The Guavalicious Life

This past weekend I got started on our Fall bucket list by planning an outdoor adventure for us. Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate with my original plan of taking the girls canoeing for the first time.

We live twenty minutes from the Missouri River and I’ve been itching to canoe it since we moved. I was so excited that the girls were finally old enough to go and figured early Fall would be the perfect time. Darn those clouds.

Instead we headed our for a modified Missouri River trip… some time on the Katy Trail along the river. I toyed with the idea of us biking down there but since I didn’t think it was fair to ask my husband to pull the girls the entire time, we took the car instead. We started off in Rocheport with a pit stop for ice cream and then started down the trail. I envisioned a little more hiking but the only stress was avoiding the hordes of bikes. I was glad however, that we had packed snacks and water bottles as the stops were plenty. But who can blame the girls when they had this to look at?

The best outcome of the day? Finding out that the girls are finally really into this stuff. They have th attention spans to keep at a longer trip and the curiosity to want to keep walking to see what comes next. I want to keep up these mini adventures in day trip form for awhile and then work up to a true family vacation.

My dream would be to go on one of the family adventures that Austin-Leahman offers. How cool would it be to take an active vacation like biking in Europe or touring Europe with the kids?

Disclosure: Austin-Leahman sponsored this post through Mom Spark Media. Opinions are my own.

Totally intrigued by this new site Foodiacs that launched today.

The deets: “Foodiacs is tailored to people who are passionate about food and will connect them with product offerings that are exclusive to the site. Each Foodiacs offering will be available for only a limited time, and at a limited quantity, and will not match any offer at any other online retail outlet.”

As a small city dweller, I don’t have access to a food specialty store so I can see myself becoming addicted to this site. The first offering is a mushroom growing set from Back to Roots. Each “Foodiac” that purchases two boxes will receive a third box and classroom curriculum to be donated to the school of their choice. Cool concept.

Tempting, very tempting. If it got the girls to eat oyster mushrooms, it would totally be worth it. The deals launch every one to two weeks on Tuesdays. Do you see yourself buying things from the site? Next year they plan to partner with the food industry for exclusive tastings, culinary tours and educational experiences and I think that will be more up my alley.

For more information visit: www.foodiacs.com or follow Foodiacs on Facebook and Twitter.

So yeah I am writing a post about BlogHer, weeks after it ended. Why? Because I read Amy’s post about the Clever Girls Collective and her honest opinon made me revisit my draft post with a list of all the parties and the pros and cons of each. But I never got through the list and because I am old and had a lot of fun in college, my memory is not what it used to be.  So instead here is my experience with private parties.

First off, this year there was a large call among what I consider the bigger name bloggers for people not to attend private parties and instead attend the official BlogHer parties (which are pretty amazing and I appreciate the effort that they put into them and that they are open to everyone.) There was a lot of talk about swag before and after BlogHer with people saying connections are worth more than swag and they can get free stuff anytime etc. To answer those people, this is why I go to private parties…

-Free food and drink : why spend money on dinner when I can eat great food for free at parties? Also, I get sick of drinking the cocktails and not so awesome beer and wine at the official parties. MGD or Stone, which would you chose?

-More Intimate Settings: BlogHer is super overwhelming and it’s nice to get away and spend time with a few hundred people, instead of a few thousand.

-Brand Interaction: I’d like to work with brands. I don’t know how to meet them. They are at the parties, wanting to talk.

-The Chance to Feel Like a Rock Star: makeover with appetizers and passed champagne cocktails, um hell yeah.

-Swag: Like Christmas, but with gifts you really want.

So was all of that worth it? Yes, yes it was. I know some of you live in cities with actual buildings, perhaps even on one of the coasts. I however live in what you may have heard called the “fly overs”. My city’s tallest building is a parking garage. The fanciest private event I have ever been invited to was a wine dinner and I have been living off that memory for a year now. As a smaller blogger I am very rarely sent things. And by very rarely, I mean I was thrilled to receive a free dishwasher cleaner. So the swag, free drinks, and swanky settings were pretty darn thrilling. Add in that I got to do this with friends, and whew, my little mind was blown. I basically spent most of the time wondering how the hell I had gotten into any of them (answer: open invites when I was on the ball or asking really, really nicely.)

So, what’s the real point of this post? I figured I should share the wealth. So I am giving away two grab bags of swag: one more parentish (toys, a copy of Happy Chaos, cool art stuff) and one more partyish (makeup, “intimacy items”.) Want one? Just leave a comment telling me which one you would want. Really want one? Follow me through GFC, Facebook, or Twitter and leave me a comment letting me know you did for extra entries (one per.) Giveway will run through next Monday night at 11:59pm.

