Greetings from Texas Summer Blogroll

I've been meaning to put together a proper blogroll for a while now, not just for y'alls reading pleasure, but for my own personal benefit. I often find myself staring at the screen thinking "ummm, who do I like again?". 

The thing is, however, its very hard for bloggers, or myself at least, to put together such a list. First of all, let's be clear, I'm taking it wayyyyy too seriously. But it's hard in a very 1st world way. Perhaps "political" is the better word. It's reminds me of choosing bridesmaids for my wedding. Which I was THE WORST at as all my girls had to return their dresses as that wedding never happened. #mybad  #jcrewdresses #youcanreturnthem

the gft graphic was designed by becky murhpy who you'll note is on the blogroll as well

Political is the right word for it. There's a lot of "but I'm friends with this person" - I have to include them. But if I include them, then I have to include Big Bertha*. 

*Big Bertha's name has been changed, or made up rather, for my own personal entertainment value.

The truth is the following blogs are all on my blogroll for different reasons. Some have consistently good, original content and I'm genuinely engaged and inspired. Others aren't necessarily my faves from a content perspective, but they are industry leaders and I want stay informed on whats happening in the industry in terms of trends, sponsorships, and general montetization happenings. 

Others are my friends' blogs and even if they blew I'd still plug them because I'm so ride or die for those particular girls.

So here's my list. I'll add more as I remember and as I discover more. Please add your own recs in the comments section so I can check them out as well, cool? 

-GREETINGS FROM TEXAS SUMMER BLOGROLL-

LOVES
Natalie Dressed
Venz Edits
House Of Harper
Sugar + Cloth
Orchid Grey
Cup of Jo
Lauren Kelp
Man Repeller
Hello Giggles
L Avenue
Meg Biram

The Shoe Diet
Sea of Shoes


BFFS IN THE BIZ
Prosecco to Plaid
Luxe with Kids
See Beautiful
Jessica Murnane
Foundry/ Awake Photography

SMALL BIZNESSESS
Moulton
Shop The Manor
Chipper Things
Bueno Bueno Shop
Man Ready
Cuteheads
Manoosh
Kendall Hannah/ White Buffalo Project
Snapshots by Ailee


PODCASTS
Jess Lively
Marc Maron
Serial - Just started and finished last week. WHO THE F@CK killed Hae Min Lee? 
Good Life Project
Off Camera with Sam Jones

- FOLLOWING MEGAN ON SOCIAL MEDIA WILL MAKE YOU SKINNIER, RICHER, + PRETTIER-

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THIS MORNING'S GREAT DAY HOUSTON SEGMENT

I took part in a little segment called "Extra Dough" this morning on Great Day Houston. 

I talked about earning $ through blogging while my friend Sarah focused on apps and Lana (who I met this morning - so sweet!) talked about her bootcamp. 

Of course we all know the best, most effective way to make side money is through hooking. 

So don't forget to consider that as an option either. 

right before we went on set

me //sarah // lana

Good stuff kids! See you tomorrow! 

- FOLLOWING MEGAN ON SOCIAL MEDIA WILL MAKE YOU SKINNIER, RICHER, + PRETTIER-

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A CLIP FROM MY TXSC PRESENTATION

This past weekend I attended Texas Stye Council. 

photo by becky murhpy

I've gushed about this conference enough here so I won't indulge myself again.

But Julie (white t-shirt) told me she's "Trying to hold on to everything from this past weekend." Touché girl. I've never felt so connected to my fellow community.

 Friends chillin.

(Jessie/Me/Beckster)

photo by Amy 

My roommates for the weekend; (from left to right) Liz, Jen, and Julie. I've never laughed so hard, stayed up so late, or fell in love so fast as I did with these fawns.

This girl. Conference founder Indiana Adams. I don't even have the words.....unless I go with "speechless" which I'm going to. #nailedit

Here's a few minutes of the discussion I led with Liz Morrow. 

And for those of you were in attendance, The Click Clique, is the article I kept referencing.

High fives! 
Love, Megan

-COOL PEOPLE ONLY-

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FIVE QUESTIONS WITH MEGAN SILIANOFF

Texas Style Council is this weekend! In hopes of getting everyone ramped up, Jen Moulton is interviewing some of the speakers on the Texas Style Council website. Head over there and read my interview where I reveal my long-term muse, dream coffee date, subject I want to learn more about, the #1 thing on my wishlist, + more! 

Hump Dayyyyyyyyyy!

XO,

Megan

-COOL PEOPLE ONLY-

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TALKING SHOP WITH AMBER VENZ BOX

It's well documented that I have a huge crush on Amber Venz Box. I've previously gushed about why here and anyone that knows me IRL is likely rolling their eyes, being like "we get it Meg, you like her. No I don't watch this 30 minute video." 

