What I learned at Alt, yo.

1| At Alt I learned that I need to find my voice/tell my story. Now, I think I am alright at conveying my sass and sarcasm in writing for the most part. And you are patient enough to read it anyways :). But I think I need to maybe talk (or type) a bit more about real life and not so good things and imperfect things. What do you think?

2| At Alt I learned I need to create a brand. I am working on this folks. A cohesive site redesign, lots of teal and glitter, maybe a shop and some videos. Lots of branding stuff going on in my head.

3| At Alt I learned I need to be different from everyone else. The good news is...I am already unique. No one has my same story or face of fingerprint or thoughts. So this needs to somehow magically translate to le blog.

4| At Alt I learned I need to get to know my readers more and more. And I am very excited about this one because, you guys, I adore you. Seriously every person that clicks on my blog I consider a friend! So leave comments so I can get to know you more!

5| At Alt I learned content is king. Content is the single most important thing a blogger does.

6| At Alt I learned I may want to start a party planning company...any thoughts!?

And now it's time for (drum-roll please!) an extensive list of photo booth shots at Alt!

In photos: Anna...Whitney...Tiffany....Stacy...Audrey

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Alt Summit business card mania!

Going to Alt Summit was kind of like showing up at your dream birthday party with all your best friends that you have never really met before. I kind of felt like I was online dating (kind of blog stalking) about 50 women prior to Alt, and then when I met them in person and exchanged cards, our relationships were solidified.
And you guys...
the cards were amazing! Nearly as amazing as the people passing them out!
In fact, if it weren't for the people at Alt, the cards would have to be my favorite part. Period.
Here are just a few of my favorites...I would have taken pictures of every single card, but Nugget woke up from a nap and started eating the cards.

And I'm 'bouts to do some serious name dropping of some* of the coolest people I met:
I greatly enjoyed my conversations with Nikki
The Girls With Glasses can seriously throw a party. I danced. A. Lot.
Erin with Design for Mankind bought my DIY necklace off my neck (and I just about fainted with pride and star-strucken-ness)
Jeran was my go-to gal. So glad I met her in person!
Oh...and did I mention I met Emily Henderson. Like the Emily. And Orlando Soria. Like the Orlando.
PJ was darling!
My favorite speakers were Karen from Chookooloonks and Jasmine Star from Jasmine Star Photography...they were both brilliant and their sites are worth a good look!
Tan of Squirrelly Minds was just as nice in person as she is on twitter!
I met the Editor in Chief of BlogHer (WHAT!?!) and I am buying her book about divorce...she was one of my favorite people to talk to about life.
I met some of Martha's people (Martha Stewart...she owns this small crafting company...have you heard of her ;) )...Darcy, who is the ultimate party designer...and Justine, the social media guru of all that is Martha!
Miss Renaissance and I spoke the same business card language.
Super soon I will be creating my life list on Go Mighty...They were one of my favorite sponsors at Alt
Erin from Art Social and I came early to the Hello Social to help out Melissa and Lexy. It was really fun getting to know all three ladies!
Stacy has my dream job!
Life coach Tiffany was as kind in person as she is on her blog!
Anna from And Then We Saved and I kind of had to do every photo booth together.
the Sugar Plum Sisters were both fabulous...and they let me change in their room so I love them forever.
Sarah hearts was very loveable!
And Whitney was so stinking darling my heart could burst.

*let's be honest...everyone at Alt is pretty damn cool

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My Alt Summit Business Cards

What a fabulous weekend Alt was! I learned practical and profound truths. I met fantastic and inspirational people. I handed out my glittery business card and...people liked them! Which has me oodling with pride! So I must share!

The two most significant lessons I learned at Alt were to 1} be true to myself and 2} I really really really miss Liam when I don't see him all day.
More on Alt to come!

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Mine: Favorites

Yesterday I posted your top post choices...and now you must indulge me...it's my turn...thanks for your patience ;)

1| Sir Liam Nugget is 6 months...Can you even believe it!?





















2| Chalk this one up as a win!















3| WitchFest Pre-Party





















4| My fall mantel + garland DIY















5| mommy lunch, it's a doozy















6| merry mantel

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Yours: Favorites

This here blog has been in the works for one year...can you believe it!?! I feel like it has grown so much! (and so have I)... But I also feel like I have so many ideas and so much more I would love to accomplish. 2013...bring it!
And I'm starting this year with a bang at Alt Summit blog conference (I'm not sure if you noticed, but I have mentioned Alt about a thousand times in the last couple weeks).
So sadly I may be MIA a bit this week, but I will come back next week loaded with inspiration (I bet you are already anticipating it ;) ).
And now I will awkwardly transition to a stroll down memory lane (of the last year)...Here are your favorite posts (some surprising to me [I thought no one cared about my messy house woes] and some not so much [I knew "Breast Friends" was a hit from the moment I typed "breast"]).

Your Top Choices:

1| Men in Skirts with a Twist

2| paper haunted village DIY

3| Breast Friends

 

4| it's the final countdown (do do do doooo...)

5| Welcome Fall

6| Liam's Birth Story (secretly my favorite post)

7| my house is a mess

Honorable Mentions: 

it's coming!...
Liam's Nursery
brown paper packages tied up with string...
fall love and reflections
on a rainy day

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Pinhole Press desk calendar

Because I am such a thoughtful/awesome/practical wife, I went with a desk calendar as one of Clint's Christmas gifts. It's from Pinhole Press, which is a company I am quite fond of. I love the quality of the paper and the simplicity of the design. And I love that each month Clint has a new little family picture the gaze upon while he works on important stuff!

Please do remember to have a wonderful weekend!

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Pink Pom Earings

It is a well-know truth that Valentine's month would not be complete without the perfect loveable accessories. This earring DIY is loveable, hug-able, and pink (a deathly trifecta). Plus it's easy-peasy for beginning crafters who just want to add a bit of poof to their Valentine's plans!

You will need: 

1| dab hot glue on the flat round surface of the earring face

 2| stick pom on hot glue and hold for a 10 seconds

3| enjoy the heck out of those pom earrings!

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