the future of Blog Sugar

I have written this post over and over and tried my best to make it sound so pretty and eloquent and lovely.

I considered writing it in letter form and then scrapped that.

I tried something short and sweet and then I let my emotions get the best of me and it turned into the longest post of all time in all of the internet.

I've seriously re-written it about 18 times.

What I really want to share is that I have loved planning the three Blog Sugar events.

I loved making sure the details were examined and hand selected. I loved finding amazing speakers and I found joy in reading each of your recap posts, sharing how the Lord used that event, in your life.

Yes, Blog Sugar was a wonderful vehicle to network and meet each other. Learn about how God has gifted you. Become inspired.

I love Blog Sugar.

But, I feel the Lord is leading me down other paths and specifically calling me away from the planning of another Blog Sugar. I fought against it for awhile and tried to talk myself into planning for 2012. I tried, I did.

I contacted speakers and nailed down a day and venue.

Oy.

The Lord was clear, however and I need to obey.

It's hard to write that I won't be planning another Blog Sugar event. Isn't it always hard to walk away from something that you think could be wonderful? Yes, but when the Lord leads, we each need to follow. Even when it is hard. Even when we think we know better.

Thank you for being part of Blog Sugar and thank you for seeing the vision of the evening. The Lord used it and you were a part.

I loved getting to know each of you.

Thank you for sharing your gifts, talents and unique passions with me.

It was, simply put, so very sweet.

To God be the Glory (always),

Rachel

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Flickr Photos

Were you at Blog Sugar 11??

Even if you weren't (and definitely if you were) you need to go check out the amazing photos that Ruthanne took.

You can see them HERE.

AMAZING!

We love you Ruthanne!

Blog Sugar 11: The Highlight Reel

One of our incredible sponsors of the event, Kiera from Jakfoto Productions, is an incredible film maker...she's also a friend of mine (Jen). She has a heart for Jesus, is a gifted creative, and has sassy hair. You may have seen her walking around on Sunday evening with her camera gear, quietly taking in the event. She might have been far from intrusive, but man, did she capture everything like she was right in the middle of the fun!

We are SO BLESSED to share with you the highlights from Blog Sugar and hope this brief video reminds you of the relationships you developed, the inspiration you received, and the love we poured into planning this conference!

If you're interested in a video introduction on your blog/site, please consider using Kiera! As you may remember from the card in your goodiebag, she's doing a special filming event at discounted rates on November 15. Be sure to check it out!!!

Kiera, thanks for sharing your gifts with us and being one of our incredible sponsors!!!

Blog Sugar 2011 from jakfoto productions on Vimeo.

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Let us know what you thought about Blog Sugar 11 in this survey!

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Can you believe that it's over? We can't!

But what an amazing event!

We had such a wonderful time with each of you and thank you for your attendance and involvement. We hope you left inspired, excited and sweetened by all you learned.

If you have a blog post about your experience at Blog Sugar 2011, please link up below, so we can visit you and read all about it!

Networking 101

Hey, it's JJ. I'm reposting this (from my personal blog) today in hopes it might help out some of our shy friends on Sunday! : )

I often get asked how I know “so and so” or if I’ve ever met a stranger. Most of my friends and families know my job title and who I work for, but really can only describe it as I go to a lot of meetings. I’m rarely in my office and it really does look like I live in my car. Yep, as a director of public affairs, one of my main responsibilities is relationship building…also known as networking.

I like to think of myself as a friendly person. Sure, I’ve got a super sassy side and sometimes my sense of humor is best left to those who know me really well, but all in all, I do care about people and like to find ways of relating. I think that’s the key to networking…

This online world can be really weird. Some of us have our social networks open all day long and check in when we’re between meetings, while having lunch, during nap time, or when something really funny happens. It can be an outlet, a resource, and a place where friendships can begin and blossom. The sad part is when this online world never makes the step into real life.

I was fortunate to attend a blogging conference a couple of years ago, and am SUPER EXCITED for Blog Sugar!!! As a lover of people, I have found the opportunity to meet online contacts to be really fun and interesting. Some outgoing bloggers are really shy and demure in real life, and some quietly confident bloggers are super outgoing and a hoot in real life; that was my biggest take away from attending my first blogging conference a couple of years ago.

