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.***

OH MY GOD! It’s finally here!

Blogher 2009 starts tomorrow. And though I leave in the morning, I still haven’t packed or prepared myself. I’ll be the one freaking out on twitter tonight as the excitement and nervousness hits me all at once. In the meantime, I sit down and write this post for you. See how much I love you all?

I’ve seen a few posts here and there from people introducing themselves in time for the conference. It seems like a good idea so that fellow BlogHer attendees can get to know you. Here’s my attempt.

Quick Facts

• I’m 29 years old. It hasn’t hit me yet that I’ll actually be turning 30 next year and will no longer be in my 20s. As far as BlogHer participants go, I think I’m on the younger side of the spectrum.
• I live in Orlando, Florida and no, I don’t go to Disney every day. But, I might start going more often now that I’m a part of the Disney Florida Magical Moms group.
• I’m originally from Puerto Rico. This is an important part of who I am.
• I’ve been married 6 years and have a 3 year old daughter.
• I love to dance. Love. In a future life, I would like to be a professional dancer. Until then, I’m happy to dance in my living room, car, and the upcoming BlogHer parties.
• I’m short. I know this. You don’t have to point it out when you meet me.
• I don’t like socks, coffee, or okra. The coffee bit shocks people the most.
• I’m shy most of the time. I may not come up to you and introduce myself, but if you start up a conversation with me, I’d be happy to talk.
• I’m attending BlogHer for the first time. Be easy on me.

Be sure to look for me at BlogHer. I’m looking forward to meeting as many people as I can. Find a picture on my about page.

Leave a comment so I can get to know you too!

Wow! The next month is going to be so super busy, yet super fun too! Actually, the next couple of months…but when is it NOT busy?

I’m gearing up for BlogHer 09 and getting ready to meet many wonderful bloggers. It’s my first time at BlogHer and I’m looking forward to it, even if a bit nervous. So many people, so much to do, and so much to learn, that it might get a bit overwhelming. And have you seen how many parties there are to attend? Just look on the right bar for a few of them; I know that’s not even all of them either.

I still have a lot to do to prepare for it too. Like buy a plane ticket. That’s important. But, I do have the conference ticket and found a roommate with a little help from Shari. I’ll be sharing a room with Tina of sendchocolatenow.com, who has attended BlogHer before.

But, I did get myself one of these pretty little things:

Dell Inspiron Mini

Annnd, it’s purple! It’s adorable and functional. Now it’ll be easier to travel with a laptop and I can take notes during BlogHer sessions. Or be on twitter. One of those.

Speaking of conferences, have you heard of the Type-A Mom Conference? It’ll be in Asheville, North Carolina this September. I am honored to have been invited to speak at this conference. I mean, have you seen the speaker line up? There’s some awesome women (and man!) speaking. And there I am too!

I’m looking forward to both conferences and meeting many of you that will be attending.

Drop a line in the comments and let me know if you’re attending either one of these. It would be nice to keep track of everyone in one place and hopefully meet up!

Photo from ubergizmo.com

This past Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending the Florida Conference for Women. I have to say a big THANK YOU to Anne Hebert who approached me with the offer to attend the conference on their dime and provided an extra ticket for one of my readers.

So how was the conference? How did the day go? Here’s the breakdown of the day.

The Nonexistent Tweetup

Since many conference attendees were on twitter, a few of us asked if there might be a central place at the conference where we could meet each other and have an informal tweetup. The conference organizers agreed and spread word about an informal tweetup to be had first thing in the morning in the exhibit hall.

Now, when I got there, there were no other twitterers to be found. The conference volunteers had no clue what I was talking about. They gave me the whole “twitter what?” look. So, I tweeted about how I was looking for the noexistent tweetup. A bit after that, @ElizabethB showed up with phone in hand looking around. And so finally the (very small) tweetup formed as @peglegpug, @elsaodette, and @eggmarketing joined us.

Opening Keynote

Tory Johnson (@toryjohnson) – http://womenforhire.com

When I heard Tory speak, I immediately thought “I have to meet her.” She is the author of the book Will Work From Home: Earn Cash Without the Commute, which sounds like a book I need to read seeing as how I’m working towards my goal of working from home. One of the quotes that stood out for me from her speech was, “You’re only an official contributor when you’re paid for it.” In other words, don’t work for free. Something else Tory said is something I truly need to work on, especially with BlogHer ’09 coming soon. And that is to introduce yourself to people and talk to them about what you do. Sometimes it might turn into nothing, but other times it might turn out to be a great connection.

Tory was the only speaker from the sessions I attended that mentioned twitter. So of course, our twitter-filled table smiled and even tweeted about her shout out. Later Tory replied about the lack of twitter talk at the conference. Taking on Tory’s own advice about introducing yourself to people to build a network, Kelly and I later introduced ourselves and exchanged cards with Tory.

Ariane de Bonvoisin – www.first30days.com

Ariane was a great speaker. So great that apparently I didn’t really take any notes from her speech and only wrote down her link and that she had a book. I was paying attention to all the great stuff she had to say that I forgot to write it down! Basically, though, she’s all about change. Loving change. Embracing change. And dealing with change. Her book is The First 30 Days: Your Guide to Making any Change Easier.

