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!

Adios, Google Reader!

By now you've probably heard word that they're putting the kibosh on Google Reader, so here are two other ways to keep up with So Fawned! You can find me via Bloglovin, or pop over to Feedly and bring ALL of your favourite reads over. It's actually pretty snazzy.

And of course, there's always Facebook and Twitter. And Instagram. 

Ciao! 

PS. This snapshot is from earlier this morning. G's first morning at our new home, getting ready for daycare, watching Arthur. Love.

So Fawned On Cityline

Something pretty awesome is happening this month, mes amis!

Cityline -- Canada's longest running daytime show for women -- has asked me to be their featured blogger for November! Neato, right? I'm pretty blushy over this, I've been watching their show for years & it's an honour that they'd want to share my blog with their readers/viewers. Merci!

A snippet...

On your blog, you post about a variety of different topics, from your life as a mom to your fun finds on the internet. What do you like about posting on a variety of topics? What are your favourite types of posts to write?
The tagline of my blog reads, "My life, love, inspirations, style, motherhood & tea." This is me in a nutshell. I love being able to share stories from my daily life, quotes from my daughter, a geeky item I spotted in an online shop, a song I can't get out of my head, an outfit I'm wearing, a recipe and the things that make my heart flutter. It's an outlet which has brought me close to a wonderful community of fellow bloggers, readers and friends.

Pop over to their blog to keep reading!

Beyond So Fawned

A few things I've been working on over at Mom Spark and Babble!

• This post ought to tickle your nerd fancy
• I like big bags and I cannot lie
• "We never really grow up..."
• Des is on the hunt for a swanky new toaster
• Hilarious photos of kitties trying to squeeze themselves into silly spots
• Might as well face it, you're addicted to wedges

Beyond So Fawned

Have you paid a visit to the new Babble Pets blog? We're having a blast after launching the new site just last week! Here are a few of the posts I've been working on over there:

• The coolest kitty beds I've ever seen
• I think Kitten needs this toy ASAP!
• Would you bring your dog to work with you?
• Meet the dog who saved his owner from pirates

And be sure to pop on over to Mom Spark, where I believe we'll be seeing some BIG new changes in the very near future -- I'm so excited! Check out my latest posts:

• Seriously neato bookends
• The cookie told me so
• Are you living your life?

Have a wonderful rest of your day, mes amis. Today is errand day for me... time to tie up a few loose ends before the weekend arrives! It may be Friday the 13th, but I've always found fortune in strange days such as these. Take care. And thank you for your kind comments yesterday. Much love.

Kitten & Winston Are Going To Be Famous

Yesterday I made a little announcement on the Twitters, but today I thought I'd share it properly -- in blog form, of course! Myself -- plus three other super rad bloggers -- are the new team writing over at Babble's brand spanking new blog... Babble Pets! It launched April 1st and the four of us are sharing all sorts of pet related posts. From strange pet names to the similarities between toddlers and cats... it's going to be such a fun blog for anyone who shares their home with pets.

Thanks to everyone who tweeted their congrats at me yesterday! You guys make me smile & grin a whole darn lot! Much love.

Be sure to pop on over to check out my first Babble Pets blog, a must-read for anyone wanting to bring their dog to work.

Peace!

Beyond So Fawned

Just a few things I've been working on elsewhere:

• Feelings Collages
• Tree Houses For The Young At Heart
• It's All In The Family
• Nailed It!

The #PeterTweeter Awards

My hometown is in the middle of something pretty rad. Started by a group of local Twitter addicts, not unlike myself, Peterborough, Ontario is hosting the first annual #PeterTweeter Awards, a local Twitter awards shindig to highlight some pretty nifty tweeters in our community.

I'm pretty honoured to have been nominated in two categories:

• Mommy Tweeter: We know you, we know your kid(s) and you are one active, social and engaging momma!
• Peter Tweeter: You drive the trends, lead the conversations and are interactive and engaging in your community.

Now, I know some may roll their eyes when I talk about how much I love my city, but I really do. I was born here, I went to university here, my family is close & it really is a lovely spot for raising little ones. I get bummed out when people trash talk my city. It's small, but we've got heart, baby. And I'm really excited for this awards ceremony -- a night full of friends, style, smiles & maybe we'll crash Twitter with our enthusiasm. Yes!

Check out the news segment that aired Thursday with @TeresaKaszuba, @ptbo_skeptic & @danigray:

Jump to about 5:45 mins for a closeup of yours truly. So bizarre to see @sofawned pop up on the news. Who knew!

The event is being held March 1st at Splice. 

PS. You can vote here if you're into that sorta thing, but since you're not all local, I won't be hounding you for support. It's just for funsies. Peace!

February Sponsor Love!

Good morning! This month I've had the honour of working with some totally rad sponsors and so I'd like to take a moment to introduce them! Be sure to visit their shops, blogs & websites, and say "hello!" via Facebook or Twitter if you like what you see -- I bet you will!

