My. Daily. Randomness.

BlogPodium: The Business of Blogging Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sun, 27 May 2012 01:58:00 +0000

Conversation, collaboration, connection. BlogPodium is conference series that brings design & lifestyle bloggers, marketers, and the design community together.

With another successful BlogPodium Conference behind me, I can honestly say that I have learned a lot when it comes to Blogs + Media and The Business of Blogging. The panel of experts and guest speaker, Nicole Balch of Making it Lovely, shared in inside perspective of how they run their blogs as a businesses.

Here is the rundown of the great tips that the expert panel suggested....

How did you start advertising? Getting Started with Advertising: I started advertising within 1 year of starting my blog.
My Ads: I offer small ads for etsy sellers/bloggers at a more affordable rate + larger spots for companies.
Advertising Types: Direct Sales, Networks, Text Links, Affiliate Links, Google Ads, Sponsored Posts.
Affiliate links are a way to monetize on a topic you are already posting about. StyleRewards is an option.
I started doing ads when I hit 10,000 pageviews/month. It's a good goal to strive for.
Ads should be free to start, with inexpensive rates to get established. Approach bloggers or Etsy shops. Test the waters and see what the market with support.
Talk to other bloggers in your category to determine where you should set your rates.
Above the Fold & Below the Fold will have different rates. ATF will have a higer rate.
Working with an Ad Network allows you to hand over the management of the ads to them. Time saver!
The downsides of working with an Ad Network is the fees. They can range anywhere between 40-70%. Contracts. Most of the time you are locked in for 1 year. Payment delays - they are paid after a certain period of time.
What is the sponsored post frequency that is comfortable? Twice per month is the consensus.
How I format my sponsored post... "This post is brought to you by..." like a commercial before a TV show.
Advertising Trades: Posts on products or services that were received for free, in exchange for exposure.
Companies tend to like "projects," approach them and tell them your vision for the project. Ask for it. Give them exposure.
Endorsement: Should be used sparingly. Brands love them, but your readers may not.
You are going to make mistakes when you are growing. Pay attention to your reader feedback.

When did you implement advertisign on your blog? Mine started later than most, I dabble in the advertising, but find more in the sponsored partnerships.
I started with sponsored posts. I had a project in mind and reached out and asked for product
If I am asking for something from a company, I usually ask for something to giveaway to my readers too.
I don't do a lot of giveaways. I don't want to be a giveaway blog.
If you are going down the advertising road, you do have to think about what your readers will think.
Although we learned a lot from @makingitlovely, the opportunities & advertising is very different in Canada.
I spend 1-2 hours a day writing my blog. I have a structured balance between work and Oscar.
You can tell when reading a blog whether or not they are "in it for the money" sometimes its a turn off.
I try to blog 3 times per week. I have set that, and try to stick to it. Blogging regularly is important.
"When tweeting a sponsored post, put "SP" in your tweet so you know you're directing them to a sponsored post.

When did you implement advertising on your blog? I set a number before implementing advertising. I sought out advertiser, shops that I like, and asked them.
I did not start my blog with the expectation of making money.
Giveaways are a win-win. You gain readership, the company gets exposure. I don't charge for giveaways.
If you live in Canada I think you are going to have a harder time making a living off your blog.
Your blog gives the opportunity to open avenues that you never thought existed.
I spend about 6 hours on my blog. I write my posts in the morning & spend time commenting on other blogs.
I do not have a business plan for my blog. I work on an organic basis. What I like, see, feel, day to day.
I don't do contracts with advertisers, I ask for a 3 month minimum, and charge via paypal.
Commenting on other people blogs is huge. It is where they find you, & you can get them to keep coming back.
Pinterest has really changed the way that I curate posts on my blog. It makes it more editorial focused now.
If you are accepting income, you do have to claim it on your taxes!

When I look at blogs I look at authority, context, engagement & reach.
Open to pitches - a friendly short email. Have a plan in mind & why. Make sure you are familiar with the brand.
We work bloggers into our media outreach when it comes to editorial (ie press releases, product launches, etc).
Make sure you can support your rate with reach and other statistics.
If you want to be on a media list, just reach out!

