SV Moms Group Event

I didn’t realize how big that graphic turned out until I uploaded it but I had to include all the fabulous pictures taken by Carla from www.babyjidesign.com!

Last weekend I was invited to a special event hosted by the  SV Moms Group,  an organization that owns and operates regional blogs across the US dedicated to real woman sharing the ups and downs and everyday humor of motherhood.    And, can you guess which region is going to be launched next?  Yep, Orange County, which will be called Orange County Moms Blog!  Stay tuned for the announcement when the site is officially launched.

This group invited bloggers from the Los Angeles Moms Blog and local OC mom bloggers to escape on a Sunday afternoon in a REAL outfit to mingle with fabulous family-friendly companies at the gorgeous Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.

If you have never been to the Ritz in Laguna, it is simply is breathtaking.   If you are looking for a fun date night experience, consider taking your hubby to their upscale wine tasting room, Eno, for a romantic date night filled with wine, cheese and chocolate. What could be better than that?

The event started with two incredible sessions led by two highly influential bloggers.  The Go To Mom, Kimberley Clayton Blaine, spoke on vlogging (video blogging for those of you not familiar with the term!) and the very Momfluential Ciaran Blumenfeld discussed branding and other important topics facing bloggers at the moment.

Then we headed into the oceanfront ballroom to meet the companies, all of which have products to benefit women and families. We were given free products, coupons or samples  and learned more about how  their products might benefit our readers. I left super excited because of all the great blogging material and things to share!  Here is a brief synopsis with more blogs to come…

Bit Defender * who helped co-sponsor the event is a company that provides internet security software to protect families online including separate profiles you can set up for each family member to restrict sites, hours and keep an eye on the activity.

Stride Rite * * showcased their new eco-friendly line of Robeez and new Jessica Simpson styles amongst others and Cinnabon * * debuted their ever-so-cute and yummy CUPCAKES (I had the 24-carrot – delicious!)

Did you know if you sign up for free with a company called Ebates, you can get money back for shopping online at places you probably already shop??  There are 1,200 to choose from…

Thanks a latte to Bosch Appliances who showcased their TASSIMO single-cup beverage maker.  I had a chai latte and it was fab.  Each individual serving is barcoded so the machine knows exactly the right time and temp to brew. Come 3pm when all I need is one cup, all I can say is “Tassimo-time!”

The iGo Green * charge anywhere device by iGo had me yell “THIS IS BRILLIANT!”  For real. It’s a mobile charger that can charge two devices and charge in the wall or on the go.  Green and brilliant.  I have used it nonstop since the event.

Then I happened upon the Litl’s.  The Litl computer that is.  Normally I wouldn’t use the word “cute” to describe a computer, but it is! You can even fold it over to sit in a triangle on your kitchen counter while you read a recipe.  Perfect for kitchen-counter browsing.

I sampled Stonyfield Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt so good I am topping it with fresh fruit and going to pull it off as dessert in our house and also got a sample of yummy natural goodies from Whole Foods.

We were introduced to a trailer for the movie “Babies” which opens on Mother’s Day and follows four babies for their first year of life in four different parts of the world.  Because really, who doesn’t love babies??

Then there were the Taga Bikes.  Although “bike” is really too simple of a word for these vehicles!  It’s a European design that is everything from a bicycle to a stroller to a double stroller to a shopping cart all in one.

Skechers USA was there with their Shape Ups *, a shoe that helps you get in shape and tone as you walk. Yes, please!   And a product called Bootights which are tights made to be worn with boots so they don’t slip.  Brilliant.

Pretend City * * was there (see yesterday’s post for more details!) and we sampled yummy fruit cups from Dole, a snack staple already around here.

Erba Organics *,which sells natural organic products for mommies and babies gave us samples to try.  I am thrilled because I really am trying to make the transition to organic bath and body products for my little ones.

There was a great family organizer by Busy Body Books * and invitations by Pose Prints *, where you can personalize the caricature to actually LOOK like you (or your child!) Super cute idea!

Ju-Ju-Be * was on display with their smart bags for smart people…diaper bags, lunch bags, tote bags, you name it. Stylish and functional.

We learned that Joseph’s Rugs in Tustin offers a FREE service called “The Rug Consultant” where an interior designer will help you choose an area rug perfect for your space.

Pop Cap * is a company that offers downloadable video games.   And lastly Eden’s Fantasy’s * provided a take home gift.  Enough said on that one!

You can click HERE to download more pictures on Whrrl, another event sponsor.

I would like to extend a very, very heartfelt thank you to SV Moms Group and the amazing sponsors for an event to remember!  Happy weekend everyone!   See you on Monday!

{Congratulations to Debbie C. the winner of the aden + anais Cozy Slumber Sleeping Bag giveaway!}

{Companies noted with an * above provided a free product and ** provided a coupon}