Bloggy Conference

As you can tell I've been a little MIA on the blog these last couple weeks. I'm going to blame it on one thing....the Bloggy Conference. If you're not familiar with this conference, it's another blogger conference like the Haven Conference I attended earlier in the year. The Bloggy Conference, however, was located in Cincinnati, OH. It was hosted by Tiffany Noth from Bloggy Moms. After several months talking to her via email, it was really nice meeting her in person. She is such a sweet & talented person!

Anywho, so two weeks ago I traveled there for work as Homes.com was sponsoring. Several weeks of preparation getting the brand ready to be represented to this network and it was finally here! As soon as I landed at the airport, I was a busy bee getting everything set-up with my co-workers. When I wasn't doing things for the conference, I was working remotely so things kept moving in my absence.

Don't get me wrong though, I was able to play while working! One night the three of us went to this steakhouse Jimmy G's and it was AMAZING. Had some delicious wine, a fantastic steak and we all split the side items family style.

The following days were whirlwind of meeting new people, sitting in on education sessions and having fun! Our booth was busy with people eager to meet with us and stop by our super fun photo booth. Check out some fun photos from the event!

There are more on Facebook also.

It went by so fast and even though I tried keeping up with work while there, I had some catching up to do with budget season. So this past week was extremely busy and I was mentally done by Wednesday! LOL. Since my week didn't end then, I pushed through till Friday.

So there you have it.....my reason for being out of touch, but now I'm baaaccckkkk! ;)

Inside a Blogger's Purse

I really love the blogger purse series on the @SNAPConf blog. I think it gives you a great insight into each blogger and a little bit of their personal life. And while no one is banging down my door to see what's in my purse, I thought I'd show off what's in my purse none-the-less! ;)

As you can see I have a couple things that are typical and some that are totally fitting for a blogger, marketer and home/DIY enthusiast!

1. Brown Michael Kors purse: Love this bag! It's perfect for storing so many things. The hubby bought it for me last Christmas. <3 it.
2. Wallet: An obvious, of course, but one given as a Chirstmas gift by my best friend Megan.
3. Cell phone: DUH! Need this at all times. I feel so naked without my cell phone. Don't you?
4. iPad: I just recently got an iPad from work and I love having it. It's so easy to just turn on and off versus my laptop. Plus I can quickly search things, update social networks, check email, etc. I've never had an Apple product before, but I'm digging this one.
5. Business Card Holder: This was a gift from my friend Amanda. Don't you just love the color orange! Never hurts to have your business cards on you at all times. Never know when a networking opportunity will present itself.
6. Paint Samples: I love going to Lowe's and picking out paint samples. It makes me inspired for a new DIY project. These samples are left over from picking out colors for the guest bedroom revamp. The green color samples are a potential for another room (ah...another blog). ;)
7. Ear phones are a must. Not only for me to grab when I go for a run, but for work. In a cubicle situation it can sometimes get loud-so having ear phones to listen to music is a must!
8. Misc Items: Tissues, pens, chapstick, lint roller, ID badge and car keys are regular things typically located in many women's purses.

There you go! A look inside my purse today. I don't always carry all this stuff around, you just caught me on a good day. ;) If you feel inclined to share the contents inside your bag be sure to comment and let me know so I can visit.

February Photo Challenge

I've seen a couple blogs that I follow, such as House of Smiths and Fat Mum Slim, post this challenge and it really seems like fun. But it requires a commitment to post everyday in the month of February. But, I think it might just be the kick in the pants I need to do something fun on my blog and make that commitment to myself and my New Year's resolutions!

So here it is, take a look:

and these are the details of what this challenge entails...

How to take part in February photo-a-day:

1. Using the list as inspiration, take a photo each day.
2. Share it on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #FEBphotoaday. You can also share on your blog or on Facebook ... or even keep the photos privately for yourself.
3. Check out other people's photos and like them or comment on them.

Note: The list is purely for inspiration, however you interpret the daily prompt is up to you. There are no hard and fast rules. For instance for day 22, if you don't officially 'work' and are a mum or looking for work - then show something that you consider to be work (or a chore perhaps). It doesn't have to be office stuff ... it's as loose as you want or need it to be. Just have fun and enjoy!

I'm excited about it and have confidence that I can see it through. What do you think?

New Year. New Me. New Blog

I read this really great post the other day from Melissa at the Inspired Room titled 'What I learned About Blogging' and it really got me motivated to start blogging again. Truthfully, I'm not really sure why I stopped. I know I got crazy busy at work but you can always find time to jot a little something. I also had issues with my camera....the fact that I didn't have one! I know that doesn't seem like an issue, but I'm a very visual person. So no photos, no blog. lol.

Anywho, no more excuses. I'm back blogging again and I'm excited about it. It's a New Year, a new me and a new look to my blog! Do you like it?? I have lots to share given my hiatus. The first on the docket will be Christmas! Doesn't seem all that long ago (not last year for sure). ;) I had a terrific Christmas making memories with family and friends. How about you??

In the upcoming posts I will be detailing out my most awesomest gifts! They really do deserve their own individual posts...that's how awesome they are. I'm not materialistic (at all) but I really made out this year & would like to shout-it from the rooftops! So here's my promise to be back tomorrow with the first in my present series...see you soon!

Super Cute Printables

What are Printables you ask? A printable is something that's ready to print from your web browser. They are popping up everywhere on the internet and in all sorts of really cool fashions!

Take a look at my Pinterest friend Shaunna West (I like to think we’re friends because we have similar tastes, plus she’s pretty awesome…just like me!) :) She shared this awesome site, Chicabug, which has tons of really great printables for any occasion you can think of!

What if you want something for your home? I love what Eighteen25 has shared:

Or if you have a cool party you’d like to add a bit of glam to (example Cinco de Mayo), check out the printables that TomKatStudio so graciously shares on Scribd.com:

With the upcoming holidays, get your own creative gift tags from Chicabug!

I don’t have any plans for a holiday party at this time, but should any friends of mine want to throw one (hint, hint) I’m game for lending my skills in the printable department. :)

Projects for the Weekend

I've just gone done traveling to Arizona for a work conference and I'm ready for my weekend to come. I have a lot on my mind in the way of DIY projects. I went to Lowest the other day to try and accomplish this one project that I saw on the Crafty Scrappy Happy blog, but I didn't see any racks that would work. But sadly it didn't work out, none of them were "wowing" me with the character of the one pictured. So I moved on....

That being said, I recently saw this idea on Pinterest (we all know it's my  latest obsession) that I think would be a perfect solution. It meets the criteria of being funky as well as functional, and I'm sure I can score some awesome frames from my go-to place T.J. Maxx. It's from a crafty blogger, MyUncommonSliceofSuburbia.com

So that's on the agenda for this weekend. I've already assembled a shopping list, which I'm sure Ryan will be pumped for; this girl just returned home & she's ready to get moving! Hope this energy lasts for all the projects I have in mind for the weekend. LOL :)