From a PR perspective it depends on the clients objectives: is it brand awareness, creating buzz, a recommendation.
We are always looking for co-creation of content.
Brands are looking for a true partner. And the amplification through other social media channels.
2 secrets to share: 1) Identify yourself as Canadian, 2) I check out Twitter lists.
Are bloggers in your marketing plan? Yes, we build in blogger outreach when it comes to certain promotions.
If you reach out to a PR company, the PR company has to "sell you" to their client, so include stats.
Turn offs? It's disheartening when there is no follow up. Always, always follow up.
When we pay bloggers it's to cover the cost of materials. Ex: we give them $ to buy ingredients for a recipe.
Brands know you need them, and they need you. You need their content, and they need your amplification.
Check out WOMMA.org for disclosures when it comes to compensation and giveaways.

We can't forgot to thank Jennifer and Lindsay, for once again, working so hard to organize this event. Everything from the thoughtful swag bags + bloggers directory, to their scouting of some phenomenal sponsors and guest speakers.

Did you enjoy the event? What was your biggest takeaway when it comes to the business of blogging?
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BlogPodium: My Questions for the Brands

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sat, 26 May 2012 13:14:00 +0000

Conversation, collaboration, connection. BlogPodium is conference series that brings design & lifestyle bloggers, marketers, and the design community together.

If you have seen my many (very excited tweets) then you will know that today I am heading to BlogPodium. I can't say enough about this conference. The one in January was not only informative, but executed perfectly.

However, this time around, I am happy to see there is a vendor meet & greet. I can't wait to speak with some of these brands, and really pick their brain when it comes to partnerships/sponsorships.

My 3 questions for the Sponsoring Brands are:

What do you look for in a blog? Is it readership size? Tone of writing? Scale of project?
How do bloggers find out about opportunities to work with you? Should they approach you, or do you approach them?
What would your ideal partnership look like?

I am also a big believer in the fact that 90% of success is just showing up, so having these brands see you & interact with you, will put you on the radar.

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What are some questions you have when it comes to working with brands?
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Playlist: Spring Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:33:00 +0000

1. Ed Sheeran // Give Me Love
2. Jack Johnson // Breakdown
3. Fun ft. Janelle Monáe // We Are Young
4. Gotye feat. Kimbra // Somebody That I Used To Know
5. Nicki Minaj // Marilyn Monroe
6. The Wanted // Glad You Came
7. Marianas Trench // Fallout
8. Florence + The Machine // Seven Devils

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What is your favourite song right now?

{via 1}
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Playing Catch-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:41:00 +0000

I just got back from Chicago yesterday, and now I am playing a game of catch-up. Catching up on emails. Catching up on updates. Catching up on my TV (anyone see Revenge last night? OMG!).

I hope to be back in the full swing of things by Saturday...

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I haven't had time to visit everyone's blogs this week, so give me a quick update. What have you been up to?
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BlogPodium + Para Paint Blog Crew Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 21 May 2012 00:04:00 +0000

I cannot tell you how excited I was when I heard the news that BlogPodium sponsor, Para Paints, was holding a Para Paint Blog Crew Contest... and giving away paint.

You see, if you are a regular reader of my blog, you would know that "J" and I just bought a new house. Although it is 4 years old, the previous owners did not paint a single thing. That's right, everything is still "Builder's Beige." This leaves me with the wonderful task of painting every inch of this 1600sq ft house.

Exciting? Yes. Scary? Yes. But there is nothing I love more than coordinating colours, and bringing life to a room with paint. I am definitely a "Neutrals" kind of girl when it comes to wall colours, and prefer to decorate with accessories that have pops of colour, like my most recent painting. After browsing through the hundreds of colour options Para Paints has, I came to the conclusion that I am in love with these colours...

Back to Basics: Digital | Film Festival | Double Click Right | Lunch at Tiffany's

Lucky for me I am starting with a very blank canvas, so the sky really is the limit.

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If you were to paint 1 room in your house, which room would it be?
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My Top 7: Long Weekend Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sun, 20 May 2012 23:45:00 +0000

1. Mojitos. Seriously a-mazing. Especially with fresh mint straight from the garden...

2. The beautiful weather. I don't think we could have asked for better weather. I finally had some time to just sit outside, mojito in hand, and take in the sun with the girls.

