I found myself somewhat speechless this morning while reading Princess Lasertron’s blog posting about Nerdy Thirty for her Radvent 2010 project. Wow! I met Megan Hunt about two years ago through the Big Omaha/Silicon Prairie News collective, and we have been good friends ever since. While Megan writes so glowingly about me on her blog, I must admit that I took several cues from her as Nerdy Thirty slowly became reality. Megan’s approach to marketing herself – and, as a result, her fabulous bridal accessory business – is very smart and one that can be adopted by creatives of all walks of life. What Megan shares on her blog doesn’t appear by accident.

Megan put it best earlier this year when she said we both recently gave birth: me to a book, her to a sweet-as-sugar baby girl named Alice (who also happens to be on Twitter.)

To celebrate today’s Radvent theme of sharing, Megan and I are both giving away some goods through her website. By commenting on today’s post, you will be entered into a drawing to win a signed copy of Nerdy Thirty, plus one of Megan’s signature notebook covers and a few other goodies from her online store. The winner will be announced later this week, and the giveaway is open to readers in the United States and around the world. (Just saying “around the world” gives me goosebumps.)

As I mentioned earlier, today’s giveaway is part of Megan’s month-long Radvent 2010 project, where she offers daily blogging prompts on a variety of topics. So far this month I have written about being daring (through a fancy red dress), staying organized, and remembering. The daily prompts have been a much needed kick-in-the-pants for me and my blog. While I want to write on a more regular basis, I often struggle with what, exactly, to write about.

Use the graphic below as a starter for today’s Radvent blogging topic, and encourage yourself to continue writing on a regular basis. You will be amazed at what you discover when you take time for yourself and tell your story in your own words.

Merry Christmas!

When it comes to my wardrobe, I always prefer to arrive overdressed than underdressed. There’s something that changes my swagger and my state of mind when I get all gussied up for a creative meeting or an evening gathering. The holiday season is the perfect time to go pretty as parties abound. If you can’t get gorgeous for a Christmas party, when can you?

Monday was my birthday. I turned thirty-two in a relatively non-emotional way. The day arrived and, to celebrate, I put a sizable dent in my Christmas shopping. It was relaxing and fun. At thirty, I cried for something like twenty minutes, moped around the house for a small while in my fluffy robe, wondering what the rest of my life would look like, and then got over it and moved on with my day. Thirty-one was fine, and, now, so was thirty-two.

To mark the occasion, I had a lovely family dinner at Omaha’s historic (and now nationally known, thanks to the Travel Channel) Piccolo Pete’s on Sunday, the eve before my birthday. It was cold on Sunday and my outfit was already picked out: black Mary Janes, dressy jeans, a black cardigan and these fabulous, vintage-like floral earrings: black enamel over gold with tiny crystals in the center. Perfect for December in Nebraska.

Before dinner Matt gave me my birthday gifts, among which was a drop-dead-gorgeous, fire-engine-red dress by Bettie Page Clothing. We visited the Bettie Page shop in the Haight during our summer vacation to San Francisco earlier this year. I lusted after nearly every item in the store, always fond of clothing styles well before my time.

As I pulled the dress from the box and its wrappings, I gasped. My eyes grew wide. I was even a little speechless. I was so touched that Matt remember my reaction to the store nearly six months ago.

“You can wear the dress tonight to dinner!” Matt said enthusiastically.

As I held the dress, I knew I wanted to. Heck, I wanted to put the dress on right there and never, ever take it off. But I knew our dinner would be a casual affair, and I, very likely, would be the only one in a fancy red dress. I shared with him my thoughts.

“Who cares,” Matt said. “It’s your birthday.”

After much mental badminton – going back and forth in mind, back and forth, back and forth – I decided to put on the dress for dinner. My new vintage-like earrings would be perfect with the dress, as would my knee-high black boots. And what better color to wear than red during the holidays?

