blogher Archives - MomStart

Share In Ashley’s First #BlogHer12 Party – Thanks @MomCentral

August 1, 2012 by Momstart 9 Comments

My First #BlogHer Party – Thanks @MomCentral

Pampers is MomStart’s official Blogher Sponsor!

After a day of traveling and getting settled into the NYC rush (which I should make a special point to say I LOVE), I hit the streets of New York to meet (not just Tweet) some of the ladies that make MomCentral so amazing. I had the chance to meet some great people, and learn about some cool things that 3M, Scotch, and Zulily have going on.

One of my favorite things about the night? I was actually able to meet @MomCentralChat. I do the #MomChat almost every Tuesday (from @Momicles2010). I do it because… well just because it is fun! It’s an hour long Twitter Chat that takes place on Tuesdays and it is just plain out fun. Eilieen (Ms. MomChat herself) knows how much I love those Tuesday time outs, but it was wonderful to actually meet her in real life! It’s so nice to take the online social world we work in and make real connections with it.

I was also able to feed my office supply addiction/obsession. Did you know Scotch makes a fancy, fun, colorful tape? It comes in SO many different bright, vibrant colors and gives me SO many ideas! There is a colored tape that is basically a color version of “Magic Tape” and decorative packaging tape. With back to school season here, I think this would make a GREAT gift for your favorite teacher… or for your child before they head back to school. The ways you could decorate a binder or folder with this stuff? The possibilities are endless! In fact, there is even a Pinterest contest to show just how cool your ideas for this tape are!

There were so many exciting things going on, I learned so much MORE about the blogging industry, and met some amazing people. Again, it was another one of those evenings that leaves me feeling so lucky to be doing what I’m doing.

About Ashley (Managing Editor at MomStart): Ashley is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and former teacher working to navigate through the mysterious world of Mommyia. Read more about her adventures at Momicles and follow her @Momicles2010 .

Thank you Pampers for sponsoring us to Blogher 2012.

Bound for #Blogher12 Enter the $1500 #Giveaway 5 Winners #WindowsStyle

July 25, 2012 by Momstart 9 Comments

Wow, for once in my life I wish my husband didn’t work at Microsoft because I would love to win this giveaway. (Ok, I’m really glad my husband works at Microsoft, I just can’t enter amazing giveaways like this one) ANYWAY!!!

Here is the scoop on the giveaway.

5 BlogHer attendees will be chosen to win a $1,500 style makeover by a celebrity stylist, receive a new PC and more.

You need to nominate someone or yourself, I think the secret is to nominate yourself and make it look really pathetic, I mean good, because you want to be chosen. Write a blog post or create a vlog about why you deserve a makeover with Microsoft. I tried to get them to give me one since I can’t enter, but I wasn’t convincing enough. So maybe you can be convincing like these bloggers are:

Geek for the Real Girl

I obviously need a makeover;). And I am desperately hoping that Microsoft Windows will give it to me at BlogHer!

I am hoping that a makeover will help me to actually have a style that I can be confident in. I want to be that confident, geeky mom for my girls and my brand. So @KristinaLibby please pick me!

Cookies & Clogs:

As a work at home mom, I’m constantly trying to juggle my daughter’s homeschooling with my health and other responsibilities. Over the past 11 years, I haven’t had the time, energy, or finances to focus on my appearance. That said, I always feel old and frumpy despite being only 33 years old. This is not the kind of self-esteem I want to pass onto my daughter but need help to fix that.

Making Time for You

I can say that I am proud of what I have been able to do, but I need help! I would love the chance to be made over at BlogHer12 in NYC! The past year as been a trying year and it would be amazing to learn how to dress for my body type. I know I have more weight to lose, but this would be a great reward!

Me Savings Mama

All this talk about a make over – and BlogHer. I really should start getting together a list of what to wear! Any suggestions? I may need to do a quick shopping trip before I fly out, Just so I Look Presentable. No Sweat Pants for this Mama! Oh and, Sorry S.A., I will not be sporting my work uniform. I know it fits, but, It is in need of a vacation. This Mama is looking for suggestions. I’m all set with packing PJ’s. Now for everything else. Boy, could this mama use a makeover.

