Staying Cool at the Mom 2.0 Conference With Dove

This post was sponsored by Dove. 

Looking out over the Pacific Ocean from the Dove suite. (Insert heart-eyes emoji here.)

A few of my must-haves for the conference: sunglasses, business cards, my ID, and the skin-softening Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant.

It was freezing when I took this photo...!

Sigh.

If you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat, you know that last week, I was out in Laguna Beach, California, for the Mom 2.0 Summit. (It's a conference for mommy bloggers--although anyone at the conference will tell you that they hate that term!)  

This year, Dove asked me to try out their Advanced Care Anti-Perspirant while I was there. And since this was my second year attending Mom 2.0, I knew that if there was ever a good opportunity to put a deodorant to the test, this was it. The conference is three jam-packed days of running around, networking, and talking, talking, talking in the California sun. There's also a ton of nerves, because blog conferences are basically a neverending parade of walking into situations where you don't know anyone and having to just suck it up and introduce yourself.

So, yeah--having a good deodorant was pretty much a non-negotiable.

And the conference was awesome! I met lots of people, learned a ton, and spent way too much time staring out over the Pacific Ocean and wondering why I don't live in California. The only sort-of bummer was the weather, which was kind of cool (but still gloriously sunny!) during the day and positively frigid at night. 

And yes, the antiperspirant did its job--beautifully. So here's what I loved about it: First, it smells good! Not fake or overly perfume-y (I hate that--why do some brands think we want to smell like potpourri?), but just clean and fresh and subtle and nice. (There are actually 15 different scents, but my favorites were Soothing Chamomile and Original Clean). 

Second, it leaves your skin noticeably softer. (That's thanks to the brand's NutriumMoisture technology--same stuff that's in their body washes!) I know, it sounds sort of odd to say that your armpits feel smoother (I'd certainly never really given that area's softness much thought), but the difference was obvious almost immediately. 

All that said, smooth skin and pretty fragrances aren't worth a whole lot if your deodorant just doesn't work, am I right? Luckily for me (and for anyone who sat next to me during the conference...!), this one does. Big time. It's designed to provide 48 hours of odor and wetness protection, but all I know is: I was running around (literally!) from early in the morning until late at night--and did it all feeling totally dry...and not offending anyone!

Also appreciated: I had at least two outfit changes each day between the business-y meeting/presentation stuff during the day and the dinners/fancier events in the evenings, and I'm happy to say there were zero white marks left behind on any of my outfits.

Dove's calls their Advanced Care Antiperspirant an "essential upgrade to your daily beauty routine," and it definitely was for me at Mom 2.0. 

So, who out there is a fan of Dove deodorant? I asked this Q on my Facebook page last week and was blown away by the responses, so I'd love to hear some here, too. Talk to me, below! 

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Dove, but all opinions are my own. I am asked to partner with beauty companies virtually every day, but I only choose to align myself with the brands--and products--that I truly love and believe in.

14 Cool Things You Need to Click On Today

Downtime between Mom 2.0 sessions. (That's my friend--and roommate!--Michelle of Homemade Mimi in the background.)

Hello from Scottsdale, Arizona! If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I'm out here for Mom 2.0, a blogging conference. I'm having a great time: learning a ton (yay!), eating a ton (eek), and meeting lots of cool, inspiring people.

I miss the fam though! I finally just talked to my kids for the first time since I arrived a day and a half ago. (I got confused about the time difference twice and missed them in my first two attempts--d'oh!)

Speaking of that time change, I've also been waking up at 4 a.m. here, which means I've had a good amount of time to waste on the internet. So here's a few fun links. Enjoy!

• I wore this Ace + Jig dress yesterday (that's it above!) and got so many compliments. It's cute and kind of different, but also super comfy, and roomy enough that you can have a huge lunch and no one will be the wiser. Note: I recommend ordering one size down. I got a small (and I'm always, always a medium) so that it's not crazy baggy.

