Black Friday Deals

Yes, I know that today is only Tuesday and Black Friday is on Friday ... but this is your guide and is early so that you can look through things without having to take time out of your family holiday. I will NOT be posting any Thursday deals. That isn't how I work. While I will be working on Thanksgiving, it is because I am CHOOSING to keep drunks off the road following an event. This is not a mandatory thing. I just want life to be a little bit safer and everyone is able to get home to their families for the holidays. With that said ... Here you go!

Click the graphic to go straight to the deal!

BLOGGERS - Pay attention! There is an AWESOME deal coming Friday and you will want to take part. If you are looking at going to your first conference or your 30th, the Type-A Con should be on that list. It is being held in Atlanta, GA again this year and will be in October. I attended Type-A Con 2014 as my first conference and I suffer from severe anxiety. I can tell you that they make everyone feel SUPER comfortable AND there are plenty of ways to destress. I WILL be going again in 2015!

Use code BLACKFRIDAY at http://typeaparent.com/affiliates?ap_id=HBRedbird to save 30% on your Type-A Parent Conference annual pass starting at midnight EST on Friday. Type-A Parent 7th Annual Conference will be held in Atlanta October 8-10. Type-A Parent offers top notch learning and networking with some of the world's smart bloggers and most beloved brands. Find out more and get your pass at http://typeaparent.com/affiliates?ap_id=HBRedbird

Order on my site!

Get your Mary Kay at a GREAT price on FRIDAY ONLY! When you place an order on my site, it will time stamp it on my email. This will determine your discount. I will then send you an invoice via PayPal that you can pay with your credit card WITHOUT having to give me your information!!! You will see the discount applied on the PayPal invoice. If you have ANY questions on how it works ... please ask me! You will want to remember to add 8.77% Sales Tax & $9.35 for shipping & handling. Limited Edition items are selling out wicked fast so I STRONGLY suggest you order as early as possible because I will try to place as they come in! If something is sold out, I will ask you if you would like a replacement item or your money back.

Other Specials Going on FRIDAY ONLY!

Free shipping from The Land of Nod

Receive free parcel shipping PLUS 15% Off your order at The Land of Nod from 11/27 – 12/1 for a Black Friday/Cyber Monday super sale!

Awesome Deals at Tea

Styles $12, $15 and $17 for Girl, Boy, and Baby

Get Personal with ISeeMe books!

Free Personalization ON Any Toy Now At MelissaAndDoug.com! No Code Needed!Groupon DEALS!
http://www.groupon.com/occasion/doorbusters?elq=62c925e496a34c3896b132ff3c4a2bdc&elqCampaignId=771

Oh Dear ... Another Addiction

As if Pinterest wasn't bad enough, I have joined Ello and really decided to push further with Polyvore. Jury is still out on Ello, it isn't exactly user friendly, but Polyvore ... yeah, this site is ADDICTING. I have had an account for awhile, and have liked other people's sets (and pinned them), but it wasn't until after Type-A that I really got into the site. I fell in love with all of the DisneyBounding outfits, and then the Doctor Who, and then the .... yup, I just became addicted.

I missed getting to attend the Polyvore session from Emily Vanek, BUT fellow blogger, Christina, did a GREAT recap of everything.

I decided to get into the game since I HAD a Polyvore account already. I just didn't know how to use it. Here are the things I took away from making my first set.

1. It gets easier as you go.
2. Don't make your set background too busy
3. Don't be afraid to enlarge things
4. Have a theme in mind
5. Be prepared to have time just slip by

Here is my first set:

K-State Game Day by kcbusymom featuring snap shoes

Here are the pieces:

AB Studio short pants
kohls.com

Lindsay Phillips snap shoes
amazon.com

eVogues Plus size Deep V-neck Asymmetric Slimming Top
amazon.com

Amazon.com: Sterling Silver Peacock & Dark Purple Freshwater Cultured...
amazon.com

Give me your thoughts! Have you dabbled in Polyvore? If so, comment with your link so that I can follow you!! This is only the beginning of a collection. I am going to add in different colleges and then professional sports. Give me a request if you want something specific!

As always, I really appreciate all feedback I receive.

