Tiny Prints is gearing up for Mother's Day, and they threw out a few topics for bloggers to consider. One of the topics really caught my attention. The question was, "Wnat do your kids think makes you awesome?", and it really made me think. Do my kids think I'm awesome? Every mother hopes so. But my big kids are tweens now, and they probably just think I'm lame and embarrassing. And my toddler, who used to be my shadow now only wants his daddy. So, with a mix of emotions, I decided to ask my big kids their thoughts.

Both of them had very similar answers. Apparently, I'm awesome because I take them places. They say I take them to the mall, to fun waterparks, out to eat and to the movies. That's great. I'm glad they acknowledge that I take them out for special experiences when I can afford to do so. I had to press them for a bit more though, as they weren't gushing and overflowing with examples of my greatness.

They grudgingly elaborated and talked about the fun things we do at home. They both talked fondly of our movie nights when we make popcorn or have snacks and candy while we stay up late and watch movies all night long. We all sleep in the living room, and it's really fun. I was so happy to know that these movie nights have made an impression on them and hope that they will look back on these times and remember them years from now.

I'm glad to know that my kids do think I'm awesome in some ways. This experience has taught me that the time when they'll readily admit that to liking me is quickly fleeting. It's taught me that I need to take every opportunity to make time with my kids meaningful and not take a moment for granted while they still enjoy doing things with me. Because the only other thing they mentioned about my awesomeness is that the whole part about me being Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy is really awesome.

If you'd like to show your mom or any other mother in your life how awesome they are, check out the mother's day cards at Tiny Prints. I've written about my love for Tiny Prints on numerous occasions. I love my business cards from Tiny Prints, and my friends and family always rave about the Tiny Prints personalized greeting cards I send them. Here's a bit more about the kinds of products Tiny Prints has to offer:

Tiny Prints provides simple, modern and unique stationery from Father’s Day Cards to personalized greeting cards to thank you cards, business cards, and even custom wedding invitations or photo birth announcements. Offering exclusive designs from the nation’s top designers, easy card personalization, a powerful preview engine and top-notch customer service and paper quality, their designs have been lauded by numerous television networks, publications and celebrities. With Tiny Prints by your side commemorating every holiday and momentous occasion is a cinch! They offer perfect party invitations for every occasion and memorable personalized photo-gifts like notebooks, photo books and calendars to commemorate the event.

I will receive free Tiny Prints product in exchange for writing this post. I've always had good experiences with Tiny Prints and am happy to recommend them.

I am so in love with Tiny Prints. I've shared my love of the company and the products several times on this blog, so when I found out about a blogger review opportunity to check out holiday cards from Tiny Prints, I jumped on it! Because the folks at Tiny Prints are so accommodating, I haven't actually ordered my cards yet. I've been waiting for my family's portrait CD to arrive so that I can add the kids' recent professional portraits to personalize our cards. But I did order Tiny Prints holiday cards a couple years ago. Here's how they turned out.

Aren't they nice? I loved sending my friends and family beautiful, personalized cards. The ordering process was easy, and the cards arrived in a timely manner. They were made of sturdy card stock. The customer service at Tiny Prints is amazing. I'm not exactly a technical wiz, and I've always been able to get help with sizing images or making sure the text was right. Not only have I received holiday cards from Tiny Prints, but I've also gotten my business cards done there and have sent personalized greeting cards from their site.

The only trouble I'm having now is choosing a card design. Cards start as low as .69 a piece, and there are so many styles. Since I have three kids, I'm looking at the three panel cards. Here are some of my favorites.

Okay, aren't they all so cute? How can I possibly decide? At least I've narrowed it down to the tri-fold style. Now I just have to choose from those. Which do you like?

Here's a bit about Tiny Prints from the company:

Tiny Prints provides simple, modern and unique stationery from Christmas cards to personalized greeting cards to thank you cards and even business cards. Offering exclusive designs from the nation’s top designers, easy card personalization, a powerful preview engine and top-notch customer service and paper quality, their designs have been lauded by numerous television networks, publications and celebrities. With Tiny Prints by your side the Holidays will be a cinch! They offer perfect party invitations for every occasion and memorable personalized photo-gifts like notebooks, photo-books and calendars.

