Blogher 2013 Tips on Cameras Smartphones Tablets Laptops & Other Devices to Bring

BlogHer
2nd in a multi post series

Having attended San Diego 2011 and New York 2012, this is my third BlogHer. So wanted to share some wisdom and tips I've learned by experience. The goal of this post series is simply to maximize everyone's chance of a positive experience at #BlogHer13 -- whether you're a newbie or seasoned pro like me -- who will be descending upon Chicago for the mother of all women's blogging conferences one week from now.

I just love this picture of the giant soap sculpture that was created for BlogHer in San Diego several years ago...

Be amazed as brands pull out all the stops again at BlogHer this year!

6 Essential Things to Know About
Cameras, Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops & Handbags

• So as not to weight yourself down, again try to get by with the minimum amount of equipment, depending on your work style and what you want to accomplish
• Don't forget to bring all your chargers and a charging dock as you will likely need to renergize multiple devices each night and so will all your roommates
• Bring a high power mobile charger like the Mophie that has enough juice to charge an iPhone and iPad on a single charge, with power to spare
• Don't have Internet access except through your phone/tablet? Consider bringing a mi-fi device like NetZero so you have wi-fi on the run and won't have to pay the hotel for it
• Clearly label all your devices so someone else doesn't grab it by accident and make it easy to be returned to you if found by a Good Samaritan. You will no doubt see lots of women with the exact same camera -- like the ultra popular white Samsung Smart Camera -- and chances are, unless you have a custom one, others with the identical phone and case as yours, too. A great way to do this is to put a conspicuous sticker on the device or tie a ribbon to the strap. 
• Be careful not to leave your handbag or other valuables unattended, even for a second. I don't mean to scare you, but there were pick-pocket incidents in both San Diego and New York in the expo hall

Also see BlogHer How to Pack and What to Bring to the Conference in Your Suitcase

FTC Disclosure: I've attended multiple BlogHer conferences and have also been a speaker at this event. I have paid for my own 2013 full conference ticket and did not receive any compensation for this post. Thoughts here are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one. 

Blogher 2013 Chicago Packing Tips & Advice From a Conference Veteran

BlogHer
1st in a multi post series

Having attended San Diego 2011 and New York 2012, this is my third BlogHer. So wanted to share some wisdom and tips I've learned by experience. The goal of this post series is simply to maximize everyone's chance of a positive experience at #BlogHer13 -- whether you're a newbie or seasoned pro like me -- who will be descending upon Chicago for the mother of all women's blogging conferences one week from now.

Here's a scene from last summer's BlogHer with New York City as the backdrop...

Me (left) w/ Friends WellConnectedMom & QuirkyFusion, MommyBlogExpert.com

8 Must-Know Packing Pointers

• The time to start packing is NOW so you will slowly add everything you need rather than throwing things haphazardly into your bags the night before you leave -- Yes, I've been there and done that in case you're wondering!
• If you don't have business cards go out and get some printed right away -- I'd suggest ordering 250-500 cards, depending on how aggressively you'll be handing them out when networking and entering contests in the expo hall
• The weather in Chicago is HOT and humid outside but you'll also be in air conditioning so be sure to keep that in mind as you assemble your wardrobe for this event and plan to dress in layers so you'll be comfortable day or nite
• Don't bring more clothes, shoes and accessories than you will have time to change into during the crazy busy days/nights of the conference
• Speaking of shoes, be sure to at least bring one comfortable pair as many of you will be walking a lot more than you are accustomed to -- Believe me, everyone else will be running around too, so likely they won't be checking out your footwear at least during daytime
• Bring one large, lightly-packed suitcase with another suitcase inside so that on the return trip you'll have enough space for all the SWAG (stuff we all get) - If this is your first conference you are going to be shocked how fast your suitcases fill up with all the goodies before the return home
• Alternately you might use the FedEx Shipping Center within the Sheraton Chicago where you can box up and ship home whatever you collect during the conference that doesn't fit in your suitcases and carryons, but beware this option can cost a fortune
• Make sure ALL your luggage and carry-ons are labeled with tags with your contact info in case they get lost enroute or as you arrive at the hotel with many others

Also see BlogHer Advice on Cameras, Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops & Handbags

FTC Disclosure: I've attended multiple BlogHer conferences and have also been a speaker at this event. I have paid for my own 2013 full conference ticket and did not receive any compensation for this post. Thoughts here are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one. 