Be sure to include a sentence that says “In writing this post, I’m entering the Microsoft Windows Style Makeover Sweepstakes for a chance to win a head to toe makeover!” (Legal rules and all..!) Then tweet the link to @kristinalibby with the hashtag #windowstyle.

Winners will also get a Windows 7 PC (with a Windows 8 Upgrade offer). Oh, and a few more surprises that Microsoft will share along the way. Stay tuned throughout the next few weeks as they share who their special celebrity stylist is and I hope it’s one of the stylists that I saw on a list earlier this year.It’s going to be awesome. Whey will have a great presence on the floor of the event and the fun activities you can join in on. Full legal rules can be found here.

I’m a Microsoft Blog Ambassador.

Tropical Cottage Cheese Smoothie Recipe

August 23, 2011 by Momstart 7 Comments

At Blogher this year one of the suites was represented by Daisy. In that sweet you could get a hand treatment or have a touch up on your make up. I opted for the make up and while I was there I learned more about healthy protein, unique recipe ideas and Daisy Cottage Cheese.

I never ever considered using cottage cheese in a smoothie recipe before visiting with the Daisy representatives, so I had to test it out on the kids. It was a hit, I even liked it. It’s not as sweet as a yogurt smoothie and it does have more protein.

Tropical Cottage Cheese Smoothie Recipe:

Tropical Cottage Cheese Smoothie Recipe

Author: Louise Bishop

Recipe type: Snack,

Ingredients

1 cup milk
1 cup cottage cheese
1 banana
1 8 oz can of Dole Pineapple (drain the juice)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Put Milk in Blender
Put cottage cheese and then add the fruit to the blender
Next add the vanilla and blend until smooth.
Depending on how smooth you like the smoothie you might add the pineapple juice from the can to your mixture and blend some more

Wordpress Recipe Plugin by EasyRecipe

Let MomStart Represent Your Brand: Seeking Sponsorship for BlogHer11 and Evo

March 15, 2011 by Momstart Leave a Comment

MomStart has been growing at such a large and exciting rate this year that I brought on a few contributors to help keep up with everything. MomStart has lots of things going on bringing readers more recipes, green content, and staying true to Mom Start’s beginning, savings giveaways, and product reviews.

The MomStart Twitter account has grown to almost 9,000 followers, The MomStart Facebook fan page is steadily growing, and we have over 2700 subscribers. Our monthly unique hits are at 30,000 with almost 1,000 unique visitors a day which is sure to help your company make a splash in the world of social media.

How Can I Help You?

Last year I represented Healthy Choice, in the Better for Blogher program. I participated in an on sight session at Blogher and then shared my weightless experience over the next 3 months writing 5 total posts using Healthy Choice. I was proud to work with them as I lost 20 lbs following their tips and guidelines and I would be happy to brainstorm with your brand and find a unique way we could show off your stuff before, during and after the conference.

Maybe you are interested in twitter and need someone to walk you through a twitter party. I have experience organizing and putting together twitter parties. I would be happy to arrange one for your company right before the conference to raise awareness of your presence there, or to just shout out to everyone following the #Blogher11 hashtag that your brand is out there. I would also be more than happy to have all my tweets mention you during the conference weekend.

I am also more than happy to give you an in depth look at behind the scenes of what happens at BlogHer events and why you should have representation at BlogHer or other conferences every year.

The one thing that I can hand out to others at the conference is business cards, and I do need new business cards, I could just add your brands name to my business cards showing everyone who sponsored me.

Other Ways I Can Meet Your Needs

Here is one possible way I can represent your company in exchange for full sponsorship for this event.

