Los Angeles Latina Lifestyle Bloggers Conference: Day 1

This past Thursday marked the beginning of an unforgettable weekend in Los Angeles. The Latina Lifestyle Blogger Conference brought together women from different parts of the world to learn about the great possibilities, opportunities and potential we can achieve with our blogs. It was a weekend of fun but more importantly, a weekend of making connections and working on making these connections into relationships that will lead to future collaborations and partnerships.

The Los Angeles Brewing Company in Downtown Los Angeles hosted our VIP Reception and #LALLBLOG Conference Kick-off. With the second level reserved exclusively for our event, the ambiance felt intimate, friendly, welcoming and may I add, glamorous?!

I was immediately greeted by tons of flashes that definitely caught me by surprise (hope I did not look too surprised in the photos!) later to be greeted by the beautiful Illsay and Ana Lydia. Such wonderful ladies, both with such great attitude and energy.

Milani Cosmetics were definitely present at this event, not only were they meeting with several girls from the collective for possible opportunities with the brand and had a beauty exposition with plenty of their beauty products, but they were also giving us mini makeovers! Jason Sanchez and his assistant Nina were wonderful. She was quick to answer any questions I had regarding their products and Jason gave me the JLo glow I had always wanted, plus some makeup tips I will treasure forever! Did I mention we got headshots too? Yes, but that's not all, we had complimentary red and white wine, beer and some delicious hors d'oeuvres (the stuffed mushrooms were my favorite!)

This was my first time attending any type of bloggers event and the only familiar face in the room was my friend Candy from Curves Ahead. As the collective group we are, we wasted no time getting to know the other girls. Carolina from Nina On the Moon, is such a beauty...and her outfit? Wow! Top bun, strong printed shoulder top, pencil skirt and killer wedges...gorgeous! Daily was amazing with her natural curly hair and Margo looking sexy with her Fancy Steps heels.

The experience only made me more anxious for what was to come. I left the reception with a smile on my face and my Milani swag bag. I was a happy chika!

My Milani Swag Bag contained:

• Illuminating Face Powder in Beauty's Touch
• LIQUIF'EYE Eye Liner in Green
• Eyeshadow Pencil in Shadow Eyez
• Runway Lashes Instant Volume Mascara in Black
• Haute Flash Full Coverage Shimmer Lipgloss in Flashy
• Crystal Gloss for Lips in Fascination
• Hot Pink Frenzy Nail Polish

Sonia Castaneda's Hollywood Meet & Greet

I had the honor of working with Sonia and Alejandra from Styled by Ale to organize Sonia's Hollywood Meet & Greet. The concept was different and the idea attracted both Sonia and I. Alejandra was hosting an event called Walk & Shop on Sunset Blvd., and she invited us to have the Meet & Greet within this event. Sonia's subscribers were not only going to have the opportunity to meet Sonia, but they were also going to have the opportunity to shop fabulous items and eat delicious food. You've heard of food trucks, but have you ever heard of fashion trucks? Neat, right?!

Rolling Threads was kind enough to provide gift bags that included nail polishes, a cute top, gift certificates and sunglasses. One of the sponsors donated a handbag to raffle in addition to the Starbucks gift cards and makeup kits that were also going to be given away. Almost everybody left with a gift.

The sun was bright, but it did not stop Sonia's subscribers from coming to meet her and spending some time getting to know her. I must say that this Meet & Greet felt very intimate. Girls had the opportunity to talk to Sonia one on one, ask for advice and truly tell her how much she has inspired them. The beautiful Jen Montzingo, an actress on CBS, mentioned that she showed one of Kim Kardashian's close friends one of Sonia's makeup videos, who later ended up showing Kim and she was amazed by how much Sonia looks like her! Thanks Jen for your presence and for your wonderful energy. It was wonderful to see so many wonderful and beautiful girls, thank you all so much for making this possible.

A big thanks to Ale for allowing us to host the Meet & Greet and an even bigger thanks to Sonia for taking some time out of her busy schedule and honoring us with her presence Sunday afternoon.

Get ready for an overload of pictures!