Conference Recap & What I Packed for a Girl's Weekend

<div style="text-align: left;">If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/cassiesugarplum" target="_blank">InstaGram</a>, then you likely saw me surrounded by talented bloggers all weekend at the <a href="http://www.havenconference.com/" target="_blank">Haven Conference</a>, and grinning ear-to-ear! I follow more blogs than I can keep up with, and am always so inspired and awed by the creativeness that comes from the entire blogging community, so it was a real treat to immerse myself amongst them for a few days.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Packing for events can be intimidating, but I treated this as more of a girl's weekend...since many of these bloggers have become some of my closest friends. And sure we learned tons of great tips from the talented speakers, but for me, it was mostly about meeting and spending time with girlfriends.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You guys seem to appreciate my <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/travels.html" target="_blank">packing</a> and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/outfit-inspirations.html" target="_blank">outfit posts</a>, so I thought I'd share what I packed for this Home Blogger Conference, aka, Girl's Weekend, along with a few pics from the experience.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{Travel Day} </b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | What to Pack for a Girl's Weekend or Blog Conference" height="550" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3853/14674349073_89dd45a9de_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://popsu.gr/uucs" target="_blank">Striped Oxford Shirt</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1ttCh9i" target="_blank">White Shorts</a> | <a href="http://popsu.gr/tdvi" target="_blank">Gold Flip Flops</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1iKFIEn" target="_blank">Striped Bag</a> (<a href="http://bit.ly/1l5qPiV" target="_blank">similar</a>) | <a href="http://bit.ly/1haXoZq" target="_blank">Bag Charm Tassel</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Leopard Belt (<a href="http://popsu.gr/tduH" target="_blank">similar</a>) | <a href="http://bit.ly/1mKoQxe" target="_blank">Watch</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1yihGXI" target="_blank">Hoop Earrings</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/R3XVmq" target="_blank">Pendant Necklace</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1yihl7F" target="_blank">Cross Cuff</a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqQr4kxuAc8bu_j1s93tBNEgemzf_6aA8ewAF0BU_WZamwjmx6CObSWP1NkHj7CwEqYET4SwqDT0ycPne1CJvyq_B-icKkpZkA72bO6Dm_Ss9Ik3Vm1XquteMpoNgLt1_jMpYphk_P_CP/s1600/Honey+We%27re+Home+Megan+&+Cassie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqQr4kxuAc8bu_j1s93tBNEgemzf_6aA8ewAF0BU_WZamwjmx6CObSWP1NkHj7CwEqYET4SwqDT0ycPne1CJvyq_B-icKkpZkA72bO6Dm_Ss9Ik3Vm1XquteMpoNgLt1_jMpYphk_P_CP/s1600/Honey+We're+Home+Megan+&+Cassie.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><a href="http://goo.gl/8hvosy" target="_blank">Megan</a>, my travel mate<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{Happy Hour Party & Dinner Out}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | What to Pack for a Girl's Weekend or Blog Conference" height="548" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5555/14467808009_c6387aef5c_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tank (<a href="http://bit.ly/1pKydTz" target="_blank">similar</a>) | <a href="http://popsu.gr/uubv" target="_blank">Shorts</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/R3XVmq" target="_blank">Pendant Necklace</a><br />Wedges (<a href="http://bit.ly/1js96SX" target="_blank">similar</a>) | <a href="http://bit.ly/1mKoQxe" target="_blank">Watch</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1yihl7F" target="_blank">Cross Cuff</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-b.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpa1/925297_774704052561041_1467319342_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://photos-b.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpa1/925297_774704052561041_1467319342_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/kJzRhe" target="_blank">Courtney</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/8hvosy" target="_blank">Megan</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/HZEzBQ" target="_blank">Kristin</a> & <a href="http://goo.gl/JLpUXr" target="_blank">Jen</a> sharing tapas at Eclipse de Luna<br /><br /><br /><b>{Education Sessions}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | What to Pack for a Girl's Weekend or Blog Conference" height="564" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3902/14654423475_7ef7ca55e3_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.francescas.com/product/alcott+embroidered+bandaged+dress.do?sortby=ourPicks" target="_blank">Dress</a> (<a href="http://bit.ly/1rbRQ79" target="_blank">similar</a>) | <a href="http://bit.ly/1eI8iFj" target="_blank">Denim Jacket</a> | Wedges (<a href="http://bit.ly/1js96SX" target="_blank">similar</a>)<br /><a href="http://bit.ly/1mKoQxe" target="_blank">Watch</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1kqMd0s" target="_blank">Earrings</a> | <a href="http://www.wristsoiree.com/collections/tassel-bracelets/products/luxe-metallic-tassel" target="_blank">Tassel Chain Bracelet</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/14468189588" title="Hi Sugarplum Style by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum Style" height="550" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3867/14468189588_382f63ab38_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/JLpUXr" target="_blank">Jen</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/be9YOX" target="_blank">Jennifer</a> & <a href="http://goo.gl/AK8d6n" target="_blank">Julia</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-h.