At this very moment, I’m making my way to San Diego for the BlogHer conference happening this week. I’m looking forward to connecting with fellow bloggers, brands, and PR representatives I’ve collaborated with or have yet to meet. As is the norm for BlogHer, the agenda is packed tight, with multiple events happening each night. Of course, there are also conference sessions and meetings to attend during the day. It’s going to be a busy three days!

While I’m away learning more about the business of blogging, you can catch up on previously featured posts. I’ve highlighted some favorite posts in various topics below. And, hey, if you’re attending BlogHer as well, make sure to say hi if you see me!

Parenting Stories

• Raising Beautiful Girls: Conversations of Body Image
• Marketing to Kids as a Parenting Tool
• Raising Multicultural Children and Providing Positive Messages

Work-Life Balance Tips

• 7 Tips for Finding ‘Me’ Time
• How Do You Define Balance?
• 5 Resources with Tips for Finding or Improving your Work-Life Balance

Latino and Puerto Rican Culture

• Latino Terms of Endearment
• The Importance of Keeping Cultural Traditions Alive
• My Quinceañero – Reminiscing on a Latino Tradition

Puerto Rican Recipes

• Recipe for Puerto Rican Carne Guisada
• How to Make Puerto Rican Arroz con Gandules in a Rice Cooker {Rice with Pigeon Peas}
• Bistec Encebollado Recipe {Puerto Rican Cubed Steak}

WAHM Resources

• Sample Daily Routine for Working from Home
• 5 Tips for Working from Home for the WAHM
• 10 Places to Find Work at Home and Freelance Jobs

A little over a week ago, I attended the BlogHer 2010 conference in New York City. It was wonderful for a variety of reasons: the husband and baby girl went with me, I was part of a group of seven Latina bloggers sponsored by Vme TV, and there was an amazing vibe present amongst the bloggers attending.

On a personal level, I was able to connect and hang out with many people, both from the brand/PR side, as well as fellow bloggers. Many hugs, laughs, and conversations were exchanged. The bond between a group of women who “talk” on a regular basis online, was deeply strengthened.

This year’s BlogHer also afforded me some fabulous professional opportunities. From co-hosting the first-ever Latino BlogHer community party, Social Fiesta, and speaking on a panel, to being interviewed for the first time ever…then proceeding to two additional video interviews. All of this in just three short days.

Photo courtesy of TODAY Moms crew

The panel I spoke on, titled Latinas in Social Media, was very successful. As both a speaker and moderator of the panel, I am extremely pleased with the outcome and have received really positive feedback from those in the audience. Both bloggers and brand/PR representatives enjoyed learning about the Latina social media community and hearing first-hand from Latina bloggers. A dialogue ensued between the panel and attendees that could have lasted for many more hours, but unfortunately had to be cut short due to time limitations. However, it was a wonderful start to what I envision will lead to many more conversations via blogs and other social media outlets.

I’d like to create such an outlet here by sharing some highlights from the panel for those who couldn’t attend, and continue the dialogue so that both bloggers and brands can learn from each other.

First, the panelists that spoke at the BlogHer 2010 Latinas in Social Media session were:

• Lexi Esparza – La Primera Blog – @laprimera
• Monica Vila – The Online Mom – @theonlinemom
• Jeannette Kaplun – Todobebé – @jeannettekaplun
• Silvia Martinez – Mamá Latina Tips – @mamalatina
• Melanie Edwards – ModernMami.com – @modernmami

Some key facts we introduced at the beginning of the panel:

• Latinas have been blogging for an average of 4 years, some much longer
• Latina-owned blogs are written in English, Spanish, or a combination: 72% English, 69% Spanish, 8% Spanglish
• 37% of Latina blogs focus mostly on being Latina; 18% have never mentioned they’re Latina
• While all panel members are moms, many Latina bloggers are not and some are single and have never been married
• Variety of topics/niches amongst Latina blogging community: politics, food, coupons/frugal, culture, green living, etc.

