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BlogHer 2012 Recap: Part 2 – Parties, Bloggers, and Kickin’ It with the Rockettes! (Warning: Pic Heavy)

Ok ok, so it’s been yet another week since my last post about BlogHer12. I’m finishing this recap up – all the super experiences outside of the sessions and expo. Let’s go!

Working Out with the Rockettes

One of the best things I did at BlogHer was sponsored by Pfizer (the people who make Centrum and Caltrate). I GOT TO MEET THE ROCKETTES AND DANCE LIKE THEM! A few weeks before the con, I was invited to a special workout with the Rockettes. HELLO. YES, I AM SO IN. If you’ve ever seen me dance (wedding reception), you’ll know I have zero rhythm, which is kind of ironic because the Wife is formerly a high school drummer and drum major. I can’t even clap to a beat for long periods of time. I’ll end up clapping to some other beat other than the music. (Ask me about last week’s FUN. show and the clapping I did there.)

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I’m special! – Rockettes Workout – BlogHer 2012

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We’re about to learn the Toy Soldier March by the Rockettes!

Our workout consisted of learning two dance routines – 1. Toy Solider March – stiff legs, locked knees and 2. the high kick line! If you want to see better photos and a video, check out Super Exhausted’s blog post. She’s got a great one of me laughing. (Thank you for catching that face!)

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Post-workout, the Rockettes answer our questions – BlogHer12

We learned that the tallest dancers are set in the middle of the KICK LINE so that when everyone kicks up to their head, they’re all in-line with each other. Everyone has to try out – all of them, including current season Rockettes. (Sounds like the Laker Girls.) There is a height requirement, and tryouts used to be in NY, LA and Chicago. They are now only held in New York – the line wraps around the block and then some on tryouts day. Some dancers even plan their pregnancy around the Rockettes schedule so they can come back and try out for the following season! Hardcore, y’all. At the end of our workout, we got to ask our two dancers questions. I asked the last question – do either of them blog? Unfortunately they don’t, but obviously they were surrounded by women who’d love to get them started!

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Me and two of the world famous Rockettes! – BlogHer 2012

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Yes, I took a photo of a photo. Rockettes – BlogHer12

After our workout, we were treated to smoothies by Pfizer. I recommend the strawberry flavor. In our gift bag were two vitamin bottles: Centrum ProNutrients Omega3 and Caltrate 600+D Plus Minerals. Something to note: the Centrum ProNutrients supplement pill is WAY smaller than your typical fish oil pill. (It’s not just a fish oil pill.) This makes it easier to swallow than the horse pills. I know I don’t get enough vitamins in my food – hello, burgers, salads, carbs carbs carbs, and my best friend, coffee. I was really glad to see that the pill size was small. No one needs to feel like they’re swallowing a quarter… every day. Big thanks to Pfizer, BlogHer, and of course, the Rockettes for making my trip to BlogHer so fun this year.

The “BlogHer-inspired Private-ish” Parties

In the evening, I walked over to the California Dreams event sponsored by Single Edition Media and Foot Petals, and hosted by bloggers Cari Bee, Kitty Bradshaw. I met several bloggers at the party including Kia (Jeans and a T-Shirt), the gals from BlogWaffle (who are behind Twitarded!) and TJ (Chronicles of a Fat Girl named Tejota).

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Tina Aldatz, Founder and CEO of Foot Petals, and me – California Dreams event – BlogHer12

I also met the founder of Foot Petals, Tina Aldatz! If you haven’t used Foot Petals, give it a try. I have them in all of my heels and a couple of my heeled sandals.

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Another use for the Heavenly Heels pads – Cushion the TOP of your foot when wearing peeptoes! – BlogHer12

I told them that heel pads never last with me because my heel tends to scrape the stickers off and I’ve wasted the heel pads. BUT, check this out.. they showed me how to use the heel pad in a different way – stick them under your peeptoe to cushion the TOP of your foot! Genius.

The next evening, I was invited to the Naughty Monkey party hosted by Hello Amanda, Ashes into Fashion, Glamgerous, Nany’s Klozet, and Flor de Maria Fashion. Who wouldn’t want to be invited to a party about shoes?

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Naughty Monkey party – BlogHer12 – I could use these….

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Oxfords. I could use these too. Naughty Monkey party – BlogHer12

One thing that struck me about this party (well, the showroom) was the variety of styles the brand carried. They went from sandals and wedges to high heels (with sequins and other fun materials) to boots and flats. They’re stylish and affordable. With the way fashion changes so quickly, it’s good to see a brand that offers a lower price point for stylish shoes. If you’re not familiar with the brand, think Steve Madden and Michael Antonio. Thanks to Naughty Monkey and our hosts!

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You may have gotten an orange one or a blue one.

My Favorite Part of the Con: Meeting New Bloggers

Here’s the last part of my post/recap. Meeting new bloggers. I had a great time this year meeting new bloggers. I honed in on my elevator speech as I shook hand over hand. I think my business card was also quite helpful in getting people to laugh. (I passed out the Asian blogger card the whole weekend so that my ‘brand’ would be consistent. Don’t worry, I made a bunch of Keep Calm or I’ll Cut You cards too for the next meet-up.)

Most notably, I met the team behind Evil Slutopia at Sparklecorn. For me, they’re rockstars. I started reading their blog when they began to post chapter reviews of 50 Shades of Grey. The blog is not only smart, thought-provoking, and progressive, it’s FUNNY. I asked them about their sponsor Masque, which makes a ‘strip’ that blocks your tastebuds for… oral sex. Let’s call them Blowjob Strips. Genius. Just genius. It’s too bad Masque didn’t set up a booth at BlogHer – they’d have run out of Blowjob Strips. Easily. You know the daddy bloggers at BlogHer would’ve taken boxes home to their wives, too.

