Megan, The Boho Mama, welcoming attendees to the Portland Bloggers’ Strike a Pose event.

About a month ago we had our March meet-up at Jillian Rabe LLC ‘s The Space in the Pearl district of Portland. We had been gearing up for this meet-up pretty hard-core… I don’t know if we are just so excited that Spring is on the way or if it is just TIME after all the holiday craziness is over, but our Spring meet-ups the past two years have been AMAZING! (Check out last year’s spring meet-up.)

The “Strike a Pose” event was all about learning how to take better self-images for your blog and social media sites. Not all of the bloggers in our group take photos of themselves regularly. It was a great opportunity for people to get some tips on how to take better photos when they are the one in front of the camera. Thanks to area photographers & stylists, attendees also got the chance to get their photos styled and taken by some amazing pros.

Upon arrival guests got to start in on some delectable food items from Elephant’s Deli. Attendees were also given coupons to the deli with their check-in information that included a schedule of the event and a Tweet Sheet with sponsor’s twitter handles.

Area accessory and jewelry designers GlassCast, Chloe + Isabel, and Jade Rose offered up items to be worn in the photographs and donated items for a giveaway at the end of the event. Beauty specialist Marina McAvoy gave some last minute hair/makeup tips to attendees.

Margaret Jacobsen‘s camera ready to go!

Check out some of the photos from the event’s photographer Macey Snelson of Motormouth Studio:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Check back throughout the next few weeks to see photographs taken by the other photographers at the event! And, for news on our May meet-up scheduled for May 18!

Reviews of the event from attendees:

---

A big thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors. Each of these companies/individuals/blogs contributed in making the Portland Bloggers’ Strike a Pose event successful and affordable.

THANK YOU!

Tomorrow (6th April 2013) will see Sneaks & Peaks, sneaker collectors and clothing fans from all over the UK descend on Birmingham for the first ever Sneaker and apparel meet.

At the Custard Factory Warehouse, you’ll expect to see traders including our favourites Big Eyes Little Soles and Aprils kicks. Due to popular demand, there will be a Sneaks & Peaks ‘Swap & Sell’ area! You can bring maximum 5 kicks & negotiate to trade, swap or sell.

If that’s not enough for you, you’ll be provided with the finest funk, soul & reggae as provided by DJ Goosensei, Spinks & more! You’ll also get to treat your taste buds with a variety of gourmet street food vendors whilst watching free running courtesy of Urban tricks academy.

Doors open at mid-day sharp and tickets are a cheap as chips £1.

So get yourselves on down, it’s going to be a mad one!

Contact email – sneaksandpeaks@ymail.com

Instagram @sneakspeaks

Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/Sneaksandpeaks?fref=ts

Facebook event page –

https://www.facebook.com/events/250522298411937/?fref=ts

Are you curious about Cricklewood?

Every Third Tuesday of the month, Creative Cricklewood want to explore a little bit of Cricklewood, and the surrounding areas with you.

Our first exploration will take place on the Third Tuesday in April 16^th  - We would like to take you with us to the Crown Moran Hotel. www.crownmoranhotel.com

We will have a short tour of the hotel, followed by a musical interlude on the Mezzanine floor, Featuring the very talented Raphael Stoker playing the grand piano, Albin Mejzini playing Classical Guitar and Nii Adu-Ayree playing blues guitar,

Tea and Coffee will be available with the compliments of the Crown Moran Hotel. Other drinks can be purchased at the bars.

We will meet outside the front of Beacon Bingo on Cricklewood Broadway at 7pm, 16th April.  Look out for the lamppost tied with colourful ribbons and you’ll find us there (see map below).

Come and join us. It would be great to see you.

Way to be the perfect book for me to be listening to right now. So, my situation isn’t exactly like Rachel’s – it’s both better and worse. It’s better, because I’m lucky enough to have a best friend from high school here (we both moved for the same reason, go figure). Worse, because my boyfriend is from New York City (well, close enough) and has all these guys that are his good friends (which, I admit, kind of makes me jealous). A little worse because I’m trying to work and go to school AND make friends, which is a little exhausting.

HOWEVER – I am inspired! And intimidated. Making new friends is hard work – it’s obviously from my experience and listening to hers. It requires putting yourself out there and ignoring all the voices in your head that scream, “She thinks you’re weird! Run!” It also means giving up some alone/downtime for stressful new people time. However… it could mean more than one female friend. Maybe one who will see chick flicks with me.