*Source: Latina Bloguera Survey, July 2010 (over 900 Latina bloggers were surveyed)

Each panelist shared what inspires her to write and how being a Latina influences her writing, if it does at all. A consensus amongst the panelists was that being Latina does influence our writing, much in the same way it influences our daily lives. We all embrace our Latino culture and bring a variety of cultural values and traditions to our blogs. While none of the panelists particularly focus on Latino culture on their blogs, they all agreed with my statement that “I may not often write about being a Latina or my culture, but I share a Latina point of view on similar topics others write about.”

In addition to sharing our personal stories, the panel asked questions of the audience, since we were also interested in learning from them. Some questions we asked attendees included:

• Do you feel you need to announce that you’re Latina on your blog? Should we have to?
• For the PR and brand representatives: What do you look for when marketing to Latinas or reaching out to Latina bloggers? What about when seeking bloggers in general to join your campaigns?
• What is the value in collecting together as Latinas and working together?

From the comments shared, I learned that whether or not a blogger specifies she is Latina on her blog will depend greatly on the person and the content of the blog. For example, one blogger pointed out that when writing about political issues, announcing yourself can lead to privacy and safety issues – she herself had even received death threats via her blog. Others have no issues announcing their heritage and find it to bring about many more connections. I myself shared that when I began ModernMami.com in 2006, I did not specify I was a Latina. Those that knew Spanish or were familiar with the term, recognized the “mami” part of the blog name and would ask if I was Latina. However, about two years later, an online friend suggested that I incorporate being Latina more into my writing, and I proceeded to share that I am Latina on my about page. The change in how I was approached was evident almost immediately.

The PR and brand representatives that spoke up during the panel shared that mostly they don’t specifically look for Latina bloggers, but more so great content. They shared that when seeking bloggers to partner with on campaigns, they look at several factors:

1. Numbers do matter. While they’d love to say it’s not important, many of their PR clients and brands do ask for numbers.
2. Content matters more. They love to see personality in the content you write and prefer that as bloggers we incorporate personal stories into our blog posts rather than just copy and paste a press release.
3. Be professional. Above all, act professionally when working with brands and PR companies. After a good experience with a blogger on a campaign, it’s more likely they’ll reach out to you again for future campaigns.

As I mentioned, I’d like to continue the conversation held during the BlogHer panel. Whether you’re a blogger, PR or brand representative, and whether or not you attended the session during BlogHer ’10, please share your thoughts on the information and questions discussed. I think many from both sides can learn from each other.

Some more information concerning Latina bloggers that came about during or after BlogHer 2010 (video interviews found below):

• Bloguera Power!
• The Explosion of the Latina Blogger
• Latina bloggers on the rise – TODAY Moms interview Ana Lilian Flores, Carrie Ferguson Weir, and Melanie Edwards
• Women, The 5G Network via PepsiCo interviews Melanie Edwards

Videos:

TODAY Moms Interview

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

PepsiCo Interview

This post was co-written with Ana Lilian Flores of SpanglishBaby.

When I began blogging in 2006, it was hard for me to find other Latino bloggers. There were some, but in the last year and a half there has been an explosion in how many Latino-owned blogs are now published. In fact, the Blogs By Latinas directory had only 156 registered blogs in October 2009 and, less than a year later, has added 505 new ones, with that number increasing by the day. I think it’s all very exciting and couldn’t be happier about it.

I’ve been able to meet some amazing bloggers – and particularly women – who I wouldn’t have met otherwise. They are inspiring, smart, and generous. This is something that is not unique to them because they are Latinas, but the fact that they are, provides for an almost-immediate connection amongst us. We are able to relate on various levels, principally on living a bi-cultural life.

But you see, Latina bloggers are outpacing the general market in our growth. According to Sophia Mind, Hispanic women in the U.S. are one of the fastest-growing online demographics, and more than 85 percent of Latinas visit social networks on a regular basis. It makes sense then, that Latina bloggers are now seeing much more interest and engagement from brands and companies. Why? For the same reasons we connect with each other; we are Americans who easily maneuver two cultures – often times two languages as well – and we love our social media, which is perfect for spreading the right message.

Let’s take a look at two companies in particular that have successfully engaged with Latina bloggers: General Mills and V-Me.