3. The fireworks. The boys really do love their fireworks.

4. Sunday lunch with the girls at on the patio The Chophouse in Wellesley. I had some absolutely delicious Garlic Mushroom Cheese Bread + Cesear Salad. We then followed it up with some ice cream... Peanut Butter Chocolate for me!

5. Hearing the boys constantly singing this song, and doing this dance. Priceless.

6. Saturday morning Amanda and I headed out for a little antiquing - specifically to find old rail cart wheels. During our mission in Cambridge we decided to check out Cornerstone. So glad we did. They have some amazing pieces in there, including this stunning library style bookcase and this awesome dog statue.

7. And lastly,my post title should actually read "My Top 7: Regular Weekend Edition" because I am in fact working tomorrow. I leave for another business trip to Chicago first thing in the morning, and return on Wednesday. That said, I hope you all enjoy your Monday off. See you next week.

~~~~~
What did you do this past weekend?
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May Glymm Box

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Fri, 18 May 2012 09:50:00 +0000

My May Glymm Box has arrived. I was a little comprehensive when it came to opening it, as I was not entirely impressed with last month's box. I told myself this was my last box if I was disappointed... but alas, the May bag did not disappoint.... It's new look is refreshing.

{1} CK One // Shock for Him & Her: Edgy. Sexy. Impulsive. Shock yourself and everyone around you with this fierce bouquest of passionflower.

{2} Coola // Mineral Matte Cucumber Face Sunscreen: Protect your face from UV rays with this hydrating, refreshing sunblock infused with certified organic ingredients.

{3} Nume // HydroPunch Hydrating Conditioner: Turn dull and damaged hair into vibrant, healthy strands that you can't help but twirl all day long. Packed with argan oil, fatty acids and vitamin e.

{4} Cargo // Eye Shadow Duo in Venna: This shadow has beautiful pigment, blends seamlessly and provides a velvety smooth texture. It has it all.

{5} Caudalie // Vinexpert Anti-Ageing Serum Eyes & Lips: Smooth and contour your lips and eyes with this light serum. It absorbs immediately to diminish puffiness, wrinkles and dark circles.

{6} Caudalie // Vinosource Serum & Sorbet Duo: Give your skin a surge of hydration and restore balance with the serum. Save you skin with the moisturizer. Your face will feel refreshed, hydrated and soft.

Consider yourself redeemed Glymm.

Consider... yourself... redeemed.
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My Newest Piece of Art

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:59:00 +0000

Fact: I don't really enjoy buying art. I have yet to purchase a single piece of artwork by another artist. This might seem crazy or self centered, but I actually prefer to have my home filled with my own pieces... art that I actually have a personal connection with.

I'll admit, it has been a while since I picked up a paintbrush that wasn't used for painting a wall, but after the last tour of our new house, I started to realize how many empty walls we are going to have. Inspiration struck.

In about 8 hours, over the course of 2 days, I finished my first painting for the new house. And since I have already started decorating (in my head)... I know exactly where it's going to go. Now you will just have to wait until we move in to see.

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Do you own any special art pieces? Where do you go to buy your art?

{linked to AKA Designs "Doin' It Yourself" Party}
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4 Ways to Dress Up a Pair of Plain Heels

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:27:00 +0000

Plain Heels. I am sure we all have at least 1 pair in our closet. For me, it's black. Black platform, black peep-toe, black flats. I would love to use some of these creative shoe DIY's to spruce up the pairs I no longer wear... you know, give them a new life.

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What's your favourite way to spruce up an old shoe? Paint? Glitter? A whole new outfit perhaps?

(I'm often guilty of the latter)

{1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 5 ~ 6 ~ 7 ~ 8 ~ 9 ~ 10 ~ 11 ~ 12 ~ 13}
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Nacho Bar + 8 Layer Dip

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:23:00 +0000

This was the scene on Saturday night as my sisters and I gathered at my house to celebrate Mother's Day with my mom...

You know what that is? It's a Nacho Bar.

You know who instigated it? Me.

You know what we did? We ate it all, drank beer, and then went to see a movie.

Now, if this doesn't sound like the most unconventional, least fluffy Mother's Day, then I don't know what will. Anyways, back to this dip... 8 layers of dipping goodness... in individual servings none-the-less! It might look complicated, but it only took me about 30 minutes to prepare. You can vary the level of spiciness to your tastes, opting for a hot salsa vs a medium salsa.

8 Layer Nacho Dip

Ingredients
1 can of refried beans + a sprinkle of cumin + sprinkle of chili powder
1 lb. lean ground chicken
1 container of low fat sour cream
1 pre-made container of medium guacamole
1 small jar of medium salsa
1 cup shredded lettuce
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 cup green olives
Handful of fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions
1. In a microwave safe bowl, heat beans slightly and stir in cumin and chili powder.
2. Cook lean ground chicken, breaking into small pieces as it cooks. Cool.