Include a banner (your company logo) under a "BlogHer Sponsors" section on my blog from the time payment for sponsorship is made until one month after the event and for last minute sponsors we can work out an advertisement spot for six months on my site (500.00 value)
Blog and tweet about your company thanking you for sponsorship
Brand Promotion by wearing clothing, hats or carrying tote bags with your company logo during the conference
Blog promotion about your upcoming events, sales or other advertising needed throughout the year
Live tweeting at the event referencing your company

I will be sharing a room with Crystal from Simply Being Mommy (who is also looking for sponsorship) at Blogher11 to cut down the cost of the conference. We will be networking together bouncing ideas and ways to help brands grow off of each other. Now, I already paid for my ticket so all I really need is about 750.00 to cover the rest of the Blogher expenses flight from Seattle to San Diego and the cost of the hotel for three nights.

I would also consider a full sponsorship in which I would do all of the above, plus advertising space above the fold for 1 full year. Other negotiations will also be considered. Please email me if you are interested in sponsoring me for this event. I can be reached at louise@looksblue.com I am also willing to discuss over the phone. So e-mail me and request an interview.

I’m happy to discuss possible payment increments and what exactly it is that you need.

BYOCM Bring Your Own Coffee Mug

December 17, 2010 by Momstart 2 Comments

Remember a few months ago when I shared my fresh idea at the Walmart booth at BlogHer? Well, I got my idea from My MOMS Club, one of the members was making her own coffee sleeves in craft club, so I asked my sister-in-law to make me some and she gave them to me as a Christmas gift. So since the idea originally came from MOMS Club, it’s fitting that Summer is revisiting the home made coffee sleeve idea as a green holiday tip and where you can buy one if you don’t know anyone crafty!

Big environmental changes can come in little packages; small enough to fit right into those stockings! I live in the Seattle area and there is literally a coffee shop on every corner! In stockings every years we end up giving someone (usually the grandparents) a coffee related item. On Black Friday I bought myself the “Non Paper Cup Mug” from Cost Plus World Market; this particular mug is ceramic with a silicon grip and fitted silicon lid. The mug looks like your favorite coffee shop’s cups. I like these mugs because they are REAL MUGS with a spill proof top for easy travel whether in the car or around the office. These cups are microwave and dishwasher safe – both are a bonus in my book! Think of all the paper cups, heat shields, and plastic lids you’re saving from becoming trash. Also think of all the hand washed dishes your saving yourself (bonus fact: did you know that hand washing dishes uses more water than using your dishwashing machine).

In store you can buy a single mug for about $8 and online you have to purchase a double pack for $16-$20 depending on the pattern you choose.
Though these mugs make great companions in the car, but your BFF won’t be carrying this cup in her purse since they are ceramic like at-home mugs. Never fear, in my very own purse I have the stocking stuffer solution for that too, a cloth sleeve. You can also have your kids make home made coffee sleeves for their teachers and the grandparents out of crafting scraps you may have around the house.

About Summer:

Summer is the President of our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living.

Hot Topics Jimmy Dean The Sun & Mom Start & Jimmy D’s Giveaway

September 14, 2010 by Momstart 370 Comments

At BlogHer 2010 I met with Jimmy Dean’s The Sun. The sun is a big golden light that all the planets revolve around and he has all kinds of information and knowledge about breakfast. The Sun commercials are quite humorous and when I tell people that I met the sun, they laugh! Not because it is a crazy thought that I met The Jimmy Dean Sun, but because internally they are remembering one of those commercials.

I had a lot of fun talking to the Sun, we chatted for about 30 minutes while the camera men were getting set up. I was most intrigued by the fact that he lived in Washington State for a period of time.

At BlogHer everyone had the opportunity to taste new Jimmy D’s breakfast foods. We were some of the first people to ever try them. They are lower in calories than you would expect any out of the box, into the microwave breakfasts could possible be.

The New Jimmy D’s Griddle Sticks:

These have 7 grams of protein, 8 grams of sugar and only 6 grams of fat. They are sausage wrapped up in a pancake with only 160 calories.

The New Jimmy D’s French Toast Griddlers:

These have 8 grams of protein, 6 grams of sugar and 8 grams of fat. They are french toast sandwiches with turkey sausage in the middle with only 210 calories. Remember that the sandwiches are bigger in size than the griddle sticks.