This past May, General Mills invited 32 Latina bloggers from around the country – flying most of us to Miami at company expense – to participate in the re-launch of Que Rica Vida, its Hispanic-focused family website. The event was unique in that it was the first time in the blogging world that a company focused so heavily on marketing to Latinas. Through attending, we were able to learn about the brand’s initiatives, connect with other Latinos (bloggers and journalists), and use our social media presence to share relevant information with our various online communities.

In addition to the efforts of General Mills, there is a group of seven influential Latina bloggers who are being sponsored to attend the BlogHer 2010 conference by V-me, a Spanish-language TV network in partnership with public television. This is the first time any media company is sponsoring a group of bloggers at a major blog conference, let alone a group that is culture-specific. It’s a timely decision, as this year, there will be more Latina bloggers at BlogHer than ever before. We will also have a more active role in the conference with the inclusion of the first all-Latina panel session at BlogHer and the Social Fiesta, BlogHer’s first Latina-inspired community party in celebration of Latina and Hispanic culture.

By selecting these seven women, each with their own following and niche expertise, V-me is building a relationship in which the bloggers act as advocates and create awareness for a brand they already know and trust. “V-Me’s partnership with popular American Latina bloggers is a sign of what is to come — the massive recognition by corporations that Latina brand ambassadors are a smart investment in reaching a powerful market that speaks in two dominant languages and thrives in two cultures,’’ said Carrie Ferguson Weir, publisher of Tiki Tiki Blog, an award-winning site about growing up, and living, Latino in the United States.

So, who are these women that have partnered with V-Me? The seven Latina bloggers chosen by V-me to represent the network are:

• Ana Lilian Flores – SpanglishBaby
• Carol Cain – The Adventures of a NYCity Mama
• Carrie Ferguson Weir – Tiki Tiki Blog
• Melanie Edwards – ModernMami.com and 40weeks Plus
• Rory Lassanske – Mamá Contemporánea
• Roxana A. Soto – SpanglishBaby and MimosBlog
• Silvia Martinez – Mamá Latina Tips and Disneylandia al Día

You’ve already heard from some of these bloggers above, but what do the rest of these Latina bloggers have to say about the recent surge in marketing to Latinas? In their own words:

“Marketers and PR agencies are turning their attention to the Latina blogosphere in a big way because they have noticed what a diverse, opinionated and influential group we are. As the Hispanic population continues its upward trend, brands will continue to reach out to bloggers who capture the true spirit of this diverse group and that know how to talk to us in a way that reflects who we are. Such is the case with V-me’s decision to choose seven of the most influential Latina bloggers, each with a voice of our own, to represent them as Ambassadors during BlogHer 10. This is a huge opportunity for us to show how professionally we approach blogging as a career and how far our reach can go.” – Ana Lilian Flores

“I believe that the support of bloggers by major brands and corporations legitimizes and recognizes the work, dedication, passion, and enthusiasm that goes into so many of the blogs out there. Blogs are the products of many creative people, people who inspire, people who support, and people who have something of value to share. When brands support blogs – good, well written blogs- they also help the entrepreneurs and creative writers behind them.

When those bloggers are Latinas, or women of color, they support something more. A voice not often well-represented or heard. I am excited to be a member of the V-Me group not because it gave me a way to get to a conference, but because it gave me an opportunity to stand side-by-side other Latinas who, despite our common culture, represent a variety of interests, lifestyles, and voices different from my own. A difference that was specifically sought out and is enthusiastically supported. Together we represent the differences in our culture on many levels, just as V-Me does. This type of blog-brand relationship is one I hope to see more of in the near future.” – Carol Cain

Are you a Latina blogger? What has been your experience with brands so far? If you’re on the brand or marketing side, what appeals to you about engaging with Latina bloggers?

Disclosure: I attended the Que Rica Vida launch event in Miami, FL as a guest of General Mills. All opinions and thoughts are my own and I was not required to post about the event. In addition, V-Me TV is a sponsor of mine for the BlogHer 2010 conference.

Photos by Dariela Cruz and used with permission.

I’ve come across quite a few blog posts the past few days. I always seem to be sharing interesting articles with various people I think will like them, so I figured I’d share with everyone this time.

Here are some posts I’ve either bookmarked or stumbled this week. For more, take a look at my StumbleUpon or Delicious pages.

