I’m thrilled to announce that I am joining the roster of distinguished speakers for the BlogWorld & New Media Expo in Los Angeles, November 3-5, 2011. [Read more...]
Miss Lori will get you Camera Ready at BlogWorld Expo in Los Angeles
September 19, 2011 By 1 Comment
Miss Lori finds the Dodge Journey to be a real treasure
September 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Do you like treasure hunts? Do you like new cars? Well then you will love the Dodge Journey search happening all across America this month. Dodge is dropping off three Journey’s in three very special places in three regions of the US. The Journey they left on the West Coast has already been found, and people are hot on the trail of the Journey here in the Midwest. I don’t blame anyone for working hard to find the Dodge Journey in the #Journey Search. I got to drive one earlier this Summer and I can tell you it is definitely a treasure worth searching for. [Read more...]
Miss Lori is lucky to have had the Chrysler Town and Country to rely on in a pinch
September 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Here’s a question, how much do you rely on your car? No, I don’t mean how much do you use it, I mean how much do you rely on it. You see I don’t just use my cars to get around, I rely on them to help me get my work, play and family life taken care of in an economical fashion. [Read more...]
Miss Lori got her kids Illinois State IDs to help keep them safe
September 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
It’s about safety. Bottom line, that’s why I made the trip downtown to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office with my children this week.
Getting us all State IDs was a lot easier than I thought it would be, partly because before visited the office I first visited the website. On the website there is a list that tells me clearly what I need to bring with me in order prove I am who I am and I live where I live. For me that meant bring Social Security Card, Birth certificate, two utility and/or mortgage bills to prove residency. Super easy for an adult, but it can be a little more difficult for a child. For my kids I had their social security cards and birth certificates, plus I had their medical cards issued by the state, and pay stubs from modeling work they have done. I brought their bank statements as a back up. Another option would be to bring documentation from their school, as long is it clearly states their name and home address.
We went on a weekday, the last week of Summer, which proved to be very smart. The lines were quite short and everyone working there was pleasant and helpful. That was important to me because all of our ticket numbers got called at the same time so i was bouncing around the room filling out paperwork for each kid as well as myself. It was comedic.
After the paperwork was completed for each of us I went to the cashier. It cost me $20 for my ID and $10 each for the kids. A total of $50. With receipt in hand we crossed over to the most important [part of the id process, the PHOTO. All three of my kids were checking their hair and practicing their smiles. (Ok, so was I.) Because we know that this picture stays with you for a long time. My one piece of advice to them, and you; look directly into the camera lens instead of at the "smiley face" below it. It makes your face brighter and the picture more pleasant. I also encourage you to wear bold colors, no patterns or prints. Simple, clean and bright. (Although I say that about all pictures!).
Pictures are a big deal to us all, but as a mom I was most tickled to see my children's first official signatures. Brought a tear to my eye. My kids are growing up. That's exactly why I got them IDs in the first place, because they are growing up and taking on more independent responsibilities. But...they are still kids and the IDs helps them prove it.
I encourage you to help your children solidify their personal identities by getting them identification. Peace of mind is priceless.
This is a * Level 13 The product or service mentioned was bought and paid for with Miss Lori’s own hard earned money that she doesn’t have a lot of, and thus doesn’t like to part with, so it must have been important.
Miss Lori can be found Musing from her Minivan at MissLori.TV , Wearetherealdeal.com , YoungChicagonista , ChicagoMomsBlog , and ChicagoMoms.com. You can also see her Activating to Be Great at Miss Lori’s CAMPUS on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Miss Lori wants you to hydrate your way to better health
August 22, 2011 By 4 Comments
I know you are all intelligent folks who are concerned about your health, if not for yourself but for your family. But I am willing to bet that you are not doing the one thing that could make a huge difference in your success. I am guessing your are not hydrating enough. Don’t worry, you are not alone. [Read more...]
Miss Lori says Matt Lauer and the Today Show need to read better blogs
August 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Sometimes you have to stand up and say something when you perceive a wrong. It can be a little nerve racking, I know, but some things need to be done; not just for you, but for the collective “you”. That’s how I felt Tuesday morning watching Matt Lauer on the Today Show. During a piece about a truly cruel blog he made a comment that passed judgment on an entire community that is comprised of numerous individuals whom I have come to respect and cherish. [Read more...]