Here’s a little secret: sometimes, I don’t feel like talking or have the energy to connect with people I don’t already know…and I know I’m not alone in that. However, if you’re a person who has a hard time meeting new people or networking, I thought I’d share a couple of tips that have really worked for me.

1. If you want to meet an online contact in person, find a couple of things you have in common and chat with them about your similarities. People love to relate on common planes. The same goes for colleagues. When I meet someone professionally, I love to see if they’ve ever worked in politics and we lament about the long hours and often times, crazy bosses.
2. Tell a person if you really liked a series or post they wrote and why it resonated with you. Likewise, professionally-speaking, if I have heard a speaker at a conference that has really connected with me, I’ll go up to them and let them know!
3. Listen – sometimes I’ve met people in a group when a conversation is happening around me. I once met someone who was telling a couple of people about how he’d been making his own prosciutto. I found that incredibly interesting and asked questions…this led to a really fun give and take!
4. Don’t be afraid of a reputation…the “big bloggers” likely started blogging for the same reason you did and they didn’t start out as big bloggers. They are normal people with normal lives, so please don’t put them on a pedestal. Having begun my career in DC, I have often found myself in circles with powerful people with GIANT egos…and you know what, those egos are only there because people have allowed them to be like that. If you treat a person with respect, but just as you’d treat anyone else, it’s refreshing and authentic and conversations can become much more real and valuable!
5. Never turn down the opportunity to have a conversation. Sometimes you might be the person who is approached. If you don’t know them already, be open to meeting someone new and understand that they might be the one who has waited all day to meet YOU!

Our hope for Sunday is that wonderful relationships are started or nourished in real life! We know that the Lord has some amazing plans for all of us and hope our conference can be a catalyst for that! Rachel, Andrea, and I can't wait to meet each and every one of you and hope that our months of planning turn into one really great day!

Looking forward to meeting you!

location, location, location

We love our venue! The Westminster Rose Event Center is awesome and we are so happy to have Blog Sugar 11 there!

Please visit it's website for any details you may be looking for (address etc).

Parking Information:

When driving down American Way, you will pass the venue on your left before you come to the parking area that is designated for COURT PARKING. That is where you are to park. Please don't park on the street in front of the venue.

It's almost here! (a few reminders)

We are just 6 days away from Blog Sugar '11 and we thought we would remind you of a few details, to keep in mind, while preparing for the event!

Important Reminders:

1.) Please bring your picture I.D. with you. Due to limited space and a desire to keep the event intimate and unique, only people who have purchased tickets and can show valid ID will be admitted in. (Aside from nursing babies, please no children or family members).

2.) Bring your laptop! We will have free Wi-Fi and would love for you to live blog, tweet and Facebook, at the event.

3.) Bring your business cards! This is a chance to network and share who you are. You will be meeting tons of new contacts and friends-be prepared to pass 'em out!

4.) Bring a sweater, in case it gets a little chilly. (Chances are the weather will be Southern California PERFECTION, but one of the sessions, appetizers, photobooth and mingling take place outside, so come prepared!).

5.) Registration begins at 3pm, on the dot.

6.) Stick to the sessions that you selected, initially. If you need to be reminded, please email Rachel at: rachel@number17cherrytreelane.com and you will be emailed your selections. Please no switching sessions, at the event.

7.) Official twitter handle of Blog Sugar is: #blogsugar11-let us know what you are doing and where you are, the weekend of Blog Sugar! Follow @mrsno17 for official Blog Sugar tweeting, as well.

***

We are so excited to see each and every one of you.

Only a few more days!

7 days!

Hey everyone!

Can you believe that we are just one week away from this years event?

Truly, I look forward to meeting each and every one of you and hope that you are excitedly anticipating how you will leave, full of inspiration!

Keep an eye out, this week, for some last minute details!

Rachel

Blog Sugar Ambassadors

What if....

-You have a question, at the event?

-Need assistance finding your break off session?

-Are unsure of what the heck you are supposed to be doing?

-Want someone to eat a cupcake with?