3. Start to layer each item into your cups/bowl starting with the beans, followed by the cooked chicken, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and garish with some fresh chopped cilantro.
4. Serve with plain restaurant style nacho chips, or lime flavoured nacho chips for more bite.

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What is your favourite quick appetizer recipe?
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My Weekend According to my iPhone

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:06:00 +0000

1. Finally had some time to bake something from scratch.
2. ... Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. So good!

3. Made a few house purchases; including a Shark Steam Mop, some towels & a toaster.
4. I painted something! (I honestly can't remember the last time I painted something with oils...)

5. Hosted a Mother's Day Snack Bar at my house. We munched on Nachos + 7 Layer Dip + Lime Beer before taking my mom to see Dark Shadows.
6. After a day of couch shopping, I enjoyed a nice BBQ and some time outside with "J" on Sunday night.

As you can tell it was a pretty low-key weekend. It was nice to have some spare time and no real schedule to adhere to... We sort of did what we wanted, when we wanted.

How was your weekend? Did you have plans, or did you just play-it-by-ear?
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This House Is Our House

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:42:00 +0000

I just got back from the Real Estate office... we signed off on all the paperwork... and the house is officially ours! *happy dance*

Now, I know you are all dying to learn a little bit more about the house, so here's a little House Cheat Sheet:

Location: Small town, just outside of KW
Age: 4
Size: 1658 sq.ft
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Basement: Unfinished
Closing: October 19th, 2012

Not to shabby if I do say so myself. It's definitely a long term house... I can see myself living there for a very, very long time.... If I can make it past the very, very long wait to get into it!

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I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and thanks again for all your kind words, well wishes and congrats!
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I May Have a New Home...

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:15:00 +0000

I don't know where to start. This whirlwind all happened so quickly... stars aligned... the timing was right... I laughed... I cried... the whole process took less than one week. So now I can say "J" & I are homeowners.

Early April // I bookmark a house in our desired neighbourhood on my iPad. Do nothing about it because it was out of our price range.

May 3 // Realize there is no sales activity in our desired neighbourhood, except for this one house I had bookmarked. "J" decides we should at least go see it. I object. I hate going to see houses that are out of price-range. He books an appointment anyways.

May 5 // The sun is out. It's a gorgeous day. We go to my nephews ball hockey game. I crave tacos because it's Cinco de Mayo. We tour the house. It's love at first sight.

May 6 // We tour the house, again. I want to be sure I love it that much. I do. We make a firm offer. $15,000 under asking. Fingers crossed, we head back to my house. One hour later "J's" phone rings. Rejected. I cry.

May 7 // We get a call from the real estate agent saying they would like to negotiate, and have come down $10,000. We stay firm, and say no. The agent says ok. It's a dead deal.

May 8 // I give up all hope. Mid-afternoon I get a cal from "J" who tells me... they accepted our offer! The paperwork begins.

I am trying to contain my excitement because it's not "officially" ours yet. We still have to pass the inspection this afternoon, and make it through the financing.

Yup, still shaking in disbelief that we have finally bought a "Dream Home."
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When it's one you love, you move fast...

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:58:00 +0000

{More to come on this development shortly}
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Mother's Day: Gifts for Mom

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:45:00 +0000

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My Top 7

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:12:00 +0000

1. "J" & I headed out to "The Farm" on Saturday night for some relaxing & a BBQ with friends. If you haven't heard me talk about "The Farm" on twitter, it's basically a little hobby farm at "J's" best friends house. They are raising 60 chickens this year, as well as three pigs... which they have lovingly named Bacon, Pork Chop & Ham.

2. Mornings at the gym... I am adjusting.

3. Only 19 days until BlogPodium! I have been looking forward to this conference since the last one in January. And the topic is a great one: The Business of Blogging with Guest Speaker Nicole Balch of Making it Lovely. (This time around, I will have business cards!)

4. I finally discovered the name of the song in the Victoria's Secret commercials, it's called Give Me Love by Ed Sheeran. It's been on repeat all week. Along with this song and this song. So pretty!

5. Little kids playing ball hockey. My 3 year old nephew started ball hockey last month. Watching these little guys run around, chasing a ball is just too cute! (I think I'm his biggest fan)

6. I am ever-so-slowly creeping up to 1000 followers on Twitter... and who knows what celebrations I have in store when I hit the big 1000...

7. I was in dire need of some summer flats, so I bought these super cute ones from Zellers. At only $15 I couldn't say no... however I was able to show some self control by not buying every colour.

