And I am wrecking my brain trying to think of what I would like to have. Hmmmm….I would love a pair of Louboutins. But then if I had those, I’d have to up the wardrobe game too. I’d settle for a nice new camera.
4. You're five minutes away from work and realized that you forgot something. What would be that one thing that would make you turn around and go back home?
The Blackberry. I’ve done it before and you better believe I’d do it again!
5. Describe yourself in 5 adjectives?
Corny. Dramatic. Inspiring. Passionate. Honest.
6. If you were granted three wishes from an angel or genie what would you want?
1) Financial security for everyone! I know that sounds extreme but I dream big.
2) Removal of all diseases and disabilities.
3) I’d want for all of my favorite foods (especially desserts) to be fat-free, healthy and still taste as good as they do now. Talk about a wish. HA!
7. When you were growing up what did you want to become when you grew up?
I always knew that I wanted to do something with children. From 2nd grade until middle school I played around with the idea of wanting to be a teacher or a pediatric surgeon. Shortly after college I taught through AmeriCorps so I think it’s pretty cool that I stuck with something for once in my life. LOL!
8. Which is the trait you love the most and least about yourself?
What I love most-my ability to find beauty in everything. What I love least-my lack of focus. I have so many interests but it is often a struggle to sit down and focus on one.
9. Do you have a tattoo, where is it located and what does it stand for?
I have 3. I have a purple star on my ankle that I got when I was 18. I got it because I was bored. No kidding. I have an ankh on my back and a West African symbol called Gye Nyame on my wrist. It means “Only God” and it is my favorite tat!
10. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking?
Cup my breasts. It’s so inappropriate and so random but sometimes I feel the need to make sure they are still there. HA!
Please add Brittany as one of your favs! For more Brittany you can find her everywhere:)
Twitter (ClumpsOfMascara)
Myspace (myspace.com/ClumpsOfMascara)
Skype (ClumpsOfMascara)
AIM (ClumpsOfMascara)
YouTube (DivineBlackness)
LinkedIn (ClumpsOfMascara)
Facebook (facebook.com/ClumpsOfMascara)
Brittany will be on the "Cyberstyle & The Multicultural Blogger" panel and she's got a lot to share with us. In Brittany's words, "Clumps of Mascara is a beauty blog for ladies who are looking to enhance beauty, not perfect it. Follow the journey of a newbie in the beauty world with mistakes galore...and pictures to prove it."
To help us get to know Brittany a little better we asked a few fun questions and here are her responses:
1. Tell us something about you that you would never tell your mom?
When I was a senior in high school, I let a friend convince me to smoke a Black & Mild. It didn’t sit too well with my tummy. Hours later I was on the floor with horrible stomach cramps. My Mom rushed me to the emergency room and after thinking that I was knocking on death’s door, it turns out that I just had a huge bubble of gas in my stomach. She still doesn’t know how that bubble got there but I know it’s from the Black & Mild.
2. In your spare ten minutes each day, what would you wish you could be doing? What are you actually doing?
Relaxing! I really don’t get much time to do this on an average week day. Sometimes I just want to sit down and not do a thing. My full-time job takes up most of the day and then when I come home I immediately start getting dinner together and spend the rest of the evening doing Clumps work. That alone takes a good 4 hours. So yes, a good 10 minutes a day to just to sit down and be at peace would so rock my world!
3. If money was no object, what item of clothing or accessory would you like to have?
Wow, that’s a good one! And I am wrecking my brain trying to think of what I would like to have. Hmmmm….I would love a pair of Louboutins. But then if I had those, I’d have to up the wardrobe game too. I’d settle for a nice new camera.
4. You're five minutes away from work and realized that you forgot something. What would be that one thing that would make you turn around and go back home?
The Blackberry. I’ve done it before and you better believe I’d do it again!
5. Describe yourself in 5 adjectives?
Corny. Dramatic. Inspiring. Passionate. Honest.
6. If you were granted three wishes from an angel or genie what would you want?
1) Financial security for everyone! I know that sounds extreme but I dream big.
2) Removal of all diseases and disabilities.
3) I’d want for all of my favorite foods (especially desserts) to be fat-free, healthy and still taste as good as they do now. Talk about a wish. HA!