Now, Bertsche’s goal was to go on one “friend-date” per week for the whole year. Which sounds TOTALLY exhausting! I think I’m going to go a more slow and steady approach, especially with the end of the school year and 4 or 5 projects dead-ahead. SO, that being said, I’m aiming for 2 ‘events’ a month. I’m on Meet-up and I WILL go to one of those this Sunday – a “crafting” meet-up that’s crafting optional. I also have book club this week, which I’m counting because the girl I didn’t know before starting is becoming a better friend – we both like Once Upon A Time and Glee.

Yet again eMagination takes the lead to create such a forum that is credible, interactive common platform for business owners, entrepreneurs, HR/Admin professionals, CEOs/Directors across industries, and the press/media personnel to interact, to share information, to refer and be referred to grow & improve their business networks. This platform is known as eBN – eMagination Business networking Forum.

eBN has monthly meet ups in Pune. Only the selected members will be part of these meet ups. Selection will be made post the registration is submitted online and verified by eMagination. The meetup agenda will include welcome registration,  a buffet breakfast/lunch on a given weekend, casual interactions & some interesting give aways.

Our purpose is to create a strong and trustworthy network that benefits all the members.

Below are some terms & conditions for eBN meet ups:

• Online registration is a mandatory process for every one.
• Post Member registration & verification, final guests will be intimated of  the meet up details via email & SMS
• Registration fees for the April/May meet up is Rs.2500/- including the meal charges (Breakfast or lunch)
• On the spot entrance/registration is strictly prohibited.
• Once the member has received the confirmation, The payment needs to be made via online transfer/cheque/cash in favor of “eMagination”
• The last date for payment will be a week prior to the meet up date.
• All attendees will get a special hamper from eMagination inclusive of vouchers/ discount coupons
• Selected members will have the opportunity to put in their company’s brochure/discount offer in the hamper of all attendees.

To register please fill in form below & click submit!

Thought of the day:  Thank God for all the raw websites out there!  There is so much info out there.  I do not know what it would be like to be a raw foodist without all this support!  There is even a vegan monthly food swap in my area!  Now, it is not all raw but at least homemade vegan.  Since I am not 100% raw all the time, I think this is a great option for me to join this meet up.  I am grateful to everyone who has made this journey before me and left the raw sunflower seed trail for me to follow.  Thank youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.

Strategies for the day:  MUST BUY SOME JUICES TOMORROW.  I am drinking at least three a day.  If not more.  I think I am detoxing.  I was soooooooooooooooooo tired today.  I didn’t wake up till 530pm.  REALLY.  I mean, I was awake but not AWAKE (or present).  

HUGE thank you to Lynda for setting up this get together. I had already been reading a couple of the girls blogs for a while now, so it was great to finally meet them in person! It was also great to meet some unfamiliar faces and add the new-to-me blogs to my reading list.

We met at 7 to get a drink while waiting for everyone to arrive – The bar area at Teak is beautiful so if you ever come here for dinner, I suggest getting there early for a cocktail.

 source

Once we sat down for dinner, Lynda handed out chocolate to thank everyone for coming. She knows the way to a girls heart!

Jillian and I couldn’t decide between sushi or the Chilean Sea Bass that our waiter had talked up during his intro, so we decided to go with both! We split the tuna cashew and avocado roll (with brown rice) and each ordered the Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass with zucchini/carrot ribbons and mashed potatoes.

Both choices were amazing and I’m pretty sure I was the first one at the table to clean my plate. I was legit starving and our meals didn’t arrive til around 10pm (I’m usually getting in bed #granny). Don’t think I didn’t polish off that candy bar shortly after dinner was done

It was so great to meet with a group of smart and beautiful women who have similar interests as myself — Whether it be shopping, fitness or healthy food, we all found something to talk about and had a really great time. I’m looking forward to the next meet-up!

Photo Credit: Jen

Clockwise: Jillian, Amanda , Jen, Alexandra, Kristin, Tiffany, Lynda, Brittany, me — and Sabrina who must have gotten cut off on accident :/

If you’re a Hoboken blogger, feel free to email one of us so we can include you in the next meet-up!

In This Issue:

1. Daily Derricknym is UP. Time For A Check UP (Use Passion). Now you can also order your name as a Personalized Derricknym.