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpf1/10488727_325174570940671_2003091432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://photos-h.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpf1/10488727_325174570940671_2003091432_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/OE5DHn" target="_blank">Danielle</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/rWux3Y" target="_blank">Kirsten</a> & <a href="http://goo.gl/8hvosy" target="_blank">Megan</a><br /><br /><br /><b>{Dancing & Drinks}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | What to Pack for a Girl's Weekend or Blog Conference" height="550" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3894/14467808419_143ac0912c_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://popsu.gr/fTod" target="_blank">Tank</a> | <a href="http://popsu.gr/rlgi" target="_blank">White Jeans</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1mCVgNs" target="_blank">Pumps</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1qX9Bnu" target="_blank">Clutch</a> <br /><a href="http://bit.ly/1mKoQxe" target="_blank">Watch</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1kqMd0s" target="_blank">Earrings</a> | <a href="http://www.wristsoiree.com/collections/tassel-bracelets/products/luxe-metallic-tassel" target="_blank">Tassel Chain Bracelet</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/T46AGl" target="_blank">Pendant Necklace</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-g.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpa1/10520399_250977311693350_1849944730_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://photos-g.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpa1/10520399_250977311693350_1849944730_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Love getting ready with the girls, <a href="http://goo.gl/8hvosy" target="_blank">Megan</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/HZEzBQ" target="_blank">Kristin</a> & <a href="http://goo.gl/JLpUXr" target="_blank">Jen</a>! No, my curler is not just a prop!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://photos-d.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpf1/10549850_504391303024611_1794059966_n.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/JLpUXr" target="_blank">Jen</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/HZEzBQ" target="_blank">Kristin</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/0ZolGT" target="_blank">Michelle</a> & <a href="http://goo.gl/8hvosy" target="_blank">Megan</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-d.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpf1/10507846_267646116756363_2039016081_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://photos-d.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpf1/10507846_267646116756363_2039016081_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/QLfXmv" target="_blank">Chris</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/yUbEPh" target="_blank">Sarah</a> & <a href="http://goo.gl/HZEzBQ" target="_blank">Kristin</a> enjoying the Rustoleum Cocktail Party<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><b>{Education Sessions}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | What to Pack for a Girl's Weekend or Blog </p><p> </p><p><a href=" height="550" https:="" photos="" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5558/14654041422_3663cef769_z.jpg" title="Hi Sugarplum | What to Pack for a Girl's Weekend or Blog Conference by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr" width="550" www.flickr.com="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://popsu.gr/uucO" target="_blank">Dress</a> (similar <a href="http://bit.ly/U9UsUS" target="_blank">here</a> & <a href="http://bit.ly/1sfQF6Q" target="_blank">here</a>) | <a href="http://bit.ly/1mCVgNs" target="_blank">Pumps</a> | <a href="http://www.tinydazzles.com/#!necklaces/c161y" target="_blank">Necklace</a> <br /><a href="http://www.wristsoiree.com/collections/sparkle-hard/products/amelia-bracelet" target="_blank">Bracelet</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1mKoQxe" target="_blank">Watch</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1qX9Bnu" target="_blank">Clutch</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/10483470_284720305043938_1341210390_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/10483470_284720305043938_1341210390_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/8hvosy" target="_blank">Megan</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/kJzRhe" target="_blank">Courtney</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/JLpUXr" target="_blank">Jen</a> & <a href="http://goo.gl/HZEzBQ" target="_blank">Kristin</a> at the Proctor & Gamble Luncheon<br /><br /><br /><b>{Dinner & Dancing}</b><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | What to Pack for a Girl's Weekend or Blog Conference" height="585" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3915/14654041662_2522934f74_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1hM3rXv" target="_blank">Racerback