BlogCrush

BlogCrush/ OC Press Club Panel

2011-11-26T10:00:00.001-08:00

150 bloggers, journalists and members of the press gathered for an informative and educational panel hosted by BlogCrush and OC Press Club recently. Graciously hosted by the wonderful Anaheim Marriott Suites, it was a night of amazing food and great conversation centered around the intersection between traditional journalism and new media. BlogCrush invited some amazing panelists to share their wisdom including: Steve Churm (Churm Media), Michele Himmelberg (Disneyland PR), Chris Epting (Author and Columnist) and Keven Sablan (The OC Register). All of whom were invited as they have been leaders in new and traditional media.

Marcy Massura (BlogCrush Co-Founder) moderated and kept the conversation moving along, as well as Suz Broughton (Co-Founder) who added some wonderful words of wisdom. Marcy had joked that she saw the evening like a ‘gang truce’ trying to bring two sides of the world together to eliminate the friction between traditional press writers and less formal bloggers. Her goal she said was ‘to help both sides respect each other for the role they each play in story telling.’

More educational/ panel events are being planned for 2012 from BlogCrush.

We hope you will plan on attending them all!

A very special thank you to Anaheim Marriott Suites for an astonishing array of unique food including the famous macaroni cheese bar! And wonderful service. If you are considering a event of any scale in Orange County please consider Anaheim Marriot Suites.

PHOTOS are COURTESY of the talented Kathleen Enge.

Do not duplicate without permission. Copyright 2011

Letter from the President of the Orange County Press Club to BlogCrush Members

2011-10-25T12:53:00.001-07:00

Dear BlogCrush Members:

On behalf of the OC Press Club, I’m pleased to be partnering with BlogCrush
on the Blogging/New Media Panel & Mixer.

The world of journalism has been changing rapidly. Traditional reporters continue to embrace social media and incorporate it into their ever-expanding roles, more and more online-only news sites are being launched, and the “new journalism” world is filled with bloggers who provide niche news to faithful followers.

The OC Press Club recognizes the importance of all media – traditional and new – and welcomes bloggers and others to join the OC Press Club. Our annual Journalism Awards Contest held every July has several new categories for bloggers, but of course you must be a member of the OC Press Club to enter. I encourage you to participate in the Press Club as we plan more fun events and mixers for 2011-2012.

I look forward to seeing you on Nov. 9. You’ll be able to meet the Press Club board and members, and learn more about the OC Press Club.

Sincerely,

Christopher Trela
President, OC Press Club

####

If you'd like to attend the BlogCrush / Press Club Panel and Mixer on Nov., 9, please RSVP, here.

It’s a DrinkUp!

2011-10-23T18:33:00.001-07:00

We hope to see many of you at BlogWorld next month. Marcy (BlogCrush Co-Founder) is speaking on Saturday as well and hope you will be there to join in the fun. Sidenote? She is giving away a YEAR’S SUPPLY of BACON at her presentation.

StyleWeek OC 2011 (PR Host: Jane Gillespie, Irvine)

2011-10-18T07:25:00.001-07:00

Host: Jane Gillespie, Irvine

One of my favorite things to do are things I have never done before. Over this weekend I had an opportunity to spend the evening at StyleWeek OC at The Irvine Spectrum Center. It was Rack Rave kick off party for many many FAB-U-LOUS fashion centric events taking place at the much loved shopping center AND at the world famous Fashion Island. Invited BlogCrush members were treated to a VIP lounge and amazing goodies.

We were also thrilled to get some one on one time with the master of ceremonies Nick Verreos. Don’t know him? You should. He is from Project Runway and besides that? His gowns are being worn by everyone from Beyoncé to Carrie Underwood. He is simply hilariously charming. Suz and I are considering joining his posse actually. I am sure he has a shopping/cocktailing/gossiping posse that could use two bloggers.

Suz, Nick and me. We are shiny happy people.

Jamie and me. With my new hair color mistake. My colorist owes me a fruit basket or a new iPhone5.

How about a gourmet dinner in a shoe box? Really astonishing good roast beef sandwich from Nordies bistro. I took one home to the husband. We have plans to go eat there next week. Seriously. THAT good.

Our tweets were streamed on the awesome rave backdrop. This DJ was great. Let’s all be glad there was no alcohol at this event. Saved me from table dancing regret.

Oh and the FASHION show! Great looks that were very wearable. Lots of animal prints color and that whole mix and match thing I can never pull off without looking like Punky Brewster. It was inspiring- and I will be back to The Spectrum to shop soon.

Perhaps I will see you there?

Want to attend StyleWeek and be cool like us?

GO HERE!

Host: Jane Gillespie, Irvine

BlogCrush at UltraLuxe

2011-09-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

In the heart of OC, there is a movie theater that breaks the mold. Not only is this a state of the art 100% digital facility but this the only movie theater in OC with the coveted and AMAZING D-Box seats. During a recent BlogCrush event, we were given the opportunity to test out this technology.

So what is D-Box?

The chairs are preprogrammed with movement to coincide with the movie. Watching a train scene? The seats vibrate and rumble with movement. Watching a flick with a plane ride? You will sway and move as the plane does. This is so hard to explain in print…but suffice it to say, it is a one of a kind unique experience that brings movie watching to the full immersion sensory level. It is not like a ride, it is subtle.

Subtly awesome.

Combine that with seat-side service (dinning menus and yes, COCKTAILS), a beautiful bar/lounge and free parking? Well, I can not imagine why you would watch a movie anywhere else in OC.

Suz and I pretending to be in the talented Joshua Paige band.

Turns out they don’t really need 40 yr old housewives as back up singers. But we offered. Because we are nice like that.

More information on UltraLuxe in OC

Are you a Blogger in Southern California? Join BlogCrush today!

Fellow Crushers thoughts on UltraLuxe: Steve – Kristen – Valerie- Rita- Kathleen

Announcing BlogCrush Select Events

2011-08-23T14:58:00.001-07:00

Starting today, per your request for smaller more specific events and also based on market place demands we are now offering BlogCrush Select Events.
So what does that mean to you?

