iPost Shuffle

I am going to start a theme each Saturday called iPost Shuffle.  It is going to be like an iPod shuffle...where you click a button and get a song.  I will shuffle and get a older post so if you are a new reader you still get to see some of my older post!  The first one is going to be a post I did LAST Halloween.  CLICK HERE to shuffle!

Enjoy and have a Happy Halloween!  If you want to join in just sign the linky below!

A Social Media Halloween with The Hinton's

Future in Fashion

Okay when my tech world and fashion love collide I have to share it with you.  This is what has happened in this video.  CBS Sunday Morning contributor Mo Rocca tells us about Future in Fashion.  You will see a few familiar faces including: Tim Gunn, Maunel Torres, and the Intel Team.






Watch CBS News Videos Online

So what do you think of fashion moving forward to include technology??

Red Bluff Farm Halloween 2009

Check out this same spot from last year's post.

Social Media Inward

As we all become more involved with social media whether for business or personal fun, we begin to tell or family in friends that we blog or are on Twitter.  Over a year ago when I started this whole journey into social media I had a hard time explaining what I "did".  At first it was, "So you review products?" or "Do you talk about celebrities?" People didn't exactly get what a blogger was.  Who could blame them?  It's still a very new idea to most.  So how can we help them learn more about what we "do" online?  Tell them about it.

I think it is very important to let people know about social media and how they can use it.  No matter where you go within your community there are people eager to learn but may not know who to ask.  I love explaining to benefits of Twitter to a new person.  They are always intrigued with Twitter since all of the news broadcasters are talking about it but they never know how to utilize it.  So tell them!  If we all look inward to our communities and explain social media, they will begin to "get" what we "do".  I know wonderful women have already done a ton of inward outreach such as Sarah from Real Life and Jyl from Mom It Forward. GeekChicMedia has already done so and has a positive response(even my mom's on Twitter)!

Now it is your turn!  Start a social media meetup or geek up your family and friends!

SITScation conference and home from Vegas

Ok so I am not only back from Vegas but also back from my week off of work!  First and foremost I must tell you about Vegas.  As most of you know Dustin was suppose to come with me but a couple of weeks before leaving for the trip it turns out he couldn't come.  So it was just me and an amazing suite at the Venetian.  If you have never been to Vegas and are considering it, check out this amazing hotel.  Always something to do at this place and it is just lovely.

SITScation, the conference itself, was WELL put together by the SITS girls.  They know how to put on a fun dance party but they also have a great way of connecting women in real life just as they do on their site.  Of course the speakers were amazing...some of my faves were Renee Ross and Laurie Turk.  Both very inspiring and had the audience captivated.  I loved the lunch provided at the conference because we had assigned seats  with people we may or may not have known.  I was at a table with amazing women of whom I did not but completely glad I do now.  I am excited that this conference was such a success and look forward to many more!

I have to say that I am glad conference are over for the year for me.  Now it is time to refocus on business and get my butt back in gear!!   I love what do online and will continue to strive for success.  Thank you to all the people who drive me to it!

As far as my week off, it was AMAZING!  I loved every minute of it.  It gave me time to reprioritize a few things and enjoy Boston and Mommy time. I have TONS of little memories I will tuck inside my memory for days when things are not so great.  For now, they are just about perfect!

Do We Really "Do It" aka Social Media Anywhere?

Apparently, the answer is yes.  We will DO social media anywhere.  You know, I joked with some of my online friends about how addicted we are to this space.  We even joked that we are "technically" on Skype during sex because our laptops are always on.  TMI maybe but read on.  So when Retrevo did a little research and found that 36% of people under 35 years old DID in fact tweeted/texted/facebooked after sex, I had to share.  Now, those of you say well I am in the clear because I am 35+ oh contraire.  Those 35+ still accounted for 8% who tweeted/texted/facebooked.  Check out more of the survey and its findings here.

So what are your thoughts?  Are we O.C.C.(Out-of-Control...too much Rachel Zoe for me I know)?

Laughing Over Drinks With Friends

I have told many of you that I think being a part of this space online is great.  The networking and socializing is  beyond amazing but when you meet IRL it is even more fantastic than you could imagine.  It solidifies what we are all here doing.  I love the growth of the relationships when you spend a few hours laughing over dinner...or drinks.  Check out these pictures from this past weekend.




Find more photos like this on The Classy Closet

How Do YOU Pink-Post #2

This my second post for the HOW DO YOU PINK campaign. Check out my first one here. In addition to going to get examined, you can also bring awareness by wearing pink! I found a few great items over at Polyvore.com. Check them and leave a little comment love for yours truly!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month by tokyoparis featuring Lipsy

Items in this set:
Calvin Klein Dotted underwired contour bra, $50
DAISY, 170 GBP
Prada fuchsia textured patent leather tote at Bluefly, $1,516
TOYWATCH 'Plasteramic Collection' Fluorescent Watch, $195
FULL TILT Acrylic Flower Ring, $2.99

Professionalism at Blogalicious 2009 Conference

I just got back home last night from an amazing two days at this conference. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by what I came back with from this trip. No I am not talking about the swag though that was great too. Leading up to this conference I was very hesitant on what I thought was going to be the situation. I thought...I do not know anyone but a handful of people. I thought I was going to be somewhat out of my element. I thought wrong.