Dress</a> | Wedges (<a href="http://bit.ly/1js96SX" target="_blank">similar</a>) | <a href="http://www.tinydazzles.com/" target="_blank">Necklace</a> (<a href="http://bit.ly/1o8Tb9y" target="_blank">similar</a>) | <a href="http://bit.ly/1mKoQxe" target="_blank">Watch</a><br /><a href="http://www.wristsoiree.com/collections/sparkle-hard/products/amelia-bracelet" target="_blank">Bracelet</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1yihl7F" target="_blank">Cross Cuff</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1qX9Bnu" target="_blank">Clutch</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1yihGXI" target="_blank">Hoop Earrings</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfp1/t51.2885-15/10547128_661710997247900_1678494129_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfp1/t51.2885-15/10547128_661710997247900_1678494129_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/HZEzBQ" target="_blank">Kristin</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/0ZolGT" target="_blank">Michelle</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/8hvosy" target="_blank">Megan</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/kJzRhe" target="_blank">Courtney</a> & <a href="http://goo.gl/JLpUXr" target="_blank">Jen</a> chowing on <i>the best</i> burgers at Flip. Love these girls!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/14631831856" title="Hi Sugarplum Style by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum Style" height="612" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/14631831856_98998d4b0a_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not just a girl, but one of my favorites, <a href="http://goo.gl/QLfXmv" target="_blank">Chris</a>. #seewhatIdidthere<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-h.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpf1/10554155_321320461369143_216059723_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://photos-h.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xpf1/10554155_321320461369143_216059723_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/JLpUXr" target="_blank">Jen</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/HZEzBQ" target="_blank">Kristin</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/0ZolGT" target="_blank">Michelle</a> & <a href="http://goo.gl/8hvosy" target="_blank">Megan</a> hamming it up at the Home Depot & Ryobi Beach Party.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{Travel Day}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | What to Pack for a Girl's Weekend or Blog Conference" height="543" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5526/14468002877_ab69f6a0f6_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://popsu.gr/uucs" target="_blank">Plaid Popover Shirt</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1ttCh9i" target="_blank">White Shorts</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1eI8iFj" target="_blank">Denim Jacket</a> | Leopard Belt (<a href="http://popsu.gr/tduH" target="_blank">similar</a>)<br /><a href="http://bit.ly/1iKFIEn" target="_blank">Striped Bag</a> (<a href="http://bit.ly/1l5qPiV" target="_blank">similar</a>) | <a href="http://bit.ly/1haXoZq" target="_blank">Bag Tassel Charm</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1mKqS0g" target="_blank">Gold Flip Flops</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1kqMd0s" target="_blank">Earrings</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/1mKoQxe" target="_blank">Watch</a> | <a href="http://www.wristsoiree.com/collections/tassel-bracelets/products/luxe-metallic-tassel" target="_blank">Chain Tassel Bracelet</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We had a 6am car to the airport, so no pictures of the travel day home! #vain I can't say enough how much I love this blogging community and the friendships that have come from it. Every time I step outside my comfort zone and attend one of these events, I'm always rewarded with new and closer relationships. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I laughed, ate good food, learned some priceless tips about decorating and DIY, and just enjoyed being in the company of women who love blogging as much as I do. I wish there had been more time because there are still so many I wasn't able to meet!! I know we're not all bloggers, but we all get invited to parties and events outside our inner-circle, and I strongly encourage you to take the chance and go! Your life will be fuller and richer for it...I promise!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-g.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10549878_271200646398910_353982399_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://photos-g.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10549878_271200646398910_353982399_n.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My roommates and dear friends, <a href="http://goo.gl/JLpUXr" target="_blank">Jen</a> & <a href="http://goo.gl/8hvosy" target="_blank">Megan</a>...whom I met online.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Thank you so much to the Haven team for another fabulous event...I can't wait until next year! Hop over to <a href="http://goo.gl/8hvosy" target="_blank">Megan's</a> for her recap, too, which includes notes from the classes, links to many more of the sweet girls we met, as well as her thoughts on friendships. When is the last time you took a chance with strangers?</div>

