A Techy Mom’s Nerd Paradise

Blogger Name: Kris Cain

Blog Site Name: A Techy Mom’s Nerd Paradise

Blog Site Address: http://littletechgirl.com

 
 
 
 
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1.Kris how long have you been blogging & what can your readers expect when they visit your blog?

I have been blogging off and on for about 8 years actually. I’ve been doing it steadily for about the past 2 years. When visting my blog, readers can expect plenty of tech talk, reviews, tips and trick on web stuff, and plenty of shiny things (aka new gadgets).

 

2.You have been extremely effective in the blogosphere as it relates to getting the word out about products. Why do you think its important to offer quality reviews on products?
 
I think that consumers are more likely to listen to a friend or peer about the opinion on a product than a store rep. The store or company reps are out to sale the product. But the consumer is likely to give a true opinion on likes and dislikes.
 
3.Kris, you recently competed in the Mommy Blogger vs Foodie Blogger competition at The Kenmore Live Studio. How was that experience?
 
It was GREAT fun, even though I lost. I was really nervous, but after a quick glass of wine (LOL!!) I was able to stand up there without shaking too much. I have stood in front of crowds and spoke before, but something about COOKING (or pretending to cook) in front of them made me nervous.

4. Any conferences coming up that Bloggers should be informed of?

 
I am all conferenced out for this year. However, I will be speaking at the Child’s Play blogger brunch taking place during the Chicago Toy & Game Fair later this month. I don’t have to travel for that one! As for next year. I have no idea where I will end up yet. However bloggers can expect many conferences to happen again this year such as Blissdom, BlogHer, Type-A Mom, and Blogalicious to name a few. There are SO many conferences now. I cannot keep up with them all.
5.What Social Networks do you use to connect with your readers?
 
I love Twitter and Facebook. I have my blog setup to automatically tweet new posts. Posts also post to my main Facebook profile and my fan page. Even though there is potential on Twitter to get a lot of eyes on your content, I actually think Facebook has more staying power. Twitter moves FAST so your tweets can fly down the page before many people see it. But on Facebook, the post is a little more static and it is easier for readers to comment.
 
6.You contribute to a few other blogs/websites. Name those for us?
 
You know… funny that you ask. I was trying to do a bit of a cleanse and eliminate a couple of sites, but I don’t think that I did. LOL!! I am Family Technology editor on the Type-A Mom site although with all the recent travel and conferences I admit that I have neglected that one. Other sites that I write for or are in talks to write for include:
 
Technorati.com
BlogHer.com
Chicalogic.com
BitMoms.com
Examiner.com
 
That is actually not the whole list!! There are still a couple that I am on, but not writing for as often as I should. It is a lot, but I think that it is nice to help others sites get off their feet. It also gets your name out there, and shows people that you can be versatile.
 
I have a couple of my own sites on tap that I really need to finish that have been floating around in my head for a while. And they are on my business cards, so I guess I should finish them huh? If those take off I may have to reevaluate again and calm some things down.
 
Kris, to add to the list of your multiple talents, is photographer. You’re also the owner of Cain Creative Photography.

1.Tell us about Cain Creative Photography?

My photography biz still exists, but it’s not as active as it used to be. I do still love photography, but I recently decided to reevaluate my passion for photography and cut out a lot of things.
 
Website: http://caincreative.biz (Sadly outdated!)
2.Which local areas do you service?
 
I am all over the Chicago area.

3. What are some of the photos you enjoy capturing?

 
I really love doing portraits. Taking the time to pose and get some nice natural shots. I love outdoor shots, and candid happy shots.

4. Someone interested in services from Cain Creative Photography. How can they contact you?

 
The best thing to do is email me at kcain(at)caincreative(dot)biz

5.Lastly, what can we look forward to seeing in the near future from Little Tech Girl & Cain Creative Photography?
 
As I mentioned above I have a couple of things up my sleeves that will hopefully take shape soon and work out. One thing is that I plan to start doing social media training and services in the Chicago area for small business owners trying to make their way on the web. This includes promoting on Twitter, learning to use Facebook, or just setting up a website. I setup a few sites for people, but sometimes they fall by the wayside because once it’s setup, they don’t know what to do with it. I would like to prevent that from happening in the future. Having a great looking website is key. However, you need to know how to use it! :)
 
I also need to finish up a 2nd website that I should have gotten up right away off the success of Mom’s Nite Out. But better late than never right? :)

Momfiles.com

Blogger Name: Sheliza Ismail

Blog Name: Momfiles

Tag Line: A Fun Place for Moms (and Dads)

Website: http://www.momfiles.com

FaceBook(like page): Momfiles

Twitter: @momfiles

 

 Shelly1.Shelly, how long have you been blogging & why did you decide to start a blog?

It will be 4 years this coming January. Funny thing my husband made me start the blog. I did not even know what a blog was but he insisted it would be a great outlet and networking device being a stay-at-home mom. I hated it at first and then became addicted! Now everything I do and everything I see is a potential blog post!

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2.How did you decide on the blog name MomFiles?

I wanted something different and versatile. I like a little mystery, fun and normal stuff all at the same time.

 

3.What can your readers expect when visiting your blog & who is your typical reader?

Most of my readers are fellow parents. They can always expect a dash of humor mixed in with a whole lot of reality. I like to always keep it real.

 

4.Is there a blogger who you respect & why?

