We are super excited about what is coming up this week – BlissDom in Nashville! We are pumped about being a conference sponsor and we’re really looking forward to meeting and greeting new and existing members! And y’all? I saw a mock-up of what our booth is going to look like and I can’t wait for everyone to see it!
Speaking of our booth…we love offering our members cool perks and we’re bringing that philosophy to BlissDom! All BlissDom attendees are invited to come by our booth for some exciting perks. We’ll have a photographer on-site doing headshots – perfect for updating your social media avatars and blog bios! We’ll also be giving away some super fun prizes! New members will get an additional chance at special prizes! So, if you’re not yet an O2O member or if you have friends who are not members be sure to come by and join us!
Weren’t those business card holders in your Prep For Bliss boxes totally fabulous? We’ve got ours loaded up and we’re ready to network! You’re also going to find another helpful item from us your swag bags, so be sure to look for it!
Tell us, what are you most looking forward to about BlissDom?
Even though Christine doesn’t like to clean, she does like to have a clean house! If that sounds like perfect blog fodder, then you won’t be surprised to know that i Dream of Clean is where she shares tips, ideas, and products that make it easy to keep your house clean! Christine is a wife and mom from the Nashville area and will be a Community Leader at BlissDom this year. (Check out her Cleaning Up For Bliss post!)
O2O: “As a BlissDom Community Leader, what do you hope to give to those you come into contact with during the conference?”
Christine: “The love for collaboration. I seriously think bloggers who collaborate (with those “bigger” and “smaller” than themselves) are way more successful and fulfilled.”
I’m known for…always having a smile on my face and overusing exclamation points!!!!!
I’m working on…a spring cleaning project for bloggers with HUGE giveaways (i.e. appliances)!
10 years from now I…hope I feel even better than I do today.
I’m currently addicted to…Crossfit. Trying to work off my 8 week old baby weight!
I find joy…in my family. I just love hanging out with them!
My secret ambition…is to memorize multiple books of the Bible.
I can’t do without…my amazing husband.
I’m most creative…when I collaborate with others. Anyone want to collaborate?!?
I admire…my mom because of her hard work ethic and doing an amazing job raising me as a single parent.
When I grow up…I’ll finally know what I want to be.
PC or Mac?…Mac all the way!!!
iPhone or Droid? Droid…only because my carrier didn’t have the iPhone when I upgraded. When it’s time to update I’ll be switching for sure.
Coffee or Tea? Coffee…and then MORE coffee!
Peanut butter – crunchy or smooth? Freshly ground almond butter
Three words my friends would use to describe me are: Cheerful, Starter, Helpful
Where to find Christine on the Internet:
Blog – i Dream of Clean
Twitter
Facebook
Google+
Pinterest
Bridget is a creator. She creates beautiful prose and poetry by crafting words to capture a moment or convey a thought. She creates stunning photos by finding the beauty in all her subjects whether she’s wielding her dSLR or her iPhone. You can find her words and many of her photos on her blog, The Ivey League. Bridget is also wife to Marshall and mom to four children (2 boys, 2 girls). She will be at BlissDom this month as a Community Leader for the Photography Niche.
O2O: “As a Community Leader, what do you hope to give to those you come into contact with during the conference?”
Bridget: “My hope is to share with others that they can take beautiful pictures, too! With only a few changes to what you’re already doing, you can have more beautiful pictures (and you don’t even have to have a fancy-pants camera)!”
Be sure to check out Bridget’s post, Photography Tips I Learned the Hard Way, where she shares several of those changes you can make to get better photos!
I’m known for…staying busy and taking pictures of everything
I’m working on…expanding my photography business and learning more about business and marketing
10 years from now…my children will be 11, 13, 15, and 17. Oof. I’ll probably be in the car shuttling them to and from activities.
I’m currently addicted to…instagram. (@IveyLeagueMama)
I find joy…in the little things – like coloring with my children or holding hands with my husband or playing a game with family and friends.
My secret ambition…is a secret. Although it may or may not involve words and images.
I can’t do without…support from my family, especially my husband. (Dang it, I’m gettin’ all mushy.)
I’m most creative…after midnight.
I admire…my mama. She is wise and funny and kind.
When I grow up…I want to be Mary Poppins.
PC or Mac? I’m a Mac wanna be.
iPhone or Droid? iPhone
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Peanut butter – crunchy or smooth? Smooth…unless I’m making pb cookies.