It means we will be assisting brands and businesses
by creating experiences for pre-selected bloggers.

It is about making valuable connections.

Our goal is to make sure the brand is introduced to bloggers who are interested in their product, service or location.
And about giving the blogger an experience that they will honestly enjoy which will be easy for them to write about on their site.

Think of us as the 'eharmony' of the brand/blogger experience.
You could call it BlogHarmony.
(Which I suggested but was shot down : )

So we settled on...

BlogCrush Select Events.

BUT PLEASE DON'T WORRY.
We will still be doing our free events where every single one of you is invited.
We promise!

Any questions?
As always we love to hear from you!

@marcymassura
@suzbroughton

#BlogCrushFamilyParkRazorNight!

2011-08-22T08:04:00.001-07:00

There’s a hashtag for you. Our last outing saw the BlogCrushers bring reinforcements…in the form of children and spouses as we got our party on with the great folks from Team Razor and put a little wear and tear on the first phase of the Orange County Great Park.

The event was BYO, bring your own family, bring your own picnic, bring your own Razor…or you could strap on a Team Razor helmet and try out some of their newest editions to the line. Our Orange county blogger kids tested them all, sending both the chalk and the sparks flying from the highly coveted Razor models like the Grafitti, the BoGo and the eSpark. And even more fun were the scavenger hunts they held giving some of them away. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen that many kids running with excitement in every direction.

Phase one of the Orange County Great Park is scheduled for completion in 2012, and it’s off to a wonderful start. They have the balloon ride and the carousel already installed and you can have free rides on both into the evening. All the children were running free between the Team Razor track and the carousel on what turned out to be a perfect Southern California evening.

The nearby Palm Court Arts Complex includes the Great Park Gallery and Great Park Artists Studios. It is currently showing it’s inaugural exhibition, Plane Air Power through October 16, 2011. This collection of work by the artist Jorg Dubin honors both the history of the El Toro military base, which originally occupied the land now evolving into the Great Park and the unique California art movement of Plein Air. It’s a wonderful statement, capturing the intentions for the future of this visionary project and it’s meaning for Orange county.

Additionally, the Great Park features concerts, sports clinics and a Kids Rock interpretive playground, three lighted soccer fields, fully landscaped 9-acre Walkable Timeline and bike trail, the Farm & Food Lab and an Agricultural Pavilion, a picnic meadow, the 100-acre Great Park Farm and a Farmers Market on Sundays and they do a great job keeping you up to date through their Facebook page and on Twitter. They are an amazing addition to Orange County, and they’ve only just begun!

We want to thank Team Razor for sponsoring this event, the kids loved being able to try all their terrific products. This is one company that hasn’t rested on the laurels of the now iconic original Razor. You can see the creative expansion their brand has taken by going to their site, where they offer safety tips, a vast RazorRiders community, news updates and games to play. Be on the look out for Team Razor and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

And as always, Marcy and Suzanne ran an incredibly smooth event. Much fun was had by all at this unique opportunity for a BlogCrush family night. Now, on to the next blogging adventure…

This post was graciously written by BlogCrusher Lana Waggoner.

She’s blogging @ http://shelivedinashoe.com -Twitter and Instagram @WoodbridgeOC

Blog World 2011 Discount

2011-08-18T18:47:00.001-07:00

Hello Crushers. We are very excited to announce we have partnered with Blog World & New Media Expo to offer you exceptional discounts for the conference taking place in our neck of the woods on November 3-5 in Los Angeles.

But act fast. While these discount codes will work for all members up to the day of the conference, if you place your ticket order BEFORE Sept 21st your savings are HUGE.

Also, excited to announce that Suz and I will not only both be in attendance, but will be doing some ‘fun stuff’ at the conference. That is code for – we can’t discuss yet- but ‘wink wink’ it will be neat.

I know many of you have never attended a social media conference, and might be wondering if this is right for you. Blog World offers a broad spectrum of speakers for all levels, and the expo floor is not to be missed. Suz and I would encourage all of you to come by Blog World to see what it is all about.

If you have any questions, remember Suz and I are always available on Twitter @marcymassura and @suzbroughton, or find us on the Facebook page.

Here are the codes!

BLOGCRUSH20 = 20% off any Conference pass
BLOGCRUSH50 = 50% off any Expo pass

Which means if you order NOW (before 9/21) you could get a one day Expo pass for under $20!

Let’s be a real presence at Blog World and show everyone what a fabulous community we have created together.

Crush on,

Suz and Marcy

2011-08-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

When Marcy and I started BlogCrush over two years ago we never dreamed it would become the country's largest group of local bloggers. With over 390 members BlogCrush is a place where OC bloggers can get together and talk shop.

BlogCrush members are invited monthly to meet IRL (in real life) at local restaurants--who all donate their space, food and usually a cocktail or two. It's more than just a night of networking, BlogCrushers have nothing financially to gain from meeting and connecting with other bloggers beyond simply having a new reader, supporter and friend.

I know I'm going to sound like a total sap, but Marcy and I get goose pimples when we connect two bloggers we think will hit it off--we're like match.com for bloggers. We have plans for future events that will include some more substance--with speakers, panels and possibly (maybe) handouts. But, at our heart, we're a place where SoCal bloggers can meet one another.

*****

The last BlogCrush was held at StoneFire Grill in Irvine. I hadn't eaten there before and from a show of hands of the 50 plus bloggers who attended, neither had most of them.

Justin Lopez, StoneFire's Marketing Manager, served nice big glasses of wine and told us about the humble beginnings Stonefire. The casual dining restaurant was opened by his mom and aunt in 2000 and has grown since that time to seven locations--two in OC. They serve lots of juicy grilled meats--like chicken, pork and ribs--and fresh salads. The spinach salad with nice big artichokes, avocado and feta cheese became my instant favorite, but I need to give a special shout out to the garlic mashed potatoes and the breadsticks.