Conference Recap & What I Packed for a Girl's Weekend

If you follow me on InstaGram , then you likely saw me surrounded by talented bloggers all weekend at the Haven Conference , and grinning ea...

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New Blog Design!

Happy Hump Day, lovebugs! As you've noticed, we've got a brand new look around here! I'm so excited for the refresh...it feels like a good Spring cleaning! I loved my old design, but after a few years, it was time to clean it up, and make it more streamlined. But I wanted it to still feel familiar, so it's just a subtle change.<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1638863761357353400" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum!" id="Header1_headerimg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3EIZMKq9wCmrRntp57WRNGbrfxUFbe0NvlMeThQ1iwR3GUx_Q4GP7gqqe1o-gD7Q4aviYuMzDzJvVngkGfyCnTbOVzBCL5YMVvvMILI99vmDTMLjVQ0wgX7vehVDlrkygAQGkx2BWeI/s640/HiSugarplum.png" style="display: block;" /></div><br />Much of the work went into organizing and creating new pages and galleries, to make navigating and searching for projects and ideas easier for you guys. The navigation bar below the header will direct you to:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">| <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/house-tour.html" target="_blank">Our Home Tour</a> |</div><div style="text-align: center;">Every room that's received, or is in the process of, a makeover</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">| <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/project-gallery_17.html" target="_blank">Projects</a> |</div><div style="text-align: center;">Including furniture, home decor, crafts, gifts, mantel styling, parties, tablescapes & recipes</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">| <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/organize.html" target="_blank">Organize</a> |</div><div style="text-align: center;">All our simple solutions for organizing your home and life</div><div style="text-align: center;">  </div><div style="text-align: center;">| <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/holiday.html" target="_blank">Holiday</a> |</div><div style="text-align: center;">Projects and decor associated with all the holidays</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">| <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/outfit-inspirations.html" target="_blank">Fashion</a> |</div><div style="text-align: center;">Includes Outfit Inspiration posts, where I shop, and links to all the Fashion Moodboards I've created</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">| <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/travels.html" target="_blank">Travels</a> |</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tips & tricks for traveling, along with detailed reports on many of our travel destinations</div><br /><br />The tabs at the top left direct you to the business side of the blog...<a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/press.html" target="_blank">Press</a> & <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/sponsors.html" target="_blank">Advertise.</a>  <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/contact.html" target="_blank">Contact Me </a>is a great place to start if you're looking for specific information, or <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/faq.html" target="_blank">Frequently Asked Questions</a>. <br /><br /><br />Moving over to the sidebar, I've got a new profile pic<i> (taken by my son!)</i>, and a bonafide '<a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">About Me</a>' page! Just click the image to see it, along with links to my most personal posts.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HiSugarplum-MEETCASSIE.png" border="0" src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww267/fabkcreative/2013/HiSugarplum-MEETCASSIE.png" /></a></div><br /><br />Below the new social media buttons<i> (fyi: the heart is to follow me on <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3881799/hi-sugarplum" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a>)</i>, you can also <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=HiSugarplum" target="_blank">subscribe to my posts via email</a>. Just click, enter your email, and BAM!, I'm in your inbox.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=HiSugarplum" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HiSugarplum-Sidebar-sub.png" border="0" src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww267/fabkcreative/2013/HiSugarplum-Sidebar-sub.png" /></a></div><br /><br />Also included now, are direct links to the most popular categories, and DIY Projects.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwZMhH2UFVyFPD7iyRPDsdl_4_7Yg7eLeRfYKaP7Sv8qkDeczIi0DzrVI7uLJB0NKp7Sgx39yw3YtS4LAXivbYNzJKPn0Wyh23UJT3zSqPJTZ_4JtbKkcRDgnaLelm9p6SGdvtzM1S6o/s1600/categories.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwZMhH2UFVyFPD7iyRPDsdl_4_7Yg7eLeRfYKaP7Sv8qkDeczIi0DzrVI7uLJB0NKp7Sgx39yw3YtS4LAXivbYNzJKPn0Wyh23UJT3zSqPJTZ_4JtbKkcRDgnaLelm9p6SGdvtzM1S6o/s1600/categories.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />The last thing I want to point out, is this button which directs you to <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/4-men-1-lady-6th-street-design-school.html" target="_blank">all my favorite blogs</a>...every one is a daily read of fun and inspiration!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/01/bloggers-top-organizing-tips-that-time.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/p/4-men-1-lady-6th-street-design-school.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HSPBlogs.png" border="0" src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww267/fabkcreative/fabkcreative022/HSPBlogs.png" /></a></div><br />And frosting on the cake, I also have these amazing new media cards, created by my crazy-talented friend, <a href="http://goo.gl/Rm31cv" target="_blank">Kristin</a>! <i>(Is there nothing she can't do?!) </i>It's almost like I'm a legit blogger now?! I know, I couldn't keep a straight face with that statement either.<i><br /></i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/13972579871" title="Hi Sugarplum Media Card by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum Media Card" height="550" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5193/13972579871_3fa4dd0eeb_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Feel free to settle in and poke around...get nosy in these parts...kick the tires...take it for a test-drive. You get where I'm going. I'd love to hear any suggestions or requests you have for better organizing or more links. I absolutely love it, and hope you do, too. Thank you so much for reading and supporting...I love you more than my luggage! And a huge fist-bump to <a href="http://www.fabulousk.com/" target="_blank">Kelly of Fabulous K</a> for creating this fabulous design for me!

New Blog Design!

Happy Hump Day, lovebugs! As you've noticed, we've got a brand new look around here! I'm so excited for the refresh...it feels l...