We have someone that can help you!

Blog Sugar has two lovely ladies that will be our ambassadors for the evening.

Michelle Eastman and Jennifer Lafferty are two very outgoing and friendly woman who will be happy to help you with whatever you may need! You will be able to find both of them at the registration table.

Just look for the two smile-bots.

Jenn:

Michelle:

Speaker Spotlight: Meg

I can't tell you how excited I am to introduce (like she NEEDS an introduction) Blog Sugar 11's keynote speaker, Meg Duerksen.

Meg's blog, WHATEVER, is widely adored and a favorite of many. She has the ability to make you feel at home, normal and happy, with just a few words and several colorful pictures. Meg's life (and blog, by extension) is a place where you can grab a cup of coffee, be inspired but still feel like you can relate to the person on the other side of the laptop.

Here is a small snippet of her blog journey. We can't wait for her to share more with us on September 25th!

* i started blogging secretly one night around midnight in february of 2007.
i didn't want anyone to know in case i was awful at it.
i used my nick name instead of my real name so that my friends wouldn't find it. :)
but God had much different plans for my blog.
and it took me a few years to see that.....but He showed me.

* i want my little place in this great big world to be a happy one.
i want to show God's glory.
i want to bring Him joy.
i want to be an encouragement.
i want to be real.
i want people feel normal when they read it.
i want to BE love to others from God.
and with the blog i get to do that to a whole bunch of people at once and that is SO COOL!

* what are you doing with your little space?
where is God calling you? what is He preparing YOU for in your space in this big world?

* "Do everything without grumbling or arguing,so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life." Phil 2: 14- 15

Southern California Spotlight - Restaurants

We hope you've enjoyed the Southern California spotlight posts we've put together so far and you're as excited to come to So Cal as you are to come to Blog Sugar.  To wrap up this series we thought we'd share some of our favorite local restaurants and places to eat that are close to both the Ayres Hotel if you're staying there, and the actual Blog Sugar event site.  We love to eat and enjoy a burger from In N Out just as much as we enjoy a fancy rooftop dinner at Michael's down in Naples, so you should find the list both abundant and versatile...Enjoy!

Local Specialty Dining (all within 20 minutes of the Ayres/Blog Sugar venue):
Mahe's in Seal Beach - great sushi, seafood and fun local beach atmosphere
Park Ave in Stanton - Orange County's restaurant of the year, cool vintage vibe with excellent steaks & chops (a personal favorite of Andrea & Rachel)
Spaghettini - great Italian food in a rich yet cozy environment; bands play most weekend nights
Michaels on Naples - specializing in Italian cuisine, Michaels offers an extensive wine list in a relaxed setting.
McKenna's On the Bay - a Long Beach landmark, McKenna's offers great seafood including a full oyster and sushi bar, and nightly entertainment right on the bay.
The Crema Cafe - to die for crepes, quiches & fresh baked goods, this is a great casual spot that serves up amazing eats

Casual Dining (these are all located on Seal Beach Blvd very close to the Ayres):
California Pizza Kitchen - specialty pizzas, salads & pastas
Island's - fish tacos, burgers & yummy french fries make this a great family friendly spot
Macaroni Grill - casual Italian dining
Hof's Hut - extensive menu featuring just about anything you can think of in a casual atmosphere

"Fast Food"
Chipotle - amazing burritos, "bowls" and chips using natural and fresh ingredients.  The updated version of great Mexican food.
Pei Wei - similar to Pick Up Stix, just way better, the quicker & cheaper version of PF Changs
In N Out - if you've never had one, you've gotta try an In N Out burger while you're here!

Blog Sugar 2011 supports LOVE146

Each Blog Sugar event, we select one amazing organization to support.

At Blog Sugar 11, we will be raising awareness for LOVE146.

Danielle Burkleo, from Take Heart, will be our LOVE146 representative on the evening of Blog Sugar.

I asked her to share her heart and passion for this amazing organization.

