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My Top 5 Inspirational Quotes Found on Pinterest

January 21, 2012 By 7 Comments

After 17 years in Federal Service as a biological lab technician for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, my project lost it’s funding due to government cutbacks and I was “involuntarily separated.”  I am faced now with a huge decision….look for employment within my field or try to take a totally different career path.  I have the power to write a brand new chapter in my life.  What an amazing opportunity.

The next few days/weeks will consist of much soul (and job) searching, but I turned to my new addiction, Pinterest, for some consoling and inspirational advice.  This is what I found…hope it helps you, too.

 

 

 

 

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Is 2012 the Year Your Blog Becomes “Visible?”

January 2, 2012 By 3 Comments

Reflecting on the achievements I have made with Experimental Mommy in the past year, my mind started to wander on all that I have created with my business partner, Cecelia, and just how far we have come as product review bloggers in the Mom blog space.  When we began over four years ago, we had no idea that we would be able to connect with brands on a deeper level and hold ongoing relationships leading to brand ambassadorships.  In turn, we have been able to bring valuable information and remarkable giveaways to our readers!

In 2011, Cecelia and I hosted the inaugural Reviewer’s Retreat Blog Conference in order to help other product review bloggers perfect their skills and rise to the top of their game…stand out from the crowd.  When we read Jennifer James’ recent post on Mom Blogger Club entitled “15 Mom Blogging Predictions of 2012,” we were elated to see number 13:

“Blogging Tiers: As hard as this is to write the truth is the chasm between the mom bloggers who are the top bloggers and those who aren’t will continue to widen. To stand out from the crowd you will have to take actionable steps to work with brands – if that’s your goal. That means networking at conferences and events, going for and landing conference speaking gigs, learning SEO (even if just a little), and writing exceptional content.”

Jennifer’s annual predictions get a lot of attention and being one of the industry’s leaders generally makes her predictions spot on.  It was also nice to see Janice Croze of 5 Minutes for Mom post on the topic at Babble’s Mom Crunch, “In fact, I agree with every one of Jennifer’s predictions and believe that 2012 will be an incredible year of opportunity for savvy, hard working, visible mom bloggers.” See a theme?  VISIBLE.  It’s time to jump ahead and take a risk.

Reviewer's Retreat 2011

Is working with brands a goal for your blog?  Are you ready to take “actionable steps” to achieve your goal?  If you answered yes, then Reviewer’s Retreat is the place for you!  Cecelia and I will be hosting the second annual Reviewer’s Retreat on June 3-5th at Great Wolf Lodge in Charlotte, NC.  In fact, we are happy to announce that you can come learn from Jennifer James herself during her keynote discussion and mingle with our title sponsor, Pampers!

At Reviewer’s Retreat, you will be able to take part in hands-on workshops to learn more about pitching brands, video product reviews (from the incomparable Molly Gold), search engine optimization, starting a LLC, peer collaboration, and landing those sought after ambassadorships to name a few.  There will also be ample time for meeting brand representatives directly and learning about what they look for when choosing bloggers for long term relationships.  And did I mention, the Conference is at a water park?!?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to grab an Early Bird ticket (ends February 29th), a deep discount at Mom Spark, and apply for a scholarship!  It’s time to take your review blog to the next level and become one of those “visible” bloggers!  It’s time for YOU!

 

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Top 6 “Mom-umental” Moments of 2011

January 1, 2012 By 5 Comments

As I counted down the seconds until the year 2012 arrived, I became reflective on all that 2011 brought to Experimental Mommy.  There certainly were some Mom-umental Moments and I thought I would share them with you!

6.  Attending KRAFT’s BlogEats Conference:  Even though I can’t successfully boil water or make an ice cube, I found myself standing in the world famous KRAFT kitchen attempting to make recipes from delicious KRAFT products.  It was so much fun and I even got to ride in the Wienermobile!

5.  Meeting Drew Brees:  In November, I was invited to attend a press event to unveil the new Vick’s VapoRub commercial starring Drew Brees and his son, Baylon.  Putting my arm around him and taking a picture was definitely a “pinch me” moment for this Saints fan!

4.  Networking at BlogHer San Diego:  This was my first trip to San Diego and I fell in love with the City.  Simply gorgeous.  On top of the scenery, BlogHer was spent networking with blogger buddies and brands I love.