And I've saved the best for last. Tiny Prints has invited bloggers to join their review program! So if you'd like 60 free holiday cards from Tiny Prints. Head over and fill out this form. Tiny Prints will be in touch. I can't wait to pick out and receive my review cards! I know from personal experience that I won't be disappointed.

I love babies. I think most of us do. Preparing for a baby is so exciting and such fun. My best friend just had a baby, and she's absolutely adorable. I was happy to be there for my friend, as she prepared to welcome her third child into the world. The only thing I didn't get to do was throw her a baby shower. And I really wanted to. My friend, however, insisted that she didn't NEED anything. Honestly, I don't know how we're such good friends - we're complete opposites. Bless her heart, she had this baby with no drugs. None. At all. In case you can't tell, that's NOT the way I chose to take on labor and delivery!

But she is my best friend, and I love her. If I HAD been able to throw her a baby shower, I would've done these 10 things:

1. Choose the date. Make it most convenient for as many as possible
2. Talk to the mommy about what she'd like in terms of theme, food, location.
3. Book location, if necessary, so there are no surprises down the line.
4. Gather list of family and friends, being sure to check with mom-to-be as to which ones she'd like to attend. Sometimes people get a little too gung-ho about these things when others would like something more intimate.
5. Consider the budget. This should be fun, not stressful.
6. Send gorgeous baby shower invitations, like the ones from Tiny Prints. Here's my favorite. Even though we're opposites, I think Mandy would like it, too, because it's simple and cute. Tiny Prints has so many great designs to choose from. 
7. Think of some fun games. Choose games that break the ice, but don't put anyone on the spot. No one likes those. It might be fun to ask attendees to bring a bit of advice or a small trinket for the guest of honor.
8. Choose food, if not being held at a restaurant. Go with simple things, and have a variety for all tastes and sensitivities.
9. Choose fun, useful favors. Something guests will want to take home.
10. Just have fun! It's easy to get caught up in all the planning and lose sight of the fact that it's a celebration.

I do LOVE Tiny Prints. I've written about them before, and I just ordered my business cards from Tiny Prints. Here they are. Aren't they nice?

I've always had good service from Tiny Prints. Can't wait to get these cards!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Tiny Prints blogging program, making me eligible to get a Tiny Prints gift code worth $50, plus 25 FREE Tiny Prints greeting cards—a total gift value of $149.75! For more information on how you can participate, click here.

I love Tiny Prints. I've been a fan ever since winning personalized Christmas cards a couple years ago. I got great service, and the cards were so nice. Tiny Prints has just launched a new line of greeting cards that you can personalize, schedule and send online. So cool! No more running out to the store for last-minute cards. Just hop online and place your order. Tiny Prints will handle the rest. Your card will be placed in an envelope, addressed, stamped and sent.

There are a wide variety of services available. Each card can be personalized however you choose. If you have the time and want to make it more personal, Tiny Prints will send the card to you to sign and send. You can pay per each card individually or sign up for a membership plan. Everyone who signs up for a membership plan will receive 3 free cards, and the first year's membership fee is waived! What an amazing offer. I can personally attest to the quality of Tiny Prints cards. You'll love them!

To celebrate the launch of Tiny Print's new greeting cards, they're having a special Twitter party tonight, April 23rd, at 9:00 pm EST. The hashtag will be #makeitpersonal. RSVP to Amy at Resourceful Mommy for a chance to win prizes. Speaking of prizes, You also have a chance to win 25 free Tiny Prints greeting cards! Just leave me a comment telling me what you like best about greeting cards. For example, do you like choosing the perfect words or sentiment? Do you prefer personalized cards to generic store-bought ones? Let's hear it. Your comment will earn you one entry into the contest. For extra entries, become a fan of Tiny Prints on Facebook or follow them on Twitter. The come back here and let me know in separate comments which one you did. That's three chances to be entered to win 15 free greeting cards. Entries will be accepted until Friday, April 30th at 12:00 pm EST. Good luck.

Panelists: Jessica Rosenberg and Kim Moldofsky

Moderator: Carol Cain

People may blog to get gigs as a freelance writer, as an event coordinator, for many reasons. Carol reminds audience that none of this information works if you're not willing to work hard, have humility or aren't ready to be professional. Kim blogs at Hormone Colored Days at blogspot. She also has a group called Mom Impact where she matches brands and bloggers. She started blogging five years ago as an outlet. Blogging has taken her amazing places, and there are many opps for everyone.Jessica blogs at It's Jessica's Life. She's @kikarose. And is the social media coordinator for Tiny Prints. She got this gig solely through her blog.