• I'm in the middle of reading Big Little Lies right now (it's fun and easy), but I'm super excited about what's next on my list: Last night, I met author Jillian Lauren, who was so cool! I have been meaning to read her book Some Girls forever (it's the true story about her life as a member of a the Prince of Brunei's harem--yep, really), so I just downloaded it. I also preordered her new memoir, which comes out in a few days and also looks fabulous.

• Here at the conference, I'm rooming with my friend Michelle (that's her in the background above), who I actually met at BlogHer last year. She is a DIY and parenting blogger at Homemade Mimi, BUT she also (drumroll)...has a TV show premiering on TLC May 10th! I can't wait to see it. Please watch!

• So many parenting gems from Louis C.K. here. I especially loved this one: "The greatest thing about having a child is putting yourself second in your own life. It's a massive gift to be able to say you're not the most important person to yourself."

• 25 people every New Yorker knows--and hates--on the subway.

• How one person found his dream life by working remotely. (h/t Felicia)

• DryBar is one of my favorite places (duh), but it's also one of my favorite success stories. Loved reading this piece about the business side of it.

• When watching Orphan Black, I am consistently blown away by how you completely forget that there is only one actress playing almost every. single. character. This insight into the role hair and makeup plays in differentiating the characters is so interesting.

• Do you love telling people what to read? Then maybe you should own a bookstore.

• Nicki Minaj played a bar mitzvah recently--and this guy spent way too much time dissecting one of the photos from the event. (And it's kind of amazing.)

• The latest thing in Asia? Dogs with their fur cut into (crazy) geometric shapes.

• Did you guys get anything from the Lily Pulitzer for Target collection? I got a few dresses for my daughter (and was actually pretty impressed with the quality--they're also so cute on her). This roundup of girls mad about the collaboration cracked me up.

And in case you missed it, this week I...

• Talked about the differences between "Fun Parents" and "Not-Fun Parents." (Which one are you?)

• Shared the beauty tricks, tips, and favorite products from one of the biggest beauty editors in the business.

Have a great weekend!

45 Great New Blogs to Check Out {a.k.a. My Alt Summit Recap}

Just a few of the business cards at Alt. (Ten points if you can spot mine in this photo!)

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that earlier this month, I attended Alt Summit for the first time. If you don't know what that is, it's a blog/digital/creative conference held in Salt Lake City twice each year. The trip was very last minute (I actually won a ticket via an Instagram contest!), but I'm so glad I went. 

I learned so much, attended some amazing seminars, and best of all, met a lot of really cool people. Since Alt is attended primarily by creatives, it's become famous for its inventive business cards. People really bring their A-game when designing these things and there are so many cool ones! 

Since I've been home, I've been pouring through my card collection, checking out everyone's site. There are so many great ones, so I thought it would be fun to share them with you. So here we go: Here's 45 of the people I met at Alt and their amazing online worlds.

A Bubbly Life: Laurel's crafting blog is really cool! She has fun, very different DIYs like this how-to for making GLITTER PILLS. I do not need a glitter pill in my life, but now I so want a glitter pill in my life.

A Girl Named PJ: PJ is actually a real-life friend of mine who I knew before the conference. (We met through blogging, though!) She runs a great lifestyle blog that is a daily read for me. PJ is a bit of an Alt veteran, so she knew lots of people there and was great about introducing me. Thanks for letting me tag along, PJ!

Alexis June Weddings: Brandi is a talented NYC-based wedding photographer and one cool chick. We had never met before Alt, but she drove me to the (gorgeous!) mall the first day so that I could buy some hair spray, so for that I will be forever grateful. We also had an awesome chat over lattes that afternoon, and I can't wait to hang out (and hopefully collaborate!) with her now that we're back in NYC.

A Ruffed Life: Alix is a talented crafting/party blogger who taught a great, helpful roundtable on working with brands.

Barefoot Contessa Boutique: I sat by Eva in one of the breakout sessions. She runs a string of clothing boutiques in Canada, and also has a blog.