I later attended her break-out session and I know I took more notes during that presentation, so keep reading.

Session I: Reinvent Yourself! – Strategies for Having the Career You Want

Pamela Mitchell – http://www.reinvention-institute.com

I went to this session hoping to get some insight on how to make a switch from the standard 9-5 job to working from home. After all, that *is* reinventing yourself – at least for me. The speaker provided lots of of good information and key questions to get you thinking about how to get started with reinventing yourself. A few key points I liked from her presentation:

• Ask yourself, “What do people come to me for?” The answers are talents you can get paid for.
• Think of your favorite excuse for not reinventing yourself and come up with three possible ways to overcome it.
• Ask how instead of can it be done. If you ask yourself how, your brain starts to think differently and attempts to solve the problem.
• For your resume: List your titles first instead of the companies you worked for. Be sure to also use a “Summary of Qualifications” in order to present your skills from the get-go.
• And finally, you must tell people what you want to do. Otherwise, how will anyone know?

Session II: The Tools of Change

Ariane de Bonvoisin – www.first30days.com

Since Ariane had done a great job during the keynote, I wanted to hear more of what she had to say. Overall, the information she gave is probably things we all already know. HOWEVER, it’s stuff we need to hear…again and again. Plus, she categorized it all into nice little bullets.

9 Principles of Change

People who successfully navigate change…

1. have positive beliefs.
2. know that something good will come from that change.
3. know they’re stronger.
4. don’t get stuck in an emotional pattern.
5. accept change.
6. know what they can and can’t control.
7. know that there’s something bigger going on.
8. are not alone.
9. take action!

These same principles of change are posted on her site in a nicer format and with more information.

Keynote Luncheon

Julie Stav – http://www.juliestav.com

I’ll be honest. Scheduling Julie Stav to speak during the lunch was probably the smartest thing the conference coordinators could have done. She was so entertaining, lively, and funny that she definitely woke up the room and snapped all of us out of that all-too-familiar afternoon rut.

Julie mostly talked about investing in the stock market, but also talked about empowerment and general inspiration of interest to women. As a Latina, she also focused on how Hispanic/Latina women need to take control instead of waiting for things to happen. I definitely need to get in contact with her and see if she’ll be willing to do an interview.

Kelly Corrigan – http://kellycorrigan.com

Kelly is the author of the book The Middle Place. She’s a mom and breast cancer survivor. Several conference attendees were spotted tearing up or full out crying as Kelly read some passages from her book. I’m thinking I need to pick it up myself.

Session III: What Happy Working Mothers Know

Panel: Renee Trudeau (http://www.reneetrudeau.com), Jayne Rager Garcia de Valseca, Lisa Hein (http://www.lisarhein.com)
Moderator: Cathy Greenberg – http://www.cathygreenberg.typepad.com

I went to this session thinking I’d get some great information on being a working mom or even some tips for how to balance it all. I guess I thought that’s what a working mother would want to know in order to be happy. Instead, I got three very different stories on how each panelist found their own happiness. In their own special ways.

Renee found happiness through balancing her life and connecting with other moms. Jayne found her happiness through forgiveness (and believe me, she had major forgiveness to do). Lisa found happiness through learning to let go of her son and taking a step back as a parent.

Jayne’s story of cancer, then having her husband kidnapped, then cancer again, was very inspirational and surreal. After hearing that I felt this small for complaining about everyday things.

Key quotes from this session:

• Be a parent, not a friend. – Lisa Hein
• Happiness is a science and a choice. – Cathy Greenberg
• Forgiveness is for you. – Jayne Rager Garcia de Valseca
• Ask your children, “What kind of day do you want to have?” – Renee Trudeau
• Start your day with stillness. – Renee Trudeau

Wrapping Up

After the last session, there was a career fair, along with some door prizes. I didn’t stick around for long, but did find Tory Johnson and introduced myself.

Overall it was a good conference. Some great stories, good motivation and inspiration, and lots of women to network with. Thanks again Florida Conference for Women! You can also follow the twitter conversation on the conference for more highlights.

Did you attend the conference? Which session(s) did you enjoy the most?

Thank you everyone who entered the Florida Conference for Women ticket contest!

There were 14 entries and the winner is:

Entry #8 was Kelly of peglegpug.com!

Congratulations Kelly!

Now for those of you who didn’t win, you still have a chance to attend for free. Susan of Sometimes Parenting Sucks is also holding a contest for a free ticket to the conference. Head on over there and enter her contest!

Hope to see most of you at the conference on May 12!

Today’s post is a hodgepodge (who thinks up these words anyway?) of updates. Hence, the title.

By the way, “un poco de todo” means “a little bit of everything.”

5 Resources for Raising Bilingual Children

First off, it’s another Wednesday where you’ll find me at the Family Eden blog.