I tried both of these at blogher, and when I didn’t know how many calories were in them, all I did was have a bite. I was very worried about over eating while I was at the conference so I had a little bit here and a little bit there. I could have easily gotten away with eating the whole thing. After trying both samples, if I had to pick a favorite it would be the Griddle Sticks.

Enter to Win:

3 Coupons to try Jimmy D’s Breakfast Items

To Enter:

Tell me about your breakfast routine

Extra Entries:

Tweet or RT this giveaway with the button above, include the link to the giveaway

Follow/Like Mom Start on Facebook
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Follow me on Google Friend Connect
Subscribe to my blog
Comment on any other non-giveaway post
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig or stumble
Blog About this Giveaway (5 extra entries, linking to the giveaway)
Add my blog button to your sidebar (3 extra).

This giveaway ends October 4th, I have been compensated for this post with product. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

New Samsung Home Appliances from New York Samsung Show Room

September 1, 2010 by Momstart 3 Comments

During my time at BlogHer, I visited with Samsung about their Home Appliances department. I knew Samsung made a lot of technical products, like laptops, TV’s and video cameras, but I never realized they made Home Appliances. We were winded and dined by the Samsung Home Appliance team. They shared commercials and answered a lot of questions about their different home appliances.

It was shortly after my trip that I realized that my next door neighbors actually have a few of the Samsung appliances. They have a Samsung TV, A Samsung Refrigerator and a Samsung Washer and Dryer. Well, after going to the Samsung Home Appliance Event at BlogHer and seeing how happy my neighbors are, I truly want some of their appliances and have Home Appliance Envy.

The Samsung Range Oven:

I want the Samsung Induction Oven because it heats up quickly, is easily cleaned by Windex and cools off just as fast. It is energy efficient and will make my life a whole lot easier.

The Big Kicker is the self-cleaning feature.

Pour 10 ounces of tap water in the oven, close the door and press the button. Twenty minutes later, simply wipe the oven clean!

No high heat, no bad smell, no waiting for hours. SteamQuick™ is the fast, easy and energy efficient way to keep your oven clean all the time.

The Samsung Washer and Samsung Dryer:

The Washer:

I want the Washer because it has a self washing unit, doesn’t require you to leave the door open to air it out or need to be wiped down after each use.

PureCycle™

Clean your machine with the press of a button! The combination of hot water and high speed spinning of PureCycle™ provides long lasting washer maintenance for a clean and hygienic drum. With a gentle buzz that goes off after 40 times of cleaning, you’ll never have to worry about how clean your clothes really are.

The Dryer:

Well, because I have to have a matching set

The Samsung Four Door French Door Refrigerator:

I want this refrigerator for many reasons. One being that it has a fourth door that the kids can use, it is the perfect size for keeping juice boxes and other items for the kids to just reach in and grab. The shelves are the most adjustable shelves that I have ever seen, and it is just huge.

Features a large internal storage capacity of 28 cu.ft., a beautiful stainless steel design with a stylish Blue LED digital display, and bright, space-saving LED lighting on the interior that illuminates every corner.

The Samsung Dishwasher:

The Dishwasher is extremely quiet and will save moms time. Don’t pre-rinse, StormWash™ instead. This heavy-duty wash system saves you time because there’s no need to pre-rinse.

Catch a Moment of Bliss Suave Naturals Body Lotions Giveaway

August 22, 2010 by Momstart 132 Comments

Suave Naturals Body Lotions were at BlogHer in the Unilever Penthouse event. I had the opportunity to receive a foot massage, I can’t remember the special name for it, reflexology maybe? Anyways, it felt amazing and I was able to talk on my feet for maybe an extra hour or two. My feet were so swollen from all of the walking I did there. I was able to choose from all three flavors and my favorite scent is the Mango Mandarin Body Lotion

I appreciate that Suave took care of us women and gave us a very special treat with the Suave Naturals Body Lotions.

About Suave Naturals Body Lotions:

Suave Naturals® Body Lotions are created with a silky smooth formula that glides on easily and absorbs quickly. The lotions provide long- lasting fragrance that women think smell just as amazing as Bath & Body Works®^[i] lotions.