Social Media

How to Create a FaceBook Landing Page for Your Blog

5 Ways I’m Using Facebook to Drive Traffic, Build Brand and Increase Reader Engagement

10 Beautiful Social Media Infographics

Blogging

A Complete Guide to Finding and Using Incredible Flickr Images

Comment on other blogs!

The Number One Way to Flip Your Blog into a Business

Personal

Our Pre-Motherhood Self

Retroacculturation. Retroacculturated. That’s me. Is it You?

I’m still not White, but am I American Indian?

What posts did you come across this week that you think I should read? It’s ok if it’s your own.

By the way, if you’re Latina and a blogger, please complete this survey. We will be presenting some of the results during our BlogHer Latinas in Social Media panel and of course, the survey report will have a much larger impact as it will help many learn about the Latina blogging community.

I’m ecstatic to let you know about the first-ever Latino themed party at a BlogHer conference! This year, there will be a Social Fiesta kicking off BlogHer, hosted by some wonderful Latina ladies (including yours truly) and the BlogHer organization.

If you’ll be attending the BlogHer conference this year, then come join us as we celebrate Latinas and Hispanic culture at the Social Fiesta at BlogHer ’10 on Thursday, August 5th.  We’ll be reveling in the different Latin flavors, music, colors and art, with plenty of food and drinks, and of course, lots of dancing!  What better way could there be to kick off BlogHer ’10?

You’ll need to RSVP in order to attend the event, but, don’t worry, that’s just a formality. The fiesta is open to anyone attending the BlogHer conference. Everyone is welcome to RSVP and all will be part of our familia! It’s sure to be a fun night!

Details

What: Social Fiesta at BlogHer ’10
Date: Thursday, August 5, 2010
Time: 6 pm EST
Where: Hilton New York
On twitter: #socialfiesta

How to RSVP: Visit the Social Fiesta Eventbrite page and “register” to RSVP for the party. You’ll need your BlogHer conference ticket confirmation number.

Hosted by BlogHer and the following Latinas in Social Media:

• Ana Roca Castro – premiersocialmedia.com
• Silvia Martinez – mamalatinatips.com
• Melanie Edwards – modernmami.com
• Carolyn Gonzalez – caroincarolina.blogspot.com
• Monica Vila – theonlinemom.com
• Jeannette Kaplun – todobebe.com
• Lisa Perez – newyorkchica.com
• Lex Esparza – laprimerablog.com
• Migdalia Rivera – latinaonamission.com
• Mariana Perez – ridingwithnohands.com
• Denisse Icaza – ahorrosparamama.com
• Daisy Sutherland – drmommyhelpsyou.com
• Julie Diaz-Asper – dbestof.com
• Ana Lilian Flores – spanglishbaby.com

Blog Bling

If you want to let everyone know you’ll be at the Social Fiesta, use these buttons on your blog! Spread the fiesta love people.

160×300

Copy and paste the following code:

<a href=”http://www.modernmami.com/blogging/blogher-party-social-fiesta-2010″ mce_href=”http://www.modernmami.com/blogging/blogher-party-social-fiesta-2010″><img src=”http://www.blogher.com/files/Fiesta_160x300.gif” mce_src=”http://www.blogher.com/files/Fiesta_160x300.gif” alt=”I’m going!” /></a>

125×125

Copy and paste the following code:

<a href=”http://www.modernmami.com/blogging/blogher-party-social-fiesta-2010″ mce_href=”http://www.modernmami.com/blogging/blogher-party-social-fiesta-2010″><img src=”http://www.blogher.com/files/Fiesta_125.jpg” mce_src=”http://www.blogher.com/files/Fiesta_125.jpg” alt=”I’m going!” /></a>

I can’t wait to see you at our fiesta!

They say an electrical storm is going to change our lives forever. I keep hearing it on the news – over and over again they repeat it, “An electrical storm is going to wipe out the Internet…forever.” It’s like 1999 all over again when everybody was freaking out about the year 2000 coming and breaking down all computer systems. Of course, all was fine in the end, but we sure were paranoid for an entire year.

Now, the Internet itself is in danger and we only have one day left to tweet, email, and be called “mommy bloggers.” Only one more day of hearing that one phrase that will either make moms stand up taller with pride or cover their face with shame – depending on who you ask.