All the BlogCrushers became heavily involved with the carrot cake, brownies and cheesecake and found it hard to talk about much of anything while we hung out with them. It's usually pretty quiet while dessert is served during BlogCrush. You understand...

Marcy and I would like to thank all the bloggers who have faithfully turned up, month after month, to BlogCrush. We truly appreciate your support. I'd also like to acknowledge the bloggers who come to BlogCrush for the first time, not knowing a soul. We also try to quickly hook them up with bloggers we think they would like or who have a common interest. Many, many blogmances have started during a BlogCrush meet up.

Just this last month I was reminded how much blogging has changed my life after writing my column for OC Family about it. I received an overwhelming response from readers. If you're one of the new bloggers who contacted me after reading my column or you just would like to meet some other like-minded writers, photographers and foodies, join BlogCrush here.

BlogCrush: Nieuport17

2011-04-15T17:04:00.001-07:00

Last night we had a really wonderful BlogCrush meeting at Nieuport17 in Tustin. I am ashamed to admit that although I am an OC native (3rd generation thankyouverymuch) I had never been before. And what a jewel of a place, right in my backyard for over 40 years. Once the popular hang out for every famous pilot and aviation specialist…it is now home to amazing gourmet food (new Executive Chef Marco Colin), live nightly entertainment in a moody fireplace clad bar (Barnstormers) and staff that make everyone feel like royalty. One of the best parts of Nieuport17 is the owner, Bill Bettis. He has a long history in aviation (and a passion for it) and clearly still loves his restaurant to the core.

The décor is lodge-chateaux-retro-chic. With nearly 300 pieces of original (many signed to Bill) pieces of aviation artwork lining the walls. A perfect romantic getaway….and I personally can not wait to return. If you go without me, order an Old Fashioned. It does not disappoint.

BlogCrush event at Zovs.

2011-03-01T01:17:00.000-08:00

See that lady there? No not the crazy one who is way too excited to be served by these tasty chicken-satay sticks of goodness, no the OTHER lady. That is Zov. And she is building an empire here in Southern California of great food.

We held our February BlogCrush event at Zovs in Irvine and having never been to a Zovs before-I was more than a little excited. I had HEARD about the tasty food and great service….so I wanted to ~~prove them wrong because I am very skeptical~~ see for myself. I was going to do a little write up of Zov’s amazing history, but this one from their Facebook page (which you should go like) says it all better than I could.

“Established in 1987, Zov’s Bistro has earned the respect and admiration of local and regional restaurant critics as well as the dining public. Zov’s thorough knowledge of the culinary world, commitment to quality, unwavering attention to detail and adventurous spirit are responsible for the eateries being universally recognized and lauded. More than just a full-service restaurant, Zov’s Bistro has earned acclaim for its bakery, catering services and cooking school (noted chefs who have appeared include Emeril Lagasse, Iron Chef Michael Symon, David Rosengarten and Jacques Pepin). It is consistently highly rated in the Zagat Guide and was cited by the TV Food Network as the “Nation’s Number One Bakery.” She also owns two Zov’s Neighborhood Cafés & Bars in Newport Beach and Irvine.

Zov also authored a best-selling cookbook entitled “Zov: Recipes and Memories From the Heart,” a collection of recipes, culinary secrets and inspirational stories dating back to her childhood that is available at bookstores nationwide as well as on www.amazon.com.”

So the woman in that photo up there? That is Zov herself. She was serving us. And laughing with us and being forced to take photos with insane bloggers hamming it up with chicken on a stick. Like all the best hostess- she was gracious, kind and insisted we try everything.

Thank you Zov. I’ll be back often.

(BlogCrushers- please leave links to your Zov BlogCrush posts in the comments!)

Friday Feature: Michelle Stillson

2010-12-31T01:15:00.000-08:00

Q: What is your blog?

Single Mom Sanctuary
http://singlemomsanctuary.com

Q: What is your blog tagline?

“Trying to stay sane.”

Q: How long have you been blogging and how did you get started?

I've been blogging for a little over two years. I realized that I was getting stressed over being a single parent and needed an outlet; my friends and family had heard my griping long enough! I decided to blog to not only vent but also to make a "documentary" about my life, an auto-biography. I also hoped that others would find my blog and have some reassurance that they're not alone in the struggle to raise a kid alone.

Q: What has blogging given back to you?

I've met many wonderful people and made some new friends as I connected to various blogging sites and Twitter. I've found other single parents out there who have given me advice and whom I've helped out in return. I've also learned a lot more about myself, finding that I'm more of an extrovert than I thought and really figuring out what I stand for and believe in. While I'm glad that I have fans who read my blog, I can truly be myself since it's a personal blog (as opposed to reviews or informational) and it's really just written for ME.

Q: Any advice for new bloggers?

Don't be shy. Write what you're passionate about and worry about "fans" or "followers" later. Readers love to see honest material. And while having an aesthetically pleasing layout is nice, it's mostly about content.

Q: Where is the one place in OC you love to show to out of town visitors?

I love to take out-of-town visitors to Disneyland. It was where I held my first job and I just love the magic that's always there. My daughter and I enjoy sharing in people's experiences for the first time, and make sure to point out all the best rides, attractions and restaurants. It's almost a sure bet that it'll be a fantastic day.

Someone Cares…..really.

2010-12-15T20:56:00.001-08:00

I have had bad days. Complained that my dry cleaning delivery wasn’t on time. Or maybe that the tires on my less than 3 year old car need replacing. I have complained more than once just this week about how my head cold has been keeping me from packing for my vacation. And everyone who ~~reads me~~ knows me, has heard me complain about my struggle with being a little over weight. So yeah, I have had bad days. Or have I? Because something I have never had to worry about was getting my next meal.

Not. ever.

So when Someone Cares soup kitchen in Costa Mesa asked me to help them out- I said yes and sprang into action. I organized a group of some of the best bloggers in OC to come and share the experience of a soup kitchen that serves over 400 people daily (7 days a week!) in one of the wealthiest cities in the state.

