A best friend would suffer through Jimmy Choo’s just for you…

Your best friend is the one who would talk to you anytime you are feeling down.

She takes you out to breakfast when it’s your birthday.

She will give you a kidney or maybe a cornea.

She will obsess with you over internet stalkers and all around weirdos.

She will spy on your ex husband with you in her daughter’s car with the lights turned off. (not that I know anything about that)

Totally random thoughts here….but sort of the kind of things a best friend would do…

What is the true sign of a best friend?

She gives you her Fit Flops at Blogher when your feet are toast.  The only pair of comfortable shoes in the place.   She sacrifices her own comfort for yours.  THE ONLY THING THE POOR GIRL HAD LEFT TO WEAR WAS A PAIR OF JIMMY CHOO’S…. I worship her.

barbie fit flop A best friend would suffer through Jimmy Choos just for you...

I am fortunate to have Janine as a best friend.

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My feet can dance again because of her.

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I can dance if I want to…

I can leave my cares behind…

Not sure how much of a safety dancer I was.  I was more of an OMG SHE IS GOING TO THROW OUT A HIP OR A SPLEEN OR SOMETHING dancer.

It was such a blast.

Bloggy State of Mind had me busting some crazy moves (re-creation only)

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busting a move recreation

And Sparklecorn had me sweatin’ to the groove – might have been my own groove just so you know….

ShortPumpPreppy

(credit Mooshinindy flickr)

I am icing the ankle that hurt all weekend long and propping my knee up on the dog’s blankie because I need it more than he does.

Worth every pain and gripe, because the BlogHer parties totally rocked.

I have to thank the girls of Bloggy State of Mind for their groovalicious dance expo and chance to get my groove on.  Do we still use that phrase?

I had an equally energetically impossible dance session at the Sparkelcorn Party.  I kissed Obama on the cheek.  And I hadn’t had anything to drink.  wow.

It would not have been a night to dance and remember if not for my friends @twincident, @resourcefulmom, @cassieaiden, @teachmama, @jennyonthespot, @reallifesarah, @cutestkidever, @slpowell, @bizziemommy @shaunaglenn, @carissarogers, @momrn, @rockandrollmama, @whodidimisscauseifeelsobad……

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Pre- #Blogher10 Mayhem – I’m gonna hug you

You will meet so many women at Blogher.  Some you will have seen before, some you will only have read their words.

Will you hug or not hug?

hug 065 Pre  #Blogher10 Mayhem – I’m gonna hug you

And if you hug will you give it a squeeze or do the “meh, my pinky might have just touched you” hug?

Will you give the “please spill your drink on me so I can add “alcohol shirt” to “alcohol breath” hug and really spice up my evening?

Will you Heidi Klum it and do the double cheek kiiiissss?

How will you greet people at Blogher?    Hugs are  totally appropriate, after all we know intimate details of people’s habits, children’s poop, you cup size and husband’s cup size.  We know about your MIL snooping in your underwear drawer, and how often you use peanut M&M’s to satisfy your family protein intake for the day.  We know you snore.  We know you pee.  We know more about you than our doctor and in some cases give better medical advice.

I think that makes us all worthy of a sloppy silly hug.  Don’t you?

I’m STILL going to Blogher as a Bumble Bee Foods Ambassador, button carrying member of the Bee Squad

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Pre- #Blogher10 Mayhem – to shoe or not to shoe

It’s New York, land of glitz and glam, sequins and seroquel.

Packing is tricky and everyone struggles with this each year.  Let’s talk about shoes.  Are you bringing your biggest stiletto heels to Blogher or instead settling on a good pair of Naturalizer Mary Janes?

The answer is yes and yes.  Fashion is always the big question and shoes make the outfit.  But comfort is key unless you need to look good then forget the comfort issue and go for pain and agony.  It’s all about the connections you make and shoes get you in the door, right?

You’ll be sitting in conference sessions all day.  No problem wearing those pumps that make your legs look 4 feet tall.  Or is there?