Kim was there when marketers started paying attention to bloggers. She had a friend who worked in the SEO industry and told her that she could help if her company was ever working with mom bloggers. This is how she got her first consulting client. She kept her blog going and worked as a contributor for Baby Center. This led to a speaking gig, which led to a client she still works with today. Things have flowed naturally for her. She was in the right place at the right time because of networking. She gave an example of how people can find you when you're online.

Jessica started blogging when her husband was in law school all day. She wanted to teach herself to knit, went online to learn about it and found blogs. She started blogging about writing. It grew from there. She decided that she could keep blogging for fun or she could use her blog as clips. She started writing for Type-A Mom. She went on to pitch a local parenting pub, who offered her managing editor position based on her blog. She got the clips she needed. Then she started doing reviews on her review blog. Tiny Prints approached her to join a campaign with them. She joked at the end of her post that she really wrote it only because she wanted to work for Tiny Prints. Within two hours, they called her to ask what kind of job she wanted to see if they could work together. Her number one piece of advice is to decide what you want your blog to be. Do you want it to be a platform for future revenue or do you want to monetize it?

Kim says having your blog be you is a stronger platform than you think. Success is the intersection between luck and hard work. Jessica advises never to scared to use a conversation as an inroad. You have the open communication to say something may not be right for you, but would they consider something else? Kim reminds us that it's easy to dismiss bad pitches, but advises that we could offer to help or consult with them. Be aware of what kind of work or gig you're looking for. Think about your strengths and what is most marketable from your brand.

Jessica says once you figure it out, put it in your about page. Tell what's good and what you have to offer. Be sure to have your contact information on the blog. Don't underestimate yourself that you're just a blogger. You are a social media marketer. Don't be afraid to say you really like a company. You are somebody and have a voice. Give them a chance to hear your voice.

Kim reminds us that we all have unique experience from experience or degree. Don't be afraid to pitch that, tell people what you have to offer. Carol recommends offering a different experience by pitching yourself so that you don't just have the same story. What tools do you have to get business? Jessica has a website and a press kit.

Carol thinks bloggers should all believe we are freelance writers. Pitch media kit, clips, testimonials, etc. Kim says she is a connector and is helpful. It can go a long way. This kind of a positive interaction opens the door to get to the next level. Jessica recommends pretending you're not shy, and you'll get better at pitching., but be authentic, be yourself.

Kim recommends putting yourself out there in other activities you're interested in to practice putting yourself out there. Also, realize that saying no and hearing no are going to happen. Get used to saying no. Saying no allows you to move ahead to other opss that may be good fit. Jessica adds that you can recommend another blogger for the project. Don't take rejection personally. It's likely that it's not you. You can ask for a reason to learn more. Kim says not to underestimate the importance of fiscal year. Budget just may not be there to consider your project or idea.

Carol says you have to be focused when people ask what you blog about. Being vague and saying that you write about lots of things may not work. Jessica tells us it may work because she write about her blog, It's My Life. But both do recommend having an elevator pitch that is short, sweet and consistent. Kim says the longer you blog, the easier it is to be picky. She says she may have been a bit of a blog whore. Too funny. Kim says you want to think about what you want. Do you want to write the $10 posts or hold out for better opportunities. Don't just reach for the low hanging fruit.

Jessica says it's important to ask about expectations upfront to avoid confusion. For example, she got a bag and was then told she needed to return it. She says she should have asked. Don't assume. Good point raised by Kris Cain that trips, etc are like a job interview. It may lead to pay later. Angela England says don't be afraid to present your dream idea to a company.

Audience question, if I start a conversation with a brand and never hear back. What's the next step to take? Jessica says it never hurts to follow up and ask. Did you talk to the right person, did the email get lost? Let them know you're still interested in working with them. Audience member says that following up looks good for you, shows persistence. Kim agrees to follow up. Carol adds that aggressiveness and pushiness is such a turn off. Find a balance between being assertive and being aggressive or annoying.

Whew! The family and I got back from the Type-A Mom Conference Sunday night, and I'm just now feeling back to normal. What a fun and exciting whirlwind of events those four days were. The conference was held in Asheville, NC, and my family and I left Wednesday morning for the nine hour drive. The drive was totally uneventful. All three kids were quiet and well-behaved. Honest, they were.