Located in what was once an original Wahoo’s Tacos location (and was generously sold directly to Someone Cares by the owners of Wahoos), it looks a lot like any other buffet dining experience. The difference here, is that there is no cash register. No bills. No one pays for a thing. They come from all over, homeless, working poor and seniors. Men, women and yes, families. This young mother was there with her brand new infant son. She comes daily with the child’s father. Someone Cares also distributes much needed clothing, and is helping to provide items for the baby as well. As the mother and young father eat their meal, the baby is held lovingly by a member of the Someone Cares staff who tells me ‘I hold the baby so they can get a little break. It is rough out there.’

Someone Cares is an amazing organization that has added after school tutoring for children, a food pantry for additional assistance and more. Nearly every single person working there is a volunteer. And this work is not easy. Especially when they are serving top quality meals for so many every day. There are trucks to unload, potato's to peel and dishes to wash. But I know why they do it. It is the people. Everyone dining there was polite and kind. There were no patrons that I wouldn’t be comfortable sitting down with and breaking bread. These people are not that different from me. They are just people trying to get by…..They are trying to get through…. just trying TO SURVIVE.

Someone Cares has great relationships with food service brands and liquidators. They can ‘cut a penny four ways’, so the single best thing you can give them is CASH. If you donate to Someone Cares, your money will go FAR.

ANY amount is appreciated.

DONATE HERE.

Wanna cry? Watch this wonderful video to see some of the great things this organization is doing for our county. Just wait until you see the kids getting a wrapped toy at Christmas. I know I will never take all I have for granted again.

Special thank you to the BlogCrush bloggers who came out and helped serve and learn about Someone Cares today. Nice to use our collective powers for good.

*Additional photos I took from the day can be found on the OC Register.com this Friday.

Feature Friday: Back to work Dad / Adam Rogers

2010-12-03T04:41:00.000-08:00

Human Name: Adam Rogers

Blog Name: Back to work Dad and Back to Work Dad (at OC Family)

I have been blogging for about a year and a half. I actually started blogging under the name "The reluctant stay at home Dad" as I was unemployed at the time and taking care of my first little guy. Blogging was my outlet. I'm a big time people person and while I enjoyed my time at home with my little dude, the conversation was a little lacking.

What has blogging giving back to you?

More than anything really it's a great group of new friends in real life, and a great support group of other Dad's.

Any advice for new bloggers?

Don't put too much stock in the number of comments you get. Write for you.

Where is the one place you HAVE to take people who are visiting OC for the first time?

Other than the obvious Disneyland. I say PCH. Just take a drive and stop where you feel like it.

*sidenote: Adam is a dad of two very small children and in a true testament to sleep depravation he completed the questionnaire by spelling his own name incorrect. See it happens to Dads too. :)

Friday Feature: Glitterful Felt Stories/ Shelby Barone

2010-11-26T04:33:00.000-08:00

Human Name: Shelby Barone

Blog Name:Glitterful Felt Stories

I started blogging in October 2008.I first began blogging for my small business and then I slowly started to make the transition into blogging more about my life, being a mom and helping others with children who have food allergies. I also blogged an online activity guide with recipes and fun children activities at www.glitterfulpreschoolfun.com

What has blogging giving back to you?

I have found so many wonderful friendships from people all around the world. I have had the opportunity to share my experiences and help other mom's who have children who suffer from severe food allergies.

Any advice for new bloggers?

My advice is to blog about what makes you happy! Make it a reflection of who you are.

Where is the one place you HAVE to take people who are visiting OC for the first time?

Disneyland! My favorite hidden little beach where I spend everyday of the summer at in Laguna with my kids.

What else can you share with us?

I spend my life trying to make a difference in the world! I am a mom with three kids and one goofy husband. We adopted our first two children because we really felt that there were too many children out there who needed a mommy and daddy to love them. We were then blessed with the biological birth of our third child.

I am very passionate about helping other moms with children who suffer from severe food allergies. I have committed so much of my life to help finding a cure or at least an easier way for children to cope and live with them.

I grow almost all my own produce right in my backyard and cook almost all my food from scratch. :)

The Orange County Blogger Ball 2010

2010-09-14T16:00:00.001-07:00

Once a year bloggers from all over Orange County get together to celebrate...well, to celebrate being a blogger. It's our time to talk freely about RSS feeds, Mr. Linkie and the proper way to reTweet. All things our friends and family roll their eyes and claim the conversation has turned "Too techie" for them.

This year The Orange County Blogger Ball sponsored by non-other than BlogCrush was held at The Embassy Suites in Anaheim. Over 100 bloggers attended to partake in the delicious food and socialize in the beautiful meeting room Embassy Suites provided for us.

Marcy, co-founder of BlogCrush, worked tirelessly for months to put the whole event together. We don't call her Ms. 110 percent for nothing. The evening went off without a hitch. I just wanted to take this time to say a big "Thank You" to her for sharing her talent with us. She truly cares about and believes in blogging.

Watching bloggers who haven't ever met IRL connect at a BlogCrush meet-up was the purpose for us to start BlogCrush and to see it happen over and over again at The Blogger Ball was the best part of the night.

Here is our video from the night. Thanks to everyone who came and if you couldn't make it, the next BlogCrush meetup will be in November and the next Blogger Ball next summer.

BlogCrush 2010 from Suzanne Broughton on Vimeo.

New Member? Old Member? We need you!

2010-09-08T05:03:00.000-07:00

OC BlogCrush is growing by leaps and bounds. And we want to know more about you, so that we can plan events near where you live, in at times when you aren’t working. We want to know about your blog and if you do give-aways…so if you can take a moment to fill out this very short form with a few questions…it would be greatly appreciated!

Go Here to fill out form.

(Note: we will be eliminating the Mr. Linky membership list at some point since Mr. Linky is so temperamental. SO this is far more secure way to register your membership.)

Friday Featured BlogCrusher: Roxanne Hack from Me and My Monster

2010-09-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

BC: What's are the name of your blogs?

Me and My Monster
OC Photo Blog
On the Rox

BC: When and why did you start blogging?