Of course I was overdressed for dinner, but the dress was stunning. It fit perfectly and I felt fantastic. Later than night, I reminded myself of my philosophy of always overdressing than underdressing. Not only will I (and you, when you wear your best) always look lovely, but you have the confidence knowing you took the time for yourself. Had I opened the dress from Matt earlier, I might have even applied a thick red coat (or two) of polish atop my fingernails to complete the look.

Allow yourself to be pampered this season. I can’t afford a manicure every week – something I would absolutely love – but I almost always make time to paint my fingernails. Shop your closet. Wear your favorite pieces and pair them with your most treasured accessories. Who cares if it’s not “matchy matchy.” What matters most is that the better you look, the better you feel. I guarantee you that my new red dress will make me happy and feeling wonderful for years to come.

While writing Nerdy Thirty, public speaking was never on my radar. Preparing for publication involved spending hours writing and editing on my Macintosh, finalizing the cover with a graphic designer, stumping for media attention, and hosting book signings around Omaha. Standing in front of a group of people and yammering away about the writing process and even the promotion of the book was the farthest thing from my mind.

But in April of this year, the speaking requests slowly started rolling in and continued for the majority of 2010. When I look back at the number of organizations that invited me to pontificate in the nerdiest manner possible, I am left a little speechless and extremely humbled. As such, I wanted to again extend a heartfelt thanks to those groups who hosted me and my little book this past year.

Bellevue Chamber of Commerce
Junior League of Omaha
KANEKO-UNO Library
Lincoln American Marketing Association
Public Relations Society of America, Nebraska chapter
Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Association of the Midlands
Social Media Club Des Moines
Social Media Club of Lincoln
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Wine, Writers and Song Festival

And 2011 is shaping up to be a busy year, including a return visit to the Public Relations Society of America, Nebraska chapter, for their annual Professional Development Conference on January 28, and the March 3 Greater Omaha Young Professionals Summit, hosted by the Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

To those groups and everyone who has supported the Nerdy Thirty movement, I thank you!

In the spirit of the holidays, I wanted to share a few favorite photos of my Christmas décor at home this year. I gave up trying to have a theme or matching Christmas decorations throughout my home, and have instead opted for cute and cuddly pieces that make me smile.

The majority of ornaments you see on my Christmas tree have been collected over the years, primarily given to me as Christmas and birthday gifts. But I also have hung onto homemade gift tags from Christmases past and add those to my tree every year.

Some people are just born to organize, and, perhaps freakishly, I’m one of them. As a young child I remember making sure my toys and clothes and other child-like belongings were always just so. The innate behavior continued when I entered school, finding its way to my desk, my backpack, my pencil box, my Trapper Keeper, and eventually, my locker at high school. College and my office at The Gateway was simply more of the same. For my entire school career – and now as I enter the thesis stage of my master’s program – I simply cannot even think of getting to work unless my supplies and resources are orderly and organized.

My home life mirrors the rest of my life. I’m known to wake up at 5:30 or 6 in the morning to empty the dishwasher, make my bed, and put clean clothes away before getting ready for work. I have this thing about leaving my house spic and span before departing for the day.

Call me crazy, but I have respect for the tangible things in my life that make me happy. If they are pretty, I want them displayed in a tidy manner. If they are functional, I want them neatly stored away for whenever I need them.

The mantra “a place for everything and everything in its place” is the creed of my freakishly neat tendencies, and it makes organizing my life rather easy. When I bring new things into my home – groceries, clothes, beauty products, cleaning supplies, and the like – I don’t simply dump them on a counter or shove them in a corner. I determine the best “home” for each item. And if there’s a duplicate or similar item in its place, I toss out the old and make room for the new.

I suppose the “no mercy” approach I take to owning things is what helps keep me organized. If I haven’t used an item in a few months time, I toss it. If I need it again down the road, I can almost always buy another one.

The few days after Christmas – when many of us are overwhelmed with the sheer volume of new belongings both big and small – is the ideal time to clean out the closets and assess what we really use. Make donations to local charities. Compare what you have to what you want to what you really, really need.

Be vicious! You will be amazed at the breathing space created, both internally and in your spaces, by cleaning out the clutter and only surrounding yourself with the necessities.