Sponsored by me and me alone. Products in prizes should not be taken as an endorsement by those companies of me, my blog, or this giveaway.

Giveaway Now Closed : Congratulations to winners Cathy E. and Ashley H.!

Dear 2012 self,
First off, do we have flying cars yet? Because it seems like in 2012 we should have flying cars.

But enough about the flying cars… have you stopped worrying? Does your stomach no longer flip when the bus pulls up? Are you at peace with that decision yet? Are are you still wondering if it was the right thing to do? Do me a favor: today look at the window and wave to her like you did the first week of school. Stand there and watch her smile at you and blow kisses to her.

And when you drop her sister off, tell her you love her. Tell her now while she’s still young and let’s you tell her. And today on the way to school, don’t rush, let her look at all the leaves and read all the signs. So what if you have to sign her in one day out of many?

Most of all remember these moments. Remember the sweetness that may be gone soon. Remember the small accomplisments instead of worry about the big ones yet to happen. It’s so easy to forget after a few months how much you wished for the things they now do regularly. Savor the small victories.

Don’t squander this time for yourself either. Remember the elation of week one of back to school. Sleep more. Have lunch with a friend. Write a few blog posts at once. Scan the pictures.

Because too soon it will be summer.

Love,

Me

So BlogHer is under a week away and it’s time to pull out the suitcase and start the packing. Per my own packing advice, I’ve been pondering what I am going to wear for a few weeks now. So I already knew what I needed. All I had to do was pull it out of the drawers and do a final run through to check for any lingering stains and hidden snags.

And that’s when the plan itself showed a snag. You see summer is a stressful time around our house with the loss of the routine and I am nothing is not a stress eater. Let’s just say that instead of my cute shoes and sequined tops being the standouts, my tummy is taking a starring role.

The infamous twinskin is now comfortably surrounded by a layer of fat mainly composed of sangria and beer. Not to mention summer ice cream cones.

My first plan was to run out and envelop myself in some kind of corset. But I want to be able to eat unicorn cake and get my groove on at Sparklecorn so I was planning to just brave it lumps and all. Then I saw the “Say Wow Not Ow Yummie Tummie Style Session” contest Yummie Tummie and Mommy Loves Coffee are running for BlogHer. I totally need one of the slip dresses for the parties so I can wear some of the cool party dresses moldering in my closet instead of the jeans that are my current backup plan. And the boyshorts would be perfect to rock under their boot cut jeans. I wouldn’t mind looking a little more sleek at the playground too!

So hopefully Yummie Tummie rescues me from a near future of mom jeans and promotional tshirts! Think I need help too? Let them know on their Facebook and Twitter. I promise my feelings won’t be hurt. Want some slimming items yourself? Check out their website!

On the Sundays leading up to BlogHer11, I am posting Top Ten Tips lists. Check out my ones on packing and fashion. Have a question, something to add, or a suggestion for a subject my last two lists? Leave me a comment. Thanks for reading, I hope it helps a little. And I will see you in 17 days!

Top Ten Tips for Networking

1. Establish Your Goals: Why are you going to BlogHer? To see friends? Meet other bloggers? Meet brands? Learn how to be a better blogger? Have fun? Whatever your reason, know it and plan your agenda around it. Otherwise  you will be spread too thin and will  come home with nothing else than a bag full of swag and business cards and that’s it. I went in last year with no goals and while I had a fabulous time I also regret not taking the time to connect with other bloggers and follow up with the brands I met. My blog would be in a different place now if I had.

2. Take (GOOD) Business Cards: This seems like a given but a lot of people leave it to the last minute. If you haven’t started, there’s still time to get cards. You can use a site like Vistaprint or Uprinting for a basic, inexpensive, card. Must have information? Real name, blog address, email address, Twitter ID, and a phone number. I take two different cards: one for brands with my address on it (perfect for raffle drops) and one for other bloggers that are more personal and fun. Want some more advice on business cards? Check out MomComm’s series on them.

3. Put Yourself Out There: There is never a reason to feel alone at BlogHer. If you’re feeling left out, walk up to a group and say hi. See a seat at an empty table, grab it. People are very welcoming and you get the chance to meet someone new. Put a smile on your face and say hi. If you only take one piece of advice, make it that one. And don’t be discouraged if you do get the cold shoulder, it’s more about them than you. Move on to the next person or group. See someone you want to meet? Go up and say hi (try not to interrupt their conversation though, I am guilty of this one!)