I started blogging on LiveJournal in April of 2003 (what a geek). I began blogging publicly and as part of my job in February of 2008.

BC: What has been your biggest surprise about blogging?

How personal I get. Sometimes I just can't shut myself up. I mean, I've always been an open book -- I'll pretty much answer any question you throw at me, no matter who are you -- but to be so open knowing complete strangers are reading my words? I didn't think I'd be able to do that. I didn't think others would either. But so many of us just put it all out there. It's almost absurd.

BC: Where do you go for inspiration?

Other blogs, of course. I also read actual books (none of this Kindle nonsense for me -- I adore cracking the binding of a book), and I'd be a horrible mother if I didn't add that my son also inspires me.

BC: When you have out-of-town guests, what is your "must see" place in OC?

I don't get out-of-town guests very often, but if I did, I'd take them to the smaller, laid-back spots, like Downtown Fullerton, or Sunset Beach. And then I'd make sure we got stuck in a traffic jam, so that they wouldn't have to wonder why I'm so stressed all the time.

BC: Give us the links to your three favorite posts you've ever written.

Oh, but I love them all! I suppose my favorites are the ones in which I dared to really be brutally honest.

On a wedding, Marie Callender's and Elmo's song (April, 2009)

Saying goodbye isn't easy -- even to a stranger (March, 2010)

Honoring the untimely passing of my first "baby" (December, 2009)

Friday Featured BlogCrusher: Priscilla Willis of She's Cookin'

2010-08-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

BC: What's are the name of your blogs?

She's Cookin'

BC: When and why did you start blogging?

I started casually blogging in April of 2009 with an iWeb template and the idea to feature a mom each month. It was my way of being proactive about a life-altering change that was looming in the near future.... the uncertainty of, for some dreaded but for others heralded - Empty Nest. I also knew that I wasn't going to be working and wanted to keep the creative juices flowing and try my hand at writing outside of the business world where I authored reams of interoffice memos, corporate correspondence, venture financing documentation etc.

In its infancy my website was called TopMomBlog, but that name conjured all kinds of meanings within the blogosphere that, being the neophyte that I was, had no clue about.
Naturally, the first mom to be featured was my mom in May for Mother's Day. What's funny is that she doesn't even own a computer, so I had to print it out and mail it to her - she was very excited and has it up in her kitchen still.

My transformation to She's Cookin' and a cooking/foodie blog happened when I came onboard at OC Family in October, 2009. That's also when I got a little more serious, changed to a WordPress platform, and began posting three to four times a week consistently. I still feature moms because many people have told me how great they think that is and it ties in with my mission of promoting cooking and enjoying meals together at home to stay connected with family and friends in today's crazy, hectic world.

BC: What has been your biggest surprise about blogging?

How I feel so much more connected to Orange County through the many intelligent, enthusiastic, and genuine people I've met.

BC: Where do you go for inspiration?

I gain inspiration more and more from other cooking websites, but also from my vast archives of mostly Bon Appetit magazines from as far back as the early nineties and my cookbook collection.

BC: When you have out-of-town guests, what is your "must see" place in OC?

That's easy, since I live in Huntington Beach - the surfing area at the Huntington Beach pier - it embodies all that southern California represents to the rest of the world. And the other must-see destination is the picturesque bluffs and beaches of Laguna Beach.

BC: Give us the links to your three favorite posts you've ever written.

Ad Hoc Blue Cheese Dressing

My photo-documentary of Little Saigon during Chinese New Year

5-Minute Spicy Hummus

Friday Featured BlogCrusher: Kara-Noel from Eli's Lids

2010-07-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

BC: What's are the name of your blogs

Eli’s Lids
She’s Crafty OC

BC: When and why did you start blogging?

August 2007, purely as free marketing for my business, Eli’s Lids. I started posting more and using my blog as a creative outlet exactly a year later in August 2008. I had no clue I would fall head over heels for the whole blogging community!!

BC: What has been your biggest surprise about blogging?

A huge surprise has been the genuine friendships forged through blogging. I have loved meeting bloggers in person through BlogCrush! Oh, and getting recognized at McDonalds was a huge surprise!! I love my readers!!

BC: Where do you go for inspiration?

Eli’s Lids did start solely as a business blog so much of my inspiration is from the biz… but my perspective, my family, my faith and my hobbies now play a huge role in my posts as well. I’ve found, if I’m constantly thinking about some event or something really sparks strong emotion (positive or negative) in me, those make great posts!

BC: When you have out-of-town guests, what is your "must see" place in OC?

Lunch in/around the Orange Circle AND a full day at the beach complete with a bonfire in the evening!

BC: Give us the links to your three favorite posts you've ever written.

All of them. REALLY! When I feel glum I just go back and read my blog (I recommend blogging for so many reasons, but a blog being an instant pick-me-up is at the top of the list). If I have to pick only three… Crash = New Car & Back Aches, Our whole “Moving Saga” and Perspective.

2010-07-23T08:30:00.000-07:00

BC: What's are the name of your blogs?

Suburban Mama, the world through one suburban mama's point of view.
By the Book, book reviews, author interviews, book-related events.
Surf City Family, where all the cool kids WITH kids hang out in Huntington Beach
Coffee Party, my thoughts on social media, marketing etc.

BC: When and why did you start blogging?

I started blogging before the term was invented* so that would be in the aughts (ok, I just had to use that word. Of course I mean 2000, the year I moved to the US from the Philippines). It was called MarcieTV and it was on Tripod or Angelfire (probably both, can't remember) and it was a way for me to keep in touch with my family in the Philippines. When I realized other people could read my web log, I ended up writing a regular column called "Manila Girl" for a Filipino-American newspaper based out of New Jersey and they kept my work online (making it my first sort of blog for actual public consumption.) After a year of writing the column, I had enough material for a book called "Missing Mangoes: For Filipinos and Those Who Love Us" (Xlibris, 2003)

I started the Suburban Mama blog in 2006 as a way to archive the content from my ezine of the same name. After getting tired of pitching stories to print magazines (I was a freelance writer) and waiting for approval and waiting for publication (and waiting for payment!), I figured I had enough friends who might be interested in what I had to say so I blasted my first Suburban Mama email newsletter (ezine) to 50 friends - eventually the list grew to 500 subscribers over two years and so I started the blog.