Today’s post – 5 Resources for Raising Bilingual Children

Here are the resources I listed, but for a bit of back-story on our family, you’ll want to click over and read the full post. (I also included more information on each resource in the post.)

1. Colorín Colorado – A bilingual site for families and educators of English language learners.
2. SpanglishBaby – Raising Bilingual & Bi-Cultural Children
3. Cody’s Cuentos – Classic children’s fairytales…in Spanish.
4. Latin Baby Book Club – Celebrating our Culture
5. Circletime Kids - A global gathering of children and the people who love them.

Contests

I also wanted to remind you about the two contests that are currently running.

1. There’s only 3 days left to enter to win a free ticket to the Florida Conference for Women. I will be attending and hope to learn, reflect, and network with other women in the area. Doesn’t that sound like something you ABSOLUTELY want to do also?
2. You can also enter to win a Mother’s Day makeover courtesy of a new salon in town, Adore de Salon. If you win, you can opt to hand over the prize to your mom. So even if you don’t live in Central Florida, but your mom does, you can still enter the contest and treat mom to a nice gift!

Meetups/Tweetups/Fun

There are several events happening in April and May in the Orlando area. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make them all. If I did that, my kid would probably forget who I am. Here are the ones I do plan to attend.

• Orlando Tweetup II – Hosted by Etan Horowitz of the Orlando Sentinel on April 30th. A recap of the first tweetup he did can be found on his blog. More info on round 2 & RSVP on the Facebook event page.
• National Mom’s Nite Out – This event is one of many around the country and will be held at the Seminole Towne Center Mall on May 7th. More info & RSVP on the Facebook event page.
• Market Leverage Women Bloggers Meetup – If you’re a woman blogger or Internet marketer in the Central Florida area, you can join us on May 8th for a meetup with the Market Leverage company. More info & RSVP on the Facebook event page.

And please? No more events need pop up in the months of April and May. I’ve got enough going on before my :ahem: birthday and oh yea! – trip to Puerto Rico.

If you’ll be attending any of these events, let me know! And be sure to enter the contests!

The other day I was browsing a few sites at work as part of my research and I came across the Florida Conference for Women. I started looking into what they’re offering and since it’s being held locally, I figured I might try to attend.

As I browsed the conference site, I saw the twitter logo and began to follow.

A day or two later, I was contacted about attending the conference.

Twitter comes through once again. Woo hoo!

The sweet part of it all is that one of you gets to go too! Hey, maybe we can network together, and learn, and all that good stuff you do at conferences. Or just hangout. Either way.

Here are some of the details about the conference directly from their site:

The Florida Conference for Women, hosted in conjunction with the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, features nationally recognized speakers who will address the critical issues facing women today, helping you find clarity on your goals and what you need to accomplish them.

You’ll learn how to:

• Deal with change
• Reinvent your career
• Manage your money
• Market yourself
• Network effectively
• Find funding for your small business
• Manage your health
• Stay positive

All things we could use, no?

Btw, the conference is a one-day event and is being held on May 12 at the Orange County Convention Center.

Some more info on the conference for you to look at:

• speakers list
• session schedule
• speaker blogs

And now the really good part..

Win your own ticket! ($90 value)

How to enter:

1. Click over and check out the conference schedule. Come back and leave a comment with the name of the session you’d most like to attend.
2. For an extra entry, tweet a message on twitter with a link back to this post.
   Sample text to use: Win a free ticket to attend the @floridawomen conference via @modernmami! Enter contest at http://tinyurl.com/modernmami-flwomen
   You’ll need to leave a second comment with the link to your tweet, not your profile, so I can verify. You have to leave a separate comment so that it will count.
3. For a third entry, write a post and link back to this contest post on your blog. Again, be sure to leave a separate comment with your post link so that it will count. You can add one of these banners to your post if you’d like.

Rules

You have until 11:59 pm EST on Friday, April 17 to leave your comments. The winner will be chosen on Sunday, April 19 using Random.org.

I’ll post the winner on Sunday, so be sure to check back to see if you’ve won! Remember to include an email address so that I can contact you if you win.

Good luck!

Jessica Smith from Jessica Knows and Got Poken has partnered with Momfluence to give away a Poken!

Don’t know what a Poken is?

It’s this handy and cute little gadget that lets you connect with others via multiple social networks instantly! You choose which social networks to share via the website and you then “high-four” your pokens to connect with each other.

No more having to tell everyone your different profile information and usernames for the 1 jillion social networks you belong to. They’ll all be in your poken and those you connect with can view the profiles you’ve shared.

It seems like a great idea and definitely makes sense with so many new sites popping up all the time. But, I wonder how long it will take before it catches on mainstream? I mean, you can’t be the only one with a poken. That would be pointless.

But, if this catches on and everyone were to have one, it sure would make attending conferences so much easier!

Just think…

How great would this be for BlogHer?! Or tweet-ups!

I’m thinking of getting one before going to BlogHer to try it out.

Do you think this will eventually replace the business card?

How to Enter Contest:

Fill out the Contest Form. That’s it!

Note: I am not hosting this contest and will not be picking the winners.