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The countdown to #BlogHer13 is on! What’s left on my to-do list #BlogHer13Newbie

July 22, 2013 by Wendy S

COUNTDOWN CLOCK WIDGET

It’s hard to believe that in less than 2 days, I’ll be heading down the road to Chicago for BlogHer with Christy and Aeryn!

I’m really looking forward to BlogHer and our all-girls road trip!  8 hours each way is going to be amazing bonding time.

There’s so much to do in the next few days!

Today I’ll be picking up a 2013 Ford Explorer.  With 3 of us traveling to Chicago on a 8-hour road trip, it’s the perfect time to test drive the new Explorer!

Geek with Style

Tonight, I’ll finish up the laundry and start packing!  With the help of Aeryn’s Conference Travel Checklist, I shouldn’t forget anything.

Trying to figure out what type of clothing to pack is what has me worried the most.  How many dresses? What type of shoes? Should I bring jeans?  I know deep down that what ever I pack will end up being just fine…but I’ll worry anyway.

I need to print out my tickets.  Yes, that is on Aeryn’s list but repitition should make sure that I really don’t forget.

Tomorrow after work, I’ll be getting my hair cut so I’m all neat and tidy.  I always feel good after getting my hair cut so I like to do it before a big event.

How are the other BlogHer Newbies (or not so newbies) doing on their to-do lists??  Have I forgotten anything?

  • Leave a comment to let me know what you’re up to?
  • Am I way behind?
  • Should I add something else to my list?
  • What has you worried the most about getting ready for BlogHer?

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: BlogHer13

Kicking off #BlogHer13 with a bang on a Sea Dog Cruise! #Chicago

July 8, 2013 by Wendy S

I’m kicking off BlogHer with a bang…. lots of them as I see Chicago’s scenic lakefront and fireworks on a Sea Dog Cruise!!
Are you ready for an entertaining cruise experience along Chicago’s scenic lakefront?
Come out to Navy Pier and let Seadog show you the city April-October, weather permitting.
Seadog offers four exciting ways to see and experience Chicago from the water:

Lakefront Speedboat Tour 
This 30-minute cruise along the shoreline offers a descriptive tour of Chicago’s famous skyline, while playing your favorite music.

Extreme Thrill Ride 
This cruise is perfect for the dare-devil in you! This 30-minute ride features splash down stops, 180-degree turns, slalom runs and more. River and Lake

Architectural Tour
Enjoy historic views of Chicago’s famous landmarks and neighborhoods during this 75-minute cruise on both Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.

Lakefront Fireworks Cruise 
Enjoy front-row seats to the spectacular fireworks display aboard our Lakefront Fireworks Cruise! Cruise along Lake Michigan with an exciting speedboat ride paired with an informative tour of the Chicago skyline, then end the evening with a dazzling fireworks show and top-40 hits playing in the background! The open aired vessel allows for panoramic views, providing a perfect view. The Seadog Fireworks Cruise is available on Wednesdays and Saturdays, running from Memorial Day – Labor Day.

Seadog is great for both individuals and groups. We offer customizable group events for up to 450 people.
Seadog also features specific holiday cruises, such as Memorial Day, the 4th of July and Halloween. Not only can you enjoy a Seadog Cruise, but your dog can as well! Dogs ride for free, space permitting.

For more information, please visit www.seadogcruises.com/chicago/ or call 888-636-7737.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: BlogHer13

Breaking news! I’m a @PTPA Blogaholic!!

April 18, 2013 by Wendy S

I’ve been following PTPA for a very long time
and have been registered as a PTPA Evaluator since June 2009.
Now, I’m stepping it up a notch, and I get to blog for PTPA!  Woohoo!!
Read my my intro post here!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: PTPA Blogaholic

2013 Ultimate Blog Party #UBP13

April 5, 2013 by Wendy S

Ultimate Blog Party 2013

 
Thanks for stopping by!  

I’ve always wanted to participate in the Ultimate Blog Party, but I always seemed to miss the deadline.  Not this year!!

Let me introduce myself….



I’m Wendy…aka @mapsgirl

  • married to @bigdaddykreativ (aka @FordCraigSilva )
  • mom to 2 amazing girls
  • cartographer
  • Youth Group co-coordinator
  • car seat technician
  • lover of life

What’s my blog all about??

The first post — In the beginning…

9 years ago when I started this blog I was just posting about being pregnant and then about being a mom. There are a lot of cute stories about the girls.