Three words my friends would use to describe me are: engaging, artsy, vivacious
Where to find Bridget on the Internet:
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Google+
Flickr
Pinterest
Super Bowl Sunday is just around the corner! Even if your team isn’t playing or you’re one of the many who just watch for the commercials, it’s still an opportune time to do a little partying. If you’re staying home, you can anticipate the evening by planning some fun dishes to eat before, during and after the game. We’ve rounded-up posts from One2One members that are all things Super Bowl. It’s mostly food, no surprises there, but you’ll find a couple of non-food related posts as well!
Very popular on many Super Bowl gathering menus are all things “buffalo” which is generally synonymous with spicy. If you’re looking to heat things up on Sunday we suggest the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich from Susie of Susie QT Pies Scraps of Life or the Buffalo Shrimp Bread Bowl Dip from of Lisa Snappy Gourmet.
You can never go wrong with sandwiches, especially when they are sandwich rolls like these Roast Beef Sandwich Rolls from Jen at 4tunate or these Pepperoni Rolls from Kristl at The Budget Diet.
You’ll always find a variety of dips at a Super Bowl party but nothing is better for the hostess than a Super Easy Dip and that’s just what Robyn has to share! And dips don’t have to undo your New Year’s healthy living resolutions! Mel at Outnumbered 3 to 1 has healthy and yummy Super Bowl worthy dips!
Avocados are in season which means they are well priced at the grocery stores right now. Guacamole is definitely a crowdpleaser but there is so much more you can do with them as Kelly from Faithful Provisions shows us!
Jenna’s party is heavy hors d’oeuvres and will have everything from Buffalo Chicken Dip to Fruit Pizza. Check out what everyone is bringing at Eat. Drink. Pretty.
If you’re going the actual meal route rather than just appetizers, Emily from West of the Loop has a delicious Corn & Black Bean Chili for you to try!
I happened upon this Crockpot Molten Lava Cake from Merissa at Little House on the Prairie Living as I was searching for Super Bowl blog posts. Merissa wasn’t writing about the Super Bowl at all but her post showed up in my Google Reader. In any case, it’s a great way to have a hot dessert available for your party guests or to have ready at halftime for some splurging!
And to wrap up the food and party planning, Tori at thoughtfully simple shares some Super Bowl Party Ideas & Inspirations and Linsey at Wise Bread has some Frugal Super Bowl Party ideas and tips.
Not everything Super Bowl related is about the food. Casey lives in Indianapolis and even though the Colts are not playing in the big game this year, she still has a lot of pride for her city, the hosts of Super Bowl XLVI.
For many Super Bowl viewers, the unveiling of new, innovative, and humorous commercials is a big draw. Those of us from the “Ferris Bueller” era, like Maria at Bored Mommy, were excited to see Matthew Broderick in new commercial from Honda that hearkens back to the movie that propelled him into stardom.
What are your Super Bowl plans?
Fadra describes herself as a “Jack of all trades, master of none” but we think she’s definitely got the writing craft mastered! Not only does she write at her blog, all.things.fadra., you can also find her at Social Dialect, the social media marketing company she founded, at Insert Eyeroll and Own Skincare Blog, and at numerous other sites as a guest blogger/contributor! She’s a mother to one son, is a Yankee living in the South and once upon a time had aspirations to become an actress. We know that Fadra has traveled a lot so we asked her, “What is your number one most desired travel destination?” Looks like Fadra is up for some serious adventure, her answer was, “Antarctica”.
And our January question, “Any resolutions or goals for the year?” Fadra says, “To be able to call myself a runner and not be lying about it.”
I’m known for… my brains, good looks, humility, and my quirky sense of humor.
I’m working on… a new venture for bloggers to connect with causes close to their heart.
10 years from now I… will be grateful for another decade of life.
I’m currently addicted to… Angry Birds (not a new addiction, just a continuing one).
I find joy… in watching my son discover the world.
My secret ambition… is to walk the red carpet at the Oscars.
I can’t do without… my iPhone. It’s attached to my hip, almost literally.
I’m most creative… in the shower. Not the bath, which is where I spend more time, but the shower. I should shower more.
I admire… Margaret Thatcher. I’ve never had many role models but I’ve recently fallen in love with her.
When I grow up… want to be 5’8″, blond hair, green eyes.