Bree Johnson: Bree and I actually never met! You see, the last night, there was a series of bulletin boards where you could leave some of your business cards and take some others. Bree's card stood out to me because of the cool gold-foil printing and the fact the she referred to herself as a "Glitter Lover." Her blog has DIY, her own (wonderful!) photography, and more.

Cyndie Spiegel: Cyndie is a NY-based creative consultant and business coach who is very cool. We met in the bathroom! (This is what happens at blog conferences, people.)

Caitlin Wilson Design: Caitlin introduced herself to me at dinner the first night and I've been drooling over her textiles and interior design work ever since. (Seriously. Check it out. It's unreal!)

Confetti Sunshine: Sara is an SLC local who very sweetly gave me a ride to an off-site dinner the first night. Her blog is a great collection of DIYs and crafts, not to mention the most beautifully bright, airy photos. 

Design For Mankind: I met Erin the first night and didn't realize at first that she was who she was. (She's a big, super successful blogger, BTW!) After bonding over beauty products and babies over dinner, we shared an Uber back to the hotel. I'm not usually one to say that someone has "great energy," but well, Erin has great energy! So nice, so genuine.

Fabric Paper Glue: If you love DIY and crafting, you'll love this! Mandy also offers craft parties in Nashville, which look so fun and make me wish I lived in Nashville.

Forever Heyday: Amanda has her own design and letterpress studio and her work is beautiful. Be sure to check out her Etsy shop where she sells cards and other designs like this cool alternative to a guest book.

From Rain To Shine: Jess is an L.A.-based graphic designer who also has a cool lifestyle blog. I really like her weekly link roundups.

Good Dogs & Co.: I met Lucy the last night at a party. She runs a blog with tips, reviews, gear, and more--all revolving around canines. I need to start following it because my dog is batshit crazy.

I Heart Cleveland: Charity and I met while taking headshots! (More on that below...) Her lifestyle blog covers design, style, food, and more in Cleveland and beyond.

I Heart Naptime: Oh yeah? Well, I heart your blog name. I sat next to Jamielyn in an (amazing) Pinterest Analytics roundtable and I'm so glad I did. Her site is full of lots of fun recipes, crafts, DIY, and more.

Instantly Framed: I met the ladies of this new company at a roundtable on working with brands. I'm excited to try out their iPhone app, which allows you to quickly and easily frame your photos.

Izzy Hudgins and French Knot Studios: Izzy is a Savannah-based photographer who partnered with stylist Audrey to take headshots of attendees at the conference. I haven't gotten my photos back yet but the ones I peeked at on Izzy's camera are amazing. Oh and both of them are super sweet.

Jess Lively: I was SO excited when I found out Jess was going to be at Alt, because I am a huge fan of her podcast, The Lively Show. So I was having a huge fangirl moment sitting there in her (awesome, super inspiring) roundtable on podcasting. I also had a chance to spend some time chatting with her one-on-one at a party that night and she is so sweet. 

Jessie Black: Jessie is an Australian who I had such a nice time talking to at the Downton Abbey-themed party the second night of the conference. Mugs Buckley of Chairish (who is amazing and is one of my favorite people I met the entire time, BTW) was part of the convo, too, and revealed that Jessie has the most amazing lifestyle store in San Fran selling to-die-for cashmere. I can't wait to get to the Bay Area so that I can check it out!

Legal Miss Sunshine: I picked up Andrea's card at the creative and awesome cactus-themed party she threw the last night. Her beautiful lifestyle blog covers recipes, parties, travel, and more. 

Megan Tsang Studio: Megan is a supernice wedding photographer who I sat with at lunch one day. Love her work!

Modern Patina: I sat next to Sarah one day at lunch, and learned that she is just starting a blog, so she is just getting started in this journey. Best of luck, Sarah! Can't wait to see what you come up with.

Sarah Hearts: Sarah was so lovely and sweet! And her brilliant DIY blog is just as cool as she is. 

Style & Pepper: Okay, I knew Jessie (a.k.a. style blogger extraordinaire) beforehand (Hoboken, represent!), but it was great seeing her at Alt and sitting in on the awesome class she taught with Hilary Rushford about monetization. 

