Posts Tagged by misfit bloggers
X, Y, and Z: Blogging From A to Z
April 30, 2012 | Posted by nighlon under Blogging Tips, Branding, Fabulously Geeky, Social Networks, The Best of the Web, Traditional Marketing, Uncategorized |
The A to Z Blogging Challenge is on its last day. What better time to catch up?
It has definitely been a challenge, but fun along the way. I even learned a lot. What is better than that?
X is for Xenodochial
Xenodochial describes something that is friendly to strangers. In IT, this has a more specific meaning of being intuitive or easy to understand.
(source: techopedia.com)
I want you to expand on this definition for your business or blog.
Remember that your customers (readers) are not always experts, but they are also not idiots. Don’t talk to them like they are incapable or like they should know exactly what you are talking about.
Not only should you always speak with your customers/ readers with the right balance of terminology, but you should let the hospitality reach far beyond this and into every aspect of your business.
Simple hospitality is one of the best tools your brand can have. Not only does it make your customers’ experience more positive, but it also helps when the time comes for damage control.
Y is for Yammer
In their own words, Yammer is a Private Social Network for Your Company.
I love the idea of Yammer. I do have an account and can see the potential of this network.
Yammer began as the “twitter for business” in 2008 and is continually improving and building upon their features.
Although this is an amazing tool, I want to discuss the flaw in the platform.
There are more and more solopreneur businesses popping up, (I am not talking about freelancers), that still have a need for professional networking. These are the people who work with other businesses to accomplish a task. That company can be business to business or business to consumer. Either way, companies have an innate need to network with other companies.
I thought that was the premise behind Yammer when I signed up. I took the “Twitter for businesses” seriously.
I understand the Yammer was started for in house communication. I am simply saying that they could build on this foundation and create an amazing network for businesses to connect with eachother.
Will this be in Yammer’s future?
Z is for Zenzic
Zenzic is the square of a number.
(Bet you can’t guess where this is going!)
In the honor of this FABulous word, I am honoring my dear friend.
GiGi (G Squared)- creative, huh?
GiGi writes at BeingAgentMom.com
Let you tell you- this lady is FABulous!
GiGi writes about her adventures of being Mom, Manager, and Agent to her two talented kids.
She also shares tips for finding agents and managers (sorry, no tips for finding moms).
(Yes I did create her beautiful logo- even if I do say so myself)
GiGi has so many interests and she writes about them all via different blogs.
You should definitely follow her, I’m sure you will find something you like.
I am also lucky to be in the Misfit Bloggers with her!
So, although it was quite challenging, I really have enjoyed my journey blogging from A to Z.
I hope to do it again next year- but keep up a little better.
Vlogging: Bloggling From A to Z
April 25, 2012 | Posted by nighlon under Fabulously Geeky, The Best of the Web, Uncategorized |
I want to let you guys know that I did my very first VLOG this week! (I know, go me!!!)
It is over on The Palmetto Queen.
I just have 2 requests
1. Please remember- this was my very first try (I didn’t even edit)
2. Please visit the other ladies in the linkup. They worked very hard to make it happen, so please show them some love.
I will share the very first thing I learned from vlogging.
Don’t look at yourself in the computer screen- look at the camera like you would for an actual camera.
Pretty Printables: Blogging From A to Z
April 17, 2012 | Posted by nighlon under The Best of the Web |
I want to introduce you to Gretchen at Three Little Monkeys Studio
Isn’t this just the most adorable logo?
Gretchen not only has the 3 most adorable redheads, but she creates some amazing printables.
She sells party packs and supplies at her Etsy store, and they are just too adorable.
I LOVE her blog.
She shares recipes that will ruin your diet, printables for your home and blog, tips for party planning, as well as other nifty printables.
The misfit bloggers and I are so lucky to have Gretchen as one of us!
Thank you Gretchen for being an amazing blogger and friend!
Nacho Average Blog: Blogging From A to Z
April 14, 2012 | Posted by nighlon under Uncategorized |
Yes, I was grasping at straws for a topic today.
I have huge news for you tonight!
The NighLon Branding and Marketing Forum is now open!
See it here: http://nbmforum.forumotion.com/
It still has a lot of work, but it is open. If you need help, feel free to pop in and say hello!
This is a huge project and I have big plans for it.
The forum will be evolving for quite a while.
Other big news: NighLon will be participating in a blog hop for the Misfit Bloggers.
I will be taking the topic of the week and putting a marketing/ branding spin to it.
I may stumble through a few, but it will be okay.
If you have any suggestions for the forum, feel free to share!
Insane Icing: Blogging From A to Z
April 10, 2012 | Posted by nighlon under The Best of the Web |
Its that time again:
Today, I am introducing you to Candi. She owns Candiland Dessert Company and blogs at A Day in Candiland.
I love cupcakes, chocolate, cookies, and just about anything involving dessert! If you are like me, you will not be able to survive a trip to her blog. Go ahead and visit her- but remember, I warned you!
Not only does Candi bake the most amazing looking desserts ever, but she is a mom, a wife, and loves her Palm Springs home.
This is what you will see when visiting A Day in Candiland.
Candi blogs about her life and adventures in Palm Springs and in the baking world. She also shares yummy tricks and recipes.
She also writes about her love of tea- time. Candi is not only an amazing blogger, but she is such a great addition to the Misfit Bloggers. I am so glad to have her in our group.
Head on over to A Day In Candiland, and congratulate her on the big move to WordPress.
Once again, Candi is super amazing and you will be wanting sweets if you spend time on her blog!
An Elevator Pitch Is Essential: Blogging From A to Z
April 5, 2012 | Posted by nighlon under Blogging Tips, Branding, Uncategorized |
As many of you know, I participated in The SITS Girls 31 Days to Build a Better Blog challenge. I learned so much and was introduced to an amazing group of ladies that I now refer to as the Misfit Bloggers. These ladies are essential in the NighLon process.
Throughout the challenge, we were presented with various challenges to improve our blogs. They were all fabulous and really did help improve NighLon. However, there was one challenge that I struggled with, and continue to struggle with. The elevator pitch. I love writing them for other people, but when it comes down to the wire for me to write my own, I struggle. I don’t know why, I guess its like bragging on yourself.
I have found the perfect tool to solve this problem. It is 15secondpitch.com and it is amazing!
I was browsing when I ran across this amazing tool. I was skeptical, but that was soon put to ease. This site walks you through each process to help you craft the perfect elevator pitch.
- Who you are
- What you do
- Why you’re the best
- Your call to action
- Preview