Amber is the founder of Reward Style, the program that I use to monetize this blog and my instagram. Reward Style is something I teach fellow bloggers about (this was the topic of my panel at Thrive last weekend) and my MadMeg clients alike.

In short, Reward Style is the matchmaker between bloggers and retailers. It enables both parties to benefit monetarily from the powerful influence and readership that so many bloggers possess.

In long, watch the above video. I know that I'll be sending it to my clients today as a supplement to our conversations. I'll also likely mention it when sending Amber a love letter and lock of my hair later this afternoon. 

THE END

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THRIVE BLOGGING CONFERENCE

Saturday I spoke at a conference about best practices in air traffic control. JK but that looks what I'm doing, no? I guess I talk with my hands. My mom does too. She says its because we're Italian. 

I spoke about blog monetization and blogger/brand relationships with fellow Houstonian, Sarah, who writes Pretty Providence, a lifestyle blog about frugal living. I'd never met Sarah before but she was so great! So nice, had her "presh" baby with her, and Pretty Providence is legit. I especially appreciate that it has a strong point of view (frugality) in a day and age when most blogs don't. For example, I plan to copy this wrapping paper storage idea.

Sarah's baby was so precious as was her lil baby head wrap. 

It's from the Sadie & Claire Etsy shop and they, wait for it, come in adult sizes too! 

Stole this pic from Michelle's instagram. Glad you liked mamma!

The other person I was excited to meet/hear speak was Caroline from House of Harper. She was a thriving (nailed it!) NYC fashion blogger but moved to Houston recently. Her blog is on the top of my blogroll right now.

I slanged some of my books in-between sessions but you can always purchase it here! #plug

One of my instagram followers was asking about my outfit  My boots are still available here from Urban but my dress is old Free People. Here are similar ideas though. Shop it up @MegCravens14! 

Thanks to Thrive photographer Meg Cady (above) for the photos - though I actually think I took this picture. When she was speaking I picked up her GINORMOUS camera and just focused on not dropping it. 

Happy Monday everyone! I plan to hustle and GSD this week if anyone wants to join me in spirit. I have a meeting tomorrow that I'm especially excited about!

XO, Megan

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HIGH SCHOOL SPEAKING GIG

Yesterday I had the pleasure of speaking for Franklin High School's Independent Reading class. We discussed the publishing process and specificities about my story and subsequent book. The class had read excerpts from 99 Problems and watched my interviews and compiled a list of questions accordingly.  We ended up having a conversational discussion however and just went off the cuff in terms of the Q&A. That's why I got to address inquires like "Did you like Kayne's newest album, Yeezus?" It was awesome.

Another question I received was "how does it feel to be back at your former high school?" I said that it was awesome and that I loved high school and have only fond memories.  And that's true. But if i'm being totally candid, the visit did nothing to help this midlife crisis I've got going on. I turned 33 this week and basically I'm freaking the fuck out. My sister Julianna went through this when she turned 30 and seems to have come out on the other side. I'm hopeful it's a phase I'll conquer here soon. If not, you guys have a lot of long, dark, emo blog posts to look forward to. #getexcited 

Let's talk more about the students. They were so sweet and and some were already so accomplished. You don't realize, or at least I didn't until yesterday, that today's online culture  offers kids the ability to pursue a writing career and publish their work immediately. No need to wait for a diploma, bachelors degree, or more than anything permission from someone to be a writer. I don't think that was the case for say, someone who graduated Franklin High in the year 2000! #Y2KBitches 

Several of the students gave me the urls to their tumblrs, websites, and one even emailed me their work to peek it. I was impressed. I definitely wasn't that ambitious when I was in high school except when I publicly protested the administration's parking fees in a journalistic manner. #embarrassing 

This was my 2nd year speaking for this Independent Reading Class, though last year I did it via Skype. My 2015 goals, and just life ambitions in general, are simply to keep producing work that warrants this yearly gig because no speaking invitation makes me feel more honored and connected.

P.S. I'm hosting a twitter party tonight for The Potty Rockers (Think of them as the "Elf on the Shelf" for the potty training world) from 9:00pm - 9:15pm. It's gonna be short and sweet so come hashtag it up with us! Follow me on twitter (@greetingsfromtx) and The Potty Rocker and let's parrtttyyyyyy!

P.P.S. If you haven't listened to my interview on the One Part Podcast yet you can do it here. And check out Jessica's guest today, De'Mar Hamilton of The Plain White T's.