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{Blog Bidness} How to Use Facebook to Grow Your Blog

A few weeks ago I had the honor of speaking at the <a href="http://www.havenconference.com/" target="_blank">Haven Conference</a> with <a href="http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Megan</a>, <a href="http://www.ourfifthhouse.com/" target="_blank">Carmel</a> and <a href="http://thoughtfuldesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Courtney</a>. At first we were a bit anxious, but then realized after 3+ years of blogging each, we had a few little nuggets to share. <i>(Read about the fun and friendship side of the conference <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/08/blogger-conference-haven-recap.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)</i><br /><br />I prefer to keep this blog my creative, happy place, so I try not to get too bogged down in the business of blogging. That said, I still want to reach and meet as many people who are as crazy about DIY, food, travel, fashion and sarcasm as I am! Social Media helps to make the world a smaller place, so we can all connect.<br /><br />If you attended our class <i>(thank you, by the way!)</i>, then you got the Full Monty of Social Media...today is just the Clif Notes. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9550333362/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Tips on building your blog with Facebook by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Tips on building your blog with Facebook" height="470" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3810/9550333362_b1424edc2d_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>The main point I'd like to emphasize, is that <i>all of it should be fun</i>! Blogging, posting on Social Media, interacting with readers, collaborating with brands, etc....if it's not fun, then why do it?! Obviously, if your blog is your sole source of income, you have a different approach, but even then, readers can sense when it's a chore to you...and that's no fun to read.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9547495671/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Tips on building your blog with Facebook by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Tips on building your blog with Facebook" height="345" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7319/9547495671_acd8a3589f_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Remember you are only one person, so cut yourself some slack. You don't have to be active in every Social Media...I am present on all of them, but only really active on a few. But I do make sure to check in on the others and respond to comments and questions. If you aren't able to respond to all of them, then you're better off not having an account at all....because ignoring people is bad, mmmkay?<br /><br />Now let's dive in to Facebook.....<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9547495703/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Tips on building your blog with Facebook by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Tips on building your blog with Facebook" height="413" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/9547495703_3d99d6652d_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Remember I said you only need to choose 1 or 2 Social Media platforms....well, there's really strong statistics as to why Facebook should be one of them.<br /><br /><ul><li>It allows you to have personal two-sided conversations, on more casual topics than a blog post. </li><li>Analytics are provided, which show you which type of posts generate the most interest from your readers.</li><li>Virtually every company and brand has a Facebook page, so you're easily able to share relevant projects with them.</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9547495993/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Tips on building your blog with Facebook by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Tips on building your blog with Facebook" height="362" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5526/9547495993_fac84724cb_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><br /><br />Okay, so now you've started a Public Facebook Page <i>(not a Personal Profile)</i>....here are a few more tips to remember...<br /><ul><li>If you plan on having a life outside the computer, work smarter, not harder...Use Network Blogs <i>(found under Resources)</i> to automatically link your blog posts to your Facebook page. I go one step further and link my Facebook to my Twitter...so by simply scheduling a post, it is automatically shared across multiple platforms.</li><li>People log on to Facebook to connect with others, not to be sold to...so keep the pimping to a minimum.</li><li>Don't hijack reader's feeds with constant posts. Be concise and grab their attention quickly.</li><li>Social influence is most important to brands, so create posts that initiate a response. Photos generate 120% more engagement than text or links-only posts.</li><li>Remember all roads lead back to your blog, so use Facebook to peak interest in future posts and projects.</li></ul>Now let's make sure your Facebook Page looks good!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9547495881/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hi Sugarplum | Tips on building your blog with Facebook by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Tips on building your blog with Facebook" height="377" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3824/9547495881_c81e399e93_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are you <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hi-Sugarplum/140002929396293" target="_blank">following me on Facebook</a>? </td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Try to name your Facebook Page the same as your blog. </li><li>Use the same Profile Picture on all your Social Media accounts, so you become easily recognized.</li><li>Give a brief description of who you are, and what you're all about.</li><li>Make sure your blog address is easily found...after all, the end goal is to get people to your blog!</li><li>Use PicMonkey to create a catchy graphic as the header pic. </li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9550283394/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Tips on building your blog with Facebook by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Tips on building your blog with Facebook" height="626" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/9550283394_0293b39bf2_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />Do you have any Facebook tips you'd like to add? Feel free to leave them, or any questions, in the comment section....hopefully together we can figure them out!<br /><b><br /></b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Make sure to check out my co-panelists for their great tips, too.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thoughtfuldesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><i>Courtney ~ InstaGram</i></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ourfifthhouse.com/" target="_blank"><i>Carmel ~ Twitter</i></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><i>Megan ~ Pinterest</i></a></span></div><br /> 

{Blog Bidness} How to Use Facebook to Grow Your Blog

A few weeks ago I had the honor of speaking at the Haven Conference with Megan , Carmel and Courtney . At first we were a bit anxious, but...

