I was all smiles after attending my first WordCamp Birmingham. And I got a free T-shirt!
I have a confession: I am obsessed with blogging conferences. I attend at least one each year and some years I attend one each season. One year I attended three blogging conferences in a single summer! From big national conferences like BlogHer and Blogalicious to Birmingham-based conferences like Y’all Connect and WordCamp Birmingham, if I can be there, I will be.
Once a friend asked me if I actually still get anything out of blogging conferences since I’ve been blogging for nearly a decade and since I have attended so many blogging workshops and events. My answer was simple: “Absolutely!”
It’s become a family tradition. Every fall my mother and I have a girls’ day out at Birmingham’s Southern Women’s Show. Some years the day is extra special when my favorite aunt and cousin come along, too. Yesterday, I and a few other local bloggers and influencers got a special preview of this year’s show, which will be held October 5 – 8 at Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.
Savannah Chrisley from the hit TV show Chrisley Knows Best will be featured on the Fashion & Entertainment Stage Saturday, October 7 at 1 p.m. Savannah is the youngest person to ever appear on HSN, where she debuted her fashion line “Faith Over Fear” at 19. Savannah also gives back, working with organizations that help rescue women from sex trafficking and with groups that help provide clean water to those in need.
If you’re heading to the show on Friday, make your way to the Fashion & Entertainment Stage at 6 p.m. for Girls’ Night Out, a special show presented by the men of the Birmingham Fire Department to raise money for the American Cancer Society. For reasons you can probably guess, my mom and aunt LOVE this part of the show. And the phrase “Ah, sookie, sookie, now!” is repeated often. You can also buy a calendar featuring these handsome heroes for $20 while you’re at the show.
My fellow writers and book lovers will be happy to know that this year the Southern Women’s Show will feature a Southern Authors Showcase including Judy Renee Singer (author of In the Shadows of Alabama), Food Network star Martie Duncan (author of Martie Knows Parties), Kimberly Lang (author of More Than Anything), Olivia Debelle Byrd (author of Miss Hildreth Wore Brown: Anecdotes of a Southern Belle), Diane Burch (author of Maxnificent! The Polka Dot Pyrenees; Max will be there, too), and Katherine Clark (author of the Mountain Brook novels — The Ex-Suicide, The Harvard Bride, All the Governor’s Men, and The Headmaster’s Darlings.
The authors will be featured on the Spotlight Stage throughout the weekend. On that stage, you’ll also find fitness demonstrations, essential oils workshops, and much more. At the Fashion & Entertainment Stage, you can see fashion shows, dance and music performances, contests, and more. Unclaimed Baggage will also be on the Spotlight Stage hosting various activities, including the opportunity to explore a suitcase that’s never been opened. And be sure to stop by the Unclaimed Baggage vendor booth where you can take a fun photo inside a stack of luggage!
Speaking of fun photos, you must get some snapshots at the Happy Trails Photo Booth while you’re at the show. You’ll also find yourself taking pictures of the photo booth itself because it’s so adorable. But first head to the Aveda Institute of Birmingham booth or the Salon 43 One booth so you can check out their Braid Bar. That’s right; you can get your hair braided while you’re at the show — for free!
Happy Trails Photo Booth
One of thing my mom and aunt love to do at the show is hang out at the cooking stage, which features local chefs whipping up delicious dishes that attendees get to sample. During last night’s preview, I had a chance to sample some pasta prepared by Linda Croley owner of Bare Naked Noodles. Their pasta is made from farm fresh local ingredients and with the help of family recipes.
The Birmingham Southern Women’s Show will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $12 at the door, but I’m giving away a pair of tickets today over on Instagram. Follow me at @seejavaciawrite for details.
The last quarter of 2017 is here and this is the perfect time to look back at your goals for the year and to start looking ahead to your goals for 2018.
I’d rather write a blog post every day for the rest of my life than write a book. But I’m writing one anyway.
I miss being a full-time journalist. Sometimes.
I will cry actual tears if The Bold Type isn’t renewed for a second season.
My husband is a music blogger and hip-hop snob, but when he’s not home I blast ratchet and ridiculous rap by artists I pretend I don’t know exist.
I sing so hard in the car I often give myself a headache.
When Shameless Maya hit 1 million subscribers I celebrated as if I had won a Pulitzer.
I want to revive WriteousBabe.com, but I have no idea what I’d blog about there.
Sometimes I miss the days of blogging just for fun.
I want to sign up for Neighborhood Barre classes not to improve my flexibility or overall health but only because I want to lift my booty.
I am prepared to give Rihanna and Fenty Beauty all my money.
Even though I use social media to promote my work and believe most writers, bloggers and entrepreneurs should I low key hate social media and hope to take a break from it soon.
I often feel as if I’m too old to go after my dreams even though I’m not even 40 yet.
Though many of my friends see me as a good Christian girl because I pray and read the Bible daily and even post uplifting scripture on social media I haven’t regularly attended church in two years.
Because of my busy schedule, I am a terrible daughter, sister, and friend.