COOL PEOPLE ONLY PLEASE!     

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SAVE THE DATE: TEXAS STYLE COUNCIL 2015

Fellow bloggers and business biatches - get excited! Texas Style Council 2015 has a date and registration opens next month. Take a Sharpie and write "Hell Mothafuckin Yeah!" over the weekend of March 20 - 22nd, 2015. 

This year TXSC is getting "back to basics." We're heading to Camp Texlake, Texas (read about accommodations here) and focusing on creating crazy good content as opposed to crazy good statistics. It's precisely the type of programming I'm interested in during this blogging vs slogging era that we're existing in. Indiana's tagline for the weekend (Hi Indiana! I love you!) is "create a meaningful presence". She gets it guys.

This analogy makes me feel old (#botox) but TXSC is similar to college in that the people you meet early on often end up becoming life long besties. I walked into my first TXSC event intimidated and not knowing anyone. I nervously introduced myself to a tall blond whose name was Kirsten Stoddard. A year later Kirsten and I were in her apartment working on the Houston Blogger Symposium.  Later that night I saw a hot girl in a black bodysuit from across the room. We eventually spoke, bonded over the fact that we were both from Chicago, and before I knew it Lauren Kelp and I were working for Lulu & Georgia on this little ditty. (P.S. Check out Lauren's brand new website.)

The list of women I met through TXSC and went on to work with, trade leads and opportunities with, hone friendships with, and most importantly, get drunk with during this respective weekend, is too long to count - but I will anyway.

//Pics from TXSC 2013 and 2014//

(Some of the many) friends made through TXSC:

-Davina Tweedy - Um, she's now my boss at Langford Market. NBD.

-Michelle Pimm - Michelle wrote a SXSW trend report for the Langford Market blog, she wrote a rave review of my book (I had to pay her but still!) and Macy is showing signs of looking just like Michelle when she's an adult which is exciting because Michelle is a smokeshow.  

-Jessie Artigue -  We were #teamspeakeasy at Alt Summit and I used her consulting services to help me come up with PR/marketing strategies for my book.   

-Jessie Coulter: I had Jessie write an ATX City Guide for Langford Market's blog. 

-Becky Murphy: We were written up in the Houston Chron together and did a book signing together this July. We also presented, From Blog to Book, at TXSC last year. Our biggest collab of all, however, was this Saturday when we joined forces to split a pizza at dinner. 

-Jen Moulton: Wear her jewelry, k guys? I know I do.  Jen too was in on the pizza collaboration on Saturday night. Her contribution was essential as she made us order a salad in effort to be healthy. #vegetables

-Linda - Linda was a creative contributor to my BHLDN Style shoot, contributed to the Langford Market Bride to Bride series, and she is my go-to girl for wedding gifts.

-Amber Venz: I'm such a Amber Venz fangirl and I got to spend significant time with her last year. 

This blogroll of sorts is making me feel way too emo (#needkleenex) and way too anxious that I'm forgetting someone. (#needxanax) The point I'm trying to make however is that TXSC is truly a beautiful thing. I've gotten so much out of it; professionally, personally, and materialistically (#swag!) that I'm passionate about encouraging greener bloggers to attend and reap the "life value add" that I have. 

See you guys in March!  

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YouTube Interview with Julie Bortnick

Last week my pal, Julie Weinstein of From Proscecco to Plaid, interviewed me for her new YouTube Channel. It was super fun, casual, and Julie's apartment is TO DIE. I need to move in get myself invited back over there again soon.

 

Sit back, relax, and enjoy as Julie shows Babara Walters how its done.

 

XO,

Megan (and Julie)

 

 

Break Down of Video

0:52 - Synopsis of my book & why I wrote it

2:45 - How I stay positive in trying times

4:13 -  Advice for people who are adopting/want to adopt

5:44 - Advice for people who want to write a book

6:58 FUN, SILLY, RANDO QUESTIONS

8:52 - On Macy's 1st time "shrooming"

9:22  My career goals

11:40 - BLOOPERS

*Bolded titles mark my favorite parts

 

 

*Follow Julie's YouTube Channel and/or follow her on instagram if that's more your jam.

 

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The Business of Fashion Blogging

Reward Style's Amber Venz and Baxter Box (picture via Texas Monthly)

The number one question people ask me about my blog is how I earn money. Not only does this Texas Monthly article, The Click Clique, explain that in detail but it goes on to give a detailed expose of Amber Venz, the woman? girl? (she's only 26!) who invented the technology, Reward Style, that enables Greetings from Texas to be monetized.