In June, 2008, I became a Certified Car Seat Technician and started to include information about car seat safety.  I’m very passionate about this so if you have any questions, please read my “Car Seat Info” page. If your question doesn’t get answered there, please contact me and I’ll try to help.

I’m a stickler about grammar — i’d like to buy a “LY”, please

Sometimes I worry — mustering up strength

I love to share photos — hard to believe it’s November

In November 2009, I did my first sponsored post — Disney on Ice is coming to Toronto

Since then I’ve worked with some amazing brands and pr companies!

I recently posted my first auto review —  2013 Ford Edge SEL

My favorite part about blogging is that over the years, I have met and become friends with so many amazing bloggers!

Through the Ultimate Blog Party, I hope to meet many new bloggers (and maybe even some new brands to work with too)!!

Thanks again for stopping by! If you’re participating in the Ultimate Blog Party please leave a comment and I’ll be sure to visit your blog!

    Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: ultimate blog party

    2012 stats summary

    January 3, 2013 by Wendy S

    I’ve been reading Simply Stacie for a very long time
    and in November 2012 she started
    Blogging at Simply Stacie. 

    Following her lead, I decided to take a look at my yearly statistics. This will help me gauge how my blog is doing as I move forward.

    Thank you to all of you out there who have helped make this a great year!!


    2012 Stats:


    Here’s some detailed info from Google Analytics:

    10 Most Viewed Posts:

    1. understanding the new Canadian car seat regulations (effective Jan 1, 2012) — 14885 views
    2. boosters and seat belts — 1338
    3. best kijiji ad ever!  —  843
    4. Dear Photograph – a dedication of our memories — 829
    5. rear-facing car seats  — 743
    6. forward-facing car seats  — 686
    7. Win tickets to see Disney on Ice Worlds of Fantasy in Toronto! — 655
    8. Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! (and Saturday) Monster Jam ticket giveaway  — 535
    9. Canadian child car seats and what is happening in January 2011  — 507
    10. Cold Stone Creamery has lots of tasty treats — cakes, cupcakes and sandwiches! Oh my! —  449

    Top 20 Referring Sites:

    1. facebook.com
    2. twitter.com
    3. google.com
    4. hootsuite.com
    5. triberr.com
    6. mapleleafmommy.com
    7.  wonderfamilies.com
    8. pinterest.com
    9. scoop.it
    10. momvstheboys.com
    11. girlguidescanblog.ca
    12. didyouknowcanada.ca
    13. strocel.com
    14. blogger.com
    15. snugglebugz.ca
    16. qian8ao.com
    17. multitestingmommy.com
    18. stumbleupon.com
    19. myrealreview.ca
    20. multitestingmommy.com/
    Top 20 Referring Bloggers:

    1. Maple Leaf Mommy
    2. Mom vs The Boys
    3. GirlGuidesCANBlog
    4. Did you know Canada?
    5. strocel.com
    6. Sluggle Bugz Blog
    7. Multi-Testing Mommy
    8. My Real Review
    9. Sober Julie
    10. Yee Wittle Things
    11. Elastamom’s Excerpts
    12. Linkies Contest Linkies
    13. Molly Cake
    14. Mommy Kat and Kids
    15. Older Mommy Still Yummy
    16. Talking Momcents
    17. Google Maps Mania
    18. Big Daddy Kreativ
    19. Mommy Moment
    20. There’s a Contest for That 

    Top 10 Keywords:

    1. ontario car seat laws 2012 — 1016
    2. car seat regulations ontario 2012 — 853
    3. car seat laws ontario 2012  — 553
    4. ontario booster seat law 2012 — 459
    5. booster seat laws ontario 2012 — 447
    6. ontario car seat laws new 2012 — 407
    7. new car seat regulations ontario 2012 — 400
    8. ontario car seat laws — 202
    9. car seat regulations ontario — 191
    10. car seat laws — 186

      You can link up your 2012 Stats Summary over at

      Blogging with Simply Stacie!


      Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: admin

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      Follow MapsGirl On…

      mapsgirl@gmail.com

      Why “mapsgirl” ?

      Wendy is a cartographer! She draws maps!

      When not mapping, Wendy is also a mom to two daughters. They are the inspiration of this blog. Passionate about child passenger safety, Wendy was a certified Car Seat Technician in Ontario, Canada from 2008 to 2020. [Read More …]

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