Conquering Fears - Diving into the Video

The past 24 hours has been absolutely FRUSTRATING for a person who rarely puts herself in front of the video (or camera). I decided to take the plunge and conquer my fear of doing videos. Why all of the sudden? Pfft ... Type-A Con, where else? I mean, honestly, most of my changes when it comes to where I am going with my blog has come from that conference. There are more changes that I am making after listening to Chalene Johnson's Smar Success 4-part Webinar that she offered.

I digress.

So ... I decided to go to the session presented by Monique Johnson and Crystal Collins from MoChris. They have SO much spunk and made it look SO fun. Yeah ... well ... it sounds so much easier than actuality. If you have the desire to dive into videos, then you will want to read this post clear through. I apologize in advance for the length, but I want to do it in 3 parts.

1. Tell you what I learned
2. Tell you the reality that I've encountered
3. Tell you how you can start doing videos as well

BTW ... I am going to really focus on the Windows & Android portion of this because I only JUST got an iPad Mini and I haven't masted the iOS system. I am a Droid user.
The first thing to creating a video is being yourself, watch what you wear, use the rule of thirds, understand the lighting, and keep the background simple.

Yup ... That sounds awesome ... too bad life isn't so simple. THANKFULLY, they broke it down a little further.

When it comes to camera presence, it is important to be yourself. It is best to make a bullet point outline of your video and tape it under the lens of your camera. I am going to actually have to cover the screen once I'm situated because I have a really hard time staring at myself talk.

In addition, take care to make sure you know what you are wearing and how it looks. You want brighter colors and not ones that blend into the background. You also want to be careful with patterned material. I also need to make sure I apply a little more make up because I am a ghost on camera ... well, I'm a ghost really anytime ... it's just more noticeable on camera.

With the rule of thirds, I use my grid so I can keep the main object in one of the thirds. Lighting, however, is more difficult. My first video I had to scrap because I couldn't get the lighting the way I wanted ... and no matter what I did with the edits, it wouldn't look right. I do not have a 3-point lighting system set up, exactly ... so I chose to sit in a way that I could use my apartment lights and lamps to give me the lighting I wanted. This will be easier once I have a set place and actually get soft box lighting and backdrops going.

Alright ... so let's move to the nitty gritty that I have learned.
1. You need a monopod or some sort of stabilizer. You can use a car mount or an extender ... or a stack of Legos ...)

2. You need a camera software. They suggest Camera FV-5. I need front facing camera so until I get something that is set and I don't have to keep wandering around to adjust, I am using my phone's standard camera/video. I am more than sure that it makes my videos less than top quality. That will come. Right now, just the thought of messing with the settings makes me hyperventilate.

3. Adjust the settings - this is where I start to stress. I feel like I need a camera/video basics 101 type course. Not even joking. Anyway, start with the white balance, move to sensor sensitivity (but don't go above 400), and then change the exposure.

4. Edit your video - There are many programs available. My preference, personally, is Wondershare. I have been using an open source and then to Windows Life Movie maker ... but Wondershare is much more user friendly. Obviously for iOS users ... feel free to use easy, peasy iMovie.

So that's it ... right? Wrong. You know that -_- emoji you see on Facebook .. yup, that's how my face looked when I realized all the other info they brought on.

There are different camera lenses that you can attach to your cell phone, audio to consider, and then creating storyboards and templates.

My first video was taken last night ... couldn't get the lighting right. Worked on editing it for almost 3 hours and decided to scrap it. Re-Recorded this morning and boom, loved it. However, because it is HD, it took about 6 hours to go through the editing process and uploading. 6 hours for an 8 minute video. Wowza. BUT it is up, it is live, and you can view it on my YouTube Channel!



SO ... if you want to increase your business and grow your blog, you can get over YOUR fear of the video. If you are so overwhelmed reading all this (I'm still processing it so no judging here), you can join their new DIY Mobile Video FREE lessons. They even have a Facebook group so you can ask lots of questions that you may feel are dumb (I'm full of them so again ... no judging here).

Do you have a YouTube channel? What are your thoughts on videos? Comment below and let me know!

To make rockstar income ... Think like a Rockstar!

Viewing yourself as the CEO of your blog is the first step to building a business, but you still have to bring in the money. This is where I start to falter. I am struggling to build my fan base and community. Part of that reason was I wasn't being true to myself. I wanted to have thousands of followers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram ... you name it. I am impatient (probably where my girls get it from) and I didn't want to have to do the work. The only thing I truly knew about acquiring followers was not to do it through purchasing them.