Miss Lori wants bloggers to shed their fears and embrace their inner FIREWORK before Blogher
August 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Blogher is right around the corner and you can feel the anticipation in the blogosphere. People are excited. That’s a good thing. I love Blogher. I love the chance to connect with some really lovely people that I don’t get to see regularly. But it’s not just old home week. It’s serious business that requires planning and preparation. [Read more...]
Miss Lori says AUTHENTICTY is the key to social media
July 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Last year at the Social Media Master’s Summit, I spoke on a panel with some amazing ladies, Kim Moldofsky, Danielle Smith and Esther Crawford. We spoke in depth about brand and blogger relations. Looking through the footage, one clip jumped out at me. I think it contains a message that is especially important to hear as much of the blogging community prepares to go to Blogher 2011 in San Diego. I can sum it up in one word…AUTHENTICITY. [Read more...]
Miss Lori wants Vloggers to take ACTION on video
July 23, 2011 By 2 Comments
Social Media is the place to be. By now everyone is aware of that. The key influencers on the web have distinct voices that have inspired loyal followings, but the game is changing again. No longer are influencers allowed to live in the shadow of their computer. They have to step into the key light and face the camera. This isn’t an easy transition for everyone. Part of the empowering allure of social media was the social interaction sans the pressure of face to face interaction. But we are a visual society. We love pictures, especially when they are moving. So influencers who want to stay influential must integrate video into their stream. When I was speaking at the 2011 Midwest Moms Media Brands and Bloggers Conference I asked the audience how many were interested in video for their sites. Many people raised their hands. However, when next I asked how many people were uncomfortable seeing themselves on camera, even more hands went sky high. Vlogging and interviewing does not have to be terrifying, and they won’t be if you take “A.C.T.I.O.N.”. [Read more...]
Miss Lori and Gatorade want to help young athletes BECOME their best
As you may already know, this Summer I have been named one of the new Gatorade SportsMoms. But I was a Sports Mom long before Gatorade came a calling. With three athletically inclined children how could I not be? It was in the cards from the beginning truthfully. Given the fact that my birth father was a well known college football player and track star, who was even highlighted in Sports Illustrated.
And my father, (adoptive), was the first African American to graduate from St Norbert’s College, who went on to become a Harlem Globetrotter.
Whether by nurture or nature, my kids were inheriting a motherload of ability from this Mom! Even though I chose the path of the theatre and not the ball field, I still believe in team work and athleticism. I have tried to be an example of both to all three of my children, but particularly the girls. It is important to me to foster in them their own “girl power”.
I always encourage them to push farther and reach higher, so that they may BECOME whatever they desire to be.
Gatorade shares my mission, not just for my kids but for all kids. That’s why they have created a Sports Moms pledge and are putting their money where their heart is. Both Gatorade and I are calling upon you to pledge your support to young athletes in the Gatorade quest to BECOME. Gatorade will donate $1 up to $10,000 to the Women’s Sports Foundation for every pledge received at www.Gatorade.com/moms. Simply read the pledge, click to commit and Gatorade will donate $1 in support of girls’ and women’s sports. The donation will help ensure there are opportunities FOR ALL CHILDREN who want to get physically active, get involved in competitive athletics and GET IN THE GAME!
As incentive for taking the pledge, Gatorade has provided me with an autographed soccer ball from Olympic soccer star, and fellow Sports Mom, Brandi Chastain, for me to give away in this post.
A win, win! Pledge your support to young athletes in the Gatorade quest to BECOME. Gatorade will donate $1 up to $10,000 to the Women’s Sports Foundation for every pledge received, and you could win a Brandi Chastain soccer ball! I will choose a winner randomly on Friday from the comments added to this blog post. Perfect end to a productive and inspiring week don’t you think?
So let’s all BE the best that we can BE, and help our young people BECOME the people of their dreams.
SMILE On!
ML
This is a:
* Level 8: Although not specifically compensated for this post, Miss Lori has an ongoing relationship with a company connected with a product, service or location mentioned in this post that Miss Lori feels may have influenced her decision to post about it.
* Level 10: Products, services or tickets were provided to Miss Lori to give away in a contest and to keep for her own use, attendance, or for review.
Miss Lori can be found Musing from her Minivan at MissLori.TV , Wearetherealdeal.com , YoungChicagonista , ChicagoMomsBlog , and ChicagoMoms.com. You can also see her Activating to Be Great at Miss Lori’s CAMPUS on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.