Here are her words:

"Love146 is a non profit organization that is working to end child sex slavery and exploitation through prevention and aftercare. Did you know that trafficking IS modern day slavery? Statistics state that 1.2 million children are trafficked each year, which means that two children are sold every single minute. How can we be quiet about this? I often times ask myself how this is even happening? It is so foreign from everything I know and take for granted, and the rawness of this organization grounds me and brings me back to a place that I need to be. The greatest need right now for children coming out of sex slavery is aftercare. These children need educated and trained adults to care for them after all of this horrific and repetitive sexual abuse has taken place. Love 146 is committed to training grassroots caregivers to meet these children's needs and provide safe homes for them.

Jesus has called us to care for those in need, He has called us to love the least of these. When I think of Love146, I think of Christ. I think of Him going into the most unlovely of situations and rescuing us. As I am learning more about this organization and preparing to start a Task Force here in the fall, someone shared this story with me. One of the pastors who serves full time for Love146 had been in South East Asia about two years ago. His heart broke as he saw these precious children who had just moved into the safe home. They all were in such great need but, his eyes kept going back to this one young girl. She sat in the corner, alone, and was rubbing mud and dirt all over herself, through her hair, on her face, all over her body. He asked the caregiver what she was doing. She said this little girl knew was dirty and wanted to make herself look dirty, just like all the dirty things that had been done to her. He couldn't stop thinking about and praying for this little girl and her story, and her future. Two years later, upon returning to Asia this pastor was greeted by this bright, beautiful, smiling face when he entered the safe home. A little girl that was so full of life. She kept asking him, this western white man -- who was once probably all she knew of evil, to dance with her. He happily danced around the room of that safe home with her. Later on the caregiver took him aside and said, you know who that little girl was right? He shook his head. She said that is the girl with the mud, the girl who saw herself as just a dirty, used child.

That right there is why I am passionate about this.

That right there has my heart.

Love 146 is making the steps to change these children's lives around. One life at a time. Our name is her story."

"Justice at it's best is love correcting everything that stands against love." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Sponsor Spotlight - As You Stitch & Moxie Mandie

I excited to share two more of our amazing giveaway sponsors today. Ali from As You Stitch has donated a darling apron set and Moxie Mandie has sent us two clutches! Both are made from the heart and both are something I know we'd all love to win!

The blogosphere is full of creative and talented women who have taken gifts/skills/crafts and turned them into a thriving business. We're fortunate that these two gals are sharing their gifts/skills/crafts with us!

As a little girl, I always LOVED playing dress up and my dear friends (dolls) were always prime targets, too! As You Stitch is a team of a mother and two daughters who have turned their passion into a family business.

Their wares are focused at young girls with big imaginations and they offer a number of "Me and My Doll" lines. Ali has graciously donated a matching little girl and littler girl (doll) apron for Blog Sugar.

They recently expanded and opened a second shop with boutique baby clothes and toys. If you're a new mom or know someone expecting, be sure to check out As You Stitch Baby!

And maybe you don't have little ones, but really like to spice up your wardrobe with colorful handmade clutch bags! Moxie Mandie gave us TWO darling purses that are filled with pizzazz! As Rachel likes to say, they're snazzy. ; )

Mandie loves to design and sew unique, one-of-a-kind accessories and home fashions. She loves her camera, coffee, fabric, and her hubby. (Hopefully, not in that order - ha!) She blogs and has more creativity than I do in my pinky finger and we're SO LUCKY she's decided to share her gifts with us!

I've said it before and I'll say it again, we're SO HONORED to have our sponsors as a part of our team. They are all women who have a heart for the blogosphere, for God, and for their families and friends. Please be sure to greet the ones who make it to Blog Sugar!!!

Southern California Spotlight - Thrifting & Local Shopping

There's so much to do and see in Southern California it can be a little overwhelming at times, even for us locals.  When your time here is short you want to make the most of it and so we're going to try and nail down the best of the best in some upcoming Southern California spotlights.  The last So Cal spotlight we wrote was on Southern California beaches, but if beaches aren't your thing, then perhaps a little shopping is right up your alley?