I have since then learned several things ... and since learning them, I have started to immediately notice changes. The Type-A Parent Conference kicked off with Keynote Speaker Mack Collier talking about how to build communities by Thinking Like a Rockstar. He gave me two pages of notes that I plan to pass on to you today.

What an incredible way to start off my first conference for bloggers. While we nibbled on breakfast, Mack started by telling us how to acquire customers. The biggest message he got across to me was that every message you send needs to have relevance. Companies work on getting new customers ... but rockstars market to their current fans. Why? Because their current fans are loyal and they can translate messages into a way that is relevant for their friends. Rockstars don't have to work for their fans!

Mack Collier

Here are four ways rockstars think that work for bloggers as well (and  small businesses)

1. Get in the Face of Your Fans

It is impossible to know what your fans want without interacting with them. They will forget your brand and your purpose if you do not talk to them. Mack said one thing that really resonated with me, and changed how I use Twitter.

"Think about using Twitter as a conversation tool."

Stop viewing social media as a way to make direct sales. It is a passive sales maker. Make sure you are making your fans feel special. Gratitude goes a LONG way. Think about the actions you want from your followers. How do you reward them for those actions?

• Follow you on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/Etc - Thank them
• Sign up for your mailing list - Thank them & give them something free
• Comment on blog posts - THANK THEM

2. Give Up Control to Get Control

This is SO hard for me. I am a control FREAK. Seriously, so much so that when I even think about relinquishing control, I fight anxiety. However, giving your customers power and control brings in more customers. Give your fans gifts for contests. Let them promote something they are passionate about. This may sound backwards, but you will find out more about your fans and ways to reach them.

3. Find the "Bigger Idea" Behind the Content you Create

Create content that has the reader in mind. Commercials show you a message you relate to ... THEN the product. When you are blogging ... make sure you share the relevance ... not just the product you are trying to pimp. This is where many people get stuck with direct marketing. Everyone is tired of hearing "buy this" because of this or that. People hate having things shoved down their throat. Direct marketers are trying to change tactics by showing you how their product helps others with visible results. Find the bigger idea ... the idea that will relate to your readers ... the one that will touch them and bring in more fans.

4. Love the People who Love You

This is probably the most obvious but most overlooked. Give your fans special access and benefits that others do NOT get. If someone attends your webinar, allow them access to discounts that the rest of your readers do not get. This is in line with saying thank you, but taking it a step further. You want to give back to those who have followed you, and give them something they value greatly. They will then sing your praises.

So, did this help you as much as it helped me? If so, tell me what resonated the most with you? What changes are you looking at putting into place because of this post. 

You run a business ... Act like a CEO

I was trying to decide which conference session I wanted to start with when I was blogging my recap. There was SO much that I took away from the conference. I recorded all of the sessions I could on audio and took 11 pages of notes! I do know that I am saving my FAVORITE session for the last ... just to keep you on pins and needles ya know.

One of my biggest dilemmas with my blog is I view it as a hobby. I don't push my blog like I push my writing business. I view this realm of my life as personal  because that is how I have viewed it for YEARS. I have been writing on this blog since 2007 ... but only just recently decided to take it out of the personal sector and move it into the business sector. I decided that I want to reach people with my writings. Let people learn from my experiences. I walked into Type-A Conference with that mindset, but walked out with viewing my blog as a business ... MY business.

@DanRMorris & @finding_joy

"Do not let excuses prevent you from moving forward."

I don't know how many times I have let myself get caught up in the thought process of:

• My views are too low
• My reach on Facebook is off
• No one is commenting on my blog

There were so many more that I honestly cannot remember them right now. I am REALLY good at making excuses. Just ask my family ... I am sure they won't lie. LOL! However, I was touched immediately by the comment:

"When the Facebook reach doesn't work, view it as a construction ... re-route!"

 For me, I had a hard time really figuring out who my niche was. I knew that I wanted my blog to be about parenting ... I knew that I wanted to talk about health & wellness ... I knew that mental health meant the world to me ... but I didn't know how to tie it all together. Even if you don't feel like you have a niche, you do. Before you classify your blog as a "lifestyle" blog and lump it in, write down what you want your readers to understand. In order to secure the readers, you have to know what you are selling. YOU are the CEO! What value do you have that you can offer to others.