2. Today’s word is Join. Meet another for lunch or to network. Sign up for a membership to a growing positive organization. Stop complaining with how others do it when you can join in and help them do it better. This is brought to you by Motivation To Your Mobile and you can download Today’s word to your Android or I Phone.

3. Idea for today is to think about mountain climbing and climb your mountain. .

(Please read and Like, Share, Retweet or Reblog The DAILY Message)

Derrick Hayes, an alumnus of Tennessee State University is available for small and large meetings, church events, academic speaking engagements and workshops. Please visit Derrick’s website at http://www.DerrickHayes.com  and to book him for a speaking engagement or media event, send an email to info@DerrickHayes.com  or call (706) 615-1662.

As usual I’d love to hear from you.

Cheers!

Gillian

IKEA Playdate – Monday, March 25, 2013 9:30 AM

Mini Monday Morning- Monday, March 25, 2013 10:00 AM

Wilton Manors Storytime – Monday, March 25, 2013 10:30 AM

Toddler Storytime – Monday, March 25, 2013 10:30 AM

Park Playdate & Picnic – Tuesday, March 26, 2013 10:00 AM

Park Playdate – Tuesday, March 26, 2013 3:30 PM

Pajama Playdate (3 years & under) – Wednesday, March 27, 2013 10:00 AM

Baby and Mommy Get Together – Wednesday, March 27, 2013 10:00 AM

Open Play Star Gym – Thursday, March 28, 2013 10:00 AM

Pre-School Story-Time – Thursday, March 28, 2013 10:30 AM

Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch at George English Park – Friday, March 29, 2013 10:00 AM

Wilton Manors Storytime – Monday, April 1, 2013 10:30 AM

Toddler Storytime – Monday, April 1, 2013 10:30 AM

Baby and Mommy Get Together – Wednesday, April 3, 2013 10:00 AM

Open Play Star Gym – Thursday, April 4, 2013 10:00 AM

Pre-School Story-Time – Thursday, April 4, 2013 10:30 AM

Wilton Manors Storytime – Monday, April 8, 2013 10:30 AM

Toddler Storytime – Monday, April 8, 2013 10:30 AM

Baby and Mommy Get Together – Wednesday, April 10, 2013 10:00 AM

Open Play Star Gym – Thursday, April 11, 2013 10:00 AM

Boring.

I asked what exciting plans he had for the day. He was just hanging out and had no plans either. I asked if he wanted to meet up and he agreed! As we were trying to arrange plans, I had that giddy and nervous feeling in my stomach. I could barely eat my cream cheese bagel as I was trying hard to think of a place we could meet in between where he and I live (since I’m in the suburbs and he lives mid-town).

After some back and forth of trying to find a good spot, I decided it would just be better if I took the subway to meet him mid-town since there was more to do there and we could walk around / grab a drink. I then took the bold move of asking him to call my cell phone so we could confirm where to meet. After chowing down the rest of my bagel I quickly ran upstairs to pick out an outfit. I was shaking… God knows why. Probably a combination of nerves and my mother always turning the heat down. As I took a few options out of my closet, my phone rang and it was him! I took a deep breath and answered the phone.

He had a deep, sexy voice. Although we only talked briefly, I felt very relaxed and at ease. We agreed to meet right at the subway station. As soon as we got off the phone I zoned into primping and priming for the next half hour and then headed straight to the subway.

I arrived right on time and was pleased with navigating my way through the station, as I’m pretty directionally challenged. I stood nonchalantly against a wall in a waiting area above ground. Thankfully it was indoors so I didn’t have to bear the cold while waiting. I called him and he told me he was walking over and would be 5 more minutes. I absolutely hate waiting for the guy to arrive as it makes me feel ten times more nervous, but I gave him a cool response and said, “no worries”.

When he walked through the door I recognized him instantly. He appeared just as cute as in his Facebook pictures. Had thick, messy hair, black rimmed glasses and greyish-blue eyes. When he approached me to hug hello I recognized we were actually about the same height. I had thought he was taller, but it wasn’t an issue. He suggested we go to the Aroma Espresso Bar around the corner so away we went.

When we got to the cash register, they took his order first and when they asked if he wanted to get anything else, he didn’t look over at me. We ended up just paying separately. Typically, I’d take this as a red flag. However, he had previously opened up to me in regards to having to take care of himself since he was 13 and how money was tight for him so I was okay with paying for myself. He ordered an iced cappuccino and I got a hot chocolate. They each came with a little milk chocolate which he was so excited about. It was very cute; like a little giddy boy getting chocolate as a rare treat.

