Chicago Blogger's Meetup: 2/13 @ Network CBG

Blogger's Meetup 2009

Life as a blogger can sometimes feel isolating considering the fact we do our best work in front of a computer screen. Back in 2009 I was feeling the "social isolation" itch, so I decided to host a Chicago Blogger's Meetup. Not only did I get to meet influential Chicago bloggers like The Sassy Peach and Awesomely Luvvie,  but it was a great opportunity to meet other bloggers in person and do what we do best - - socialize! No matter what the blog is about, I've found that bloggers can not only carry a conversation, but make it soar!

So many Chicago bloggers have entered the scene since 2009, so I decided to host another Chicago Blogger's Meetup! This time I won't be alone - - hosting the event with me will be Lontier (from the accounting blog Noir CPA) and Kacey (from the relationship blog More Than Fate).

What: Chicago Blogger's Meetup
Where: Network Cyber Bar & Grill - 810 N. Clark
When: 2/13/13 
Time: 8p - 12a
Cost: Free 99

I hope everyone will be able to come out and partake in some blogger fun. The food at Network is awesome and Jay Illa is in charge of the tunes. Bloggers, Food and Great Music? You can't go wrong. Leave a comment if you plan on making your way out and feel free to share the event with your online family.

Hair Candy: Bows by @ATWCurls

Inside every woman is a little girl yearning to wear a bow. It transports you back in time to your childhood when you didn't have bills and were only responsible for keeping your shoes tied and having fun. Oh, those were the days...

"Red Red Wine"

I'd been trying to get my hands on some of the amazing bows "Around The Way Curls" create, but they're almost always sold out - - great for them, not so much for us! When they recently restocked their online store I used my go-go gadget online shopping speed to load up my cart and buy the ones I wanted.

Today I'm rocking the "Red Red Wine" design which has to be my favorite! It's a pretty hot accessory and great way to breathe some life into my twist-out.

Sidenote: The bows come with a clip (think Gabby Douglas gymnastics style clip... not the old school bow clip). I was surprised at this, but actually prefer it as my hair hasn't gotten tangled. You can also easily take the clip out and incorporate the bows into your other fashion choices.

The bows cost $10 and are available here. The price point isn't TOO bad considering you're probably not going to buy every design, but if these weren't handmade I'd imagine paying $5 or so. I bought 3 designs in total: Red Red Wine, Flashing Lights, and Vodoo and think it was a solid investment. I wanted to find a unique way to highlight my curls, and their bows are so colorful... they truly make me happy and stand out. It's also pretty cool to support a small business... not to mention a black owned female business!!  The BFF designers Shanti & Antoinette are also bloggers, so be sure to check out their site: Around the Way Curls. I have a soft spot for bloggers lol.

Blogger Love (Via @aimeesong)

Aimee Song, the amazing force behind Song of Style, is the latest blogger "friend in my head." I'm completely enthralled in her blog and instagram -- both of which entertain and inspire me. She has a relaxed, funky style and amazing photographs thanks to her photog boyfriend. Although she is an interior designer by trade, she has managed to parlay her sense of decorating into an aesthetically pleasing personal style.

The below picture is one I saw on her blog and was instantly obsessing over! The ripped shorts, sexy gun, wrist candy... I want it all! It's always so exciting for me to discover new blogs... I think I become a groupie over talented bloggers more than mainstream celebs. I'm weird like that. Anyways, If you haven't perused her blog yet, go check it out! You'll easily get lost for hours looking at her amazing pics.

Source: songofstyle.blogspot.com via Ishea on Pinterest

Hip Hop Project's "Virtual Classroom" - - Demetria Lucas (aka A Belle in Brooklyn)

Demetria Lucas, better known as the voice behind "A Belle in Brooklyn," recently sat down with the Hip Hop Project to participate in their virtual classroom series. Among the many pearls of wisdom she offered up regarding her lucrative career in writing, relationships and education, my favorite was advising folks to "spend money on experiences and not things." Yes, that Gucci bag may make you smile, but using that same money to travel to a different country will create lasting memories and provide a bigger bang for your buck.

As someone that has had a love of writing since I was a child, I enjoyed listening to someone that has gained much success in the field, yet is still growing and on their journey. It's inspiring to be reminded that following your heart and going for your passion in life can truly pay off. I also was reminded that you can always improve and develop... something I've been interested in doing personally with my writing and blog - - just having more of a focus, although I'm such a random person that I feel my blog does often reflect my scattered thoughts lol... Now, whether that's a good thing or not I have no clue.

Sidebar: Watching this video actually made me more of a "Belle" fan. I think I like her better "in-person" than online... I'm digging her style... and can I jack that hair color! Super cute...

Clusterf*ck: Google+, bums, & hot coffee....

1. Earlier this week I had the chance to particiapte in a Google+ Hangout with fellow vlogger MsDanti and her friend Risse. It was pretty cool being able to video chat with one of my online friends, and I'd actually love to connect with more bloggers/vloggers this way. It took a few tweaks to get the plug-in downloaded and my camera working, but well worth the work.

2. The bums on Michigan Ave. are out of control - - particularly at 168 N. Michigan Ave. The building is undergoing renovations so the homeless population has set-up what looks like a day camp in front of the location. They have beds, chess sets, and of course cups to beg for change. I'm not anti-homeless people because life happens and everyone has a story, but I'd rather not step over them during my morning/afternoon commute. On a lighter note, I do think it's pretty cool to see some of the business men in suits playing quick chess matches w/ the homeless while waiting for their bus.

3. We all know coffee is hot, but have you ever wondered just HOW hot your cup of joe is? Well, after burning my tongue on my "wake me up in a cup" the other day I decided to put my googling skills to use. The average temp coffee is served at ranges betweeen 185 - 200 degrees!!! Yowzers... that's one hot ass cup of coffee. The Keurig in my office is set to 189 degrees and that really seems to hot... like hospital burn hot. The lowest it will let me set it to is 187 degrees, which is still hot... so tongues beware!!