I realized that I have TREMENDOUS value to offer others. For a period of 10 months, I lived without my children. They were in state care. This is a post for another day. I haven't talked about it on social media and only a few of my close friends really knew. My experience with post-partum depression, bi-polar disorder, and anxiety has completely changed who I am. I have been through things that I could have prevented ... if I knew how. Now that I know ... I have the ability to share that resource to others. I no longer classify this blog as "just another lifestyle blog," but rather one that is going to teach parents (moms specific) how to parent WITH mental illness ... how to parent teens with attitudes and muddle through the technological world ... how to make sure you still remember how to care for yourself. Now that I know where my niche is ... and what value I have to offer you the reader ... I am ready to move on with the rest of the tips on building my business.

Social Media is a great place to grab new readers ... but you want to make sure you lead them home. I have an email list ... but I have done NOTHING with it. This is not good. What happens if Facebook or Twitter shut down tomorrow. I have lost 3/4 of my readers! BOOM. I am working on a freebie that I will give you guys for signing up for my email list. This is coming ... it is not available yet, but it IS coming and it WILL be AWESOME.

Do not think that your business won't fail because it is popular now ... there are a few companies to mention that will show you even the big can fall:

• Sears
• K-Mart
• MySpace
• Circuit City
• Blockbuster

My note to other bloggers & marketers - one of the things I am working on is creating a name for my community. I look at where Kimra Luna has gone with her community that she calls Freedom Hackers. Make your readers feel like they are a member of something important and different.

Guardian Leaders

Guardian leaders are people that you turn to for honest answers. They will ONLY sell people things that benefits them ... nothing more. Part of my struggles with my direct marketing businesses is that I WANT people to buy things. Doesn't everyone? I mean, really? Right? BUT, I don't want them to feel like they have the stuff shoved down their throat ALL.THE.TIME. Like, no joke. I like to advertise and post sales, but I try to only mention certain products when a person talks about a specific problem. I want them to see that I want nothing more than to see them succeed. If you are trying to find a way to squeeze in a snack that requires very little preparation, talk to me about Shakeology. However, if you are wanting to know how to build a workout center from home, let me tell you about what I have done. I have information as well as products ... guardian leaders make sure the information is what keeps their clients coming back. Why? Because once you have someone's trust, you want to guard it with your life. Follow the rules and serve your customers how you want to be served.

Making Money

Alright ... so ... CEOs run a business ... businesses run off of money ... how do you make money? The three BIGGEST ways to make money are:

• Product Creation
• SWAG
• Sponsors

Listen to your readers. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Watch what they talk about. They WILL tell you what they want. Products can be eBooks ... and THESE are easy things to make WITHOUT going through Amazon to publish. Simply make a PDF and then use the PayPal button to allow them to purchase the digital file. PayPal will then direct them to your document. Everyone wins and it is super easy. You have just given your readers something they want, and they are giving you something you want!

Create your own shirts, lanyards, and other products to send out swag bags and thank yous. When you have giveaways, if you are mailing the product, send out a thank you kit for entering as well. What you put in your swag bags can also be sold! Shirts do not have to only have your business on them, look at the gear that Cassey Ho has created with her Blogilates empire!

Finally, do not EVER treat a sponsor as ONLY a sponsor. You want them to realize that you LOVE what they represent. The companies that I will be telling you about next week are companies that I adore ... not going to lie, there are some more than others. There were a few that I courted with because I knew that their product was something that *I* could use ... and if *I* could use it ... I knew that my readers could use it. I am a stickler on sticking with non-compete clauses. It is just who I am. Since starting Mary Kay, I have moved away from using ELF, Revlon, and so forth. I love Shark products ... found out they are sister companies with Ninja. Don't be expecting me to talk about Blendtec on my site. Figure out who your sponsors should be by reading the magazines that your readers read. Who takes ads out in them? Google your keywords, go to the third or fourth page. Who needs help and won't care as much about page views? Give them a SOLID partnership plan. Let them know how you plan to help them ... and what you expect from the relationship.

"Be a BIG small person" ... it IS possible!

Final note, I LOVE the live blog that Christina Gleason posted on her blog, "Well, in THIS house." If you are looking for more meat to this, I suggest checking out her post!