Where the heck is Al Gore anyway? If he invented the damn thing, can’t he save it? Pffttt…a lot of good he turned out to be.

Since I only have one day left to share with you – well, everything – I’ve decided to leave you with these “last words.”

• Go have fun with your families.
• Turn up the radio real loud and dance like crazy with your kids.
• And the husband.
• Keep a journal. One day the Internet might be back and you’ll have hundreds of blog posts just waiting to be posted.
• On that note, maybe you should print out your entire blog for memory’s sake.
• Learn how to use a phone book again since we can’t just look it up on Google anymore. We’ll at least still have our phones, right?
• Kiss your k….

Wait. Forget this. I’m going to go.crazy without the Internet! No more wasting time…quick…everybody leave your phone number in the comments so we can text each other with twitter-like updates!

This post was written as an entry for the Mabel’s Labels BlogHer ’10 Contest. The Internet is not really going to be wiped out by an electrical storm. Not today anyway.

Happy Friday! I hope you have had a productive and fun week. For me, it’s been a good mix of the two, which is great because that’s how I define balance.

I’ve been busy working on a couple of Blogher 2010 Room of Your Own sessions as well as a new blog. So, today, I want to share my new projects with you.

BlogHer 2010

BlogHer has Room of Your Own sessions that you can submit a proposal for, then people can vote on whether or not they’d attend such a session, and hopefully your room is accepted and added to the conference agenda. It’s a way to get different topics on the agenda that may not have made it to the main track sessions. This year, I am excited to be a part of two sessions with some great friends.

Cross Cultural Encounters of the Virtual Kind: Achieving Understanding, Tolerance and Maybe Even World Peace Through Blogging

This session will focus on how in addition to multiculturalism, the blogging community also creates and sustains “cross culturalism” through blogging. I was approached by the lovely Faiqa of Native Born to speak with her in this panel. It’s great because there’s diversity between her and I – from our cultural background, our lives, and even our blogs. It’s sure to be a great conversation…if it gets accepted.

Latinas in Social Media: Are we out there? Let’s start the conversación!

Focusing on Latinas as a group and how we are using social media to develop relationships and promote our businesses with a distinct flavor, this session will feature a great group of Latinas:

• Dr. Daisy Sutherland (@DrMommy) of Dr. Mommy Helps Moms
• Monica Vila (@theonlinemom) of The Online Mom Network
• Jeannette Kaplun (@jeannettekaplun) of Todobebé
• Silvia Martinez (@mamalatina) of Mama Latina Tips
• Lexi (@laprimera) of La Primera Blog
• And…me!

How can you help?

If these session topics sound interesting to you, then click on the titles of each session above, login to the BlogHer site (free, easy registration if you don’t already have an account), and click on the link at the top that says “I would attend this session.” That will count as your vote for the session and will help it have a better chance of being accepted to the conference agenda.

New Blog

Ahhh…yes. My new baby. I’ve started a new blog and am launching it today! It’s a great topic, and I’m already having tons of fun with it. I hope you’ll join me in the fun and become a reader. I’d love to have you!

Want to know what it’s about? Well, you’ll just have to click on over to find out!

********************************

Have a comment? Let’s hear your thoughts on these BlogHer sessions or share with us any fun and exciting projects you have going on. Just add your comments below!

And don’t forget to visit my new blog!

Sick of hearing about BlogHer 2009? I hope not! Not yet anyway. Just once more from me. Then you can be sick of it.

If you missed my recaps you can go read about my first day at BlogHer and then read about the BlogHer 2009 sessions and events that I attended.

Today, I’m just going to share some more photos with you of me with some lovely ladies.

I did take three videos from the “Have You Found Your MommyBlogging Tribe?” session, the “Women of Color and Marketing” session, and the “Dying is Easy, ROTFLMAO Comedy is Hard: It’s two, two, two comedy panels in one!” session, but unfortunately my video skills are really crappy. I blame it on the fact that I’m short and it was hard to hold up my Flip steady enough and avoid other people’s heads in the shot. So, I won’t be sharing those here, but feel free to visit my Vimeo page to watch them. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, though.

Now, on to the photos.