(*After a quick google search - you'll see that the word "blog" was invented in 1999 but did not become word of the year till 2004)

BC: What has been your biggest surprise about blogging?

The awesome people I've met in the blogosphere - both online and in real life.

BC: Where do you go for inspiration?

I go deep inside myself and talk to my inner child communing with my muse -- NOT!!!! Inspiration is everywhere - for Suburban Mama, my kids are always up to something so there's always inspiration there; for By the Book, I go to the library or browse around Barnes and Noble. I am inspired by everything I see, watch, hear and read; and by the events I attend and the people I meet.

BC: When you have out-of-town guests, what is your "must see" place in OC?

The beach! Being a fairly new transplant to California (late 2007), we've had so many guests come from the East Coast and the Philippines come over. Our guests love the weather and the beach. So we usually start off with a walk down the HB Pier. For guests who aren't too keen on sand, we take them to Fashion Island - they usually like to people watch and shop.

BC: Give us the links to your three favorite posts you've ever written.

Do Mothers Lose their Identities?

Feeling Carrie

Surviving Summer

Friday Featured BlogCrusher: Chris Hoff

2010-07-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

BC: What's the name of the blog(s)?

I started the OC Art Blog in 2004 as a vehicle to cover and promote the hidden but active contemporary art scene in Orange County. We now have a total of four writers for the blog and it’s a lot of fun to do.
I also have a personal blog, Dharma Bum, where I talk about my journey of selling my successful staffing company to attend graduate school and become a marriage & family therapist. I also discuss my interests in meditation, spirituality, culture and life in general.

BC: When and why did you start blogging?

I started the OC Art Blog in 2004 as a way to share my interest and love of contemporary art. I started the personal blog because Suzanne Broughton made me. It’s not easy to say no to Suz.

BC: What has been your biggest surprise about blogging?

I don’t think anything surprises me about blogging anymore. I’ve been doing it long enough to have experienced it all. I will say, there are some voices that say that blogging is dead. Actually I think the opposite, blogging is as relevant as ever and approaching adolescence, there’s still some growing to do but authentic voices will always find an audience.

BC: Where do you go for inspiration?

Put me in the quiet of a good museum or gallery and I’m good to go.

BC: When you have out-of-town guests, what is your "must see" place in OC?

The Santa Ana Arts District of course! Grand Central Art Center, Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, Memphis in the Santora, It’s got it all. If you are coming to see me there is going to be art involved. And I promise not to practice any therapy on you...

Chris Hoff's Featured Post (Via Dharma Bum)

"Moments"

I still remember a moment in my undergrad when I asked one of my instructors whom I respected, how I would be able to do grad school when I owned a successful business that would get in the way of the time I would need to complete a program successfully. She told me, "If you really want to do it you'll find a way."

By the way, It took me 10 years of going to school at night to get my BA in Psychology.

Then the time came when it was more painful not to go to grad school then it was to go. I went to my business partners a year and a half ago and told them I was going to exit the business and go back to school. That didn't go over to well...

I started the Clinical Psychology program at Pepperdine University in Jan of 2009. It set you up to be a Marriage & Family Therapist. I was thrilled.

Up to this point there had always been a tiny nagging voice that would ask me if I really did the right thing? Why was I leaving a successful business to make no money for several years? Would it be everything you thought it would be? Would you be any good at it? Will it be a total disaster?

This week I met with my first two clients. Without going into any detail it was 10 minutes into my first client when I knew everything I had done up to this point was worth it. All the work, the risks, the doubts. It was one of the most trans formative experiences of my life. I was bursting at the seems.

I guess I now know what it feels like to "do something you love and it doesn't feel like work." I am still on cloud nine.

Thank you for taking this journey with me. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Friday Featured BlogCrusher: ModChik

2010-07-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

BC: When and why did you start blogging?

LG: I started blogging almost five years ago to the day, I had just found out that I was pregnant nine years after my first child. I used blogging as a platform to explore and express my feelings about balancing a career with having a baby at 40. After my daughter was born I stopped blogging. It wasn't until this January after a 4 year hiatus that I decided to blog again. I worked for several months with a web developer to design a site that reflected my eclectic tastes. My goal was to create a place that felt like my own personal playground where I could explore and pursue my creative endeavors from photography to cooking and thus the ModChik was born.

BC: What has been your biggest surprise about blogging?

LG: Oh that's an easy one... I am constantly amazed at how small the world really is. If you ever doubted the six degree of separation theory try blogging and you will soon find out that you have mutual friends with complete strangers. The blogging community is a highly integrated group and there is no doubt in my mind that everyone involved is there for a reason.

BC: Where do you go for inspiration?

LG: I am the most random person I know so inspiration can hit me virtually anywhere from the grocery store to being stuck at the DMV (see featured post). I always carry a mini notepad and camera in my purse so I don't forget the ideas that come from places I visit to people I meet.

BC: When you have out-of-town guests, what is your "must see" place in OC?

LG: My out of town guests are not allowed to leave the OC without going to an ANGEL baseball game (GO HALOS!), picking up a pair of flip flops at Rainbow Sandals Outlet and having a double-double hamburger at In-N-Out.

Lindsey's Featured Post

It's been a long week.

I feel like I have hit my first road block with my blog. I want every day to bring posts filled with inspiring stories exemplified with brightly colored photos that send you running for the subscribe button. But then life happens... and the stories aren't as uplifting and forget about photos, have you seen the floor of a DMV? ugh.

I feel like someone just crammed down a HUGE piece of humble pie down my throat.
So remember my last post where I signed off saying...

"Hopefully the next time I post I will not be sitting in this plastic chair, have new plates on my car, my taxes (er extensions) filed and a new appreciation for time well spent while waiting."
that was only the BEGINNING of my problems. That day I can I assure you I found neither new appreciation nor humor in what unfolded. Frankly I still am a little shell shocked at how things can go so terribly wrong so quickly.

