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When You Can’t Find The Words #Hallmark

August 27, 2012 by

Hallmark is there. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting with Hallmark events 2 in the past few weeks.

NYC’s Holiday Product Preview at the London Hotel was like a little taste of Christmas in the Summer. Hallmark went all out not just showcasing their new products and decor for the holiday season but offering holiday cookies to match the ambience.
New york city view london hotel
We got to see firsthand the innovative and interactive products for home decor and children’s memories.

hallmark christmas collections

The Philly HallmarkTour was entirely different and I think my favorite of the 2 events. This was a chance to meet the people behind the sappy notes and creative photographs.

hallmark tour philly

We had the opportunity to write own captions for photos of children. Our team didn’t win but I think we came up some great inspirational ideas. We were also given the task to write messages of encouragement for back to school time. This was something that I found hard. I have the feelings in my heart and my head but trying to get them on paper I became a blubbering mess. I wasn’t the only one though. I peered over and saw some glassy eyes From Sherry of BabyPop and Randi from SAHM’s Crazy Life.
Hallmark is a wonderful fell good brand. A company that I’ve turned to for many years for holiday ornaments, baby’s 1st birthday momentos, e-cards and more.

hallmark back to school messages

shae’s message to sabreena and shaun for their 1st day of school

I was lucky enough to bring home Story Buddy, Nugget.  The interactive plush comments and responds along to certain messages while you read the included book to your child.  I was dreading opening this because I wasn’t in the mood to “put together” a toy but he was literally ready to go once he was out of the box.

hallmark story buddy nugget
Thanks so much for the experience in both NYC and Philly.

I Disclose




What to Pack for #BlogHer

July 21, 2012 by

I'll be wearing cute shoes to BlogHer '12

I’m less than 2 weeks away from my 1st BlogHer. I’m panicking.  I want to make sure I bring everything I need without bringing too much extra. I’ll be taking the train in so I’m limited on what I can drag around by myself.

The obvious things I’m packing are my smartphone, clothing, shoes, cosmetics and toiletries. Even this basic stuff stresses me out because I feel like I need so much. I want to be casual and comfortable for the sessions and workshops but then I want to be fun and fancy for the parties and cocktails during the night. That means I’m already over packing in my head. I refuse to bring an 80’s prom dress for Sparklecorn but I did get an awesome pair of sparkly glitter pumps to wear.

glitter pumps, platform pumps

Now lets talk about the other stuff that is needed; the essentials to get you through the day away from your normal surroundings. Here are some things I’ve seen mentioned or thought would come in handy while away from the comforts of home.

Photo Courtesy of Flickr, AudioEric

  • Handbag or totebag-large enough to carry lots of the stuff below
  • Laptop or tablet if you plan on blogging or writing
  • Power Strip-hotel room and session rooms
  • Refillable Water Bottle-duh
  • Extra reusable bags-something to stash in your handbag in case the swag get to be too much
  • Extra Hangers, especially if you’re sharing a room
  • Address Labels-shipping packages home and expo hall mailing lists
  • Business Cards or Media Kits-check out our new cards
  • Pens & Notebook
  • Recharging battery pack or power cord for phone and laptop
  • Extra suitcase or bag-to bring home the swag
  • Comfy Shoes-no matter how cute you want to look comfort is going to come 1st

Thats my “extras” list for BlogHer. I’m sure there are other things I haven’t thought about.

What do you think I’m missing?
I Disclose




It’s Not About the Swag #Blogher

July 14, 2012 by

who is going to blogher BlogHer ’12 NYC is just around the corner. Can you believe this will be my first? When BlogHer was in NYC 2 years ago I was kicking myself for not attending. NYC is within driving distance or in my case train ride distance so there is now way I can miss it.

There is so much talk lately about the parties and swag and gifting rooms. I never understood it before this year. I watch my Twitter and Facebook streams go by and it’s filled with upset bloggers wondering why they weren’t included, how they can get on a list, who they should be contacting and most recently if they can get a goody bag even if they aren’t attending. I’ll be honest, I’ve been invited to a few events and parties and I was excited to be included but I’m not upset that I’m not included in others. I’ve seen bloggers get downright pissed they weren’t included for a few parties.  This kind of behavior gives blogging a bad name.
swag bags, fighting over swag, who didn't get invited
I’m going to BlogHer to connect, to network and to mingle with friends that I haven’t even met yet. The session line up looks amazing as well as the Blogher sponsored parties. I’m looking forward to meeting brands and bloggers that I’ve only talked to through email on social networks. I’m looking forward to the experience not the stuff. Don’t get me wrong, getting stuff is great but I’m sure that’s not why these conferences were put together in the first place.
Photo Courtesy of Flickr Sk8Geek
I Disclose




I’m Gonna Do It

April 27, 2012 by

I’m going to train to run a 5K. I got my weekly BlogHer ’12 Attendee newsletter and in it was news of a 5k Fun Run. I thought for a couple minutes about it, asked Twitterland their advice and it was all positive. I decided I’m going to start running. Rob is behind me and said he would run with me to train. I’m headed to the stores this weekend to buy some gear and sneakers. I hate wearing sneakers so this should be fun.

I looked up the Couch to 5K program and hope that it works for me.
couch to 5k

I’ll keep you all posted about my progress and my staying power. I’m good at quitting things.