I had the pleasure of meeting Amber last year at Texas Style Council. We were presenting in the same room and her presentation preceded mine. We sat next to one another and visited both there, and later that day at a happy hour, when I met her now hubby, and company co-founder, Baxter Box.

That weekend I instagrammed a picture of Amber's presentation and captioned it "the #markzuckerberg of the blogosphere. #buthotter #andnotawkward" . It was then I began meticously following her career and blog because, much like the author of the Texas Monthly article, I was captured with Amber's business aptitude and foresight, intellect, articulation, age (again, she's 26!) and runway looks.

Amber and I presenting at Texas Style Council 2013 (a well known, Austin based blogging conference)

  

The only concrete fact I know to be true about blogging is that its constantly evolving. (Which I wrote a piece about here.) I can't wait to watch how Amber and Reward Style adapt accordingly. I got money on something with drones.


P.S. Amber also invented the technology (called LiketoKnowIt) that  make instagram posts shoppable. Enter your email address here. Then every time you "like" one of my instagram posts - you'll be emailed the respective product links.

P.P.S. Reward Style isn't the only way I earn money blogging - but it's a part of the equation. I additionaly work with brands directly. Just thought I should disclose that since I'm apparently being overly candid about my modest W-2 today.

 

 

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My Blog Car

image via Tim Gough for The New York Times

I've been a blogger for 3.5 years now. As the blogging industry continues to exponentially grow I've been reflecting on its evolution, direction, and where I fit in to the community. Both Christopher Wiegand's documentary, The American Blogger, and Lauren Kelp's piece, The Aesthete and Social Media have been helpful catalysts in this contemplation. But the most enlightening pot of gold I came across was an ancient interview with Brian Awitan which talks about what he calls the "curation culture" that's running rampant in our beloved blogosphere.

 

Brian's point is that we as bloggers and social media connoisseurs are not making anything anymore because making something is work. Making something (art, music, stories, meaningful photography, etc.)  requires talent, a point of view, and above all, discipline. "Curation", on the other hand, is simply sharing what others have already made though new age tools -Blogs, pinterest, Tmblrs, etc. (I acknowledge the counter to that statement is there is an element of artistry in curation; the originality of the curation and graphic design abilities for example. I buy into that argument to a certain extent.)

My take on blogging has always been that a blog is not the end game but rather the vehicle to get you to your end game. So if you wanted to be a famous makeup artist, for example,  you should start a blog (not to make bank - that's now a pipedream) but to give you credibility and exposure to gain opportunities as a makeup artist. And those respective opportunities will hopefully be lucrative.

I find myself, however, in purgatory right now - still in my vehicle even though it's taken me where I wanted to go, which for me, has always been to be a prolific author and a contributor to various publications. Currently, I feel like I have a firmly planted heel in both worlds. My blog has given me the creditability, opportunity, and most importantly, the confidence, to attempt being a career author. I'm currently trying to sell my 2nd book and adapt my first book into a screenplay.

But where does that leave my blog? I can't give 100% to both. (As Lisa Yoder articulately reminds us, we don't have as many hours in the day as Beyoncé.)  I now have a harder time justifying how a post about wanting to bed Harry Connick Jr. will help me achieve my end goal of getting Allison Williams to play me in 99 Problems but A Baby Ain't One - THE MOVIE!. (And more importantly, Jonah Hill as my husband.) Sure, I genuinely enjoy writing blog post about rolling potpourri joints at my mom's house and curating Solange's "sometimes a bitch snaps" look.  Especially because blogging, as opposed to working on books or a screenplay, is instantly gratifying. It's quicker, it's easier, it's more lucrative (in the short run) and above all, it's a safer. You can't fail at it.

But I don't want to be safe. And I definitely don't want to be called a curator when, if I put my head down and do the work, I can be fall on the maker side of things. Because even if my writing is shit, it's still something I made. I'd rather fail as a maker that succeed as a curator.
 

My blog isn't going anywhere. It's still my platform to share projects I'm working on like the aforementioned 2nd book and screenplay.  It's still my place to write about my family and even share the occasional curation.
 

But I also feel like my blog car (Range Rover - Olsen Twins style) has, indeed, taken me to my end game and final destination and it's time to get out. I'm also grateful for the timing because although I'm still passionate about blogging as ever its an industry that's becoming more saturated and curated everyday which makes me concerned for its future.

 

 

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American Blogger

 

I'm freaking out. I just learned there's a film coming out in June about....

-wait for it-

BLOGGING!!!!!!!!!!!

I might see it. Maybe. If I have time.

Even cooler that I know & met some of the girls that seem to be part of it!!!

Watch the trailer below!

To learn more about American Blogger check out the website here.

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