Get There and Go!

Right after we arrived, Noah, Norah, and I jumped on a very fun purple tour bus to join a group of other early arrivers for a trip to the local Health Adventure museum where they were holding a Grossology exhibit. We had a blast! The kids were able to take part in hands-on activities big and small to learn about the human body and some of the less than nice things it can do. They made snot, they slid through a plastic stomach and crawled through a replica of the anus. Oh yes, they did. I even got in on the action, identifying animal scat. Yep. After the Grossology tour, we joined the group on a much more pleasurable sensory experience as we dined on everything chocolate at a place called The Chocolate Lounge. The kids and I were in heaven!

Day One

Left to right: Shannan of From Cribs to Car Keys, Sugar of Sugar in the Raw, Beth Rosen,Marcia of AllState me, Amy of Resourceful Mommy

The next day, we were supposed to join some bloggers and their famlies for a day long bus tour of the Biltmore and some other fun stuff. Except we missed the bus, due to my ADD. I thought it left at 8:30 when the actual departure time was 8:00. But it ended up being okay, as we went to the Biltmore on our own to explore. The kids were less than angelic, so it was best that we could head back to the hotel at our own discretion.

After helping to run registration for an hour or so, I jumped in on the first actual conference activity, which was a PR/Blogger speed dating session. We all sat at round tables and chatted amongst our group until it was time to switch seats and meet a new group of people. It was a great kickoff to the conference and a wonderful way to meet other bloggers as well as PR reps. Here's a picture of me at one of the speed dating sessions. I think I'm talking to Jessica Smith of Jessica Knows.

Next came a welcome reception sponsored by Walt Disney world. The food was lovely, and the wine from the Biltmore was even better. But the best was being able to slow down and visit with folks in a more leisurely manner after getting to know a few very quickly at the speed dating session. The conference is really such a blur, but I can tell you I got a chance to meet so many wonderful people. The evening ended at the hotel bar, with complimentary blue drinks from Maria Bailey of MomTV and NewBaby.

Day Two

Friday was the first day of full-blown sessions, and I was excited. The day started with a breakfast fashion show from Dress Barn.  A handful of bloggers went to the local Dress Barn store the night before and were treated to one complete outfit. Then we were treated to a fun fashion show where they modeled their pieces. Have you seen Dress Barn lately? They have some really fashionable and affordable stuff.

I attended some amazing sessions on PR/Blogger relations, leveraging your pre-kid career, selling ads on your blog, and earning money from blogging. They were all very informative. While I was in sessions, the older kids were at the KidsCon. This was a fabulous addition to the conference that made it possible for me and so many other others to attend the conference.  All conferences geared toward women should follow this model. I applaud and thank Kelby Carr for including it.

Day Three

The last day of the conference started out with a mom market, where conference sponsors and mom owned businesses could set up and showcase their products. It was very nice to check everything out and to have the chance to talk to people about the products they were so passionate about. I then headed to a breakout session on blog karma and social capital that encouraged us all to think of others rather than just how we can get ahead, and by doing so, we'll create deeper relationships. Next was a very laid back lunch sponsored by Chick-fil-A. It was yummy, and it was nice to kick back and relax.

After lunch, there was a blogger town hall meeting where everyone was invited to give their opinion on where blogging is heading. There was discussion on being paid what we're worth and on running our blogs in the manner that we choose.The discussion was passionate, but not heated, and it was a very effective means of discussing what was on our minds. Here's me with the microphone.

The keynote address focused on breaking the mommy mold. A wide variety of bloggers talked about their views on everything from stats to reviews. It was great to get such a wide perspective. Finally, the conference ended with a local beer, BBQ, wine and cheese bash. I was able to brin my husband to this event and enjoy this adult time to reflect upon the conference and discuss ideas, also to engage with my new friends.

For more in-depth review of the conference sessions, visit Cutest Kid Ever, where you'll find several detailed posts. Check out the Type-A Mom Flickr stream for tons of photographs from the event. You can also visit Pensieve and Real Life for links to others' Type-A Mom Conference posts.

Thank you to Rick from Tiny Prints and Amanda from High Impact Mom for the pictures I stole. And thank you so very much to Kelby Carr, Astacia McGee, and Angela England for all the hard work they put into organizing the best conference ever.