Yesterday was a day that included smart women, successful people and chocolates made with alcohol.
Heaven, no?
I was asked by Maria Bailey and her crew to be on a panel of mommybloggers that included Ashlee of Mama’s Nest & Mama Speaks, Jaymi of The Flip Flop Mamma, Amy of Mums The Wurd & Ladybug and Her Blogging Mama, Julie of Mothergoosemouse and Parent Bloggers Network, Jory of BlogHer and Pause, Emily of The Motherhood, Kim of Traveling Mom, and Steph at Adventures in Babywearing.
An incredible lineup, no? You may be asking yourself how I ended up in that group, and to that I say, “Hey!” and also “I know, I have no idea either.”
We were treated wonderfully and fielded questions about mommyblogging that included why we do it, how long we spend on it, will we do it when our kids are older, and even how we include social networking (especially Twitter) in our blogging lives. There was also plenty of discussion surrounding how, when, where and why to pitch mommybloggers. We gave advice on what we do and do not respond to, how to approach the more prickly bloggers, and how we stay objective when obtaining sponsorship (we basically don’t…we just maintain transparency, and only accept sponsorship from companies we feel good about representing).
I hope to attend more events just like this one, because I’m invigorated by successful women, and am incredibly passionate about the mommyblogger movement. We are a “market” to be reckoned with, and working with mommybloggers and companies is something I enjoy immensely.
After the panel, I was able to hang out with some of the bloggers (along with Self Made Mom) to talk more and get to know one another. No matter what our political beliefs, religious leanings, skin color or hobbies, the fact that we blog brings us all together in a way that I’ve never experienced before. The world is noticing that we mommybloggers talk to each other, even when we don’t know each other, and we share our hearts and souls (and product rants and raves) online. Amazing.
The day ended with some roaming, shopping and eating with Steph, and was topped off with a margarita chocolate from Ethel’s.
I want more. More of the captive audience, more of the smart women, more of the chocolate. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
what an honor and what great company.
sounds like a stellar time all around. 
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Wow, that sounded great.
It’s a wonderful thing to be around empowering women isn’t it?
Good for all of you.
Speak up and be heard.
fo’sure.
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COOL! I have only met one blogger and that was in when I lived in England!
I would like to one day FINALLY attend something like this, maybe after I burst out the next kid!
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Such fun and an amazing opportunity. You rocked it woman!
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Wow, sounds like a great panel! Lucky lucky.
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It sounds like they had a great group to represent all of us. Way to go! I think I need to move to Chicago to hang out with all the cool bloggers!
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That’s awesome! You are incredible!!!! You are amazing and I’m so glad you have such wonderful opportunites like this so other’s can know your awesomeness!
Wish I could have been there to hear you guys!
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It was awesome. I’m still amazed that someone blogged 11 hours a day! 11 hours! My hub might say I do, since I’m off and on the laptop all day:) but really I’m not, really.
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Wow, fantastic!
It sounded so uplifting and energizing.
I would love hang with a bunch of awesome mommybloggers for a day!
You go! Happy for ya
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Hey, I made it to Ethel’s too! I’ve got a drawerful of chocolate in the fridge now.
I really enjoyed meeting you and chatting for a bit. Such a great time.
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That is SO cool that you actually got to meet so many amazing women! I’m jealous of you guys
Congrats on being asked to be a part of the group!
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Congrats! It’s awesome to meet people in real life from online…
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I was glad to have a chance to introduce myself to you on Tuesday! I hope to see you at future CMB events!
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Ok Arianne… you had me at successful women, chocolate and alcohol. Um… hello!!?? I wish I lived closer to Chicago!! You ladies know how to live it UP!!
I’m glad the day went so well!! Sounds so exciting!!
xo,
Audrey
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I had a blast. I need to see you more often. Wow, does that sound seductive or what! : )
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Any advice for a blogger who is looking to ad sponsors over and above blogher?
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what a powertrip huh? Glad you were such a clear voice for all us mom’s out there!
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Sounds incredible! I wish I could have seen it.
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Wow! Sounds like a good time. Sorry, I missed it.
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very cool! I’m waiting for an invite to something like this! ;0)
xo ~K
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Wow, how awesome is that! Curious about “prickly bloggers”? Also, are the advertisers looking to use us as “marketers” of their products? I suppose, why else would they want to talk to you…sorry just thinking out loud.
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