Let me know how this has helped you ... let me know what you are looking for. Are you ready to dive deep with me ... follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube ... be with me as I grow!

Back Home

While Type-A ended late Sunday night, I chose to not fly home until Monday evening. The flights were cheaper in the evening, but I also really wanted to enjoy Atlanta while I was there. I was visiting with a friend and I had every intention of shopping.

Okay, so that is the reason I keep telling myself. Because if I tell myself enough ... it will be true, right? In all reality, I was enjoying NOT being a mom. While at the conference, I was learning valuable lessons but seriously .... breakfast was provided for ME, lunch was provided for ME, and dinner was HOT! I didn't find hands under my bathroom door, or the bathroom door being opened while I was showering to tell me about a fight they were having. It was bliss.

So, what did I do in Atlanta and what can you expect over the next few weeks ... let me tell you, BIG things!

Thursday:

Thursday was my first "all about me" day. I didn't have to be at the conference until 4:30pm and so my friend and I went and got Mani/Pedis and ate a nice lunch and dinner. We lounged in the hotel and I decided that I was going to start a novel. Our television didn't work the first day, so we just chillaxed in silence. It really was awesome.

Friday:

Hello massive conference schedule. I got to the hotel EARLY (for me) and didn't leave until LATE. I went to sessions, I chatted with brands/sponsors, and I attended the Disney party. ALL of this info will be spread out over the next few weeks because it is just too much to try to put it into one post. I want to tell you everything I learned and I want to introduce you to some new products coming out REAL soon! First, though, I have to implement some changes on the visual part of my blog ... based on things I learned. Stay tuned and excuse the construction mess.

Saturday:

Saturday was .... interesting. We had this great plan all laid out and it totally went belly up. My friend's phone was stolen so we couldn't connect at the hotel for dinner. Therefore, I went without food from noon to 8pm. She was frustrated (to the max) and I was hungry (to the max). However, I still learned some VALUABLE things in our sessions, and enjoyed the Taste & Share party. 

Sunday:

I have to say that I was SO incredibly sore from walking on Friday and standing a LOT on Saturday that I did not do much on Sunday. I attended the community showcase ... got a few books, some vintage paper dolls, and a homemade lip balm. I then went and laid down at the hotel until the closing ceremony. I just didn't have it in me to do anything else.

Monday:

I was SO glad I rested on Sunday because Monday was all about walking and shopping. We checked out of the hotel just before noon. We then shopped at Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy, and TJ Maxx before heading over to the Lenox Mall. We tried to get pictures of the temple but this ding dong didn't check the schedule BEFORE we left and they are closed on Mondays. Whoops. Oh well, we then battled the beginning of evening rush hour traffic to get me to the airport.

Am I ready to be in charge of meals again ... or laundry ... or cleaning. PFfft. No! However, the vacation of being a mom and everything it entails was GREAT for my sanity. It will also be GREAT for my blog and business. Over the next few days you will get to learn things I learned from notes I took, as well as links to other bloggers take on the sessions. Finally, you will get to learn more about the sponsors I met and mingled with, including:

• WebSafety
• Stealth Power
• Beech-Nut (beyond the baby food)
• California Raisins
• NetGear
• Kids Link
• Domain.Me
• Shark
• Save the Children
• and SEVERAL more

Giving Thanks

I am getting ready to board a plane on Wednesday evening for the first time in 15 years.  It would be awful of me to leave without recognizing a handful of people. I am only where I am today through hard work and support from some people I hold very dear to my heart.

My Husband

My husband is my Number One supporter. He is letting me fly to Atlanta and leave him with all four children. He is willing to remote in at work so that we don't have to find a sitter while I am gone. He has worked INSANE hours for me to be able to be at home with the children and push my writing & blogging. He has helped me hone my dreams and boosted me back up when I felt like I couldn't continue. He has listened to my frustrations and offered me advice. He has listened to me chatter about excitement and simply smiled knowing that I am doing what I love.