PC or Mac? MacBook Pro
iPhone or Droid? iPhone (duh)
Coffee or Tea? Tea – strong with milk and sugar
Peanut butter – crunchy or smooth? Smooth, but only Smucker’s All Natural
Three words my friends would use to describe me are: generous, smartish, funny
Find Fadra on the Internet:
Blog – all.things.fadra.
Company – Social Dialect
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Here at One2One Network, we’re excited to offer meaningful and beneficial partnerships between brands and you, our members. As a member, you have the opportunity to discover new products and services, to be a voice for the most influential consumer group, to have a choice in the projects you participate in, and to have access to resources to help improve your social media and blogging skill set. And you get a team who is interested in seeing you succeed and reach your goals!
On that note, we want to know how you would complete this sentence, “I love being a One2One Network member because…..” or “My favorite thing about being a One2One Network member is…..” We’re looking for members to be voices of One2One Network! You are an integral part of what makes this company great and it’s your voice we want others to hear when they ask us, “so what are you all about?”
How does it work? Simply submit a short video answering one of the above questions. Use your webcam, the camera on your phone, or whatever recording device you have available that will allow you to send a digital file. (If you do not have a way to record a video, we’d still love to hear from you! Take a picture and add a speech bubble or text with your answer.) We will review the submissions and choose several to use in our “Voices of One2One Network” video that we will premiere at BlissDom ’12!
And now for the really fun part, all submissions will go into a drawing for FIVE – $100 VISA gift cards!
We can’t wait to hear what you have to say!
Deadline for submissions is Monday, February 6, 2012. Please e-mail your submissions (video or photo) to Malia at malia.carden@one2onenetwork.com.
Gift card winners will be chosen by random drawing. Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to claim their gift before an alternate winner is chosen. Winners will be announced by Friday, February 10th. By submitting a video or photo, you release it for use by One2One Network for business and promotional purposes.
We’re delighted to introduce you to Jill, the blogger behind The Diaper Diaries (or more recently, The Diaper FREE Diaries, as she navigates the potty training saga with her youngest child!) Jill has been blogging since 2007 and I vividly remember meeting her at BlissDom ’09 when I may or may not have completely gushed, upon seeing her walk up to registration, “You’re Jill of Diaper Diaries. I LOVE YOU!!” {Ahem.} This year, you’ll find Jill at BlissDom ’12 as one of the fabulous Community Leaders! Jill is probably best known in the world of mom bloggers for her candid posts about marriage. Since she often writes about marriage we wondered, what is the best marriage advice she and husband, Ryan ever received? “Marriage isn’t 50/50, but 100/0. You give 100% no matter what your spouse is capable of giving you. If you wait for them to do their 50 you will often be disappointed.”
And to continue with our January theme: Any resolutions or goals for the year? “Continue to eat healthy and exercise, be more present with my children, and go on more dates with my husband.”
I’m known for… my sense of humor
I’m working on… my new marriage blog with my husband (check it out www.forbetterandworse.com)
10 years from now I… WILL HAVE THREE TEENAGERS (make it stop!!)
I’m currently addicted to… Pinterest, and in very good company
I find joy… in the giggles of my children
My secret ambition… is to learn to sew
I can’t do without… chocolate, dark chocolate
I’m most creative… when coloring with my kids
I admire… my parents. everything about them.
When I grow up… I wanna be a mom and wife. Oh wait, I got that.
PC or Mac? PC
iPhone or Droid? Droid
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Peanut butter – crunchy or smooth? Who cares if it is with chocolate
Three words my friends would use to describe me are: fun, fashionable, talkative
Where to find Jill on the Internet:
Blog – The Diaper Diaries & new site For Better and Worse
Twitter – @DiaperDiaries
Facebook – The Diaper Diaries and For Better and Worse
Pinterest – Follow Jill’s Boards
Our friend Lucrecer is the artist and blogger behind the site Art Slam. Her site is full of beauty: her photography, her art, her words, her heart. She is an accomplished photographer and a sought after mixed media artist. Mom to three, she currently hails from Cincinnati but says she’s a Southern girl at heart due to her Georgia roots. Lucrecer is heading to BlissDom next month as a second time Community Leader for the video/vlogging community.