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{Blogger Conference} Haven Recap

<div style="text-align: left;">If you follow me on InstaGram <i>(@cassiesugarplum)</i>, then you know last week I was at <a href="http://www.havenconference.com/" target="_blank">Haven</a>, a blogger conference specifically for Home Decor/DIYers. My feed was a flood of pictures with one thing in common....me grinning ear-to-ear, standing beside a favorite blogger. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What you didn't see, was my chaotic journey of getting there! Like a total blonde bimbo <i>(I can say that, because I am one)</i>, I had Mr. Sugarplum drop me at the <i>wrong airport</i>! And do you know when I figured it out??? When the ticket agent told me, after I'd waited in line for 30 minutes!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">By then, Mr. SP was long gone, and I was out of luck getting a flight from that airport, unless I wanted to pay $1,200. After months of preparation and anticipation, there was no way I was going to miss the conference...but ain't nobody got time for $1200 plane tickets!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So my sweet man rushed back to pick me up <i>(I may have been excessively sweating and on the verge of tears by then)</i>, and drove like a maniac to the correct airport. I missed that flight by about 5 minutes, but by some divine intervention, the agent was able to waive all fees and book me on the next flight <i>(4 hours later)</i>. I may have kissed him. No tongue though.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was a little rumpled and wilted when I finally arrived, but managed to make the tail-end of the cocktail party. We all hugged and greeted each other like life-long friends...not like people who'd only met on the internet. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9453741158/" title="Untitled by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="437" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2889/9453741158_7c1349c205_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> {<a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jen</a>, <a href="http://www.tealandlime.com/" target="_blank">Jackie</a>, me, <a href="http://thoughtfuldesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Courtney</a>, <a href="http://www.ourfifthhouse.com/" target="_blank">Carmel</a>, <a href="http://www.thisthatandlife.com/" target="_blank">Anneke</a>}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was so surreal to see them in person, and to actually hear them talk. In my head, they all had Southern accents, but turns out that's my voice, not theirs. Any anxiety I had about meeting 'strangers' evaporated in the first few minutes. The conference was an amazing group of women, all creative and talented, who share the same joys and passions of blogging. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9453745000/" title="Untitled by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="505" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/9453745000_7dc03f113b_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://thoughtfuldesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Courtney</a>, me, <a href="http://emilyaclark.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Emily</a>, <a href="http://www.ourfifthhouse.com/" target="_blank">Carmel</a>} </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ana White gave a fabulous Keynote Address<i> (did you know the girl gets over 10 million pageviews a month!?)</i>, and I picked up some great tips from her:<br /><br /><a name="more"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">* Every post should do at least two: Educate, Inspire, Entertain, Reward</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Love the haters, because they are readers, too.</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Fellow bloggers are not competitors, their successes help to pave the way for others.</div><div style="text-align: center;">* If you're not proud of it, don't do it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then it was time for our first of two panels on Social Media...<i>(we're working on posts with all our tips, so stay tuned)</i>. <i>Update: check out How to Grow Your Blog with Facebook <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/08/blog-bidness-how-to-use-facebook-to.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://distilleryimage4.ak.instagram.com/1dd35372fc6d11e2af2c22000a1f9069_7.jpg" class="decoded" height="550" src="http://distilleryimage4.ak.instagram.com/1dd35372fc6d11e2af2c22000a1f9069_7.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">{snagged from <a href="http://www.huntedinterior.com/" target="_blank">Kristin's</a> instagram} </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Megan</a> wasn't able to make the conference, but she surprised us with a bottle of champagne in the room. <a href="http://thoughtfuldesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Courtney</a>, <a href="http://www.ourfifthhouse.com/" target="_blank">Carmel </a>and I toasted her, and a successful panel discussion, once we were done. Yes, this was <i>after</i> our panel. In no way were we drinking <i>before</i> the panel.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://distilleryimage2.ak.instagram.com/c06f3074fbb411e2b88822000a9f1947_7.jpg" class="decoded" height="550" src="http://distilleryimage2.ak.instagram.com/c06f3074fbb411e2b88822000a9f1947_7.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">{thanks for the sweet treat, <a href="http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Megan</a>!}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were so many sessions available, it was hard choosing which to attend. I learned some great new styling tips from these ladies.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="http://distilleryimage0.ak.instagram.com/5920f27cfbf511e286b422000a9d0dd8_7.jpg" class="decoded" height="550" src="http://distilleryimage0.ak.instagram.com/5920f27cfbf511e286b422000a9d0dd8_7.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.theyellowcapecod.com/" target="_blank">Sarah</a>, <a href="http://www.huntedinterior.com/" target="_blank">Kristin</a>, me, <a href="http://emilyaclark.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Emily</a>}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>And am even more motivated to get organized after listening to this power couple.