We're going to take a guess and say that many of you attending love to go thrifting.  You drool at anything antique and vintage and if it costs less than $10 your day is pretty much made.  Are we right?  Well if we are, then we highly visiting Old Town Orange (or sometimes called the Orange Circle).  There are streets lined with beautiful antique shops and quaint little thrifting holes in the wall.  There are shops to fit just about any taste and budget and most shops do ship.  This link here is an excellent resource for a list of shops in Old Town Orange.  The great thing about Old Town Orange is that it is contained in just a few small blocks so you can spend just a couple of hours walking the streets and anywhere you turn you'll find a new antique/thrift shop to wander in.  There are plenty of restaurants to grab a bite to eat at and lots of other 'regular' shops to visit in case "thrifting" isn't your thing.  Old Town Orange is just a short 15 minute drive from the Blog Sugar event site. 

While we could rattle of lists and lists of great little thrift stores in the area, we really think Old Town Orange is your best bang for your time; meaning you can hit up the most stores in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of driving.

In case you forgot to pack a pair of shoes for the big night, the world famous South Coast Plaza is located right down the 405 freeway, about 15 minutes from the Blog Sugar event site.  While South Coast has plenty of designer boutiques that can be a bit intimidating, it does have the usual every day shops you know and love like Banana Republic, J. Crew & Gap as well as all the major department stores including Macy's, Nordstrom & Bloomingdale's.  It's a huge mall that you could literally get lost in so be warned :)

 If you do want to do a little shopping but in the great outdoors, we suggest Fashion Island for a more traditional mall type of feel.  Beautiful shops, great restaurants and gorgeous scenery make this outdoor mall a favorite of ours, plus they have an Anthro!  Fashion Island is about 20-25 minutes from the Blog Sugar venue.  But if you want something quaint and with a local feel, Main Street in Seal Beach is just perfect for souvenir shopping and is within 10 minutes of the Blog Sugar venue.

Whether you're visiting beaches, visiting friends and family or shopping, we hope you're looking forward to Blog Sugar as much as we are.

If there's something specific you'd like to do while visiting and we're not covering it, please let us know!  We're happy to answer any questions or help in any way we can :)  Happy Tuesday!

Speaker Spotlight - Laura

Laura blogs over at Ascot Friday, a personal style diary of sorts.  As a Visual Director for Anthropologie, she's surrounded by colorful inspiration on a daily basis, so it's no wonder her own space on the web is a feast of stylish outfit posts and fun graphics.  We're excited to have her speak at Blog Sugar about cultivating your own personal style and can't wait to hear what brilliant advice and tips she'll give.  For now, here's a little Q&A to help us get to know Laura a bit better...

*What is one thing about you that might surprise people? 

I hate small talk.  I don't mind public speaking, but it's the one on one with strangers that has me weak in the knees. However it's something I'm working on.

*When you were little, what did you want to "be" when you grew up? 

Well...when we were little my sister and I loved to play 'Nordstrom'. We had bunk beds and we would 'merchandise' the clothes on them. I guess it was in my blood all along!

*If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be? 

Can I have 2 words? Loving and stylish.

*Desert Island.  3 things.  Go. 

1. Laptop (with unlimited battery/internet supply), 2. a fabulous caftan dress 3. Sparkling mineral water 

*Why do you feel God has brought you to the blogging world? 

I think I have a unique perspective into the 'fashion world', and as a Christian believe that God has a plan for me to impact it in some way. What is that plan exactly?

I'm still working on it......

Sponsor Spotlight - The Reluctant Entertainer & Ahoy Graphics

Have you met Sandy from The Reluctant Entertainer, yet? If not, you're missing out. With a site and book dedicated to furthering our gifts of hospitality, this woman writes and speaks with a heart for others and the Lord!

I first met Sandy at a blog conference two years ago. While we had traded blog comments here and there and a few tweets, I wasn't certain if she'd know who I was. Boy, was I blown away when she walked across the room to give me a big hug. She's SO genuine and has a heart of gold!

I own her book and really enjoy the recipes and tips for creating a welcoming environment. As Sandy says, "Emphasizing the forgotten goal of entertaining - connecting deeply with others - I show how women can use who they are and what they have to create memorable experiences." Don't you just love that?! I'm SO excited to announce that she's giving away two signed copies at Blog Sugar, too!!!