But remember to keep and treasure the pretty things, too. A life without a little beauty isn’t worth enjoying and sharing.

As the joyful chaos of the Christmas season approaches, I find my to-do list growing by the minute. Holiday shopping, wrapping gifts, decorating, cocktail parties, festive gatherings, and baking fill my awake hours, but other errands and small projects inevitably surface, as well. When this happens, blogging and my own writing quickly become less of a priority.

Bah, humbug.

You can imagine my delight when a request from Megan Hunt – best known as Princess Lasertron – recently landed in my inbox. The proposal was simple enough: respond to daily questions on my blog as part of her inaugural Radvent 2010 project.

In Megan’s words, the blogging project is designed to “honor and respect the experiences from this year and re-examine my goals and hopes for the coming year.” As a writer, I jumped at the opportunity to do the same – in my own words – periodically throughout December. And as I quickly approach my thirty-second birthday, the timing of such reflection could not be more appropriate.

The first topic for December 1 is all about remembering.


To see where I was in December 2005, I first needed to check my website to confirm my place of employment. As the snow flurries began to fly that year, I was a few months on the job of my very first public relations position. Earlier in the year I left the world of newspapers for a new life in public relations, a tough decision that I still think of to this day. Newspaper ink was in my blood – still in my blood, to some degree – and I often wondered whether the professional transition from reporter to pitch(wo)man was a smart one. I floundered at first in a sea of press releases, media advisories, client meetings, and talking points. Yet I stood solid on my experience and talents as a writer, and knew practice would eventually make perfect … or something resembling it. I made mistakes, but learned from them, too. I met a new cadre of other young public relations professionals who today remain good friends.

Without my conscious knowledge, one relationship was ending while another was just beginning. The following spring of 2006 would become one of the most challenging of my life, but it made me stronger and the person I am today. A peek at a December 31, 2005, blog posting provided a prelude of what was to come. Personal and professional change certainly permeated the air, and I routinely prayed that my decisions at the time were the best I could make. Among the chaos I kept busy with my relatively new full-time job, side projects, volunteer commitments, and new friends. I grew into my twenties and became more of an adult than ever before.

And as challenging as adulthood was at the time, it felt good and right. Exactly where I was supposed to be, even if my surroundings were new and quite unfamiliar. I sought a peaceful, calm, and creatively gratifying life that motivated me to work hard, meet new people, and embrace new ideas. Five years later, I’m pleased to report the work has been well worth it.

Now, allow me to pose the same questions to you: What were you doing five years ago today? As the holiday season began? Where were you? Who were you with? What did you want? What did you have?

On December 4, Omaha will participate in Help-Portrait, an international, non-profit event that allows area photographers, hair stylists, make-up artists and volunteers to give their time and talent by providing a first-class photography experience to individuals in rescue missions, neighborhood clinics and hospitals.

The idea behind Help-Portrait is simple: 1. Find someone in need 2. Take their portrait 3. Print their portrait and 4. Deliver their portrait.  Individuals participating in Help-Portrait will be treated to a professional hair stylist, make-up artist and experience a professional photography session.  About a week after the event, participants will receive two 8x10s, two 5x7s and a frame free of charge.  Costs of the event are underwritten by donations and sponsors.

Venues currently being organized include:

–       Pediatric patients at the Nebraska Medical Center

–       Hand in Hand Program through Children’s Hospital

–       InCommon CD Community Meal

–       Open Door Mission

“Help Portrait is a way to make everyone feel beautiful and special,” said Christine Pagan, Omaha Help-Portrait lead organizer.  “During the holiday season, the Omaha creative community has the opportunity to celebrate skills that inspire and build self-esteem in others.”

Amy Jacobberger, a Help-Portrait volunteer said, “One of the reasons I have volunteered is the unique, unconventional platform of the event.  I can always give a monetary donation to an organization, but donating my time is a personal way to help motivate someone, give someone renewed hope and possibly a positive view of themselves.”