Three Fellow Bloggers

There are three wonderful ladies up here in the KC Metro that have offered me support and advice over the years. 10 years ago, Kristin from Dine & Dish and I became friends through Johnson County FLYladies and stayed friends ever since. I have watched her start the blog and just watched it blossom. It is immense inspiration for me, even though I am not a food blogger. She does it with active children and I know that I can as well! Candy from Mommypalooza & KCMetromoms is another dear friend of mine. Birdcage Media is actually the name SHE came up with and I fell in love. She has been a huge source of support over the past seven years and I love following her family. Finally, Kerrie from The Kerrie Show and I have not been friends for long, only two or three years. However, she has shown me how it is possible to have a large family, home school, and still run a business. She offers support and is a sounding block. I am so thankful for all three of these ladies!

A Few Coworkers

While I do not work in an office, there are a few people whom I worked with through agencies and then developed friendships. However, I must start with Christina. She was the one who talked to me about her love for writing and how she thought I would be great for a specific job. She was right. I fell in love with it. While the project dissolved, my passion for writing has not, and I love ghostwriting for clients. Victoria is the face behind Giveaways 4 Moms and has also been super supportive. We met through another project and I later found out she was a blogger (which is why she falls in this category). Finally, my dear friend, Amber. I would not even be going on this trip without her. We are splitting the cost of the hotel and she is my chauffeur. We talk daily about clients, gigs, and so much more. She truly is my partner in crime and I cannot WAIT to hook up with her in a few days.

My BFFs

I have to admit, I do have a few BFFs. While I have more than a handful supportive friends, there have been a few people who have just been there through everything. Not only have they been by my side, but they have also provided me some side jobs to help fund this trip, and I am truly grateful. My friend of seven years, Andrew, will likely NOT be reading this post because he does not do social media, but he needs to be mentioned. He has been a babysitter, a travel companion, a friend, and a confidant. Finally, my friend Margaret. We have only known each other for a few years, but we have shared so much. Our friendship started with her nourishing my little Monkey, but it has blossomed into much more. She lets me share my dreams and is helping me to fulfill them.

Just a few other shout outs:

Rebekah B.

Stephannie S.

Taya E.

My March Moms!!

Heather S.

Maggie Y.

So ... to each of you ... thank you.

There are several others that have helped me on this journey. I hope they are not offended when they are not mentioned here. I do so love everyone in my life, and I feel that I am so blessed by having people who care about me and my family ... and want nothing more than to see us succeed.

Packing is More Complicated than I Thought

Okay, so I am going to make it very clear that I have NOT been traveling in a LONG time. Well, I am going to actually admit that I am your stereotypically mother who cares more about her children's fashion than herself. And that's okay ... It is OKAY moms for you to dote on your children. What isn't okay though, is to take that appearance before brands and anyone who may make you money.

I must admit, when I started this venture, I assumed I would be able to get all of my stuff packed in my carry-on. Why did I think such nonsense? Because my 11 year old daughter was able to travel to Texas for 7 days with one carry-on. So then, I realized that my daughter didn't have to bring any liquids, because she was going to stay with my sister. Therefore, I figured I can just add another carry-on bag and use it as checked luggage. I was unbelievably surprised to find out that I am inexperienced when it comes to what I need to pack. So ... what am I packing for the conference that takes 1 carry-on size bag, 1 duffel size bag, and 1 medium size suitcase?

Outfits:

• 1 Travel outfit
• 4 Business casual outfits for the conference
• 1 Extra outfit just in case
• 1 Disney-inspired outfit (Linda Flyn Flecher)
• 1 90's outfit (Large flannel shirt, white undershirt, boot cut jeans, and my roper boots)
• Pajamas

Shoes:

• Boots
• Flip flops (mani/pedi & hotel)
• Wedge sandals
• Tennis shoes (touring)
• Heels
• Ballerina Flats (Linda Flyn Flecher)

Extras:

• Business cards
• A FEW media kits
• Notebook
• Pens
• Gifts for friend (cause I'm lazy and didn't want to mail them out last month since I am seeing her THIS month)
• Shakeology & Shaker

Cause I'm a Girl:

• Makeup
• Hair products
• Purse

So, I am still finishing packing ... but I am almost done. Waiting on my package from Kohl's and then doing laundry tonight to get my fave pair of mom pants clean (don't judge ... they are still a necessity).