4. Don’t Make It About You: The biggest mistake bloggers make at conferences is talking without listening. Example: I was at TypeA talking with two other bloggers about their passion and projects. Another blogger walked up to join us, great. Except that she interrupted our conversation and talked about her project for the ten minutes without ever asking us about ourselves. Her project was normally something I would loved to be involved with but her attitude turned me off. This goes for brands too. Definitely tell them about yourself but also ask them what they are about and what they want from bloggers.

5. Do Your Research: If you want to connect with brands, do some research before you go. Know who you want to see and where they will be. Here is a spreadsheet I made with all the official sponsors of BlogHer. Fill it out with your notes, note the booth number of the brands that are your priority, and reach out to the brands on twitter and Facebook before you go. If you’re going to BlogHer to work on blogging, read the pre-conference guide to see what the sessions are really about. Want hands on help with your blog? Make a Geek Bar Appointment.

6. Have An Elevator Pitch: I always joke that my elevator pitch is “Hi, my name is Kate.” But realistically you should have an idea of what you want to say about yourself and your blog when you meet people. Practice it a few times in front of a mirror or on someone else (my husband just loves when I do that) so you don’t get flustered. Mine? “Hi, I’m Kate. I go by Guavalicious on twitter. Currently I have two blogs. One is a hyper-local group blog about my town Columbia Missouri called The COMO Collective and a lifestyle blog about trying to do it all with twins, an old house, and a small business called The Guavalicious Life. I also love to write and contribute to several sites and our local paper. What’s your passion?”

7. Make Connections Before Hand: Reach out to people on Twitter, Facebook, and blogs and ask where they are going and if they would like to meet up. Exchange phone numbers so you can text people (it’s way faster than Twitter!) I made a sheet last year with people I wanted to meet and where they would be. Then I texted them when I got there and we would find each other that way. The conference is HUGE and if you don’t arrange to see someone you probably won’t run into them.

8. Always Be Prepared to Connect: Two things to have on you at all time: breath mints and business cards. You never know when you are going to meet someone who you want to give your contact info to. Jill of Baby Rabies carries her cards in her badge holder so they are always on her. And if you have a smart phone, download bump so you can exchange info without cards (think of the trees!)

9. Don’t Get Drunk: I didn’t follow this one at TypeA and ended up having a conversation with a blogger I really like. That I totally don’t remember. It was way past my bedtime and I had drunk too much wine.  Now I look like an ass and I missed out on talking to someone I really admire. Stop one drink before you think you should.

10. Be Nice: This should be a given but in case you need a reason to be nice to everyone here you go: you never know who you are talking to. The person that you held the elevator for may be that blogging hero you’ve wanted to meet. The person who asks to sit at your table may be an editor who can give you paying work. The brand rep for a brand you hate may also be the PR person for a brand you are dying to work with. The blogger you’ve never heard off may be best friends with Dooce. Smile and talk to everyone and you will always make a good impression.

I feel like I am cheating a bit, this particular Frozen Pizza Friday report, because this is a local pizza maker that you won’t be able to lay your hands on unless you want to take a trip to visit me here in Columbia, MO. Which would be awesome. Because CoMo rules. I have a whole blog about it. Or you could just order one and have it sent to you. That might be easier.

So anyhoo, we took two of their pizzas (cheese and Italian sausage), preheated the grill to 400 degrees, and then put those two together for about twenty five minutes. Afterwards, we realized this is not at how you are supposed to do it. But our store was out of the little direction sheets and we couldn’t find it on their website.  The good news is our pizzas turned out well. And we scarfed them down post haste. At around $6.75 a pop, they are a great deal too.

Item: Shakespeare’s Frozen Pizza
Cost: $6.75
Taste (scale of 1-10): 8
Value (scale of 1-10): 8
Will buy again: yes

Sorry no pictures, it seems my laptop ate them. I guess it was hungry for pizza.

WordPress Evangelist from a Marketing Perspective presented by Scott Shorter of Concera Media

WordPress as a content platform gives you control and empowers you to create.

The Basics of Marketing through WordPress:

• A w3c standards complaint theme – go to to check W3.org to see if your theme is compliant
• Good on-page SEO practices – use meta-tags,
• Google friendly in every way possible : use Google Webmasters
• Social Intergration : use social media tools as a funnel to your site, then use Google analytics to track where you should be spending your time online
• Conversion Goals like email signups
• Tracking and reporting of results : really use Google analytics, set goals

Foundations for WordPress as Your Marketing Platform

• Google anlyticator Plugin : puts it on your dashboard so it available right when you log in
• XML sitemaps Plugin
• All-in-one SEO plugin
• Mailchimp (or similar plugin) :
• premium theme framework : clean themes like Thesis do well in SEO
• sharing plugin

Resources:

Calendar PlugIn by Kieran O’Shea : provided functionality with minimal amount of time

Twitter tools plugin

Postie : requires access to servers, DNS files

Role Manager: allows you to expand and customize WordPress subscriber profiles

Lifestream Plugin: Lifestream displays your social feeds and photos much like you would see it on many of the social networking sites.