Amy Lupold Bair of Resourceful Mommy

Lindsay Ferrier of Suburban Turmoil

Shellie Ross of Blog 4 Mom

Kristin of Our Ordinary Life – Sheena Williams of Mommy Daddy Blog – Jennae Petersen of Green Your Decor

Jessica Smith of Jessica Knows – Photo Credit: crazedmommy

Jenny Lawson of The Bloggess

Wendy Piersall of Sparkplugging

Mrs. Potato Head

More photos of the trip on Flickr!

***Except for the one noted, all photos by Melanie Edwards (Modern Mami)***

After the madness the night before, my second day at BlogHer began with a newbie breakfast. I’ve been to other conferences that also have breakfasts for newcomers and they give you a brief presentation on the highlights of the conference and even tips for getting the most out of the conference. This one, however, was just a networking opportunity for you to connect with other BlogHer first-timers. I think this is something the BlogHer organizers should consider doing in the future. It might be helpful for newcomers.

Once the opening keynote by the BlogHer founders was over, it was time for the speed-dating session. I have to admit I was a little hesitant to do this, but it really turned out to be a great way to get the blood flowing and amp myself up for the day. Here’s how it goes. The entire room lines up shoulder to shoulder in two lines facing each other. You have about a minute to chat with the person in front of you before one line moves to the left and you start all over with the next person. Shook many hands in just a manner of minutes! Then… it was off to actually attend some sessions.

Friday Sessions I Attended:

• MommyBlogging: Have You Found Your MommyBlogging Tribe?
  • Megan Jordan – Velveteen Mind
  • Kelby Carr – Type-A Mom
  • Renee Ross – Cutie Booty Cakes
  • Briar Sauro – Unwellness
• Business of You: Brands and Bloggers
  • BlogHer co-founder Jory Des Jardins
  • Liz Gumbinner – Cool Mom Picks
  • Sarah Pasquinucci – public relations manager for Procter & Gamble Fabric Care
  • Jaden – Steamy Kitchen
  • Wheatley Marshall
• MommyBlogging: Is MicroBlogging the Path to MommyBlogging Bliss?
  • Erin Kotecki Vest (@QueenofSpain)
  • Lucretia Pruitt (@GeekMommy)
  • Alana Reynolds (@Momku)
  • Susan Kang Nam (@PinkOliveFamily)

In between sessions 1 & 2, was one of the highlights of the day. I signed myself up for the Women of Color Birds of a Feather lunch table. Basically, they have different topics assigned to tables and you just join up and have lunch with a group of ladies interested in the same topic. There was a great group of ladies at this table and some came and went, so I’m sure I’ll forget some that were there. But, I’m gonna give it a shot. Apologies in advance if I forget to mention you or get your name wrong – just drop me a line in the comments to jog my memory.

• Kelly (@mochamomma)
• Fourth Breakfast (Totally didn’t catch her real name.)
• Julie (@asianmommy)
• Justice Fergie (@justicefergie)
• Justice Jonesie (@justicejonesie)
• Bronx Bohemian (@bronxbohemian)
• Megan (@MeganSmith)
• Sandie (@urbanmama)

After the last session, I rushed to the MomSelect Swag Suite for the Disney Moms reunion. I love all my Disney #magicalmoms! Got to reunite with my Florida group (most of them anyway) and met some new ones I didn’t even know were involved with Disney. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay the whole time because I had to get ready for more parties that were happening that night.

Photo credit: crazedmommy

Party Like a Rockstar

First up was the official BlogHer Cocktail party. Did you know that they’ll make drinks out of just about anything? Yup, Sobe Life Water alcoholic drinks to be exact. The vendors give out drinks too.

Photo credit: avitable

Then it was off to the Nikon Night Out event, where we were treated to limo rides, more drinks, and a lovely view of Chicago from the Flatwater restaurant. Oh, and did I mention we met Carson Kressley and got tips on how to take good pictures? Except all he told me to do was pull my hair back from my shoulder.

Photo credit: crazedmommy

Back at the hotel, I made a quick run to the Type-A MOMfluence Party sponsored by HP and then headed to the big MamaPop party, which was GASP! an actual party! There was a DJ, dance floor, and PEOPLE DANCING! Just when I had lost all hope. And what is one of the first things I do? Shake my ass up on Yvonne‘s on the dance floor. Because that’s how I normally introduce myself to people. (I later shook her hand and properly introduced myself.)