You want to be prepared for anything that comes your way…any opportunity that pops up.

images Pre  #Blogher10 Mayhem   to shoe or not to shoeLike if The Bloggess asks you to run and get her a wine slushie.  You need kicks for that.  Fast moving kicks.

images 1 Pre  #Blogher10 Mayhem   to shoe or not to shoeLike if Alphamom runs out of buns at the Cheeseburger party and you have to stand in line for her at McD’s to get some more.  You need comfy standing shoes for that.

images 3 Pre  #Blogher10 Mayhem   to shoe or not to shoeLike if Secret Agent Mama wants to take a photo of your fabulous feet and YOU want to show off your pedicure.  You need fancy open toe pumps for that.

images 2 Pre  #Blogher10 Mayhem   to shoe or not to shoeLike if Audrey McClelland walks by you and you want to look all fashionable and not like you usually do in your fuzzy UGG slippers that should never really see daylight.  You need cute designer shoes for less that you got a deal on at Marshall’s.  Probably BORN sandals because Casey and Jo-Lynne said so.

Packing is tricky to make sure you are ready for all these occasions.   And Blogher a super busy weekend…”Occasions on Adderall”.  So what super cool or comfy or back breaking or break dancing shoes are you packing?

I’m STILL going to Blogher as a Bumble Bee Foods Ambassador, button carrying member of the Bee Squad

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Pre- #Blogher10 Mayhem: Are you bringing business cards? and the answer is yes, duh

Bringing Business Cards to Blogher

We have approximately 30 days until Blogher 2010 in New York City and that means we are in the time crunch for packing and that includes business cards. What? You weren’t sure you wanted to bring them? Silly you….You’ll be sorry if you don’t. Conferences are as much about the connections as it is about the sessions. Handing out cards is a great ice breaker and if you are the least bit shy you will want them on hand at all times.

Do as I say not as I do…

business cards Pre  #Blogher10 Mayhem: Are you bringing business cards? and the answer is yes, duh

I think it’s a good idea to put your face on the business card. (your face, not Barbie’s) I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come home from a conference only to look at the cards and have no idea which person went with which card. Did I meet you in the hall by the elevator? at a session? at a party? I have to search the blog for your photo (which is not always current, does not always look like you or is not located in a conspicuous place I might add) to figure out the connection. “oh right we talked for 2 hours about spanx, now I remember you”. You are going to come home with hundreds of cards, make yours stand out right away. “oh right she’s the spanx girl, she and I are TIGHT!”

It’s All About The Connections!

Don’t completely fill your card with information. Leave a space somewhere to write a cell phone number down in case you want to connect again that weekend or in case you need to hook up after the conference. Or you can use the space to draw a portrait of yourself because you didn’t listen to #1.

The question remains…should you cram it full of information or send them to an “About” page which tells all about you including the 392884984 blogs you write, write for, ambassadorships and “paying” jobs. I go for the latter simply because showing off (and by showing off I mean sharing my life) in person is way more funner.

Should you bring cute or unique swag for (instead of) your business cards? I guess that’s a personal choice, but I am more likely to hold onto a pack of cards instead of a pocketful of chip clips.  Just make the swaggish card relevant and not too nick nack-ish.  Can you use all those words in one sentence?  I just did, so I guess so.  The point is you don’t want to spend tons of money on the swag that everyone will remember…to leave in the room because their suitcase is so full.

How many should you buy?  More than 100 and less than 1000.  Your pocket can only hold so many if you don’t carry a bag and you don’t want to look like you have bulges where bulges need not be.  I also find that the information changes so often that cards become obsolete.  Printing thousands to “save” money may not be a good idea.  250 – 500 is a good rule of thumb.  If you can interact with more than 500 people in one weekend, then I want to follow you around ’cause you’ve got something going on.

Will I see you at Blogher?  I am going thanks to Bumble Bee Foods as part of the BeeSquad!  Can’t wait to see you there!

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The truth about Crocs, or “Happy Feet II”

I talked about the comfortable shoes I would be wearing at Blogher09, not the fancy heels you gorgeous girls were wearing.  What I didn’t know was that the best shoes I would have at Blogher,  I would GET THERE!

Look, aren’t they cool?

crocs flipflops The truth about Crocs, or Happy Feet II

How much do we love our Crocs?