~~~~~
How was your weekend? Did you have a chance to get out & enjoy the sunshine?
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A Well Styled Home: Bookcases

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:32:00 +0000

I can't think of anything more visually appealing than a well styled bookcase - filled with memories, collectibles, pictures & worn books. It not only speaks to the unique interests of the owner, but add charm to a space.

While I have tried to master the art of styling a bookcase, I don't think I have got it just yet. While I do have a good mix of books and items I have collected, it's not what I have envisioned....

But these... these are gorgeous.

~~~~~
Have you styled a bookcase?

{via 1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 5 ~ 6}
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Fashion: The Perfect Maxi Skirt

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:05:00 +0000

I am on another mission. Last summer it was to find the perfect summer dress... this year, it will be to find the Perfect Maxi Skirt.

Until then, I am lusting over these...

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Which do you prefer? Summer dress or skirt?

{via 1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 5 ~ 6}
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Back to Basics: Chicken Burger

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Tue, 01 May 2012 10:34:00 +0000

Nothing fancy to see here today... just your basic chicken burger. Yup, ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, and a sprinkle of Cajun Seasoning (I literally put this stuff in everything!). Grill on the BBQ and then top with your favourite sauces, cheeses, and veggies.

So basic, you don't even need a recipe.

P.S. Did you know that May is National Hamburger Month? True story...

~~~~~
What are some of your favourite burger toppings?
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New Love: Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:53:00 +0000

If you follow me on Twitter you would have seen that on Friday night "J' surprised me with a new Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch... and it was not just any watch... it was the watch that I walked away from two weekends ago! That sneak told me they were all sold out because he bought the last one.