My name is Cari and I am the owner of NighLon. I am a marketing consultant specializing in branding and logo design. I pride myself in working closely with clients when designing and assisting with marketing, social media, and branding projects. I have a unique perspective that is based on personal experience, sociology, and past work experiences in promotions, sales, and customer service. Read NighLon.com to get an intimate look into the branding and marketing world. You will like what you see and want me by your side on your next endeavor.
It didn’t need a huge change, but I love it. I’m sure that it will still evolve and NighLon does.
I urge you to visit 15secondpitch and try it out. I think you will be impressed.

Misfit Blogger: Sylver Blaque
April 2, 2012 | Posted by nighlon under The Best of the Web |
I am so happy to be introducing some of you to a dear friend today.
Some of you already know this spectacular lady!
Sylver Blaque:
The light & dark of it. Travels through foreign minds, and back in time.
Not only is Sylver one of the most interesting people I have had the honor of meeting, she is just an amazing person in general.
Sylver blogs about her gypsy life. She travels the world, studies Journalism, and is a freelance writer. I don’t know how in the world she keeps up with everything because she also works at a wildlife rescue.
Sylver has a blog like no other and always has something interesting to read on her blog.
I think my favorite posts are the Medieval life posts! (I look forward to them every week)
Sylver, thank you for sharing your travels and your unique voice with the world.
Thank you for being a constant source of encouragement, humor, and ideas.
I am proud to be in the Misfit Bloggers with you.
(Don’t forget to snag your award!)
Have you visited Sylver?
You must you must!
Misfit Blogger: Making our Life Matter
March 28, 2012 | Posted by nighlon under The Best of the Web |
Well, I have finally peeled myself away from Angry Birds, to write this post.
NighLon has been working with some wonderful women, but more on that in another post.
Today, we are focusing on another Misfit Blogger!
(Remember, we are taking a hiatus from the Best of The Web)
Jen at Making Our Life Matter
Jen is an amazing person, and such an inspiration.
She works, she takes care of her husband and two sons, and is a huge baseball fan.
Somewhere in all this, she still finds the time to blog.
I honestly don’t know where she finds the time!
Jen blogs about being a mom, wife, taking care of her home, baseball, her garden, menu planning, and books!
I love that she is so encouraging and positive.
Even though there are a million mom blogs out there, hers stands out. Her personality truly shines through.
Jen, thank you for bringing your unique voice to the world, and to the Misfit Bloggers!
(P.S. Don’t forget to snag your award)
Other news:
- The twitter party is in the works #twitterformisfits
- There are big changes to NighLon coming, including a new design, and a new portfolio site.
- Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to keep up to date on all things NighLon
- Want to enter a giveaway? Go Here:
Date Night idea: Getting Hot in the Kitchen
Stay FABulous!
Best of the Web: Still Dating My Spouse
March 13, 2012 | Posted by nighlon under The Best of the Web, Uncategorized |
In case you guys have been wondering where I have been, I took the weekend off.
Friday evening was very stressful, my husband was in a wreck that totaled the car, and could have been seriously injured.
We spent the weekend enjoying some family time and celebrating our time together.
Even if it is just a trip to the grocery store, appreciate your time together, and DATE your spouse!
Be thankful for a full bed.
- At Dollywood
- In Cherokee, NC
I would say those to little words all over again!

