My thoughts about BlogHer13

I know BlogHer13 has been over for weeks, but I was very busy visiting family and friends in Chicago and now that I'm in Vancouver I can formulate my thoughts about the conference.

When I got off the bus in front of McCormick Place I thought I would see a big banner welcoming us to the conference.  Or at least someone out front telling us where to go.  There wasn't any of that.  I followed some arrows and ended up interrupting a commercial shoot. Embarrassed I finally found my way.

I was intimidated because this was my first blogging conference.  Immediately I realized that going to BlogHer by yourself is a bore.  I saw a lot of people meeting and greeting.  I knew no one! I had to force myself to make small talk which did bring me out of my comfort zone.  Met some very interesting people,  The sessions were good, but I noticed that more often than not there would always be two sessions that I wanted to attend happening at the same time,

I liked a lot of the brands.  Although I was hoping to see more beauty and health brands.  There was a ton of food and after sampling for a couple of hours I had no room for lunch.  The first day lunch was awesome.  I believe it was Greek food.

When I handed someone my card I wonder did they take me seriously or just took the card because I offered it? Did they sense that I really didn't know what I was doing or notice that I wasn't as forceful as some of the other bloggers?  I was glad I brought extra bags with me because it was true about the amount of swag.  I was happy I had three weeks in Chicago to either use it up myself or give it out to family and friends. 

My favorite bag of swag from CVS

BlogHer was great and I would go again especially if it was in Chicago or NYC. I have realized in the past few weeks what I want to do with my life.  I want to do social media marketing.  I really enjoy developing a strategy of how to inform others about a brand and introducing brands to other brands via social media.  Hoping to make that dream a reality within the next year!

Crochet Cowl / Headband 2-in-1

Crochet Cowl/Headband

Yes, it's a cowl and headband in one item!  Ashley the owner of Handmade aj sent me the item for review.  I'm looking forward to wearing it when the weather gets colder.  Very nice as a cowl and can be used as a neck warmer.  To me it seems a bit large for my head to be a headband.  I could see wearing it over the ears in the winter to keep your ears warm.

Mason Jar Koozie Cozy

Ashley has many handmade items in her Etsy shop including mason jar sets, headbands, hats and cute items for babies.  Please check out her Etsy shop Handmade aj to see more of her items.  You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook!  And check out her blog!  She's having a back to school sale!


Disclaimer:  Handmade aj sent me a item to try and review.  I am no obligation to provide a positive review.  The opinions are my own and results may vary. 

The Fixx/Wang Chung Concert at Hard Rock Cafe Four Winds

My friend and I took a trip to the beautiful Four Winds Casino Resort.  We went to see The Fixx and Wang Chung in concert there at the Hard Rock Cafe.  The Four Winds is a beautiful casino.  My favorite part was driving up this long and winding road to get to the casino.  It's so lovely at night because there are lanterns all along the road lighting the way.

The concert doors opened at 7:00 PM. We got there at 6:00 PM. We were told by a casino worker that we would be able to eat while watching the concert.  Only to be told when we got in line that no food was allowed.  That sushi I ate at 2:30 PM would have to last me until at least 11:00 PM.




The concert started at 8:00 PM.  By then I was pretty tired of smelling the cigarette smoke and was nervous for my poor lungs.  Wang Chung was up 1st.  I remember back in the 80s not being a big fan, but liking 'To Live and Die in LA' and 'Everybody Have Fun Tonight.'  Their set was a good mix of the new and the old.  I even liked some of the newer stuff.  The most memorable was a song called 'Rent Free'. I also liked the song from 'The Walking Dead' soundtrack called 'Space Junk.'






The Fixx were next.  Their set had a lot more of the new songs.  They played at least six newer songs before getting to the hits.  Their set wasn't as enjoyable as Wang Chung because I have to admit I was there for the hits.  Including my favorite The Fixx song 'Our We Ourselves.'  They didn't play that song, but  played all the other hits. As with Wang Chung the musicians were excellent and even though Cy had a frog in his throat I though his voice was strong.

Both singers were very engaging with the audience and the venue had great sound. We ended up standing the entire evening for this general admission show because we weren't able to get any of the booths, but we had a great time dancing.  Even though I didn't know a lot of the songs by both groups, it was very refreshing to see real musicians play and sing. Thanks to Natalie for inviting me to go!