*writing this post with one foot tied behind my back just to show you how great these shoes are*

I think Crocs are so great that I know……and I’m just guessing here…

  • John Hancock was wearing Crocs when he signed the Declaration of Independence!
  • Spiderman can only climb buildings wearing Crocs!
  • Crocs let the dog know when to bark for intruders!
  • The original Crocs really started the whole controversy between Adam and Eve, pretty sure!
  • If you wear your Crocs backwards, NOT YOUR PJ’S, you are assured a snow day from school!
  • Al Gore was wearing Crocs when he invented the internet!
  • Crocs are being added to the food pyramid because they are part of a healthy diet, FOR YOUR FEET, WE DON’T PROMOTE EATING CROCS, um no…
  • Obama was going to give the Queen of England Crocs instead of an iPod, but he heard she already had TOO MANY PAIR!
  • Crocs walk old ladies across the street.
  • Crocs really are the Walrus.

So if you haven’t bought any of the super cute Crocs, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?  They are on sale now everywhere, just look, and buy…your feet will love you!

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Not Another Blogher Drama Post?

Nope.

Because it was all about the people I met and loved.   It was about my roomie for life @twincident who’s new site www.twofermom.com rocks.

It was about meeting @cassieaiden,@jennyonthespot, @nikki_s, for the first time and seeing @alliworthington, @typeamom, and @resourcefulmom again.

It was about seeing @jessicaknows, knowing she is moving across the country and doesn’t have as much time to gtalk any more, so I wanted to squishy squeeze as much time with her as possible.

And it was about meeting my Suave girls after all these months and getting some sweet Hanes undies.

Oh, and living to tell the story of the segway trip in Chicago.

ps.  Sorry I cannot mention you all.  If I try, I will forget someone and feel bad.  But you know who you are…I’m thinking of you now.  Are your ears ringing ?

Drama Shrama, I can’t wait until the next conference to see people I met for the first time and say “hey, glad to see you again”…and to meet new ones I didn’t get to meet.

If we don’t have the people in our lives, we have nothing, and while I only talk to you on the interwebz, you are a huge part of my life, and I’m glad I got to share a little IRL time with you.

That’s it.  All the flash drives in the world couldn’t make that any sweeter.

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Summer tips for great hair from Celebrity Stylist George Kotsiopoulos

I know you want to look like a star for Blogher09 and all your summer events.  I’ve got the 411 from Celebrity Stylist George Kotsiopoulos. (stylist to celebrity moms Courtney Cox Arquette and Heidi Klum)  Here’s your guide to great summer looks.  And Suave makes it so affordable!  So don’t break the bank to look beachy and fresh.  Here’s some tips to have you looking fabulous!

Suave Brings Professional-Quality Beauty & Summer Fashion Tips to Mom & Family

Forecast: Humid with a Chance of Frizz

Who says mom can’t have salon-inspired hair despite humid, sticky conditions? She can stash salon-quality Suave Professionals Sleek Anti-Frizz Cream in her beach tote to keep hair smooth, soft and frizz–free.

Tip from George:

To flaunt this summer’s ethnic-inspired fashions, mom can steer clear of pricey department stores and instead do some strolling in the ethnic pockets of her city (think Chinatown and Indiatown). Mom will be sure to turn heads in amazing imports (that she found at great prices!) such as saris, embellished ballet flats and bangles.

Forecast: Likely Chance of (Fragrant!) Showers

Although mom would love to experience Washington DC’s Cherry Blossom season, the reality is that the summer is a better time for her and the family to get away. Luckily, mom can get her daily dose of cherry blossom fragrance (no matter the season!) thanks to new  Suave Naturals Wild Cherry Blossom Shampoo and Conditioner and Suave Naturals Wild Cherry Blossom Indulgent Body Wash. This guilt-free trio nourishes hair and skin with Vitamin E and leaves an alluring, fresh scent.

Tip from George:

Swimsuit, sandals and sunglasses are the essentials mom needs for a hot day at the beach. She can look for swimsuit separates (rather than sets) to ensure the best fit tailored to her body. For sandals, mom can turn to affordable, rubber flip-flops for her and the family or do some online, comparison shopping to find designer sandal steals. To finish the look, every mom needs a pair of high-style yet low-priced sunglasses in a fun color or classic shape (think Ray-Ban® aviators and “cat eyes”) to add a touch of glam.