I was once asked what I hope to get out of this conference and my time away since I am spending so much hard earned money. Honestly ... networking! I do not expect to come home with any new gigs or immediate clients. What I do hope is that I go there and represent Birdcage Media (the blog) and Redbird Empire in a respectable fashion. To show that I am about raising awareness, being a good parent, and empower women to be more than just caregivers. So ... for 6 days ... I am tearing myself away from a VERY loving husband and four beautiful children. I am going to dote on my needs (mental & emotional) and network with others to fulfill my business needs. I am going to let myself forget that I am a mom and get dressed up and actually look presentable. I am VERY excited about this prospect ... and scared at the same time!

Gearing up for Type-A Conference!

This week has been CRAZY. I have never expected to be so jam packed right before a blog conference. Maybe that is because I have never gone to a conference before! So, what have I been doing this week? Get a cup of coffee and join me ...

Last weekend we had a family party, so I had to make sure that my finances were lined up to pay for the gas to Erie, KS, then to Manhattan, then back to Erie, and then back to Kansas City. It cost $150 for the entire trip (gas, food, presents) and we were on the road for 13 hours! It was 100% worth it, but in the meantime, I was setting up ordering ...

Business Cards:

My #DisneySide Outfit (Linda Flyn Flecher):


Getting my haircut ....

So ... am I ready? NO!

I still have to pack my suitcases, get my eyebrows done ... and hopefully have time to squeeze in a mani/pedi before I leave. Otherwise, I will just get one when I get to Atlanta.

Oh ... did I mention that my husband surprised me this week with my new phone?! He got me the Samsung Galaxy S5 ... I have only been waiting it FOREVER!!

MIA

It has been absolutely CRAZY the past few days. I have been working overtime in preparation for leaving for the Type-A Conference in Atlanta on the 17th. WHICH, btw, is completely sold out now!! I have been planning a Disney outfit to wear for the DisneySide party. I finally settled on Linda Flyn Flecher and am pretty stoked.

I have also been making a packing list for all of my other needs. I get to meet up with a co-worker on Monday for a lunch before I fly out. Just totally excited.

However, while planning all of that, we had our annual Birdwell Family Birthday Party on Saturday. That meant driving 7 hours to get stepson and then drive to the party ... and then repeat the drive after the party was over. I am still pretty wiped out from the event ... but it was totally worth it. Plus, I got a really awesome tea mug cozi!

Going to Atlanta in September!

Earlier this year, I talked about my focus word for this year was "growth." One of my goals for business growth was to attend a blog conference. I had my eyes set on two of them and my ability to meet my goal has come one-step closer.

A couple months ago, I applied to be a partner with Type-A Parent Conference. It is their 6th year and it is in Atlanta, GA. I knew I had a friend not too far away and we could meet up. I kept checking to see if I had been selected and I got the email this week. I am STOKED. I have never been to a blog conference and I knew this was one of the smaller big conferences. I got on the schedule last night and have already thought about which sessions I am super excited about.

The conference is from the 19th to the 21st in September. The opening keynote speaker is Mack Collier, a social media & marketing guru. He is going to be talking about thinking like a rockstar. Right before lunch, Denene Millner from MyBrownBaby.com is going to be talking about how to write posts that people cannot stop reading. I am SUPER excited about this session because I am always looking for ways to create content that I am excited about … and get my readers excited as well. However, Friday evening has my favorite meet & greets scheduled, Disney Parks #DisneySide Welcome Reception. I am sure that by the time I get back to my hotel, I will be wiped out.

The Expo opens on Saturday, and there is plenty of time to make the rounds and visit with sponsors while still attending sessions. After a wonderful critique on a blog post about needing pictures that can be pinned, I am going to attend Beautiful Blogging – How to Take Amazing Pictures for your Posts, which will be taught by Lucrecer Braxton from Lucrecer.com. The night ends with a Taste & Share Party, and then I may go out with my friend while we are in town!

Finally, the conference ends on Sunday with a bang. There are more sessions, but there is a town hall meeting for bloggers to bounce ideas around. The conference doesn't end until nearly midnight on Sunday, so I am flying home on Monday.

The best part about this conference is it is not only for Type-A Parent members. They have a conference for the kids to attend, so it is great for the entire family. Just a few of the sponsors includes Disney Parks, Beech-Nut, Hasbro, and California Raisins.

If this sounds like fun to you, then you still have time to get your tickets! In fact, you can use the code BLOGPARTNER at the check-out for an additional 25% off. This code is only valid for 24 hours ... so what are you waiting for?