In 2009, Help-Portrait Omaha surpassed their goals and reached out to more than 130 families in need.  This year, it is anticipated that the number of those photographed will more than double.

“Poverty steals a lot of things, like your home, car and food, but it also steals something on the inside. Help-Portrait feeds that something on the inside,” states Help-Portrait Event Coordinator Annie Downs.

This unique movement has nabbed the attention of local, national and international media.  Those photographed all had a story – all unique and heartbreaking in its own way.

For more information and to get involved in giving back and changing lives, visit http://www.omahahelpportrait.com.

About Help-Portrait

Help-Portrait, a non-profit organization, was formed in 2009 by a Nashville celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart.  Cowart uses his skills and expertise to give back to those who may not have the opportunity for a professional photo.  The idea is that a photographer has the unique ability to help someone smile, laugh and return their dignity.

Last December more than 41,000 portraits were given by 3,400 photographers and more than 5,000 volunteers were involved.  In just one year, Help-Portrait became a global movement in 543 locations in 42 countries.

Inspiring quotes from those impacted by Help-Portrait

“The portrait,” he said, “Represented where I’m going, not where I’ve been.”
– Phillip Jackovich, Help-Portrait subject, OC Register story

“One of the ladies at Help-Portrait today cried the entire time I took her photo. I said ‘Are those happy tears?’ She said, ‘Yes, very happy!’”
– Millie Holloman – Help-Portrait Photographer, Wilmington, New York

“Giving a photo to a stranger gives you a unique opportunity to speak a kind word of encouragement, value, beauty and truth that isn’t quite as tangible without that photo to give your words context. It’s hard to argue with art when you give it positive meaning. It was profound how encouragement, value, self-esteem and worth were given through actions, words and the foundation? A photograph.”
– Joel Mills – Help-Portrait volunteer, photo editor Charlottesville, Virginia

“Today was the one of the best days I have had as a photographer and as a human being.”
– Kwame Reed – Photographer, Brentwood, California

• For more information, contact Christine Pagan, Omaha Help-Portrait lead organizer: omahahelpportrait@gmail.com.

Earlier today I had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion about social media, branding, and advertising at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. It’s something I’ve developed an interest in and love to discuss with groups both large and small. Doing so with friends makes the experience even more enjoyable, as was the case this afternoon.

Below is a quick write-up used on the UNO campus that previewed the event; my notes from today’s panel are below.

“Advertising, Branding, and Social Media – Oh My!” is the focus of a Wednesday, Nov. 3, panel presentation for Adam Tyma’s Introduction to Mass Communication class.

The presentation, which begins at 1 p.m. in 101 College of Public Affairs and Community Service Building, will feature the following panelists:

– Dusty Davidson, BrightMix

– Megan Hunt, Princess Lasertron

– Jerilyn Kamm, UNO School of Communication

– Wendy Townley, UNO University Relations

“The worlds of marketing, advertising and public relations have been acutely changed by one thing: social media,” Tyma said. “Join our panelists and classmates to learn about, ask questions on and discuss this changing world with those who are seeing it, teaching it and living it first hand.”

The event will also be updated on Twitter, using the hashtag #JOUR1500Pnl3. Contact Tyma at atyma@unomaha.edu (@adamwtyma on Twitter) for more information.

Discussion Notes from Today’s Panel
• Social media simply cannot be ignored
• Branding is storytelling
• Social media makes storytelling easier, reaches more people (locally, regionally, nationally, globally)
• Allow others to say you are cool; it’s more effective than you saying you are cool (encourage others to tell your story)
• Storytelling must be honest, “truth in advertising”
• Know your audience
• Be responsive to comments online, the good and the bad
• Always maintain your own online identity separate from the product/service/organization you are promoting
• By discussing a trend/idea/topic online or by engaging in the conversation on a regular basis, you can become a “thought leader” (example: Design Crush by Birdhouse Interior Design)
• It’s OK to pimp others in your industry

I’d love to know your thoughts on social media and branding. A few questions to consider:

• What’s the future of traditional advertising, marketing, and public relations?
• How has social media impacted the way we spend our dollars?
• What does branding mean to you?
• Is it smart to brand yourself?