Turn Shopping Into Summer Trip Gas Savings

Frugal Living

Ralphs Fuel Points Promotion Extended through 9/1/13

I rarely shop anywhere but my neighborhood Ralphs when it comes to buying groceries. Ironically, though I've shopped at this supermarket for over a decade and I'm a long-time Ralphs Club Card holder, I never really understood how the Ralphs Fuel Points program works. So, I learned all about it and I'm going to explain it to you -- so we can both take advantage of another great way to stretch our family budgets.

Colorado Roadtrip Vintage Gas Pumps, License Plates

My kids at a Ventura County Fair

MBE partnered with Ralphs for this post

Summer really is the perfect time to take note of this on-going program, since many will be taking summer roadtrips and gasoline is so expensive right now. Growing up a Baby Boomer, I know I have countless fond recollections of family vacations on the open road with my Mom, Dad and siblings. Now with a kids of my own, there's nothing like meandering on the backroads of America for creating memories that will last a lifetime. It's refreshing to know there still are a few ways to save on the fuel to make these fun trips possible!

Ralphs shoppers can save as much as 20 cents per gallon at the pump by redeeming 200 Fuel Points at any Ralphs Fuel Center and at participating Shell stations. You earn these points everytime you shop at Ralphs and with every $1 spent on qualifying items one fuel point is earned.This Fuel Points program is an ongoing opportunity to save for frugal shoppers.

However, right now through September 1, 2013, Ralphs is offering a digital coupon that will double your Fuel Points so for every $1 spent you actually will get two fuel points added to your tally. It's that simple.

Saving money is always great, but there's more good news. Ralphs is providing a $100 giftcard for me to give away to one lucky MommyBlogExpert reader. Keep reading to find out how you can enter to win and #FuelYourSummer!

Ralphs Market
$100 Gift Card 

GIVEAWAY

Ends 8/30/13

$100 Ralphs Giftcard Giveaway Prize

MommyBlogExpert's Ralphs Giftcard Giveaway ends August 30, 2013 at 12 am PT and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only. One winner will receive a $100 Ralphs giftcard. Winner of this MBE contest will be selected at random from all entries and will be notified via email and must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize.

More Family-Friendly
Mommy Blog Expert Giveaways

ENTER Them All HERE

Stay up to date on all the news about Ralphs by following them on Twitter and Facebook.

FTC Disclosure: I'm a long-time Ralphs shopper. In addition, I was compensated to facilitate this post and Ralphs is providing the prize for this giveaway. However thoughts are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Flashmob Surprise Fun at Camp - Teen Tuesday Post by Rebecca Elspas

Teen Tuesday

by Rebecca Elspas, Teen Blogger

Hey everyone! As you are reading this week's Teen Tuesday I am away working as a counselor at a sleep away camp. It's been real busy taking care of the kids, so sorry for the short blogpost. Here in camp, while the campers were innocently eating dinner, we (the staff) had a huge Call Me Maybe Flashmob!

Flashmob, Image from UrbanPeek.com

For those who don't know, a flashmob is when a group of people have been planning a song and dance, then go into a public area such as a restaurant, pretending nothing is going on. Then, there is one person that does something that catches everyone's attention. Like dropping something, screaming "snake," or standing on a table and singing loudly -- kind of like the Harlem Shake.

Next, all of a sudden these people from the group of flashmobbers jump up and join in to the song and dance. It's legit, the funnest thing to do ever!

Don't miss this YouTube either. It's of me (wearing striped gray shirt) with my school choir performing the first-ever FlashMob on Pico at Jeff's Deli in Los Angeles.

So this summer, get a group of friends -- or a singing ensemble or dance troupe -- together to show off your own musical talent, choreography and dance steps. Then after you've planned it out and practiced a bit, go to a mall, park, restaurant, theater hallway or even a gas station and make someone's day (and most likely your own)!

Callout to everyone with Call Me Maybe stuck in their head cause it's stuck in mine!

Comment & Connect
Have a question for me? Want to share some of your own flash mob experiences or reminisce about camp? Please leave a comment -- I look forward to hearing from you. You're invited to stay in touch with me, too, by following me on Twitter @RebElspas and on Pinterest.

FTC Disclosure: No payment or other compensation was exchanged in association with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Quality Pillows Make Big Difference for a Great Night's Sleep Review & Discount Offer

Homekeeping
25% off Discount Code Below

This is a compensated post

1st in a Series of 3 Posts

I'm going to share something that you probably didn't know about me -- I love to sleep and it's probably my favorite thing to do. But it has to be in a comfortable bed which is why I really enjoy some of the nicer hotels I've stayed at such as the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel where both comfort and luxury are priorities. With the DownLinens down pillows I just received, I've discovered I can recreate that sort of luxurious resort feeling without even leaving home.