Our Wedding Day: June 12, 2010

With our little Prince
Six years together and he is still my Knight In Shining Armor
(and I am still his QUEEN)
This week’s Best of The Web is very suiting!
This week, continuing with our Weekly Rendezvous, we are visiting Still Dating My Spouse.
Pamela is a genius who is obviously still very much in love with her husband.
She and her husband have been married for 13 years, and are still dating!

Aren't they a beautiful couple?
This amazing lady owns 2 businesses, has this amazing blog, tweets, and still finds time for her husband.
She is definitely an inspiration to me, and I absolutely love reading her blog.
(I can’t forget that she is a social media genius as well!)
Whether you are dating, just married, or married for 50 years, you will benefit from Still Dating My Spouse!
Even if you aren’t in a relationship, you will gain insight into communicating with those around you.
Head on over and visit her, you will not be disappointed.
Pamela, Be sure to grab your award badge!
Later this week: That time I embarrassed myself in front of the drifters!
Blogger Tag: So Fab!
March 2, 2012 | Posted by nighlon under The Best of the Web |
30-Something and Fabulous tagged me in her edition of Blogger Tag- You’re It!
First, I want to say that this was such a great surprise as I was reading through her post today!
I’m quite excited about this, and cannot wait to see what the Misfit Bloggers have to say!
Of course, all games have rules! Here goes:
Blogger Tag Meme Rules:
1. You must post the rules.
2. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you’ve tagged.
3. Tag eleven people and link to them on your post.
4. Let them know you’ve tagged them!
Here are my answers:
1. What’s the story behind your blog name?
NighLon is actually what I was going to name my band promotions business- that never happened.
I then started doing some freelance promotions work in different industries and carried over NighLon.
2. What is your favorite thing to do to pamper yourself and feel totally rejuvenated?
Doing my nails. Fingers, toes, or both. There is just something about a fresh mani/ pedi!
3. What book are you loving right now?
The Chic Entrepreneur.
4. What one thing do you most want your blog readers to know about you?
That marketing is my passion- in all of its glorious forms.
In fact, I would rather watch commercials than anything on TV.
5. What’s your favorite restaurant?
A little “deli” in my area called Ye Olde Sandwich Shop. Although, if I lived in Palm Springs, this lady’s company would be my favorite.
6. What’s your favorite topic to blog about?
Believe it, or not, Facebook is not my favorite topic to blog about. I love to blog about using nontraditional forms of marketing.
I wonder what she would say!
7. You get a gift card to your favorite store – what store is it?
Amazon!
8. WordPress or blogger?
I actually have blogs on WordPress, Blogger, Posterous, and Tumblr. WordPress is by far my favorite.
9. Spring is in the air. What trend are you most excited about or could you care less about all of them?
Tiffany Blue- my absolute favorite color
10. Do you make a Christmas list?
I made a Christmas to crochet list and a list for my amazing little boy.
11. What’s your favorite go to recipe?
Sausage Balls- they are the Mr’s favorite! Hmm… maybe I need a go-to meal recipe.
Here are the questions for the Misfit Bloggers
1. How do you stay fabulous? I would love to know how this lady stays FAB for her hubby!
2. What is your favorite social media outlet?
3. What is your favorite commercial?
4. What is the first thing you do every morning?
5. What inspired you to start blogging?
6. Who is your blogging hero?
7. Twitter: Love it or hate it?
8. Who is your hero? Let’s ask an inspirational person!
9. What is your favorite dessert?
10. How do you spend your weekends?
11. What is your passion? I am really curious about this one.
Okay, your turn my dear Misfit Bloggers.
(Looking for Facebook Friday? Look here!)