I think it’s a fairly safe assumption that all women love skincare products. From the high-end lines displayed in glass-enclosed cases, to the tried-and-true brands at Walgreens, and everything in between, women want the good stuff that smells lovely and makes their skin feel wonderful.

I enthusiastically support these women and proudly consider myself among them. I’ll easily go ga-ga over most brands at Sephora, but often find a similar bliss at the Walmart beauty aisle. Which is why I was so intrigued when Jessica McKay of Birdhouse Interior Design told me she would soon carry Yamerra skincare products at her retail shop, Birdhouse Collectible, located at the Mastercraft building on North 13th Street.

Jessica and I met for our routine coffee chat a few weeks ago, at which time she presented me with a lovely little package: four adorable pots of Yamerra’s hair and body butter. The minute the tiny tubs landed on the table, I immediately ignored everything Jessica was saying. I removed my rings, dug my fingers deep into the Home Sweet Home Honey Vanilla body butter, and slathered it on my dry and cracking hands. Within minutes my skin felt smooth and smelled just wonderful. I followed up that application with two other scents: Sensual Bliss Jasmine Sage and Be Bodacious Tangerine Grape.

Since receiving the Yamerra products, they have never been far from my side. One has found a permanent home in my handbag, while two others live on my dresser and on my desk. The continual application of the body butter has helped keep my skin moist and glowing as we enter the winter months.

And after using Yamerra, I just had to know more about the woman behind the butter. Below is a Q&A I recently conducted with Yamerra’s founder, Manhattan-based, Nigerian native Maryam Moma.

Visit her online store and the Yamerra blog to learn more.

For the curious: the gorgeous photo you see is Maryam, shot for Yamerra’s advertising campaign. (Isn’t she just an angel?)

Let’s start with your story. I understand you’re not originally from the United States.

I am a 25-year-old Tanzanian/Nigerian from a family of seven: mother and father, three older sisters, and a twin brother. I grew up mostly in Nigeria and made several stops along the way (Ethiopia, Narobi, Tanzania, Paris, Philadelphia) to where I am now: New York City. I am very well traveled, and started traveling alone at the age of 14. I have always wanted to be a self-employed entrepreneur, coming from a family of smart, business savvy, self-employed entrepreneurs. My father is a gynecologist; my mother, an architect; and my two sisters – Arafa and Seluwa, owners of Selara Faces Make Up Studio and Spa in Nigeria. Living in New York has been an incredible experience so far.

Of all the industries to pursue, why skin care?

I founded Yamerra a few years after I graduated from Temple University with a degree in architecture. (Far off, huh?!) Although I enjoyed what I studied, it was not my passion. I have always been immersed in the world of beauty, skincare and haircare, and fashion, being a fashion model in the industry since I was 16.

I first got into mixing my own skincare and hair care products out of the need to improve my own skin and hair with affordable and natural raw materials. I discovered, after much research and testing other emollients, that shea butter is extremely restorative and healing for the hair and skin. Shea butter has many useful properties, among which are protective (incredible sunscreen properties) and emollient properties that are valued for skin and hair care. Shea butter has been a mainstay of African pharmacology for centuries. I decided to mix pure shea with essential oils and herbs to even enhance it more. I made it available for sale after four years of using it personally, and after it was used by friends and family.

As rich and nutrient packed as shea is, one of the reasons for including scent is that I did not enjoy the pure scent of shea, and started reading about and blending essential oils with the shea. I wanted to rejuvenate my skin and hair and also be left smelling delectable!

After a few years of solely using my own products, I was lucky enough to meet an incredible woman, a chemist who I have been working with ever since. She advised me to make sure herbs and essential oils did not clash to irritate the skin and hair; rather, to aid and restore it.

My steadfast project is to blend eco- and earth-friendly skincare and haircare with beauty and fashion. My primary goal is to promote earth-friendly ways to love and cherish the soul’s temple – our bodies. Yamerra achieves this by promoting the daily use of eco- and earth-friendly skincare and haircare products.