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OMG I found Asians at BlogHer! – Birds of a Feather breakfast – BlogHer 12

When I sat by myself at the Women of Color table during the Birds of a Feather breakfast, I found it a little intimidating and depressing that I sat by myself. Eh. Whaddyagonnado? But I figured SOMEONE had to sit there to get a conversation going, so I stayed there. And it paid off. I met four more Asian American bloggers just by sitting there! Shout out to Fourth Breakfast, Lady M, Frugal Flip, and my mystery friend whose fitness blog hasn’t been created yet! AND they’re all from California – holla!

Below are a list of bloggers I met and traded biz cards with. Yes, it’s a list. If I forgot your name or blog, please tweet me or email me so I can add you on this list!

This year’s BlogHer was A-OK. I haven’t decided on Chicago yet, but I’m hopeful. Thank you, bloggers, for making this con meaningful and worth it.

 

Shout-out to my new blogger pals (in no particular order):

I also got to see my pals from So Cal:

Please please please email me if I missed adding you to my list! Catch y’all later and thanks!

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Manic Sunday – Countdown to BlogHer 2012

If you’re following the Twitter hashtag #blogher12, you’ll see that some bloggers are already packed for BlogHer. How can that be!? They’re so prepared!

Me? I’m still prepping for my SMCLA event!

Then I can practice my preso and pack on Tuesday. Wednesday’s going to be crazy – a full day’s work and then hopping right on the plane. Have I figured out my BlogHer schedule? Not really. All I know is that I’m speaking on Friday afternoon,  working out with the Rockettes (!!), and running a 5K on Saturday.

Things to pack? On my list are…:

  • shoes – running shoes, black flats, flip flops, TOMS, sandals, and Vans
  • jeans – two pairs – my purple pair and comfy cropped bf jeans
  • a knit scarf for the plane and the hotel conference rooms
  • noise canceling headphones
  • Kindle and iPad – 50 books don’t read themselves!
  • a notebook, Sharpies and biz cards
  • my old black cardi from H&M – old, faded, but my fave
  • … zzzz..
  • I just fell asleep reading this post.

I’ll stop. Back to work…

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Shopping Score: Tory Burch Revas, Colored Denim and Headphones

Recently, I schlepped over to the Camarillo Premium Outlets for two things: the Sony store and the Tory Burch store. I needed to get a new pair of noise-canceling headphones. My last pair was a refurbished pair from this Sony store which lasted me about 6 hard years of travel. (Pretty good for refurbished, eh?) I also wanted to peek in the Tory Buch store to see if there were any Reva ballet flats on sale. It’s the closest one around me. I love my black pair and have killed them in less than a year. I wear my black pair all.the.time. So I wanted to get a replacement pair/alternate pair to wear.

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Sony Noise Canceling Headphones MDR-NC13
source: sony.com

I bought these Sony MDR-NC13 noise-canceling headphones for an extra 25% off. Yay! These are different from my old pair, which were over-the-head headphones. The Wife has a similar in-ear pair, and I’d been envious of it being so lightweight.

 

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Tory Burch Reva ballet flats – leopard calf hair
source: net-a-porter.com

Then I proceeded to hit Tory Burch and found these babies. Yeah leopard! Total win for me. Revas come in different colors, prints, and leathers. I don’t think they carry this print in the regular store anymore, so I’m happy I found them at the outlet store. Leopard is fast becoming my favorite neutral. It punches everything I wear into a “Shazam!” outfit.

You just may see me at BlogHer wearing these comfy flats! Too bad Sparklecorn isn’t called LeopardMania.

 

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Elizabeth & James “Deb” cropped black jeans
source: lastcall.com

But wait there’s more. I scored two pairs of colored denim as well. I picked up a pair of black cropped jeans by Elizabeth and James for less than $25 at Last Call Neiman Marcus. The best thing about them – they’re the perfect length because I’m short. No hemming required!

I’d also been eyeing a pair of purple/blue colored denim for a while. I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off. I found a pair by Paige, one of my favorite denim brands, and tried them on. They fit well, as per usual with Paige. The purple wasn’t so bright that I’d blind anyone. I’ve got plenty of neutrals to balance the color out on top. Neat! The tag said “Roxie Capri,” which really means cropped for me. Ha! The saleswoman said, “Do you have our 40% coupon?” I said WHAT? “I’ll take it off for you.” SWEET.

[No photo. The pants must be discontinued bc I can't find an image anywhere.]

All in all, a total shopping trip win. What’s your latest shopping win?

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Blogger Giveaways Round-up: 5.10.12

Some of my favorite bloggers are giving away stuff on their blogs. Check ‘em out!

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore; source: kristincashore.blogspot.com

If you’re a fan of Kristin Cashore’s Graceling series, you’d best get your butts over to The Book Smugglers or Good Books & Good Wine or The Sci-Fi Chick or all three! There are a ton of Bitterblue giveaways right now because the book’s about to be released. *squee* I’m excited to read BitterBlue and finish up the trilogy. Cashore’s first two books, Graceling and Fire, were fantastic! Check the deadlines on each of these giveaways!

Luchiny sandals up for grabs at FrugalBeautiful.com

Frugal Beautiful is hosting a Luchiny sandal giveaway. How about these babies? Follow her blog post for instructions on how to enter. Deadline is May 11.

Xbox Kinect; source: microsoftstore.com

For you technerds, Kludgy Mom is giving away a $150 giftcard to the Microsoft store (I’d like to get a Kinect with that), a Windows HTC phone, and a wireless mobile mouse! Deadline is May 13.

Well there ya have it. Go get ‘em and good luck!

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