The party was great. Lots of dancing and laughing. Apparently, I also managed to escape from the million cameras that were there, as I cannot find a picture. But, I promise…I was there.

Only One More Day

Somehow after all that, I managed to drag myself out of bed in time for Saturday’s breakfast. I skipped out on the keynote that morning to go talk with some vendors in the expo hall and hang out with Angel. Here is where I lovingly told the Quaker folks that the smoothie was in fact “not good!” as the guy had claimed it was. In my defense, I took a few more sips and then decided that it just needed a little more sugar. It wasn’t really all that bad.

There were many vendors and lots of goodies from companies like Playskool, PepsiCo, PBS Parents, Suave, and many many others. It’s hard not to pile up on stuff and then you remember you have to fly back home with all of it.

And then once again it was time for another round of sessions.

Saturday Sessions I Attended:

• Room of Your Own: Women of Color and Marketing
  • Kelly – Mocha Momma
  • Heather B – No Pasa Nada
  • Karen Walrond – Chookooloonks
  • Stefania – CityMama
• Room of Your Own: Sponsored v. Unsponsored – Blogging for $$ Where Do You Stand?
  • Anne-Marie Nichols – This Mama Cooks! Reviews
  • Lucretia Pruitt – GeekMommy
• Room of Your Own: Dying is Easy, ROTFLMAO Comedy is Hard: It’s two, two, two comedy panels in one!
  • Anna – Life Just Keeps Getting Weirder
  • Deb – Deb on the Rocks
  • Jenny – The Bloggess
  • Jessica – Bernthis
  • Kelcey – The Mama Bird Diaries
  • Wendi – Wendi Aarons

Once again, for lunch I signed up for one of the Birds of a Feather tables. But, apparently Work Ouside the Home moms (WOTH) aren’t as fun as the Women of Color ladies. There was nothing wrong with the group. We just didn’t have as lively a conversation is all.

Bowling and Cheeseburgers

Man. BlogHers sure do love to party! Which is just fine by me. Saturday night was full of another BlogHer Cocktail party, BowlHer, and the CheeseburgHer party. It was that night that I chatted with Miss Lori from PBS Kids after a mistaken identity crisis the night before. She had chatted with Carol of NYCity Mama at the Blogalicious party and was told she had talked with me. So, I’m definitely glad we actually got to meet after all that.

BowlHer was lots of fun. Bowling, music, lots of people, and great food. After that it was off to the infamous CheeseburgHer party for some…wait for it…cheeseburgers. There’s a picture of me with a bag on my head out there somewhere, and as soon as MommyMusings sends it to me, I’ll be sure to add here. And to finish the night off? We all got kicked out of the Presidential Suite by hotel security.

Saying Goodbye

After an extremely busy three days, I was definitely ready to come home and see my bebes. Both the tall guy and the short missus.

Even though it had a shaky start, BlogHer was very much full of excitement and fun. I love that I got to meet so many bloggers and that I took a step outside my comfort zone to meet others. I definitely wanted to make the most of it after working so hard to get there. I learned, networked, and had some great conversations. It was well worth it.

And, finally, a big thank you to Little Pim who provided me with some of their DVD demos to share with my fellow bloggers and moms interested in a Bilingual education for their children. If you got one of the DVDs from me while at BlogHer, be sure to let them know! And if you write about Little Pim on your blog, please do share the link. They’re looking for feedback.

I left the house late. Then the truck tires needed air. I had forgotten my checkbook. My very first BlogHer conference trip could have had a smoother start.

Thankfully the chocolate milk gods fixed it all after gulping down a nice bottle of NesQuik chocolate milk. (And no I didn’t get anything for saying that! I just love NesQuik. And how STUPID is it that I just had to interrupt my thought to disclaim that.) Frak. Where was I? Oh…milk. Right. Anyway, after my chocolate milk woke me up and calmed me down, I made it to the airport in time and flew to Chicago with my Orlando chicas Angie and Shari.