DownLinens Deluxe Down Pillow, MommyBlogExpert.com

For this review I decided to try and experiment. Without telling my husband, I switched out the old inexpensive pillows on our master bedroom bed with two new down pillows that DownLinens sent me. He noticed the change as soon as his head hit the pillow last night and liked the lofty feel of it. 

Long story short is that both of us slept better that night than we had in a long time because these pillows are as soft and resilient as the freshest marshmallows. To be more descriptive, I'd say it felt like I was sleeping on the fluffiest clouds imaginable.

Apparently Dexter likes DownLinens pillows too, MommyBlogExpert.com

The DownLinens product delivering this wonderful sleep experience for us was their Deluxe Down Pillow which comes in white in three sizes: Standard ($89.99), Queen ($99.99) and King ($119.99).  Both the queen and king sizes include a separate pillow cover in a 330-thread count that adds to sleeping comfort.

The protective cover that comes with the queen and king styles also has a built-in zipper that's easily removeable when it's time to take the pillow in for professional cleaning. In fact, DownLinens recommends doing just that to extend the life of the down filling.

DownLinens Zipper Detail, MommyBlogExpert.com

If you're not into down, DownLinens also has other options, namely an equally luxurious synthetic fiber pillow line featuring different styles in poly/cotton, down alternative, and plush gel fiber available in standard to king with prices starting at $19.99.

You're probably thinking -- at least for the down pillow in this review that is priced at $99.99 each for the queen size we tried -- that's a lot of money to spend. Keep in mind that mass produced pillows in big box stores may be cheaper when you buy them. My own experience when I've bought lower quality pillows before is that they often go immediately flat and wear out altogether in less than a year and need to be replaced. 

DownLinens down pillows, on the other hand, are meant to last for about eight years and retain their puffy shape throughout. So, you end up paying less in the long run while also getting the best quality pillow on the market.

This pillow test and talk experience got me thinking about something I'd never really paid attention to before--How to shop for high quality pillows for my family.

4 Tips When Selecting Pillows

Pillow Fill - Do you want down, feathers or synthetic/polyester fibers? Each type has its unique qualities, it depends on what you're looking for. For example, natural goose down pillows are particularly soft, comfortable and feel very luxurious for sleeping. As a matter of fact you can buy down or synthetic fiber pillows with various "fill powers" or levels of firmness. Another element to think about is loft, referring to the pillow's ability to regain original volume after being compressed.

Fluffiness - Something else to consider is a fluffier pillow will provide better cushioning for you whether you are sleeping or sitting in bed reading. Unlike a deflated and flat pillow that provides little support and doesn't breath well, more fluff actually extends the life of a pillow because fresh air is able to blow through it.

Pillow Cover - When you buy a new pillow, unless it already comes with it, also purchase a pillow cover that zips over it. This inner zippered case will be what minimizes the buildup of natural body oils and dust, making your pillow stay fresh and usable as long as possible.

Pillow Case - The higher the thread count of your pillow case, the more comfortable it will feel and the longer your pillow will last. DownLinens recommends a minimum of 233-thread count for a good sleep experience, however if you want to really feel at the height of luxury a 500-800 threadcount pillow case is optimal.

Most of us invest in a good, supportive mattress that will last years and provide good quality sleep. So why wouldn't we also want to buy for the long run when shopping for the pillows where we lie down our heads each night?

Image from DownLinens.com

Special 25% Savings

For a limited time from July 15-29, 2013 Down Linens is offering MommyBlogExpert's readers 25% off your entire order. Use discount code PILLOWS4ALL25 at checkout to save off the brand's already low prices.

Our dog having sweet dreams, now get off my pillow! MommyBlogExpert.com

Watch for more posts about DownLinens in the months ahead as I'll be reviewing more of their quality bedding line including a down comforter and featherbed. Plus, I'll be telling you about a great contest they're having soon.

About The Brand
DownLinens is a subsidiary of Allied Feather & Down, the world's largest supplier of raw material for the industry. The family-run company is focused on delivering the best possible online consumer shopping experience, offering simliar superior products to those found in high end bedding boutiques and better department stores, but at significantly lower prices.

Find more information at DownLinens.com about the entire line of bedding products which include not only pillows, but also comforters, bed toppers and feather beds, blankets and throws. You can also connect with them on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date on the latest news and tips.

FTC Disclosure: Information in this blogpost is sourced from Down Linens, online resources and family traditions and the company is providing a discount opportunity for a limited time to my readers. In addition, I received a pair of Deluxe Down Pillows featured to facilitate this review. However, I was not paid for this post and opinions are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.