Oleander + Palm: Recipes, DIY, home decor--Jeran's blog embraces breezy, California-living at its finest.

Our Style Stories: Hilary co-taught that amazing podcast session, and I've been listening to her great show ever since. She interviews tastemakers and stylish people about their lives and it's very cool.

Pars Caeli: I met MJ the first night and I ran into her smiling, friendly self many times throughout the conference. Her great-looking blog is packed with crafts, recipes, blogging tips, and more. 

Petit Elefant: Allison runs this online parenting magazine, which covers style, travel, beauty, family, etc. 

Pretty Prudent Home: This talented duo threw an awesome party the last night, and I picked up their card there. Their site encompasses DIY, home, parties, recipes, travel, and more. Plus they have a book coming out in March! #impressed 

Rachel Swartley: Rachel's lifestyle blog focuses on crafting, family, food, and more. She's also a mom of three (I bow down to her) and had super cute, hexagon-shaped business cards.

Rad Mom Cool Kid: Here's another one that I plucked from the leave one/take one bulletin board. The blog's name caught my eye, and now I'm loving checking out all the posts on family, style, travel, and more.

Riana Nelson: I met Riana at the Downton Abbey party, but did not realize just how accomplished she is until I checked out her site. She's a graphic designer, a recording artist, a singing teacher, a composer, and more. She's also really pretty. And really nice. Ugh. (KIDDING!!) 

Taylor Takes A Taste: One of the ONLY guys at Alt (seriously, there were maybe, like, three of them), we sat next to each other at the podcast roundtable. Taylor has a food blog with his mom, teaches food photography courses, runs his own business-related podcast and blog, and generally just made me feel like I was accomplishing nothing in this world. (Just joking--he's also really nice!)

Trisha Zemp: Trisha is a talented Utah-based photographer, who shoots for many huge blogs such as The House That Lars Built and Oh Happy Day. She won for my #1 favorite business card of the event, too: It's a thick, beautiful, stop-motion animation flip book! She is currently mulling over coming to NYC for the summer for an internship and I spent a lot of time trying to convince her. Because I thought it was a good, smart move, for sure. But also because I desperately want her to shoot for this blog! 

The Bannerie: How cool are Gilit's glitter banners? Love! I so want a custom one that says "The Sparkly Life" and I also officially need one for every single one of my daughter's parties going forward!

The Crafted Life: Rachel is so nice! We bonded over the fact that we both have "The...Life" blogs. Hers is crafting focused though (obvs) and has lots of great DIYs and beautiful photos.

The Creativity Exchange: I sat behind Cyndy at the Pinterest roundtable and she graciously let me take a photo of her handout since they had run out. If you love DIYs, designs, and food, her blog is a great resource--there's tons of stuff!

The Road to The Good Life: Eden does social media for Alt (and also has her own lifestyle blog), so we've been connecting online for months now. It was so great to finally meet her in person and to get a chance to chat when we sat next to each other at lunch the last day.

The Roc Shop: I picked this card up at a party, so we never actually met, but I'm so glad I did. Her party supplies (cake toppers, swizzle sticks, etc) are really cool, and I totally need some of her stuff for my daughter's upcoming party which I am in mad planning mode for right now.

Velojoy: Susi's site is specifically about cycling in NYC. It's a great resource and I love how specific her niche is!

Wit Wisdom & Food: Anne and I were in the podcast roundtable together, too. She runs a recipe, decorating, and DIY blog with lots of great stuff. And her blog name is kind of amazing, no?

Are you fans of any of these blogs already? Do tell!

Note: If we met and you're not on this list, it means I lost your card somehow! So please comment below or email me, and I'll add you to the list!
  

What Really Happens at a Blog Conference: My BlogHer '14 Recap

At the closing-night party with my two new friends: Lindsay and Michelle. (They are launching this site...check it out!) 