What makes your skin care line unique?

Yamerra is a self-created word that means “glorious.” It was essentially derived from client feedback that the product made them smell delicious and feel glorious. And it is a direct re-structure of my name, Maryam.

Yamerra is a one-hundred-percent organic skincare and hair care product line designed for the earth conscious and fashionable trendsetters. Yamerra is built on organic shea butter, which is infused with restorative herbs and essential oils to give the shea certain healing and rejuvenatory powers.

We offer an assortment of handmade organic products that fill the skin and hair care needs of a growing group of males and females, as well as children, and for all skin types. We have three product lines, a two-in-one hair and body butter, luxurious body soap, and a whipped body soufflé. They come in six, very unique varying scents: Lemon Fire Bliss Lemongrass, Sultry Mango, Home Sweet Home Honey Vanilla, Be Bodacious Tangerine Grape, Sensual Bliss Jasmine Sage, and In Spring Lusciousness Peach Peppermint.

Yamerra also carries a line for mothers-to-be, nursing mothers, and newborn babies (6-12 months), plus unique seasonal creations. Our ingredients, the herbal blends, the feel of the product, its scent-staying power, and its power to heal (each product restoring and providing a different function and serving a different purpose) is what makes Yamerra so unique and essential.

Where do you draw inspiration when creating a new product or scent?

My friends and family, great food and especially, my clientele. Yamerra is primarily designed with them in mind. I try to provide organic skincare that will nourish their hair and skin naturally, without any chemicals added to the products. It is also very important to me to also create and provide a product that is eco-friendly. The making of a new scent or product within the line is stimulated from new and better skincare and haircare herbal remedies, specific client requests and needs sometimes, and fresh, stimulating, nutrient-rich food. My food palette is extremely wide and sometimes I get inspired from the various types of food I have tried within different cultures.

What advice can you give other women who may have a small business idea?

I advise that women starting a small business to follow their hearts and stay true to their most original concepts. I must add that innovation, persistence, and determination to succeed in business must factor in. As long as these woman know what they want and go after it, stay punctual, organized, and run their company with integrity and an incredible smile (always), all will turn out well. Homer said, “And what he greatly thought, he nobly dared.” This should be their marching theme as long as they want to succeed.

It’s no coincidence that I spend more time “in the kitchen” during the fall and winter months than I do in spring and summer. Something about the disappearing daylight not long after I arrive home from work makes for an ideal setting to roll up my sleeves, put on my PJs, and cook.

On Monday night, a simple homemade chicken noodle soup recipe was on the menu – due in large part to the chilly weather headed our way. It’s a recipe (no surprise) from my sister that I have learned to perfect over the years. While my attempts at artistic photography last night may have struck out, the soup most certainly did not. Grab your ingredients, warm up the stove, and get cozy. This soup is sublime.

You will need eight cups of chicken broth; two to three cups of uncooked broad egg noodles; one cup each, chopped, of carrots and celery; one cup of sliced mushrooms; one to two cups of boneless chicken breast, cubed; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; salt and pepper. (The Honeycrisp Apples are just a late-night snack.)

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil on medium, and gently add the cubed chicken breast. Be careful, as the oil may splatter a bit. Keep the chicken moving until the outside turns white, making sure the chicken doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Toss in a little salt and pepper.

When the chicken has turned white, add the chicken broth, carrots, mushrooms, and celery. Bring to a slight boil, and add a few more dashes of salt and pepper.

Add the uncooked noodles and reduce the heat to medium for five to ten minutes; reduce the heat again to low and allow the soup to simmer.

When you absolutely cannot wait any longer, serve yourself (and those you love) a bowl of soup. (That lone orange carrot just beckoned me last night.) Trust me, the soup will immediately warm your soul, but it will taste even better the next day.

Store leftovers in smaller, separate containers in the fridge. Have a few extra cans of chicken broth on hand, as the noodles and veggies tend to soak up the broth overnight.

Soup’s on!