Ugglebo Clogs was founded in 1965 as a small, family-run factory. In a charming Swedish town just off the coast of the Baltic Sea, our founder Sven Carlsson called upon his skills and passion from years of clog making at the largest clog maker in Sweden to transform leather and wood into elegant, fashionable and comfortable clogs for men, women and children alike. He called these clogs Ugglebo Toffeln, as “Ugglebo” means owl’s nest in Swedish, and “Toffeln” is the Swedish word for clogs.

Today, the same time-honored techniques are used to craft our superior clogs, which are created in the same factory where it all started over 45 years ago. Sven’s son Christer joined the team in 1969 and remains head clog master to this day. With Christer’s help Ugglebo has remained true both to the craftsmanship ideal we were founded upon as well as reinventing our classic styles with the addition of many new and trendy versions to our beautiful collections.

**To celebrate the launch of their newly designed website & Spring collection, the fine folks at Ugglebo are offering 25% off their Shearling boots. Click here to check out this awesome deal.

Website :: Twitter :: Facebook

We think personal style is just another form of self-expression, and we make shoes for creative girls who can put together a look with effortless originality. Blowfish takes a break from the ordinary and a cue from the past. There’s something unexpected in every shoe we create, just as there’s something unexpected about every girl who wears them.

** Be sure to visit the left sidebar link to enter the current Blowfish giveaway! Enter to win before February 24th -- you won't be sorry!

Website :: Twitter :: Facebook

I am a mama on an amazing journey which I share at Mothering with Mindfulness. I am learning, growing and changing on this journey and I invite you to follow along and share your journey as well. When I am not mothering and blogging, you can find me working with other mamas as a nutritionist, guiding them as they feed their babies and toddlers real food, and set a solid foundation for optimum well being now and in the future for their little ones. And when work is done and it's time to play, you can find me sewing, knitting, designing toys, hiking, running, cooking from scratch and searching our everything I can on raising chickens and making soap.

Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Website

Warm. Waterproof. Comfortable. All Bogs styles are 100% waterproof and built with durable rubber to seal out the elements. Neo-tech insulation provides unsurpassed warmth and Channel Air Technology keeps feet dry and comfortable. Our contoured fit lets you work harder and play longer. Add in a slip-resistant outsole for traction and you’re ready to take on any challenge in your Bogs. Because we believe you shouldn’t have to give up anything for great footwear.

Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Website

If you'd like to be a part of March's sponsor lineup, send an email to desireefawn at gmail dot com and we'll chat about a way for you to get involved with the blog. I'm in the process of revamping and finalizing my new sponsor opportunities, so now is the perfect time to chat with me about getting involved! Fabulous things are happening next month and I'd love to have you join the par-tay!

Woop, woop!

Ideas

As I blog away at nearly 4.30am, I can't help but think just how very accurate this representation is. When do you get your best ideas, friends? I try to carry a notebook 24/7, even keeping one bedside for those middle-of-the-night/early-morning brainstorms, but I'll admit I don't always get the things in my head onto paper before they vanish. I've also started using Evernote on my iPhone/PC to sort out notes for blog posts & my general to-do lists.

How do you keep track of your ideas? Blog, life, otherwise?

Beyond So Fawned

A few posts I've got up over at Mom Spark:

• Love Actually Is All Around 
• Tiny Valentine Style
• Start Your Day Off Smooth
• Going Dotty

January Sponsor Love

Today I want to give a little love to some fabulous sponsors who've been hanging out in my sidebar all month long. Be sure hop on over to their blogs, shops & sites to browse around and say howdy!

Also, keep an eye out for a great new giveaway that'll be up on the blog later today! Mamas, you're going to LOVE what I've got in store!

01. Mothering With Mindfulness
I am a mama on an amazing journey which I share at Mothering with Mindfulness. I am learning, growing and changing on this journey and I invite you to follow along and share your journey as well. When I am not mothering and blogging, you can find me working with other mamas as a nutritionist, guiding them as they feed their babies and toddlers real food, and set a solid foundation for optimum well being now and in the future for their little ones. And when work is done and it's time to play, you can find me sewing, knitting, designing toys, hiking, running, cooking from scratch and searching our everything I can on raising chickens and making soap.

Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Website

02. The Conscious Perspective
The Conscious Perspective focuses on educating and bringing awareness to conscious living, humanitarianism, personal growth, spirituality, and current events. The blog was founded by Heidi Oran, a work at home mom of two boys who is also working on her Permaculture Design certification and writing her first book focusing on personal growth.

Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook

03. Tea & Chickadees
Hello! I'm Caren and Tea & Chickadees is my blog: a blog about the little things. You'll find my dog & cat, tea & coffee, flora & fauna, vintage & thrifting, baking & art, Polaroids & photography at my little corner of the blogosphere. Pop on over to enter my Birthday Giveaway, featuring a few of my favourite things!

Blog :: Twitter :: Etsy

04. Lishyloo Vintage
Hi from Lishyloo! Mom of 3, vintage fanatic! I hand pick the best kids vintage clothing and toys just for you. My blog features ramblings about motherhood, thrifting, and whatever strikes my fancy at the moment.