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://distilleryimage11.ak.instagram.com/13d22c06fbad11e280ce22000a9e05dd_7.jpg" class="decoded" height="550" src="http://distilleryimage11.ak.instagram.com/13d22c06fbad11e280ce22000a9e05dd_7.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.justagirlblog.com/" target="_blank">Chris</a>, me, <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jen</a>}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Who knew you could actually approach magazines about being published?! The adorable <a href="http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/" target="_blank">Erika</a> gave some great tips and pointers.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9461279794/" title="Untitled by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="459" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/9461279794_7a22eb20e7_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />In between the learning, and eating, we had so much fun meeting all the other bloggers. Every single person was open, friendly and down-to-earth. How about this super-sized blogger sandwich I managed to get in?!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://distilleryimage11.ak.instagram.com/8905e8d0fb9111e2969322000a1fc655_7.jpg" class="decoded" height="550" src="http://distilleryimage11.ak.instagram.com/8905e8d0fb9111e2969322000a1fc655_7.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/" target="_blank">Katie</a>, me, <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/" target="_blank">Sherry</a>}</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9453754366/" title="Untitled by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="557" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/9453754366_acc55dff8a_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://thoughtfuldesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Courtney</a>, <a href="http://tenjuneblog.com/" target="_blank">Michelle</a>, me, <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jen</a>, <a href="http://emilyaclark.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Emily</a>, <a href="http://www.huntedinterior.com/" target="_blank">Kristin</a>}</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9461173256/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Haven Recap by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Haven Recap" height="431" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/9461173256_6ed64b3462_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.huntedinterior.com/" target="_blank">Kristin</a>, <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sarah</a>, me}</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9453760252/" title="Untitled by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="531" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/9453760252_236f3285e3_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jen</a> & me}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9453753326/" title="Untitled by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="550" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/9453753326_a5736d45c2_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{me, <a href="http://www.justagirlblog.com/" target="_blank">Chris</a>, <a href="http://www.allthingsgd.com/" target="_blank">Dusty</a>, <a href="http://thoughtfuldesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Courtney</a>}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9453745000/" title="Untitled by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9450963201/" title="Untitled by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="550" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2821/9450963201_dc3ae6a2ae_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/" target="_blank">Katie</a>, me, <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/" target="_blank">Sherry</a>, <a href="http://thoughtfuldesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Courtney</a>, <a href="http://tenjuneblog.com/" target="_blank">Michelle</a>}</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I happened to be hanging in <a href="http://www.justagirlblog.com/" target="_blank">Chris</a> and <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sarah's</a> room on the first night, so I was <strike>suckered</strike> recruited into <a href="http://www.beneathmyheart.net/" target="_blank">Traci's</a> flash mob. Let's just say, <a href="http://www.vintagerevivals.com/" target="_blank">Mandi</a> is very persuasive. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9450970501/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Untitled by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="548" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5525/9450970501_dfcef39a0c_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Update: lots of emails about my lacey shorts...found them <a href="http://popsu.gr/kNhM" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I can't thank the Haven Team enough for such a fabulous experience. Everything was completely top notch, from the hotel and facilities, to the speakers and swag bags. I'm already counting the days until next year, and crossing my fingers I get asked back! I miss my new friends so much already!</div><div style="text-align: center;">  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9453742770/" title="Untitled by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="551" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/9453742770_7b9048239d_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.beneathmyheart.net/" target="_blank">Traci</a>, <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sarah</a>, <a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/" target="_blank">Beth</a>, <a href="http://www.justagirlblog.com/" target="_blank">Chris</a>, <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/" target="_blank">Rhoda</a>}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And I'm proud to say I made it home with no drama, on the right plane, in the right airport. I guess me + traveling = dramatics these days <i>(remember <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/04/tales-from-business-class.html" target="_blank">this incident</a>?!).</i></div>

