Essentials for blogger conference!

    Like the first day of school, we all get anxious.  What will I need? What will they offer me? I was fortunate enough to win tickets to the Lifestyle Blogger National Conference 2015 in Los Angeles this past weekend.  I knew that in 2015, I wanted to revitalize my blog.  Attending a conference would not only inspire me but help me learn. I can honestly say I was not prepared to go, but since I won the tickets it was on!  I began by ordering business cards through Vista Print.  I am a baby in terms of blogging, but I wanted to be prepared to network.  After all networking is the second biggest reason to attend any conference.  I was so happy to receive as promised and placed them in another pouch, since I didn't want them to get lost in my large tote.  Next I remembered I saw a video from Jennifer Ross, where she talked about her experience at a blogger's conference in January.

    I knew I was set in terms of taking my Whipping Post Tote, that i received for my birthday. It is an open tote, making sure that nothing falls out is key.  So, I began to gather my essentials.  I knew that I had to take my pencil pouch from my school bag.  I was debating on whether to take my tablet or laptop, but decided to take neither.  I figured with my notebook, I would be able to write down key points.  What I did need, was to make sure that I took a portable charger.  After all, I didn't want to miss out on taking pictures and I still wanted to keep my social media posts up to the minute! I also took a personal pouch, which held items like lipstick, advil, feminine wipes, and translucent powder.  I also took my smaller calendar to quickly jot down goals for my blog.  You never know when a bright idea comes through the brain waves. 

   I can honestly tell you I felt the part, I looked the part but most I was comfortable all day.  I drove over 2 hours to be at this conference and commuted both days.  I knew that I needed essentials to get me through.  What I didn't expect was to form relationships because of my essentials.  I sat at a table with some fabulous ladies.  During the conference we were encouraged to post on social media sites and my neighbor was running low on battery.  I pulled out my pouch and plugged her in to my portable charger.  She was so appreciative of that.  I think that as a woman, its important to be prepared but also share the wealth.  

Are you prepared for your next conference?

 

All Images property of SimplayAna02

Generation Beauty by IPSY

 MOTIVATED! Thats what i'm feeling....

   Im so thankful for being able to attend the Generation Beauty by IPSY event this past weekend! This was by far a motivation that my channel and blog needed.  I attended this event with the networking mindset.  If there was a day or days in which i needed to be outgoing this was it. I interacted with the vendors that were present.  I met and asked questions to bloggers that were veterans and newbies alike.  I went to grow my inspiration.  It was a busy weekend for me to say the least.  I had my first running clinic for the Nike Women's Half Marathon the Sunday if the event.  That however, did not stop me.  I was there all day on Saturday and attended as many workshops as I could.  Yes, I wanted to meet the other beauty bloggers but taking a picture with them was second on my list. I wanted to chime in our their lessons learned, tips and tricks.  I wanted to know what, how, where, why.  I got that and so much more!

  One of the workshops I attended was that of Samantha Schuerman.  She was better in person than I had anticipated.  She was so sweet, and just real.  I know that watching someone on youtube or reading their blog is somewhat superficial. I mean we watch them apply eyeshadow, or make a dessert.  How much do we really know? They are just like you and me, normal people who want to make a how to for so many that depend on google for insight.  She is as real as she is on her daily vlogs with her family, The Schuerman Show. After the workshop, I was able to hang out with Sam for the rest of the day which was great!

  I was also able to connect with Rachel Talbott, Kandee Johnson, Liz from Whatwouldlizzydo, Judy from Itsjudytime, Charisma Star, Honey and so many up and coming bloggers!  Generation Beauty, was setup for us to really get to know the brands that were there.  The booths were different brands trying to gain more exposure through the eyes of beauty bloggers; Bare Minerals, Makeup Forever, Sexy Hair, Pixi, Pacifica, Temptu, Proactive, WEN, Sheercover, BH Cosmetics, Smashbox Cosmetics, Nicole by OPI.  The different brands gave demonstrations on their products, they had their Public Relations people there to get to know us as well.  After all, an interview doesn't always have to be behind a desk.

   Michelle Phan, was calm and collected as she dealt with logistic issues, workshops and took pictures with those who asked. I would love to work with her.  I think she has the vision and now the resources to make a great deal of information come to life.  I also had the chance to meet her and pitch my ideas to her.  I was very happy with the overall experience and look forward to attending next year! Generation Beauty by IPSY, is currently offering a pioneer discount code, if you purchase early bird tickets for next year.  The event will take place on May 17- May 18 2014 here in Los Angeles, California.  Will you be there?



This is a testimony of how much added pounds directly affects our skin. She is only a few years younger than me, yet she looks alomst a decade younger! Not for long ;)