The Windy City

When we arrived in Chicago, we met up with Lotus of Sarcastic Mom and then ended up having to wait 45 minutes for the car Angie had reserved to pick us up. You’d think with a reservation, you wouldn’t have to wait. Right? So we ditched the reservation and picked up a cab instead.

Step off the cab and get immediately hugged by VDog (who I’ve never met before). Apparently, that is how folks roll at BlogHer. Run inside. Check in. Run upstairs. Drop luggage. Run back downstairs to meet with Jessica Braun of Edelman for a Quaker volunteer opportunity. Crap! Is this how the rest of the weekend will be?

Gotta Love Mango

Sarah, Devra, Vanessa, Anne-Marie, and I headed out to the Washburne Culinary Institute to volunteer with Common Threads, a non-profit organization which has partnered with Quaker. The Common Threads summer camp teaches 8-11 year old mini chefs about world cuisine and kitchen skills. We all helped the kids cook some Caribbean cuisine. Which means we used a lot of mango. The kids were awesome. They all payed attention when the chefs introduced the dishes they’d be preparing and they had great kitchen skills. What I loved the most is that the kids are getting introduced to different cultures from around the world through food. Because really, what better way to learn about a culture and its history than learning about their food? The second most awesome thing I loved? The kids were in the kitchen from the very beginning to the end: prep work, cutting, cooking, and cleaning up.  I can only hope they go home and help out the same way after camp. Top Chef Chicago winner Stephanie Izard also stopped by and hung out with the kids for a while. She was super sweet and gave the kids tips as they worked on their food.

Cows Must be Scarce in Chicago

After the Quaker event, it was back to the hotel and preparing for the onslaught of parties that were kicking off the conference. Because I hadn’t really eaten all day and was already feeling tired, I decided not to go to the SocialLuxe Lounge party and instead hung out at the hotel for a bit before dinner. I heard SocialLuxe had some great swag though.

Dinner was a $10 burger and $4 soda. Man! Chicago is expensive! Then off to the People’s Party hosted by The Bloggess, Velveteen Mind, Mrs. Fussypants, Izzy Mom, Motherbumper, and Playgroupie.

The Parties

Though the party started at 8:30, folks were lined up at the door well before that. It’s just like when you line up in front of the club waiting to get inside cause [insert artist-who-plays-at-club’s name here] is playing that night. Only 10 times worse because it’s like a thousand women (and one man) trying to get their hands on a swag bag. It’s a claustrophobic’s nightmare. Or a man’s. But not this man.

And then…when the club doors open – I mean the ballroom doors…it’s a mad dash inside. Grab your bag. Grab your free drink ticket. Spend the rest of the time saying, “Excuse me. Sorry. Did my bag just hit you?” Once you get past all that though, you mingle. And you talk to the sponsors. But you don’t dance. It’s not that type of party. Which boggles my mind because music was playing. And where I come from, you dance when music’s playing. I’m just saying.

Not two hours later though, it’s off to the next party. They really need to rethink calling these things parties. Again, I’m  just used to a different meaning of the word I guess. Anywho, it was time for the Room 704 party hosted by the Room 704 ladies.

And once again it was a mass amount of women all crowded together like a mosh pit waiting to get their swag bag and little bunnies. Except that this time we weren’t waiting to get inside a particular room, but rather were all crowded around in an open area of the hotel’s lobby floor. Once we got our bags, everyone pretty much went their own way. People were tired from having traveled that day, attending various parties/events, and all the commotion from the “parties.” Some mingling occurred, but you could see everyone was overwhelmed. I was overwhelmed. And left feeling “empty,” if I can use that word.

Was that it? Is this how the conference will be? It’s certainly not what I expected. This so far has not been fun.

Crashing

I went back to my room exhausted, confused, and disappointed. This was not what I had envisioned the conference would be like. Perhaps that was the problem. I had all these ideas of how things would be and had set myself up for disappointment when they didn’t turn out that way. A friend also reminded me that the conference itself had not actually begun yet and so we needed to keep that in perspective.

So, tomorrow would be another day. It would be the actual first day of the conference and I resolved to have a better time. I had to meet more people and have a good time. My way.

***Pictures to come later. Come back Wednesday for day two of my BlogHer 2009 trip.***