We sat down and conversation flowed so well. Usually I feel uncomfortable having coffee dates and having to sit face to face but there was not one awkward pause. We listened to each other and seemed genuinely interested in what each other had to say. He asked me lots of questions about what I did and seemed very impressed. He really opened up to me about having to become so independent at such a young age. We talked about religion and how that factored into his family dynamics. I was completely fascinated and had such admiration for all his hard work. He had to live on his own since a very young age and with that pay his own bills, do his own laundry, take classes and work a part-time job as many hours as he could get. Despite living on his own since a young age he still has a relationship with his family and has such an optimistic and adventurous outlook on life.

Not only was he incredibly good looking, but he also had a nerdy side to him which I found so attractive. He told me he knew all the N64 Mario Kart and Mario Party tricks which is a huge turn on for me since it was one of the few video games I grew up playing. He then made me a tiny origami frog out of a TTC bus transfer ticket and in return I made him a fortune teller made out of Kleenex. Of course, the giddy school girl in me filled it in and wrote little messages like:

Within the next week, you will make the girl across from you a home cooked Spaghetti meal.

He then went on to show me some magic tricks and I was just becoming more impressed with this guy. He then requested for more Aroma chocolates and was so serious about it that I couldn’t help but grin. They brought over about ten of them to our table. He gave me three. I sarcastically told him how generous he was. We couldn’t stop smiling. We then discussed how I’d help him design some self-promotional branding materials within the next week (of course, he’d need to be creative with what he’d give me in return, aside from the origami frog).

Two and a half hours later we walked around and explored Indigo. At the 3 hour mark it was already 6:30 pm and he said it was probably time to get home. I agreed, so we headed towards the subway together so he could see me off.

Update: he called 2 hours ago! I was surprised to see his name pop up but excitedly threw my laptop down and ran upstairs. He wanted to know what my email was so he could send over what he wanted designed. We also talked about what we had for dinner. He didn’t have any! I felt bad and wished I could go over there to make him some Kraft Dinner (my specialty).

Who know where this will go but I’m looking forward to seeing where it’s headed. What’s your prediction?

I have made one good friend from the meet up group. His name is Neil and we have hung out several times over the last month and even had dinner with our spouses. He and his wife also went through the adoption process but ended up getting pregnant before adopting. We have similar interests. He is also into photography and bicycling. Needless to say, we generally have stuff to talk about. Although, I’ll admit I am a fairly shy and quiet person who likes to keep to himself. Neil seems to lead a very active life which I am trying to lead myself.

We have gone to several movies, the auto show, and a photo adventure in the city. This Friday night I scheduled a Meet Up event at the comedy club, but it will just be the two of us because nobody else has signed up.

Wonderfully engaged people, a variety of different ages, newcomers and old hands alike.

Craft books were read, needles and hooks were tried by first timers, yarns were handled and compared. Oh the talking, laughing, exchanging of ideas and fomenting of plans.

We need a good rest after all that exitement.

To see some pictures of the day please do take a peek at our Facebook page. If you’re not on Facebook then having a look at Lou’s blog will give you a flavour of our day.

Don’t forget that our group is meeting up tomorrow in Zest Cafe which is located in Limerick City Gallery of Art, Carnegie House, Pery Square. We’ll be there from 2pm until 5pm.

Happy crafting to you all.

My dear Friends and Colleagues and Clients!

It was a great pleasure to host the Architectural Happy Hour at my showroom in the Dallas Design District on March 20, 2013.

You were wonderful guests! It was a pleasant evening where I got the chance to meet known and new faces! I am looking forward to next month.

A big Thank you to Laura Davis, Holly Hall and Larry Paschall for being such great organizers, and from my side also a big Thank you to Rudolf Valentino who is on my side to make my brand a success. Without him I have to admit I would not yet be a member of this fantastic group. He and I had great fun to prepare this event!

It was my third meet up event and I am so impressed by the casual way of networking that never put you under pressure.

If you just read this post, live in Dallas and get interested in being a member here the info:

The Architecture Happy Hour is a monthly event on the third Wednesday of each month. The venue changes, so please check our Meetup site for details each month

If you have questions or if your company is interested in sponsoring a future event please contact Laura Davis or Larry Paschall at 214-751-2300.

http://www.meetup.com/TheArchitectureHappyHour/events/106624502/

For more Photos check my Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/bernadetteschaefflercollection