3.  Helping St. Michael’s Special School with my Pampers Miracle Mission:  I am honored to be on the Pampers Baby Board and was even more thrilled to be given $1,000 to help a charity in my own hometown.  Purchasing supplies needed by the school and delivering to the students was an experience I will never forget.

2.  Rediscovering myself at Callaway Gardens:  This was a family vacation that will live in infamy!  From ziplining to doing a backflip on a trapeze, I conquered many of my fears and learned to believe in myself.

Cecelia, Stacey (Mom Central) and I

1.  Successfully planning and hosting Reviewers Retreat 2011:  Easily one of my best accomplishments to date!  My business partner (and friend), Cecelia and I began the first and only blog conference geared specifically towards building mutually beneficial relationships between product review bloggers and brands.  It went so well, that we are holding Reviewer’s Retreat 2012 in Charlotte, NC on June 3-5th!  Early bird tickets will be on sale through February 29th.  Join us!

 

 

What were your “Mom-umental” Moments of 2011?

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The Elf Magic Continues!

December 23, 2011 By 2 Comments

After the arrival of Jingles, our elf sent from Santa to keep an eye on our home, my daughters have had a wonderful time looking for their little friend and her antics each morning.  The absolutely refuse to get dressed for school until they discover where Jingles is hiding or what Jingles has done while we were sleeping.

Some of Jingles antics this year have been:

  • taking a shower in the Barbie Dreamhouse
  • watching over our living room from the comfort of our Christmas wreath
  • playing the keyboard
  • taking a spin in Barbie’s car
  • hiding in my daughter’s backpack and hitching a ride to school

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and our entire family will be sad to see Jingles go back to the North Pole with Santa.  But, we are certain that she will get another Elf Passport to visit us again in 2012!  From my family to yours, we wish you a happy holiday season!

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Elf Magic: The Arrival of Jingles

December 6, 2011 By 1 Comment

Last year, we were so excited to have some Elf Magic in our home during the holiday season.  As soon as the last piece of turkey was eaten on Thanksgiving Day, my daughters were both looking for our elf friend and began leaving notes in hopes that their wish would be heard by the big guy in red.   On the night of November 30th, Jingles made her way back to our NOLA home in order to keep an eye on my girls and report nightly back to Santa.

While Jingles is on official business from the North Pole, she definitely makes time for a little Elf Antics.  My girls can’t wait to wake up in the morning and see where Jingles has landed after her long journey back to the North Pole.  The first night, Jingles arrived in her red suitcase along with both her magic snowflakes and new clothes!

The second night, the Elf Magic began!  My daughters sprinkled Jingles with snowflakes to give her some magic and promptly started whispering their wish lists for Jingles to relay to Santa.  With promises of being good, they went off to bed guessing where Jingles would land upon her return.

In the morning, we decided that Jingles must have had a long flight back because she was getting some much needed R&R in the penthouse jacuzzi tub of Barbie’s Dreamhouse.  The next night, we found her dressed in my youngest daughter’s school uniform and again the next day in her backpack (Jingles is really itching to get to school!).  With three weeks left till Christmas, we can’t wait to see what Jingles will do next!

If your child is wishing for a little Elf Magic this holiday season, check out the passport and sleigh delivery prices soon!

We received an Elf Magic package in order to facilitate this review, however all opinions remain 100% mine.  I was not compensated for this post.
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Gorgeous Christmas Mantel Ideas

November 27, 2011 By 2 Comments

I am hosting Christmas dinner at my home this year for my family of more than 20 people. Last year was my first attempt at playing hostess, but it was rather last minute and left me little time to worry about perfecting the experience. For some reason, I have been channeling my inner Martha Stewart and have already spent countless hours searching for the perfect menu, decorations and table settings. In my searching, I found some real gems and decided to share them with you. Today, I give you holiday mantel ideas that will knock your socks off!

1. Light up your mantel with lanterns.

2. I love the idea of a gated mantel!  Gives it a rustic feel, I think.

3. Using wooden accents makes the mantel feel cozy.

4.  Get your message across with a chalkboard? Using the chalkboard to count down the days till Christmas would be so fun!

5.  A winter wonderland mantel might be the only way we see snow here in the NOLA!

6.  I love the elegance of the shabby chic candle holders.

What do you think?  Do you have a mantel “theme”?

Make sure you follow me on Pinterest and check out the other holiday ideas I am pinning!