You can still catch Wang Chung on tour including a show at Mandalay Bay Beach with Flock of Seagulls, Bow Wow Wow and Animotion!  I would love to go to that one!  Wang Chung Tour Dates
The Fixx are still on tour too.  They have some great dates coming up including a show with the Psychedelic Furs and another with my all-time favorite male singer Rick Springfield! The Fixx Tour Dates

Dog Days of Summer Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

 

Dog Days of Summer

$200 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

7/29 - 8/19

Hosted by: One Punky Mama

Co-Hosted by: Java John Z's

One lucky winner will win (1) $200 Amazon Gift Code

Details:

- US Only

- Ages 18+

- Date July 29 12:01am to August 19 11:59pm

- All entries are optional

 

 

 

Disclosure: The Elements of Review is not responsible for prize. If you have any question please send an email to nicole@onepunkymama.com.  All entries are optional, if you do any of the tasks you can collect the entries, but if the winner task is a task you did not complete, a second winner will be chosen. Good luck!

 

Julep Maven Subscription Box Review

I subscribe with Julep to receive their Monthly Maven Box.  For the month of June I received a box that contained  their Elixir Moroccan Argan Oil and Rock Star Hand Creme along with some delicious taffy;-)

I love the products!  The oil can be used on the skin, hair and cuticles. I've been using the oil for the past few weeks.  It makes my hair very soft.  I enjoy massaging it into my scalp.  On my skin it blends in quickly,  It's not sticky, doesn't leave any residue, hydrates my skin and gives me a glow.  It's organic and doesn't have any scent to it. The Elixir Moroccan Argan Oil contains Vitamin E, antioxidants and essential fatty acids.  It's non-irritating and non-allergenic.

The Rock Star Hand Creme is wonderful.  It absorbs quickly into the skin and it has a light floral scent that's heavenly. My hands are still hydrated after I wash them.  The Rock Star Hand Creme has no parabens and is sulfate-free.  It has shea butter, glycerin, coconut oil and Vitamin E.

You can sign up for your own Monthly Maven Box at Julep.com!  You can also find out more about Julep on Facebook and Twitter.

Well Wisdom Vital Whey Protein Powder Review

I use protein powder almost every day.  I like to put it in my post workout smoothies.  The great people at Well Wisdom sent me a free jar of their Vital Whey Protein in Vanilla.  They also sent me packets of the Cocoa and the Natural.  I really liked the taste. The vanilla is my favorite.  It has a creamy texture to it. It mixes well, easy to digest and had no unpleasant aftertaste.  I have had no side effects with this product.

Protein Frosty

Vital Whey contains Proserum a native whey protein concentrate.  It provides all of the essential amino acids and improves muscles strength.  It is GMO-free, hormone-free and is derived from cows that graze year-round on pesticide-free, chemical-free natural grass pastures.  Vital Whey has 15 grams of protein and only 80 calories per serving.  I feel really good using this product.  I know I'm not putting a bunch of chemicals in my body,


 

Not only did I use this in my post workout smoothies, but I made a  protein frosty with it.  I used it in my oatmeal. It's very versatile. Find out more about Well Wisdom products at
WellWisdom.com
Facebook
Twitter 

  

Disclaimer: Well Wisdom provided me with free samples of Vital Whey Protein Powder. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Results may vary. The opinions are my own.

Fresh Produce Sportswear

Standing Ovation Cardigan in Black

Summer is finally here!  If you're like me you are looking in your closet and feeling kind of blah.  Now is the time to freshen up your wardrobe with some Fresh Produce!  Fresh Produce Sportswear has everything you will need to liven up your wardrobe and accessories.  The lovely people at Fresh Produce were kind enough to send me an item from their collection to try on and review.

Standing Ovation Cardigan in Tropical Punch

I received the Standing Ovation Cardigan in black.  It's gorgeous!  I love the way the material feels against my skin.  It's made from viscose a type of rayon and linen.  No dry cleaning required.  It's machine washable and tumble dry low.  It kept me comfortable in a cool restaurant while out to dinner with my husband.  And the best thing yet, it's made in the USA!

This cardigan is very versatile.  You can wear it to work, when you go out for the evening or even to the beach.  I like wearing it over a top and slacks.  I think wearing it over a maxi-dress would look cute also.  I'm so happy to have this item of clothing in my wardrobe.  It's flattering for all shapes and sizes.

Check out Fresh Produce Sportwear on at freshproduceclothes.com for their weekly sales and on  Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and their blog. 




Disclaimer: Fresh Produce Sportswear  provided me with a free item of clothing to review.  I am under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.