Gah, I'm soooo in love with it!

~~~~~
Have you ever walked away from something that you knew you should have bought?
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My Top 7: San Francisco + San Jose

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:55:00 +0000

1. The Hunger Games. I read the entire book on the flight to San Francisco. I literally did not put it down... I can't wait to see the movie and read the rest of the trilogy.

2. I rented a car and headed down to San Jose... It was a gorgeous day. I spent 2 hours walking around the city, taking pictures, and soaking up some sun...

3. I was lucky enough to eat at the new LYFE Kitchens on Tuesday afternoon. It's a pretty cool restaurant - the main concept being fast food that is healthy, relatively inexpensive, and above all, tastes good. Ex-McDonalds executive, Mike Roberts, joined forces with Chef Tal Ronnen & Chef Art Smith to come up with a deliciously fresh menu. I dined on the Mushroom Flatbread, the Napa Cabbage Salad, Grilled Barramundi and Fish Tacos. If you are in the Palo Alto neighbourhood sometime, I highly suggest checking it out... it's currently the only one in North America.

4. Gumps. It is the most lavish, extravagant store I have ever been in... I instantly fell in love with this pair of horse heads crafted out of driftwood... only a mere $800... each!

5. The views in San Francisco are nothing less than amazing! The rolling hills, the building architecture, the Golden Gate... Halfway through the day I stopped to try The Original Irish Coffee at The Buena Vista... very, very good!

6. Dinner at Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay on the West side of San Francisco. Another restaurant I highly recommend. I ordered the Lobster Roll, which was a toasted roll topped with buttery chunks of lobster, served with chips & coleslaw. Not only was the food amazing so was the view. It overlooked the ocean, the coast, and the marina.

7. Coming home... sleeping in my own bed again... and seeing "J"... they always top my list as the best things about a business trip.

Have you ever been to San Jose or San Francisco? What were some of your favourite places/restaurants to visit?
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Ready to Fly...

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 23:55:00 +0000

I'm heading to San Jose, California tomorrow morning for a business trip. I spent the better half of today organizing myself, doing some last minute running around, and getting everything packed into a carry-on (which is not an easy task!) ... I think I have everything...

See you all in the later part of next week.
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My Top 7

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:06:00 +0000

1.Getting this text from "J" while I was in a very long meeting on Monday... "I love you, I love you, I love you tomorrow. You're always loved by me." ... It made me smile...

2. Last weekend I did something that I knew I would regret... I walked away from a Michael Kors Rose Gold watch that was on sale for $115 {I know, slap me!}... I just found not, not an hour ago, they are all sold out. Oh Regret!

3. My mild obsession with TV continues. New shows on the "Watch List"... Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23 & GCB. I also nearly had an aneurysm when I saw that Revenge was back on...

4. Life Lesson #1948: Always Save! You may have seen on Twitter, the little kerfuffle I was having on Wednesday when my power went out. I had a major presentation due later that day that I had been working on when the power went out... Half my work gone + No power for 2 hours = Me not impressed!

5. Wednesday also happened to be a gorgeous day... so I hiked to the top of our local ski hill. You can see pretty much the entire city up there.

6. Is it bad that I have been eating this sandwich for lunch like everyday this week...?

7. I will be spending tomorrow packing for my business trip to California... I leave Sunday morning, so it might be a little quiet around here next week... unless of course the hotel has free wifi ;)

~~~~~~
What are you up to this lovely Spring weekend?

{watch image via}
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They Never Said...

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:19:00 +0000

"They never said that it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it."

{Download Print Here}
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April Glymm Box + MizSpa

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:13:00 +0000

It's that time of month again... Glymm Box time! To be honest, I completely forgot about it this month until I received the lovely Canada Post reminder in my inbox... So let's see what this month brings us...

{1} Lucia // Soap No. 1 & No. 6: This pure white soap is blended with Tea Leaf & Wild Honey leaving your skin healthy and soft to the touch. Each bar is formulated to contain the finest skin-nourishing ingredients for your epidermis. Its clean and fresh fragrance was specially created for your aromatic pleasure.

{2} Atelier Cologne // Orange Sanguine Fragrance: A zesty and energizing burst of crushed ripe fruit, plays off sweet blood orange juice against bitter orange peel and sensual notes of geranium.

{3} Free Your Mane // Sulfate Free Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner: "I'm sorry, I can't make it, gotta wash my hair." you will totally use this line after trying this shampoo & conditioner. it gently cleanses hair and scalp while natural oils rebuild your hair's delicate moisture balance. With a blend of Baobab Oil, Argan Oil, Pomegranate seed oil and sweet almond oil, it will truly Free Your Mane.

{4} Mai Couture // FULL SIZE Social Gloss: Treat our lips with luxury you simply can't live without. Not only will this gloss fill in unwanted lines and restore moisture, but it will create full kissable lips. your lips will be healthy and plump. This formula will create a sumptuous and luminous sheen. The secret: a complex mix of plant extracts naturally enhances lip volume effortlessly without the allergen. your lips will be the life of the party.

You know, I'm not 100% satisfied with this month's haul... Hopefully this doesn't keep up, or I might just have to switch to Topbox...

In related / unrelated news, I found out last week that I had won the MizSpa Estee Lauder draw over at GuiltLust... and my prize came today...

I can't wait to try it all out!
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