Back up to the moment I clicked send on my phone via Poster maybe 5 minutes later my phone battery expired, that's it cut off from the outside world. Luckily the last call I made was to my daughter's preschool to let them know I would be tardy, but not too tardy.

Three minutes pass..."B083 window number 21" (OMG I know my number... PTSD) I get up to the counter and God Bless the gal working, she actually smiled at me. She handed me my plates and I was so happy. Happy they didn’t say madchik... although that kinda works too.

I grabbed those suckers and bolted for my car. Keys in hand I popped open my trunk threw everything in, grabbed a screw driver and proudly mounted my new plate. Out of the corner of my eye I can see a line of cars forming behind the one gal who is waiting smack in the middle of the aisle, for my space. These spaces are like GOLD people, friggen gold. I rush, I drop a screw, I get it back in, last one tightened, throw the screwdriver in the trunk, grab my purse and slam the trunk shut. Reaching for the door I realize its still locked...hmmmm I don't remember locking the car.

Of course you don't you IDIOT the only thing you unlocked was the TRUNK! I dig deep listening for the jingle of my keys.....silence. Oh no..... no no no no nooooooooo. Cheese & rice this can not be happening.

No keys.
No keys.
No phone.
DOA in the parking lot of the DMV.

Pick up was in 5 minutes at the Preschool how was I ever going to get her in time? and what about my 12 yr. old home sick with the flu by himself? Minus 10 points for mommy today.
Don't cry... do.... NOT..... cry. I checked the trunk just for good measure, yep still locked. Stood there waving every person eyeballing my space to keep moving on. Thank you to the guy who yelled at me for just standing there... that felt really warm and fuzzy!

I scooped up my silent purse and headed back to the DMV. No pay phones...son of a biscuit eater! So standing in front of the line of would be DMV victims I announced that I needed to borrow a cell phone because I not only LOCKED myself out of my car but that my cell phone had died. Well let me tell you, of those who actually understood me, 90% of them either looked AWAY or at the ground! What happened to paying it forward people! I grabbed eye contact with one couple from Florida (God Bless them) and he handed me his phone and started offering solutions.

Its times like these when you realize how dependent you are on technology. Do you think I remembered ONE phone number? Nope. Preschool? nope. Roadside Assistance? nope.
Long story short I learned a few things that day.

My car is too old to have the REMOTE UNLOCK feature.

My car is like Ft. Knox and even David, a self proclaimed car-jacker was unsuccessful even with his arsenal of break in tools.

Keeping your spare key in your wallet is a better option than the junk drawer at home.
DMV people are angry people. When I asked for suggestions for help with my situation I was give directions to the nearest McDonalds pay phone, gee thanks I think I'll ponder my predicament over a Happy Meal.
The most important one of all I learned is that I have people that I can count on.

My current facebook status says this:

"If it was not for the kindness and willingness to drop everything for a friend by Kimberly Magette Rimel I would not be sitting here tonight with my sanity left intact. Words can NOT describe my gratitude for her friendship today."

I never want to take this down because I want the world to know how important her friendship is to me. When all else failed that day - Kimberly came through. The ONE phone number I memorized paid off in spades that day. In the midst of carpool pick-up, dance lesson drop-off and a workout appt. she dropped everything and drove to my house to pick up my one spare key and drive it to the DMV. I was saved.

Three hours late I finally made pick up. No penalties and no tears they said she completely enjoyed her extended stay.

The 12 yr old finally got food only to refuse my choice of 'sick patient' cuisine, go figure.
I sat down to write about my day and just stared at the screen in disbelief of my day. "I hope those plates were worth it" my husband said, "if not at least you can blog about it" and there lies my dilemma. To use my power to write about the forces good or evil?

Maybe its about finding that silver lining in every cloud. Yea that's the road I want to take. Its' not about bitching about locking your keys in your car or the crappy way you were treated its about your perception, your take on the situation.

That day I chose to focus on one thing, I was lucky that I didn't lock my child in that car along with my keys and that I am as strong as the people I surround myself with. Take a look at who gets your time, your energy. Would they drop everything for you at a moment’s notice? or would they expect you to "save" them without reciprocating? Who do you surround yourself with? and how do you give back to them?

Friday Featured BlogCrusher: Dana and Jeff Sipper

2010-07-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

BC: When and why did you start blogging?

We have been blogging for about 2 1/2 years now. It started as a way to showcase our work for Sipper Photography, but we then wanted to incorporate more of our personalities to our readers, so we began to blog about our friends, family and travels.

BC: What has been your biggest surprise about blogging?

SP: The biggest surprise for us has been that people know who we are when we show up at places. It was kind of freaky at first, people would just want to meet "The Sipper's". As people follow our work or something we have shared about our lives, they feel like they know us. This is very important to us as photographers because we share many fabulous moments in peoples lives. As we blog and people get to know us they feel comfortable with us and trust us to document the important times in their lives.

BC: Where do you go for inspiration?

SP: We are inspired everywhere, especially in our travels! We love to go to new places and see new things. Sometimes inspiration comes when we are sharing a glass of wine or watching a movie together. Our clients inspire us as well. Each person has a different story and through our photography and writing we capture real moments to document that time in their lives.

BC: When you have out-of-town guests, what is your "must see" place in OC?

SP: For the eclectic crowd "The Goat Hill Tavern" in Costa Mesa with 141 Beers on Tap, peanut shells on the floor and a carefully curated collection of garage sale junk that is plastered to the ceiling and walls!
For everyone else...the beach and Disneyland!

Sipper Photography's Featured Post

Hey everyone!

So, in just a couple of days from now, Dana and I will be heading off to New Orleans for 6 days of relaxing, eating great food, having a few cocktails, and checking out the sights. This will be our 4th trip together there, and my 5th trip to New Orleans, overall. Every time we go, we find something new we had not seen before.

