How The Tots2Tweens Blog Awesome Challenge Changed My Blog For The Better

Let me tell you a little story. It goes like this:

I used to have a blog called Its My Time to Write. I started it almost two years ago as a way to carve out time for myself to do what I love – write.

But life got in the way and I never got serious about it, even though that was my intention.

Then my site got hacked. My little blog with very little traffic got hacked and torn to shreds. Who knows why.

I wanted to cry. I wanted to give up. But instead, I took it as an opportunity to start over. And Shannon Morgan Creative was conceived.

Over the last few months, I’ve been working with 107 Designs to move the content from my old site over and redesign the new site (the redesign is coming and its going to be FABULOUS).

During the same time, I formed an accountability partnership with Liza at (a)Musing Foodie and she suggested I check out Tots2Tweens, a local resource for all things fun for kids and families like birthday parties, summer camps, and cool events (check out their video to learn more). They were launching the Tots2Tweens Blog Awesome Challenge and it was just what I needed – the timing was perfect!

The first challenge focused on starting a blog. And even though I already had one, I felt like I was starting over so the challenge was helpful.

The second challenge was about how to get good content. What I learned is that I needed to identify and then focus on my niche and plan and write blog posts accordingly.

The third challenge was about using social media to grow a blog. And even though I know a lot about social media, I haven’t quite applied it to my blogging. Not the way I should anyway. I need to get working on that Facebook page (will you like it?).

The last challenge is this post and again the timing is perfect. The Tots2Tweens Blog Awesome Challenge gave me the opportunity to tell my story about why I haven’t blogged in months and what my plans are for my blogging future.

Tots2Tweens gave me the launch pad to begin again.

So, here it is, the not-yet-completely-redesigned site, Shannon Morgan Creative, a platform for my writing where you’ll find tales of healthy living inspired by food allergies. The blog itself is titled A Storied Table and will have its own tab once the redesign is complete (and please let me know what you think).

What Challenge are you focused on?

Disclosure: This post was written as part of the Tots2Tweens Blog Awesome Challenge. Should I be selected as the winner I will receive a conference pass to Bloggy Boot Camp Philly as well as other monetary compensation. All opinions are my own.

5 Reasons to Attend Eat Write Retreat This Year

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Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Eat Write Retreat in Washington DC for free as a volunteer. Unfortunately, I had to back out a few months before because of pregnancy complications.

So instead, I watched the hashtag (#EWR12 this year) and read all the amazing post-conference blogs and really wished I had been there.

Well, not this year. Nope.

This year, I will be there, thanks to Robyn and Casey asking me to volunteer again. And I’d like you to join me. Here’s why:

Networking Networking Networking

The number one benefit I read over and over again last year was about the connections made at the conference. Blogger after blogger wrote about making great friends and really connecting with the other attendees. This is a small, intimate conference that is conducive to building lasting relationships. And there are opportunities throughout the weekend to connect with “the pros” – they’ll be dining beside you, not just talking at you.

Food Styling & Photography

I’m really excited about the Food Styling & Photography workshop because, well, let’s just say I have A LOT of room for improvement in this category. But, I’m more excited that I’ll learn how to use the equipment I already have – an iPhone and a point-and-shoot – and won’t feel woefully inadequate being a foodie without an SLR (although, I’ll probably want one after this workshop).

The Swag

Ok, I wouldn’t attend just for the swag but its certainly a plus. And, from what I’m hearing, you’ll want to bring an extra suitcase.

The Food

This is a food writers conference, after all. Expect to eat a lot and eat well. Bring Your Appetite. The food allergy mom in me is looking forward to lunch on Saturday at Elizabeth’s Gone Raw, a vegan restaurant. And the coffee addict can’t wait to try Qualia Coffee.

OXO Kitchen Challenge

Have you ever dreamed of being on the Food Network show Iron Chef? Thanks to OXO, you’ll get your chance at an Iron Chef style competition. OXO is providing equipment customized to each team’s planned dish. Teams were assigned earlier this month but you won’t miss out if you haven’t registered yet.

Sounds amazing, right? Right! So go register right now. And hurry! Registration closes April 1 (not joking!).

But, the price tag? Don’t let your sticker shock keep you from attending. Compared to other food blogging conferences, this one is a steal. Check out this chart and see how Eat Write Retreat stacks up.

P.S. Did I mention that this is an all-inclusive conference? You get everything – the food, the hotel, the swag, the networking, and ALL the workshops for one price.

Will I see you in DC May 4-6, 2012? Let me know in the comments below.

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