We all have things that we must always have with us, we wanted to know, “What is something you never leave your house without – in your purse/bag or on your person?” You will always find Lucrecer with her chapstick and her cellphone. And with it being January, we had to ask, “Do you have any resolutions or goals for the year?” Lucrecer says, “No resolutions, but I am going to be bolder in every area of my life this coming year.”
I’m known for…my artwork and my keep it real attitude
I’m working on…taking my writing to the next level and following my bliss
10 years from now I…want to be surrounded by people who love me just as I am
I’m currently addicted to…Pinterest. I wouldn’t call it an addition, just a healthy form of idea curation, you know…
I find joy…in living my life fully each day. In being grateful for my blessings and my challenges. In my children’s unconditional love
My secret ambition…is to be a successful entrepreneur
I can’t do without…sleep and rest
I’m most creative…when I am at peace, living boldly and at ease
I admire…the strength of the women in my family
When I grow up…I hope I never stop learning new things
PC or Mac? Both
iPhone or Droid? Droid now
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Peanut butter – crunchy or smooth? Crunchy
Three words my friends would use to describe me are: genuine, loving, funny
Where to find Lucrecer on the Internet:
Blog – Art Slam
Twitter – @LucrecerBraxton
Facebook – Art Slam
Pinterest – Lucrecer’s Boards
Julie is the cook/blogger in ‘the little kitchen‘, an inspiring blog about the challenges of cooking in a small space. But Julie proves that it’s not the square footage in your kitchen that sets limits on what you can make, it’s only the limitations you set on yourself! You’ll find drool-worthy recipes and photos on Julie’s site that will have you asking for a take-out box! Julie hails from Florida, is a software engineer and is passionate about the breast cancer cause. She’s an active volunteer and loves to plan and organize events, like her high school reunion and the Orlando Food Blog Forum. With all that going on, we wondered what is Julie’s go-to recipe for an evening with friends? She says it’s her Lobster Style Crab Rangoon. Yum! So…when’s dinner?
Since it’s January, we couldn’t help but ask, “Any resolutions or goals for the year?” Julie says, “Getting organized, I’m really excited my husband is remodeling our home office so that will be a huge help!” Read on to find out a bit more about Julie and her life.
I’m known for… volunteering to help others and organizing events.
I’m working on… my food photography skills.
10 years from now I… will have written a cookbook.
I’m currently addicted to… my iPhone.
I find joy… in my four-legged babies. We have two cats and a dog.
My secret ambition… is to start a non-profit to benefit both abused children and unwanted pets.
I can’t do without… food (of course).
I’m most creative… late at night.
I admire… Maya Angelou.
When I grow up… I want to be an astronaut.
PC or Mac? Mac
iPhone or Droid? iPhone
Coffee or Tea? Tea!
Peanut butter – crunchy or smooth? smooth, all the way!
Three words my friends would use to describe me are: smiley, organizer, energetic
Where to find Julie on the Internet:
Blog – the little kitchen
Twitter – @TheLittleKitchn
Facebook – be a fan of the little kitchen
Pinterest – see what the little kitchen likes to pin!
It’s probably no surprise that the month following gift giving holidays is National Thank You Month! I remember my mother making me sit down and write out thank you notes every year after Christmas and before I went back to school. It’s becoming a bit of a lost art and one that I’ve regrettably not (yet) passed on to my own children. So it’s Pinterest to the rescue for some “pinteresting” ideas for saying thank you in January and all year ’round.
Fun for holiday thank you notes:
Source: lisastorms.typepad.com via Jill on Pinterest
Lots of variations on this theme on Wedding boards:
Source: weddingchicks.com via Kimberley on Pinterest
For the Hollywood buffs:
Source: bluebarnhousestore.org via Lia on Pinterest
These are super cute:
Unique idea for baby shower thank-yous:
Source: wrenhandmade.typepad.com via Silvia on Pinterest
Useful for the Pre-K set:
Source: positivelysplendid.com via Ali on Pinterest
And useful for the beginning writers:
Source: maggiesstationery.com via H on Pinterest
Gratitude is beautiful in any language:
Save postage with thank you postcards:
Source: google.com via Kristine on Pinterest
Teachers love notes of appreciation & these are perfect for the task:
Source: dandee-designs.com via Bec on Pinterest
Flattery will get you everywhere:
Source: thesavvyphotographer.blogspot.com via Kristie Carnes on Pinterest
For the coffee aficionado:
Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Carmen on Pinterest
What are some of your favorite ways to say ‘thank you’?