Forecast: Rising Temperatures with Breakage on the Horizon

Putting her hair in a ponytail is the quickest way for mom to cool down as temperatures rise, though this easy ‘do can be a strain on strands and increase breakage. Mom can restore distressed hair with new Suave Professionals Damage Care Shampoo and Conditioner, fortified with proteins and ceramides to leave hair healthy, strong and shiny.

Tip from George:

This summer, mom can pass on purchasing a designer tote and instead revive and update her beach bag from last season! Mom can have last year’s sand and surf stains removed from her tote by dropping it off at a local shoe repair shop for a good cleaning. She can then source vintage consignment shops for a one-of-a-kind scarf to tie on her tote’s handle for an instant update.

Forecast: Sunny Outlook with Gentle Conditions

After a day of sun, surf and sand, elements that can be harsh on little ones, mom can give her kids’ hair the gentle treatment it needs. New tear-free Suave Kids Free and Gentle 2 in 1 Shampoo is specially formulated to be gentle on hair, contains no dyes and cleanses and conditions in one simple step.

Tip from George:

When it comes to clothes, keeping up with little ones’ growth spurts can be an expensive endeavor! Instead of purchasing a whole new summer wardrobe, mom can give kids’ clothes a chop to extend their use. Children especially outgrow the length of pants quickly, but a pair of shears (or a trip to the tailor for a more finished look) is a great way to keep khakis and jeans around just a bit longer.

Forecast: Sticky with 99 Percent Chance of Perspiration

Transporting kids and overflowing beach totes from the parking lot to the sand is enough to make mom and dad break a sweat! Luckily, Suave Clinical Protection PROsolid gives mom 24 hour prescription strength wetness protection. Dad can experience the same 24 hour odor and wetness protection with new Suave Men Anti-perspirant/Deodorant in Sport.

Tip from George:

Although mom might be tempted to stay cool during the summer in a pair of shorts and tee shirt, she can dress it up a notch by opting for easy, breezy dresses that will keep her looking polished and prevent overheating. Choosing shapeless, short shifts is a great way to show off gams and empire styles are a trendy option perfect for hiding the sins of winter (hey, after all the work she put in, mom deserved those holiday treats!).

Forecast: Triple Action Showers Moving In

Mom can help dad streamline his grooming routine by stocking the shower with new Suave Men 3-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner + Bodywash. Enriched with Keratin Amino Acids and Glycerin, this formula gently cleans and conditions hair and cleanses skin in one simple step. Now Dad has more time to help mom fire up the grill for dinner!

Tip from George:

Mom can help her hubby lighten up this summer by trading in his heavy denim jeans for a pair of summer trousers in lightweight cotton. Mom can also swap out his heavy leather belt for a super affordable colorful canvas one that can be purchased at a local army/navy surplus store.

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Suave / Degree challenge for #Blogher09

Torn between Suave and Degree for Blogher…what to do? OK, I figured it out, see the vid.

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Kindle Price Reduction, buy or upgrade in time for Blogher09

More gadgets that are great for conference goers.  I know, you need to pack light.  That’s why the Kindle is perfect.  Leave your books, magazines, papers behind.

The Kindle2, Amazon.com’s digital reading device is now being offered at $299.  If you were thinking about upgrading your Kindle1 or just making the plunge and buying one for the first time, here is the chance! 

Download  your newpapers, magazines, and must read books in this digital format, perfect for travel, whether for business or fun.  Everything from the Wall Street Journal to the latest Grisham novel, this Kindle2 holds up to 1500 books. 

Looking for the perfect cover for your Kindle?  Check out the covers by M-Edge.

 kindle cover

They are genuine leather and are available in a number of stylish colors, including pink, purple and green as well as in the more understated staple colors (brown).   Great quality at a great price.  (check out Amazon.com) They offer a number of different kinds of jackets - the most popular being the Executive Jacket – but also offer a splash-and-sand-resistant leisure jacket. The eLuminator booklight integrates with our jackets and allows readers to read in low-light spaces. In the May Issue of O, The Oprah Magazine, M-edge was heralded as the preferred vendor for Kindle cases. You can visit our Web site at buymedge.com.

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