7. When you were growing up what did you want to become when you grew up?
I always knew that I wanted to do something with children. From 2nd grade until middle school I played around with the idea of wanting to be a teacher or a pediatric surgeon. Shortly after college I taught through AmeriCorps so I think it’s pretty cool that I stuck with something for once in my life. LOL!
8. Which is the trait you love the most and least about yourself?
What I love most-my ability to find beauty in everything. What I love least-my lack of focus. I have so many interests but it is often a struggle to sit down and focus on one.
9. Do you have a tattoo, where is it located and what does it stand for?
I have 3. I have a purple star on my ankle that I got when I was 18. I got it because I was bored. No kidding. I have an ankh on my back and a West African symbol called Gye Nyame on my wrist. It means “Only God” and it is my favorite tat!
10. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking?
Cup my breasts. It’s so inappropriate and so random but sometimes I feel the need to make sure they are still there. HA!
Please add Brittany as one of your favs! For more Brittany you can find her everywhere:)
Twitter (ClumpsOfMascara)
Myspace (myspace.com/ClumpsOfMascara)
Skype (ClumpsOfMascara)
AIM (ClumpsOfMascara)
YouTube (DivineBlackness)
LinkedIn (ClumpsOfMascara)
Facebook (facebook.com/ClumpsOfMascara)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Speaker Spotlight shines on Corvida
I pride myself on knowing very little of the technical stuff on the web and social media. I accepted a while ago that I can't keep up and so I scour the web for information about which application I should be using, and what feature gives the most utility, and of course, what's new and upcoming. If you are like me, then you need to visit Corvida's websites. She's got the scoop on everything social media and everything technical.
Corvida Raven will be a speaker on the panel "Upgrade You: Taking Your Blog to the Next Level" and once you visit her sites, you'll understand why she's a great fit.
Corvida is "A New Media strategist, Author of SheGeeks.net, co-author of EverythingTwitter and TheSocialGeeks podcast, noted as an influential woman in tech (FastCompany 09)." Corvida Raven is "blazing a path to become the "Oprah of the Web." When asked what she does in her free time, she says "she collects Converse sneakers and sunglasses" and "hanging out at local Barnes and Noble at any given time of the day is one of her favorite hobbies."
Please be sure to add Corvida to your blogroll because she'll keep you ahead of the game.
CORVIDA RAVEN Writer, Community Manager, Social Web Consultant SheGeeks.net Everythingtwitter.com Thesocialgeeks.com Mr. Tweet Blog Editor http://www.linkedin.com/in/corvidaTwitter: @Corvida FriendFeed: Corvida
Corvida Raven will be a speaker on the panel "Upgrade You: Taking Your Blog to the Next Level" and once you visit her sites, you'll understand why she's a great fit.
Corvida is "A New Media strategist, Author of SheGeeks.net, co-author of EverythingTwitter and TheSocialGeeks podcast, noted as an influential woman in tech (FastCompany 09)." Corvida Raven is "blazing a path to become the "Oprah of the Web." When asked what she does in her free time, she says "she collects Converse sneakers and sunglasses" and "hanging out at local Barnes and Noble at any given time of the day is one of her favorite hobbies."
Please be sure to add Corvida to your blogroll because she'll keep you ahead of the game.
CORVIDA RAVEN Writer, Community Manager, Social Web Consultant SheGeeks.net Everythingtwitter.com Thesocialgeeks.com Mr. Tweet Blog Editor http://www.linkedin.com/in/corvidaTwitter: @Corvida FriendFeed: Corvida
Who's so and so?
EVERYONE on the world wide web knows that Blogalicious has the most fantastic speaker line-up. We've prided ourselves on trying to get speakers who not only know what they're talking about, but can teach us a thing or two as well. Over the next few weeks we are going to be highlighting our fabulous speakers through our "Speaker Spotlight" posts, so just in case you were wondering about the conference and whether it's just going to be a big party - wonder no more, because it's going to be a place to learn, discuss, teach, share, motivate, support and have fun!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Great memory
Thanks to Mommy Niri we now have a video of that entertaining dance put on by the Lush Cosmetics staff at our party. What fun!!!
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