I'm also THRILLED to share that Kristen at Ahoy Graphics is giving away a FULL BRANDING DESIGN SUITE! Many of us began our blogs with a template design that never really fully reflected our story and personality. And making that step is truly an investment. Kristen's giveaway is very valuable and we are honored that she'd provide this gift to one of our attendees!

She's worked with a number of businesses AND bloggers. Check out some of her past work here! And if this is the one you want to win, be sure to check out her FAQs to learn more about the design process.

And if you don't end up winning the big prize, you can still be a winner!!! Kristen has graciously offered a 15% coupon code for all attendees!!! What an awesome opportunity for us all!

We are so thankful to all of our sponsors who are adding a little extra sweetness to the event!!!

Sponsor Spotlight - Zoe Clothing Company

Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to our second title sponsor. While Zoe Clothing Company was new to us, they certainly have a wonderful story and their mission inspires us.

From the moment you arrive on their website, they are living their faith. I particularly loved their about page and wanted to share it with you in hopes you'll be as moved as I was!

"Zoe" in Greek means life and represents the new life we have in Christ:

"And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life (zoe), and this life (zoe) is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life (zoe); whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life (zoe)."
— 1 John 5:11-12

As Christians, this new life — zoe — defines who we are. Our goal is to live out this truth in the way that we practice business and in the passion that we put into designing our clothing. We have created a line that is not only on the cutting edge of fashion, but also represents God's living and perfect Word. We hope that the simple messages of our clothing will be a light to others (Matthew 5:14-16), and an encouragement to the the one wearing it (Psalm 1:1-2).

Isn't that a beautiful introduction??? And their clothes are just as awesome, too! Check out this dress.

You might not be able to see it, but inscribed on the bottom is Isaiah 40:8 says "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." Don't you just love it?!?!

This distressed tee (in reference to Mark 2:17) is also a lot of fun:

They also have a line called Zoe International. ZOE International Ministries is committed to fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves. Every day, there are children who are at-risk of being (or have already been) forced into prostitution, sold into slavery, or orphaned. ZOE is answering the call to rescue these children by providing them with love, care, food, and a home.

When you purchase a ZOE shirt, you will make an impact in the life of a child by bringing them hope and love. Each ZOE t-shirt will provide 33 meals, medical care for 2 months, or necessary clothing and personal hygiene items for a child in need.

We're beyond thrilled to have Zoe Clothing Company as a partner for Blog Sugar and we're excited to introduce you to them, as well! Please be sure to check out their website and say hello to Lilly, who will be with us at Blog Sugar!!!

Speaker Spotlight - Heather

You just can't help but feel a little bit happy when you step into Heather's space on the internet over at Life Made Lovely.  Sure you can easily say it's the cute and funky glasses, the sassy haircut, sweet smile or her crazy good design skills that make you want to pull up a chair and stay a while.  But really what we love and appreciate most about Heather and what truly makes her special is her heart and her dedication to finding the lovely in all things, whether big or small.  We're so excited for her to speak at Blog Sugar and to get you just as excited, here's a fun little Q & A.

What is the one thing that might surprise people?
I'm completely afraid to cook meat.  My family is one step away from being vegetarian only because of my fear of food poisoning from undercooked meat.

When you were little, what did you want to "be" when you grew up?
I wanted to work at an ad agency just like Angela on "Who's the Boss" or run a magazine. My mom still has the ones I made myself when I was 9 years old.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Thankful.

Desert island. 3 things Go.
Sweet tea tea with Sonic ice, Pandora radio on my phone (this island has wi-fi, right?), and my man.

Why do you feel God has brought you to the blogging world? 
I think God initially brought me to the blogging world so that He could show me that I wasn't alone.  At the time I was struggling to find someone else that had survived something they thought they couldn't.  Through blogging I quickly found people that were sharing their own stories, each one full of hope and faith.  Being able to connect with people in this way helped my faith to grow and my world to move in a new direction.  That was almost 3 years ago!  I feel like God is using the blogging world to teach me that I have a voice and can share it.  I think that when we share our stories we have the opportunity to impact the world in meaningful ways. Whether they are stories of loss or of love, they connect us to each other, and I find that completely inspiring!