Blog Conference Must-Haves!

Being well prepared at a blog conference will make your experience a smooth and satisfying one. There’s nothing more frustrating than finding yourself miles from home, thinking to yourself, “If only I’d known to bring an [insert much-needed item here]!!”.

If you’re new to the wonderful world of blog conferences, you might be scratching your head, wondering what exactly should be filing your suitcase.

Click here to learn about my blog conference must-haves!

Blog Conference Tips: What Should I Wear?

BlogHer'13 is coming up quick, ladies! As we near the big day, I'll be sharing blog conference tips on everything from what to wear and what to pack, advice from seasoned blog conference pros, and making sure you get the most out of your conference adventure.

Today I've got some fun outfits to share, that you can adapt for your own personal blog conference wardrobe. My motto? Stay simple, accessorize abundantly, and help your feet stay fabulous with the comfiest footwear possible.

This look perfect for attending blog talks, taking notes at sessions, meeting bloggy-friends, and chilling out during seminars. No matter which conference you're heading to, you'll want a comfortable, yet super stylish look for when you're running around to different locations, networking like a mad-woman -- holding your notebook/laptop/iPad in one hand... and coffee in the other!

Pop over to Mom Spark for three more fabulous blog conference styles... plus seven bonus tips on packing and accessorizing.

So tell me, friends...

Which conferences are you heading to this year? Have you ever been before?
If you've got any burning blog conference questions you'd love to see answered on So Fawned, just comment below or shoot me a tweet!

I Have Four Things To Tell You

Sometimes life gets exciting and busy and wonderful and I forget to share kind of big stuff on the blog. So today, I'm sharing four pieces of news that I've probably tweeted about, but haven't sat down at the keyboard long enough to really explain.

So here it goes!

01. I'm going to BlogHer'13.

Ok, so this you know because of the wee badge I've got up in the right hand corner... and it was sort of mentioned in this post, but really, I haven't dedicated a moment to it as I should have. I'll be attending BlogHer'13 in Chicago, and will be in the city July 25th-28th. The first and only blogging conference I've attended so far, was BlogHer'11 in San Diego -- and I had such an amazing experience. 

Honestly, meeting bloggy friends is one of my favourite things in the world. There's nothing like connecting with people after following their lives, and chatting online, and getting to really know one another before you ever meet. For example, I've contributed to the blog Child Mode in the past, and wrote with its founder, Nadia, over on another blog, and finally this weekend we had a chance to meet in person! She happened to be near Peterborough, check out Viamede Resort, so we met up and I got to meet her three gorgeous children too. Such a great visit!

Nadia and I are working on some blog ideas for later in the summer... can't wait to share!

Also, if you're going to be in Chicago next month, give me a shout! I'm hoping to meet even more of you lovelies!

02. I got glasses.

After months of thinking to myself, "Driving at night shouldn't be this hard", I went to get my eyes checked and walked away with a prescription to help deal with my deteriorating ability to see things that are far away. And WOW what a difference they make. It's a tiny prescription, but for driving and distance, I'm a much happier girl with my glasses on. I'm still a bit stunned at how much I can see with them on! Hello leaves on trees and far away billboards! The world is crisp and clear!

03. I started writing for The Inquisitr.

If you've been reading So Fawned for a while, you might know that I used to write full time for Celebrity Baby Scoop, and that I currently contribute to Mom Spark, a mama blog founded by the lovely Amy.

After making the decision to close my shop, I knew I'd be back writing and sure enough, was able to land myself a gig with The Inquisitr. Currently an intern and loving it!

04. We're moving to the country. 

Here's the big one. Earlier this year my mister and I moved in together, and this week, we'll be putting the condo on the market, and moving to the country, to a farmhouse owned by family. You've probably seen my Instagram feed filling up with images of fields and barns, orchards, and the most beautiful old home. I'm thrilled for the chance to have Gretchen experience what it's like to live in the country, with endless fields to play in, fresh air, and lazy summers days. 

We can't wait to enjoy the peace and quiet of rural life -- something we both grew up loving. It's also just about 20 minutes out of town. A summer of bonfires and sipping tea on our wraparound porch is about to begin. That barn above? That'll be my view from my new office. Incredible. 

So there we have it. Four bits of news -- four things that are making me very, very happy. 

My next post will come to you from the farmhouse. Peace!

On Fate & Letting The World Take Care Of You

I tend to live by the belief that everything in our life happens for a reason. Sometimes we can’t yet understand that reason, but I’ve found that in time, the answers tend to present themselves.

Earlier this week, after spending months trying to find my lost passport and birth certificate, I caved in and decided it was time to start the new ID ordering process online. I hadn’t been able to find my passport in such a long time, and since BlogHer’13 is coming up… I knew I had to just give in and accept the fact that I’d have to get a new one.

Read more...