From top left: Guy Kawasaki interviewing Arianna Huffington was a highlight. She's so awesome; the Kerry Washington interview was also great--and her braided updo was SO cute. (Kerry W photo by Liz Pyo); another highlight: my SMO session with Peg Fitzpatrick and Maribel Lara. Learned so much!; Khloe Kardashian made an appearance at the Hairfinity booth--and my buddy Jen Atkin was there doing her hair!

The theme of this BlogHer was "Selfiebration," and I clearly celebrated that sentiment. From top left: Me at the Yoplait yogurt booth after doing a blind test between Yoplait's Greek yogurt and Chobani. I chose Chobani! In front of all of the Yoplait marketing people! #yikes; one of many elevator selfies; at the Bona booth (a.k.a. probably the only time you'll see a pic of me cleaning); obligatory bathroom selfie

front and center in the SMO breakout session (photo courtesy of Peg Fitzpatrick)

The BlogHer closing party was so much fun! They had a McDonalds food truck serving Happy Meals, fries, and (haha) salads, which was kind of amazing. And Rev Run DJ'd! The music was SO good--he played literally every single fun party song that you love and can't help but sing out loud to. I seriously can't remember the last time I danced so much. Oh-and I tucked a cheeseburger in my purse before we left. I wish I could say that I didn't eat it alone in my hotel room when I got back there at 1am. But, well, I wouldn't want to lie to you. #nomnom

Me and my peeps!

I'm back from BlogHer '14 (my first blog conference!). And despite a few initial nerves, I had a great time! For those who don't know, BlogHer is a gigantic annual conference where bloggers (mostly female, often "mommy bloggers"--though not always) from across the country (or, really, around the world) convene to connect and learn. 

I attended this year in San Jose, CA, because I was curious, because I wanted to learn ways to improve and grow my blog, and I wanted to network with brands. I accomplished all of these goals, but I also accomplished one that I hadn't even set out to do: I made friends! Weirdly, it hadn't even occurred to me that I might meet cool people that I would end up hanging out with for more than a few minutes, but I totally did. During the first 30 seconds of the conference, when I walked into my first event, two girls came up and introduced themselves to me and we hit it off right away. Michelle, Lindsay, and I ended up spending almost the entire conference together. They're awesome and we're already talking about attending a conference together next year. (I also met a great girl who lives literally three blocks away from me. We're planning a playdate!)

So, besides the new friends, a few other highlights of the conference for me were...

The classes: This was the number one reason I attended BlogHer. I really want this space to be the best it can be, so I was excited to learn about new ways to expand it. And I LOVED the classes! I took one on adding video to your site, one on social media optimization, and one on blogging fundamentals (legal/tax stuff). The only problem? They were too short! I was scribbling like crazy the entire time because there was so much good info. I wish each session had been longer (maybe three hours?). There was amazing information, but the classes felt super rushed.

The speakers: There were lots of amazing people speaking--Kerry Washington, Arianna Huffington, Kara Swisher, plus top bloggers and executives in the digital field. The speeches ranged from inspiring to funny to moving, and I learned a ton. Arianna Huffington was particularly great. I'm going to do more on that talk in a separate post because there was so much good stuff in it.

The brands: This was fun. There was a big expo area filled with companies ranging from Angel Soft (yep, the toilet paper people) to Skype. You'd go around, meet them, chat about their news, and often sample some of their products. (Let's not discuss how many Sonic cherry slushies or Baskin Robbins mini ice cream cones I consumed, 'k?) A lot of the brands were geared towards industries I don't really cover here, but it was still interesting, and nice to make the connections. I did learn about some really cool new products, companies, services, and apps though, and I will definitely be sharing a few of them here. Stay tuned.  

There were so many other great moments--too many to include here. (I even got to try out for a new TV show! More on that tomorrow...) All in all, it was well worth it for me. I had a great time and learned a ton. What more can you ask for? I'm already dying to go to my next conference.

Have you ever been to BlogHer? Or to a different digital conference? Tell me all about it below, please! I need to plot my next adventure. :)

p.s.: And everyone loved these business cards!