Over the years, I've developed a sort of code to live by when traveling. It started with my sister, years ago. It was mainly just a couple rules, partly to get you out of the day to day rut most of us are in, and to keep track of how many places you've been. I asked on FaceBook and Twitter for other people's rules. Some were pretty good.

Here are mine:

1. No Chain Restaurants- We can eat at a McDonalds, or a Denny's anywhere in the US. That's pretty boring. Get out and try truck stops, diners, hole in the wall joints. Ask the locals where they eat... and then go there! That leads into the second rule...

2. Eat and Drink like a local- If I'm in New Orleans, I'm not drinking a Budweiser. I'm reaching for an Abita Turbo Dog. Mainly because I can't get it here, easily, and it's brewed locally in Lousiana. When we were in Minneapolis a few weeks ago, I had a Bells beer. It was pretty good... and local! If there is a local specialty food on the menu, try it. If you aren't sure what to get, trust the waiter!

3. Don't be that guy at Airport Security- You know who I'm talking about. The guy that complains the entire way through the security line. Listen... we're all in the same line, and YES, airport security sucks. You have no choice... deal with it.

4. States count as 1 point, Countries count as 2- I think my sister is beating me overall. She has a few more countries than I do, but I have about 22 states plus Mexico!

4a. If you don't leave the airport, that state DOES NOT count.

5. Be a Traveler, not a Tourist- This might be my most important rule. Do a little research before you go somewhere. Check out what the locals are into. Blend in. Believe me, if you look and act like you belong, you might just to see things the tourists aren't seeing! In short, act like you've been there!

So there you go... Anyone else have any rules they live by while traveling? Let us know... maybe we can add them to our list!

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @sipperphoto and @danasipper to see what we are up to, and to see some camera phone pics while we travel!
J+D

Friday Featured BlogCrusher: Kirsten Wright

2010-06-25T01:41:00.000-07:00

BC: When and why did you start blogging?

KW: I started blogging in 2008, as an outlet for my creative ideas that were going unnoticed with the company I was working for. I loved marketing, but struggled with all my ideas that I was unable to share as just an assistant. The blog was my place to be free and talk about what I wanted, when I wanted. Over time, it grew and I shared articles, and deeper insights into marketing, design and blogging. In 2009, when I decided to take the leap and start my own business, it was 100% because of the support I received from my blogging and social media network – and my blog readers were my first clients.

BC: What has been your biggest surprise about blogging?

KW: That people actually want to read what I have to say! As I mentioned, I started this for me, as an outlet. So imagine my surprise when I found out there were people reading, and liking the content that I shared. It has opened doors and greatly enhanced my love for what I do. While I still struggle some weeks to get posts out and find new content, I love to write and know that as long as I have my business, I will have my blog.

BC: Where do you go for inspiration?

KW: Where don’t I go would be more appropriate (and a lot smaller list). I look pretty much everywhere for inspiration, from random tweets to TV commercials – if it catches my eye and I can give a different perspective, then it can be written about. I am not the funny one, I am not the personal one, and I am definitely not the only one, but my take on things is mine, and that is what attracts my readers.

BC: When you have out-of-town guests, what is your "must see" place in OC?

KW: Definitely Laguna Beach. My hubby and I love it there, it’s where we got married, and the beaches are just so gorgeous. Plus, there is awesome shopping and great food. I tend to avoid the traditional places like Disneyland or the zoo because there are just so many people. I know when I am on vacation, I want relaxation so I try and plan the same for my guests.

Kirsten's Featured Post:

10 Reasons why you SHOULDN'T start a blog.

A few months ago, I talked about the fact that bloggers are taking over the world…and shared some impressive statistics on the number of blogs and blog readers in the world. While these numbers are not 100% perfect, it is safe to assume they are pretty darn close to reality. Of those blogs that exist, I would guess that less than half of them are active 6 months after they start, and less that 2/3 are active after a year. When one goes inactive, another just replaces them…it is a never ending cycle of blog creation. Why do I think this is the case? Have you ever checked out wordpress.com and just clicked browse? A huge percentage of the blogs you will see will not have had a post within the last 3-6 months. Use stumbleupon to search through other blogs, and you will see the same effect.

Maintaining a blog takes a lot of time, a lot of effort and a lot of content. And while having a business or personal blog isn’t a bad thing, when they are started for the wrong reasons or with the wrong intent, they are almost guaranteed to fail. Luckily, there are a few telltale signs that someone is starting a blog for the wrong reasons, or without giving it serious thought. Here are 10 reasons you shouldn’t start a blog:

Because you think you will make money doing it. Do some people make millions from their blog? Sure. Will you be the next one? Doubtful.
Because your nieces friend told you your business needed one. If you are just doing it because you think you should, you won’t dedicate the time you need to make it succeed.
Because your want the whole world to read about your life. Unless you wrestle alligators and hunt unicorns in your spare time…a blog about your life will only appeal to some readers.
Because you want the whole world to read your business thoughts. Unless you’re…actually, it doesn’t matter who you are, you will never get the whole world to read your blog.
Because you sell a consumer product. Just because your product is consumer facing, doesn’t mean that the consumers want to read a blog about it. Think before you write.
Because it is easier than press releases, research groups and actual branding. No…just no.
Because you want better site SEO. While a blog can deliver this, it can only do so if the content is killer, optimized and consistent. Otherwise, it won’t help one iota.
Because your other marketing is failing. If you can’t market your business without a blog, a blog is not going to save it. You need a brand first.
Because it seems like everyone in your market has one. Do I really have to give you the “jump of the bridge” analogy?
Because you can. Starting a blog just because it is “easy” to start one, doesn’t mean you should.

While this may seem negative, it is only because blogging is not simple. It is not something you should walk into lightly…and what I want to point out is that it takes a lot of thought before taking the plunge. I want this to just be a time to take pause, to give you a chance to consider if you have really thought blogging (and all it entails) through completely. If you have, and you still want to do it, then I wish you the best of luck, and suggest you browse some of my blog management posts. If, however, these 10 reasons have made you wonder if your ready, then you are probably not. Take some time, do some more research, ask me some questions…and then decide.