Blogalicious was not just a bunch of colored people or minorities(as the ignorant would say). This conference was full of THE MOST classy and professional women I have been surrounded by at any conference thus far. I am so thankful that I was selected as a speaker for this inaugural event. It was nice to see a different perspective from people who were so passionate about what they do. I loved that when I sat down at a table and knew not one person...I still felt like I was surrounded by friends. There was not an ounce of cattiness. I was in the presence of lawyers, authors, CPAs, marketers, consultants, and bloggers. I was in the presence of people who KEEP IT REAL. Finally...finally. I was inspired by speeches from Karen Walrond, Maria Bailey, and the Justice Girls. I was inspired by the conversation I had with Aliza Sherman. I was inspired to continue on the path that I am on.



If you are in the process of selecting conferences you are going to attend next year, scratch off the few you are unsure of and make this one of the TOP on your list. These women knew how to KEEP IT CLASSY.

Sidebar: For those who think I am STILL not qualified to speak/teach Social Media Basics...#iownedit!

Did you post about Blogalicious 2009? Post your link here!

Breast Cancer Awareness-How Do YOU Pink

It's October and that time of year where everything and everyone turns pink.  This fabulous line up of women have turned PINK too.  Check out this video to see how YOU can learn more about "How Do YOU Pink?"

Mondays: Momma'Tudes

Tuesdays: Jen Hinton.com

Wednesdays: Scraps of My Geek Life

Thursdays: Faith, Hope, and Love

Fridays: Cheryl Budge.com and Childhood Clothing

Saturdays: Bantering Blonde

Sundays: A Busy Mommy

Now do you want to join in??  Sign the BlogHop linky below with YOUR post on How Do YOU Pink!!  Don't forget tomorrow to check Scraps of My Geek Life's post!

Do You Engage In Social Media Locally?

I know that most of you engage in social media online but how often do you reach out to your local community?  There are so many different platforms you can use to help grow your online presence.  The same is the case for your local social media presence.  So how do you do it?  I want to share with you a few tips that GeekChicMedia uses.

• Find a local social media group of like-minded people.  If there is not one already, CREATE one.
• Reach out to local business to find out if they are using social media and what platforms they use.(Are they on Twitter and Facebook.)
• Have your business cards with you at all times because you never know what opportunities you may bump into.
• Put a decal on your car with your site URL.  You will immediately begin to see traffic from surrounding cities.
• Check out http://twitter.grader.com and search by city to find other Twitter users in your area and begin to network.

These are just a few ways you can actively become known as the social media guru in your local community.

The Memorable Women of Type A Mom Conference

I wanted to let some of the Type A Mom Conference posts settle down before I let you in on my view. I will probably do a few posts but this one is about the PEOPLE of the conference because I think that was by far the best part of the experience. This conference was a lot more relaxed which allowed for time to connect and learn more about each other as a person rather than just swap business cards and blog URLs. So let me tell you what you really want to know about the attendees of Type A.

First let me tell you about my roomie and bed buddy, Michele McGraw aka @scrappinmichele. The first thing you will notice is YES she is shorter than you thought she might be but she has a heart that's bigger than life. I love that when I am in a room with her I know I will learn something and that she will give me the sweet perspective of things. I love that she appreciates my snarkyness and knows it's just a part of who I am and accepts it because we are friends. I had the chance to first meet her at Blogher but didn't have a ton of time to chat with her. We are Skype pals and now true IRL friends. If you are looking for true friendship online, she's one you may want to seek out.

Secondly, I must share a little about this @banteringblonde Fiona Bryan. As Maria Bailey would say, she is a smart blonde. She really is a smart cookie! Even more than that she understands this online space and I love having conversation on how we can dominate the world grow our consulting businesses. Fiona understands that by networking we are growing our online presence and not in a rat race to the top. Okay and not to mention this lady knows a ton about total wellness! She should be speaking at conferences and uplifting women for sure!

The next two would have to come in a pair because that's how The Blogrollers roll! Christie Crowder and Lorraine Robertson are raising awareness of the power of female bloggers. How cool is that?! Not only that but who you have come to love and know online is exactly(if not more) who they are IRL. They have hearts of gold and a both have a contagious laugh. They know when they are working on a campaign that they can bring in their friends to help build our community. I love that! Not to mention they were super cute kids especially with their 80's clothes...oh those pics were a sight to see!!

You know that girl who has just that cutest little Boone, NC accent(as I say it in an accent)...Sarah Pinnix @Real Life Sarah. She is REAL. I know what you are thinking can someone really be that stinkin' nice and welcoming? YES. It is a rarity but that is what's so fantastic about her. She is the social butterfly in the room but makes sure to take time for everyone. I love that ever conversation I have with her is a memorable one. She has a lot to say and I love listening to every word of it! If you are ever in Boone, just look for the girl in the pretty little apron with a guitar in hand! She knows six chords you know!

I hope to have many more connections like the ones I have made with these women!