{Blogger Conference} Haven Recap

If you follow me on InstaGram (@cassiesugarplum) , then you know last week I was at Haven , a blogger conference specifically for Home Decor...

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Hasta la Vista, Google Reader. Now What?

As many of you know, Google Reader is fading into the sunset July 1, 2013 <i>(that's only 2 weeks away!)</i>. So if you are one of their millions of users, you're likely scurrying to find a new reader for your favorite blogs and news sites.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="google-reader_sunset.jpg" class="mt-image-center" height="548" src="http://i-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/at/google-reader_sunset.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 20px; text-align: center;" width="547" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-4111p1.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />But have no fear, I've done a little digging, and found, what I think to be, the best alternatives to Google Reader. Once you create a free account, both make it simple to migrate over by quickly importing the blogs from your Google Reader feed.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1) <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nevermind the <strike>annoying</strike> goofy name...this is the site I've migrated to, and so far, I love it. It's got a really clean, user-friendly interface, and is simple to use. Once you sign up, you'll want to migrate the existing blogs from your Google Reader feed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First, click on this link:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/import/reader">http://www.bloglovin.com/import/reader</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And it will take you to this page.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Screen shot 2013-03-14 at 6.40.13 PM" class="aligncenter wp-image-127688" src="http://d1v2fthkvl8xh8.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Screen-shot-2013-03-14-at-6.40.13-PM.png" width="600" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then click that blue button that reads, <i>'Import from Google Reader.' </i>It will ask for permission to access your Google Reader account, then import all your blogs over in a manner of minutes. It looks very similar to Google Reader, so you'll feel comfortable with it right away.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9076966193/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin" height="526" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/9076966193_034e18d557_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can view all your blogs by most recent feed, or click on one to see all their posts. From there you can save the post by 'liking' it, or share via Twitter, Facebook, etc. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9079191928/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin" height="571" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/9079191928_6127c6ec1f_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></span> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">To add new blogs to your reader, just type them in the search bar, and click the blue 'Follow' button.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9079192048/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin" height="460" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/9079192048_0aa1dc169c_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Bloglovin' also helps you find new blogs by subject category, or what's most popular.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9076966281/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin" height="438" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/9076966281_10c771d667_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />If you're like me, you follow a crazy number of blogs, and they get a little difficult to sort through. By clicking the heart icon, you can manage your blogs by creating and placing them in separate groups. Like food, diy, home decor, fashion, daily reads, etc. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9079287162/" title="Hi Sugarplum | How to Migrate Google Reader to Feedly and Bloglovin by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | How to Migrate Google Reader to Feedly and Bloglovin" height="419" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/9079287162_d8ae5848be_z.jpg" width="550" /></a><br /><br />The funny thing about blogging, is you have less time to actually read blogs. So my favorite aspect of Bloglovin, is receiving all my favorite feeds in a single email every night. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9079191646/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin" height="406" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2823/9079191646_0a1de2e463_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">2) <a href="http://www.feedly.com/" target="_blank">Feedly</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Feedly is a cloud based reader that is available for web browsers and mobile operating systems. </span><br />On their homepage you will find a button that prompts you to click and install Feedly. It detects the browser you are using and will show the correct button for your browser.</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="how to install feedly" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5255" height="309" src="http://rebekahradice.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/how-to-install-feedly.jpg" width="500" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're using Chrome or Safari, a new tab will open with Feedly. If using Firefox, you will need to restart your browser to finish the installation. Your next step is to connect your Google Reader account. If you are using Chrome or Safari, this screen will prompt you to get started immediately after installation.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="meet feedly" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5256" height="228" src="http://rebekahradice.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/meet-feedly.jpg" width="500" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once you allow permission for access to your Google Reader, they will automatically import all your feeds.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9079445144/" title="Hi Sugarplum | How to Migrate your Google Reader to Feedly by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | How to Migrate your Google Reader to Feedly" height="402" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/9079445144_59c4778f2b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />To search for blogs, click 'Add Content,' then type the name in the search box. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9076965743/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin" height="465" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2805/9076965743_69642b9636_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once you're following that blog, you can edit the preferences and create a group to categorize it.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9079191580/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin" height="511" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/9079191580_0731967ae4_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can also view your feeds in several formats. Magazine and Full Feed look to be the easiest to read.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9076965931/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin" height="521" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/9076965931_c264dd666e_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9076965835/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Migrating to Feedly and Bloglovin" height="617" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/9076965835_3cfde69e6f_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Hopefully this post was easy enough to follow, and was somewhat helpful! I know all the screen shots get confusing, and I'm certainly no techy-expert! I just don't want you guys to lose touch with your favorite blogs July 1st. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments and I'll try to answer them. <br /><br />Do you use a Reader? If so, what's your favorite? What are you going to use once Google Reader goes away?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Make sure you continue following Hi Sugarplum!!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3881799" title="Follow Hi Sugarplum! on Bloglovin"><img alt="Follow on Bloglovin" border="0" src="http://www.bloglovin.com/widget/bilder/en/widget.gif?id=3881799" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.feedly.com/home#subscription/feed%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fhisugarplum.blogspot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault%3Falt%3Drss" nbsp="" target="blank"><img alt="follow us in feedly" height="56" id="feedlyFollow" src="http://s3.feedly.com/img/follows/feedly-follow-rectangle-flat-big_2x.png" width="131" /></a></div>

Hasta la Vista, Google Reader. Now What?

As many of you know, Google Reader is fading into the sunset July 1, 2013 (that's only 2 weeks away!) . So if you are one of their milli...

Read more »