Wow, there are so many. I think that I have learned so much from so many other bloggers and it is hard to narrow it all down.

 

5.Shelly, you offer product reviews & giveaways regularly on MomFiles. Do you have any favorites that you have reviewed?

I think it would have to be either Tide or Carmex because they are products my family uses daily! I will never forget when I did a giveaway for a year’s supple of Tide. It was awesome!

 

6.Being a wife, mom of 2 active teens & 1 toddler. How do you balance family & blogging?

It helps that my family always asks me, “So are you going to blog about this?” or You better put this one on the blog!I am one lucky mom! I do all things Momfiles periodically throughout the day so that I do not fall too far behind.

 

7.If, you could offer a new blogger some words of advice what would it be?

Always stay true to yourself. Learn from your readers. Visit other blogs daily. Facebook and Twitter are your friend!

 

8.Which social networks do you use to promote MomFiles & why?

Facebook and Twitter all the way! I love the personal feel of Facebook and the fact that you can have your own fan page to showcase your site. Twitter is a little less personal but great for if time is not on your side.

 

9.What can we expect to see from MomFiles this upcoming year?

I think I will keep it pretty much the way it is. I really don’t see the need to change too much.

Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc

Business Type: Professional Wedding and Event Planning

Business Name: Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc

Professional Website: www.simplyperfectpeace.com

Blog: Designs By Shay

Facebook Pages: Like on FaceBook & Designs by Shay on FaceBook

Twitter: @designsbyshay

 

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1. Sharon, how long have you been doing Wedding & Event Planning and how did you get involved?

How long you ask? This is a loaded question ~officially I say 2005 because that’s when I tapped into my passion and created a business and not just a hobby. However, being in corporate America as an Executive Assistance since 1997 and a background in Project
Management, I’ve had the privilege of planning some really nice events for Vice Presidents and CEO’s. These events ranged from 25ppl to 2500 with budgets of $1500 to 2.5M and included everything from departmental baby showers, on and off-site retirement celebrations, playground builds and division wide symposiums.

 

As far as weddings, I remember my very first wedding being a friend of my eldest sister probably 15 years ago. She had a lovely wedding held in the back yard of her parent’s home, then I did my niece and another friend and, and, and.. LOL so long story not so short that’s how I got started! Did I mention this is my full time job?

 

2. What City and surrounding areas do you service?

Chicagoland (Joliet, Kankakee …all suburbs) the borders of Missouri, Indiana and Iowa if that make sense. I also do destination weddings.

 

3. Tell us a little about what you do for your clients?

We Simply create Peaceful Weddings and Events! Weddings are very personal and therefore, we offer four comprehensive packages that can be customized to meet any budget, need or desire of our clients. On the day of your wedding or event, you can count on having a Lead Consultant and at least one Planning Assistant to work hand and hand with your selected vendors, manage your expectations and carry out
your dream. We will advise on all matters relating to etiquette. In addition, we will let you know which “rules” can be bent and which should be left intact to ensure that you are a gracious host.

 

Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc also offers a service for those that may only need vendor referrals, rsvp management, budget management, timeline assistance, product rental OR design services (designs by shay includes but isn’t limited to monograms, invitations and programs)

 

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4. If, you can offer a soon to be bride one tip that will help her in the planning phase. What would it be?

Relax & Enjoy! Even if you hire someone to assist you, it’s still very much YOUR day so trust the people you hire to make it happen the way you’ve envisioned it.

 

 

5. Sharon, not only do you plan weddings but you also plan events as well. Tell us one of your favorite events to plan for your clients and why?

A favorite? That’s like asking a parent which child they like the best.. haha. Honestly, I love all events. That may sound corny but it’s really the
truth. Each event offers something different for me and my staff, even when theyare the same. The personalities of the clients really come forth and seeing itall come together is nothing short than magical! Seriously!

 

6. Whichsocial networking sites do you enjoy using for your business?Why?

I use Twitter,Facebook and LinkedIN. Each site serves a different purpose. I use Twitter to connect with other industry professionals. We exchange ideas, encourage and support each other before during and after events. This also keeps me abreast of upcoming workshops, seminars, webinars, etc.. You name it? People are Tweeting about it. Facebook is where I get to share my passion by giving tips and suggestions through my blog (designsbyshay.blogspot.com)

 

7. What is the best way for someone to contact you?

Email us @info(at)simplyperfectpeace(dot)com and by phone (708)872 SHAY (7429)

 

***Somethingextra for anyone considering becoming a Wedding and Event Planning***

Wedding and Event Planning is a lot of hard work, not for the weak at heart nor the impatient.  Just because you planned your wedding doesn’t mean you can take on the task ofdealing with a complete stranger. This isn’t a made for tv movie! On average is takes 250 hours to plan a wedding (12-14 hours on the day of) and no one cares that you’re doing three at the same time or that your kid has a recital.
Having a great support system is a must and asking us for an off the
record suggestion is a must NOT. Although we enjoy what we do, this isn’t a
hobby for us at Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. so please take advantage of our complimentary consultation to discuss your event needs in detail. We’ve put in a lot of time, money, research and energy learning the business and pass that knowledge on to our clients.

 

So You Want to Be a Wedding Planner is a series offered to aspiring planners to get youstarted. For rates for this series and job shadowing, contact us @info(at)simplyperfectpeace(dot)com

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