Shop :: Twitter :: Blog :: Tulip's Blog

05. The Organic Heretic
The Organic Heretic is my place to share ideas, photographs, recipes, and crafts with an eye towards beauty, sustainability, and all things hand-made.

Blog :: Twitter

06. Lariats And Lavender
Hi, everyone! My name is Angie and I am a 22-year-old wife, fur and feather momma, gamer, geek and artist living in Utah with my gorgeous wife and soul mate Jen, our kitties Wedge and Mau and our cockatiel, Jango! Lariats and Lavender is my home sweet home on the web, where I share everything from honesty posts and gift guides to my weekly features: Vampirism Monday and Weekly Love List. I truly hope you stop by, say hi and stay awhile!

Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Pinterest :: Polyvore

Interested in sponsoring So Fawned in February?

Just send me a note & we'll chat!

Beyond So Fawned

A few posts I've been working on over at Mom Spark this week:

• An Artful Existence
• French Impressive
• It's A Virtue
• Rad Glasses For Chic Lasses
• Vintage Pyrex Love

Saying Goodbye To 2011

What a year! I won't pretend that 2011 was all kittens and sunshine, because it really wasn't -- but what good is dwelling on the negative? No good can come of it and so we're truckin' on. Twenty-eleven brought changes in my career, life, relationship, friendships, family & more... some good, some bad... and everything is different now. But that's life, right? I have great hopes for 2012. Things will even out this year. More than ever, I know what I want, and despite knowing that things are never quite reigned in, it's giving me a sense of satisfaction. At least I've got an idea in my head, you know? There are some fun things I'll be talking about in the next month or so... lifewise, exciting things. I've only got time for positivity and happiness this year, people. Join me?

January

It Just Takes A Moment

All Things Excellent

February

Friends, Baby Girls & Embroidery

Late Last Night

March

The Fawn's Quick & Easy Chili

On Toddlers & Chutzpah

On Sunshine, Bangs & Taking Care Of Mama

April

On This Mama's Mind Tonight

"John's Pants"

So That I Remember

Easter Weekend Love List

On Break-Ins & Feeling Violated

May

Hide & Seek

One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Moment By Moment

Pretty Girls & Their Bikes

June

The Babes, Together Again

Dedicated To The Rain

July

A Girl & Her Bike

The One Where The Fawn Gushes Because Her Heart Is Simply Bursting

Yurt Love

August
Snapshots From San Diego: A BlogHer'11 Visual

Bancroft, Ontario

The Burning Hell Loves Babies

September
There's Music At The House Of Fawn
Our Sunday
Neighbourhood Sweethearts

October
A Thanksgiving Retrospective
The Gibson Tuck... In Action
Our Pumpkin Patch Adventure

November

 Deep In The Hundred Acre Woods
Some Style Inspiration For The Season
Eight Things You Didn't Know About Me

December
Shiny Happy People: The Blogger Meetup!
O Tannenbaum & Tradition
Hematomattack
Blogs Nights

And if you're looking for a little eye candy... take a peek back at all the Fawned Friday posts too. My favourite blog feature.

Happy New Year, dear hearts. So much love.

Hear, hear.

Blog Nights

I've been geeking out like mad this week (what else is new?), watching the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings films over and over again while I drink tea & blog my nights away. Many of you know I write for several websites, and quite often I end up getting the majority of my writing done at night, after lights out o'clock.

Tonight was no exception. With a little Harry Potter on in the background... I'm blogging, Pinteresting, tweeting and sipping Earl Grey at my kitchen table. Last night I shared an Instagram of what my evenings have looked like lately:

For the last few days, my roomie has been away with family for the holidays, and I think I actually forgot what it was like to live "alone". Usually she and I chat and watch Gilmore Girls, so rarely am I solo at night. Sometimes it's nice to be silent and still.

I really enjoying all of my blog work right now. It's exciting. It's always changing, growing, morphing... new opportunities, new ideas. Sometimes I look at my blogging schedule (via my trusty ol' Google calendar, aka brain) and it seems a bit daunting, but I love it. The only difficult part about all of it, is trying to make time for my blogging, birth work and life, all at once. (Wouldn't it be nice if we could actually make time... surely there's a recipe on Pinterest for this sort of thing.) So far, I'm managing to do a LOT of things fairly well, but it's tough balancing it all, on top of being mama to the raddest little lass. Things slip, as I'm sure you all understand. The goal, I suppose, is to do fewer things REALLY well, but my gosh, that's the trouble. Sorting it out, letting go, reorganizing, restructuring. Another venture has been brewing in my head for a good while now, and even starting it will be interesting by itself. I find myself a bit hilarious sometimes... but I have a great deal of trust in life sorting itself out. I know I'll be able to reconcile it all.

Life has a way of working out for the best, when you give it a chance to.

And that I shall.

Source.

Wordless Wednesday (Gallery Moments)

In case you missed it... more images here.