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Thankful

November 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

As the Thanksgiving holidays approach and another Hurricane Season comes to a close, I am thankful.  While I am always thankful for what we have, I feel as if my life and attitude forever changed during Hurricane Katrina.  In the days after the storm, we had to learn to live without.  Without power, fuel, the simple ability to wash clothes or shower, and worst of all in my opinion, the ability to prepare food and eat a normal meal with my family.  My children, at their young ages, can’t fathom what it means to be unable to take care of yourself in a time of crisis or natural disaster.  They have no memory of our family having to spend hours in line once a local grocery got up and running to try and buy emergency foods that wouldn’t spoil due to lack of refrigeration.  Once we were able to get a few things to eat, the problem came of dealing with emergency food storage. Most of what we could buy was ready-to-eat, but for staples the kids needed like milk, the lack of ice was a serious issue.  Not to mention, we all bore the frustration of having thrown away hundreds of dollars in food from our refrigerators and freezers as it all spoiled after the power went out…..too bad we didn’t have food insurance!

A "Katrina Fridge." Lovely, isn't it?

So this year, as I prepare our turkey, mash our potatoes, and bake our pies, I will remember those that have to go without, whether it be temporary or a part of their life.  And, I will thank God for the experience we had….for although hard, it made me more grateful for what I have today.

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Salty Marbled Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe

November 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

As you can imagine, visiting the Kraft Kitchens was incredible. Everywhere I turned, there was more food to sample but the below recipe for Salty Marbled Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies was one of my favorites. I can definitely make this for upcoming holiday parties! Enjoy!

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Dear Santa….

November 18, 2011 By 2 Comments
I know Thanksgiving is not quite here, but I am already feeling the stress of the holiday season.  Watching my online friends scratch names off their gift giving list while I have yet to accomplish one shopping trip is making me crazy!  So, if I make a trip to the mall and sit on your lap, I will only be asking for one simple gift…..
TIME.
My kids are making a multimedia presentation to make sure their wants are heard (my three year old is asking for a car) while I am in desperate need of productivity software to manage the holidays!  There are gifts to be bought, cookies to be baked, pictures to be taken, cards to be created with Adobe Photoshop, and parties to be attended.  I need help…got any spare elves?

My Priorities

One of these days, I will figure out how to “do it all.”  But something tells me that this holiday season, I should take it slow, enjoy my family and preserve the memories.  My girls will only be young once and I don’t want to miss it by getting caught up in the details.  Does it matter if our holiday outfits aren’t perfectly matched or our Christmas cards are mailed a little late?  Or is it more important to decorate our tree together as a family and enjoy some hot chocolate topped with whipped cream?  It’s all about the priorities, Santa.
How do you manage the holidays?
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My Southern Holiday Comforts

November 2, 2011 By 1 Comment

This post is sponsored by Tempur-Pedic, the brand millions of owners trust to deliver their best night’s sleep every night. Enjoy our Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer now and give the gift of custom comfort to someone you love.

I feel like it was just the fourth of July.  We were just swimming, eating BBQ and watching fireworks with family…weren’t we?  How did we jump to November?  While it’s still warm enough to swim here in New Orleans, it is inevitable that the holidays are coming soon!  The malls are decked in red and green and shoppers are starting all day shopping marathons.  The thrill of finding the perfect gift for a loved one is part of what makes the season magical.  While I love shopping, there are several other things that bring me true Southern Holiday Comfort:

My Comfort.

1.  My fuzzy slippers.  They are pink and black striped and stay in my dresser drawer until the wooden floors in my home become too chilly for bare feet.  Putting on my fuzzy socks after a long day at work close to heaven for me.

2.  A cup of hot chocolate.  If you read this blog, you know that I am no stranger to chocolate.  A cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream and a hint of vanilla extract is divine.

3.  Turkey and gravy. It’s no secret that New Orleanians like to eat.  But there is just something about sitting around a table with your family eating the Thanksgiving turkey to make your year complete.

4.  Our fireplace. It’s a novelty.  It rarely gets cold enough here to actually light the fireplace, so we almost become giddy when the flames are ignited.

5.  My family. My true comfort.  There is no place like the arms of your loved ones to make everything right with the world.  I can be myself and rest assured that I am loved unconditionally.

Tell me about your holiday comforts!

What are you looking forward to this holiday season?

Comfort is the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday gift list, so be sure to take advantage of Tempur-Pedic’s Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective.

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