· Suave Naturals® Mango Mandarin Body Lotion has a refreshing, fruity fragrance – perfect for preparing for a busy day ahead

· Suave Naturals® Wild Cherry Blossom Body Lotion has a fun, floral fragrance – perfect for marking those special moments in life

· Suave Naturals® Lavender Vanilla Body Lotion has a light, soothing fragrance – perfect after a long day at work or with the kids

[i] Bath & Body Works® is a registered trademark of Bath & Body Works Brand Management, Inc.

In the swag at the end of the event was a bottle of Mango Mandarin Body Lotion, so I’m excited to share it with Zoe. She loves special treats like this just as much as I do. When I got home, Suave asked me if I wanted to do a giveaway so this is what I worked out with them.

Enter to Win:

One reader will receive one bottle of each scent

To Enter:

Tell me which flavor you think you will like the most

Extra Entries:

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

Enter to Try All Three Scents Suave Naturals Body Lotions #Giveaway http://bit.ly/d1unHR

Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Follow me on Google Friend Connect
Subscribe to my blog
Comment on any other non-giveaway post
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig or stumble
Blog About this Giveaway (5 extra entries, linking to the giveaway)
Add my blog button to your sidebar (3 extra).

This giveaway ends September 6th, I a swagbag from unilever at Blogher. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Suave Beauty, Win Emmy Swag, and My Own Makeover

August 17, 2010 by Momstart 7 Comments

So at BlogHer, one of the events I was invited to was the Unilever Penthouse event. There we were able to sample many of the different Unilever brands and one of those being Suave. Thanks to Suave, I was able to get my hair done and I think the transformation was beautiful.

I never knew that Suave could lift my hair and hold it all night long!

The Emmys are just a few weeks away and Suave is styling nominee Sofia Vergara of ABC’s “Modern Family” on the red carpet. Suave and Sofia are asking America to vote on the hairstyle that Suave Professionals Celebrity Hairstylist, Jenny Cho, should create for her to sport on the red carpet. You can vote www.Facebook.com/SuaveBeauty to review the three hairstyles in the running for the superstar’s exciting night and “Like the Look” that is the favorite. After voting, you can enter to win a red carpet swag bag and the chance to attend this year’s Emmy awards! I wish Suave would take me too!

Charging with Powermat Portable Mat Giveaway

August 16, 2010 by Momstart 910 Comments

I received a Powermat Portable Mat for free to review right before I went to BlogHer. I wasn’t sure how well it would work and if it would even work with my cell phone but I did know that it would work with our Nintendo DS. Not only did it work with the DS but they were kind enough to send us an attachment that attached directly to the DS. This attachment allowed me to just drop the DS onto the Powermat and viola, it charged. You can charge 3 devices at one time.

The basic Powermat comes with quite a selection of adaptors that make charging your electronics a piece of cake. We can charge our e-readers, our phones, our games, I loved being able to take it with me to BlogHer and using just one plug to charge my devices. Look at all of the photos I took:

The traveling case:

Charging the DS:

All Folded Up:

How I hooked up my phone:

Universal Powercube Receiver with the default Mini USB tip

Save:

I’m really happy with the PowerMat. It was everything my husband and I were hoping it would be. The only thing I have to make sure that I tell everyone is that you have to make sure that it makes contact. When I hooked up my phone it didn’t charge the first time. Once I reset my phone, turned it on, then I hooked it back up and it made a cool acknowledgement sound and then it worked. So now, whenever we put something down on the device we make sure we hear the acknowledgement sound.

The Powermat retails for 99.99.

Enter to Win:

Powermat Portable Mat

To Enter:

Leave a comment telling me which item you look forward to charging.

Extra Entries:

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

PowerMat Portable Mat (AVR 99.99) #Giveaway http://bit.ly/c2jz0G

This giveaway ends August 30th, I also received a Powermat to facilitate this review and giveaway, All rules can be found under giveaway rules.