Monetizing Your Blog Beyond the Banner Ads session presented by Syed Balkhi, founder of  WP Beginner

“Don’t run after success. Run after excellence, and success will follow you.”

First Thoughts

• don’t quit your job
• blogging is a full-time job, actually more than full time. And yes, this is totally true. I put in a full day of work then spend 3-4 hours on my blog.
• when you are blogging, you are your own boss but you don’t have a life. The internet never closes down.

Methods:

• Google Adsense: works on sites that are instructional
• Affiliate Programs: every blogger can make money from affiliate links, always include an affiliate link when you talk about a product (use Amazon, Ebay affiliate links.) When writing about products that you gain comission off of, write a how to not a review. It will drive more traffic to your site.
• Lead generation: think of ways you can generate leads through the content you already write. For example, if you write a hyper-local blog think about calling up a local business and suggest commission from referring customers to them.
• Private Ad Sales: sell ads directly or use Buy Sell Ads Think beyond your site for paid promotion too: wear a tshirt at a conference, brand laptops, etc. Think outside of the box.
• Premium Content:  Example: ProBlogger’s blog challenges turned into an ebook, then created a subscription forum. Chris Brogan turned his writing prompts into a fee based newsletter.
• Continuity Programs:
• Products: ebooks, themes
• Services: teaching, consulting, blog audits, social media plans, editorial calendars
• Paid reviews/posts: be sure to follow FCC regulations. My personal recommendation for this is to find a blogging group to help you
• Donations:

Good Practice for Success:

• Passion: pick something you are passionate about
• Niche: if you’re going to have a niche blog, research it first
• Domain: pick a easy, clear, short domain name
• Hosting: pick a good host so your site will always be up
• Theme: use a nice, easy to navigate one
• Email list: build one and use it to market
• Monetize
• Analytics: use your stats to improve
• Repeat!

Recommended WordPress Plugins:

• OIOPublisher
• BuySellAds
• Simple URLSs
• SEO SmartLinks
• Gravity Forms
• WP SEO by Yoast
• Donate Plus
• Aweber
• W3 total cache
• MaxCDN (use “WPBEGINNER” for 25% off
• Comment Redirect
• MailChimo
• getShopped
• Ozh’ Who Sees Ads
• Amazon SImple Admin

Network, network, network: Make friends, make money!

Slides from this session here.

Maybe some music will get me going on the laundry?

Check out the video on Facebook to access a $2 coupon for Method laundry detergent!

Just because it’s May you didn’t think we were done spring cleaning did you? Oh no, now we’re getting into the deep stuff. We’re going to turn the mattresses and vacuum out the couch cushions. So to speak.

1. Search Yourself
2. Correct As Needed
3. Delete Unused Profiles
4. Update Your Networks

If you’ve just joined the online world in the past couple of years, hello and welcome to the modern age. You get to take this week off. For the rest of us though, it’s time to face the sins of our online past. Since I was an early adopter I was little scared to find out what would be out there. I searched my current name, my middle name plus last name since I used it for three years, and my longtime online pseudonym “guavalicious”.

What came up was mainly unsurprising: links to conferences I have spoken at, blog posts I have done for other people, and news stories I have been quoted in. There wasn’t anything I felt the need to follow up on and delete. I did find a link to some photos with my girls’ full names which I try to keep hidden so I shot a quick email and asked for only their first names to be used.

Next I locked down some previous journals like the LiveJournal I kept five seven years. If you stop using a paid account all your mass security filters are removed so you have to manually go through and privatize things. It’s kind of fun really. This is what i was doing three years ago on this day:
“Busy times around here… the past week was an exhausting blend of work and childcare. The worst span was Tuesday/Wednesday. Woke up with the girls at six, did morning routine then took them to music class, came home and did lunch/nap, and then went to work at two and worked until ten thirty. Was back at work the next morning at seven and worked straight through until four thirty since all the other managers had done an overnight floorset.”
Yep, I really don’t miss retail. I also found and am looking into deleting my MySpace account.

Final step: I went and and updated my LinkedIn profile and added recent contacts, updated my profile, and check to make sure there weren’t any groups I needed to join. For good measure I went though my Facebook friend invites and finally answered all of those.

Whew. It’s an undertaking but I feel better now that I truly know how I am represented online.