Everyday, we get emails from readers who ask how they can get their blog to grow, how they can make their blogging dreams come true. And, more often than not, we simply say it’s all about being fearless and extraordinary. Fearless because working on a creative pursuit or big dream requires a lot of guts and perseverance. Extraordinary because it’s your job to standout in the crowd, to make yourself known.

Some bloggers make blogging look easy, effortless. But, in reality, making your blog successful can be hard work. It means endless emails, long nights, busy days, bottomless cups of coffee, tears (only sometimes), and a few other obstacles. But when you get to that point when you can look back and see your successes and achievements, you will be so proud.

How am I an extraordinary blogger?

You can be extraordinary by staying motivated. Keeping yourself inspired. Last, but not least, you can be extraordinary by using exceptional tools like the HP Spectre.

With a battery that lasts up to 9.5 hours, the HP Spectre gives you the power you need to spend hours upon hours doing research and finding all kinds of inspiration. Plus, since it only weighs 4lbs, you can carry it around while you travel, giving you the chance to share your adventures and stories with family & friends. Staying connected wherever you are? Sounds extraordinary to us!

Because we enjoy sharing the tools that we know can only help bloggers grow, IFB is giving away one HP Spectre laptop to one lucky reader.

A few weeks ago, our intern participated in a NYC Scavenger hunt and showed off her savvy skills, proving that not only was she super smart but extremely resourceful. Thanks to her, you all get the chance to win this laptop!

To enter this giveaway, you must:
1. Follow IFB on Twitter.
2. Tweet this message: “I’m an extraordinary blogger because ____ #Spectre @HP @_IFB”

To learn more about the HP Spectre, head here. Good luck to everyone participating in the giveaway and stay tuned to our Twitter account for contest updates and the winner announcement on 5/23/2012!

UPDATE: The contest is closed. Thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway!

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You know that old saying, “time is money”? Well, it turns out that when you work in a small start-up, that saying is completely true.

Every second counts, especially when you are traveling and business is calling! Enter the Ultrabook™’s Asus Zenbook. With its sleek design and lightweight body, the laptop became our go-to resource during a hectic week of business meetings, travel, and off-site events. We may not be fans of working out of the office (coffee shops can be extra loud, don’t you think?) but thanks to our new tech tool, we managed to cross off major to-do’s on our list in a short amount of time.

Weighing less than three pounds, we were able to take the laptop all around town, which, if you know, can be a workout if you are juggling an over-sized laptop. In addition, the computer was extra speedy, taking only seconds to power up. That may sound insane but waiting  and waiting for your computer to start up is just irritating, right? Plus, the computer comes in rose gold. Hello fashion trends!

If you are looking for a computer to be your travel companion, we recommend the Asus Zenbook powered by the Ultrabook™. Quick, sleek, modern and efficient. That’s exactly what a girl-on-the-go needs!

To learn more about the Ultrabook™ and the Asus Zenbook, head here. We loved reading about the computer’s sleek design and overall efficacy. SO much insight into the way the computer was built!

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With all the buzz about the newest iPad – we decided to give the device a little attention. Full disclosure - I have an iPad 2, but there’s also an iPad 3 in the office (and a couple original iPads…)

We didn’t think another comparative review would help much. Instead we came up with a list of our very favorite iPad apps:

(get ready… there are a lot of them!)

The Basics:

1- Flipboard: Flipboard takes content from your Google Reader, Facebook Feed, Twitter Stream and a multitude of other feeds and displays them all in a gorgeous magazine style layout you can easily flip though.

2 – Twitter: Let’s be honest – sometimes you just need good old twitter and nothing else. Their iPad app is fantastic too, easy to use and easy to switch between multiple accounts.

3 – Facebook: Facebook finally released an app that lets you view your timeline in all it’s gorgeous goodness on your iPad screen.

4 – HootSuite: The go-to app for social media multitaskers. The HootSuite app is just like HootSuite on your desk top – except in the iPad version a cute little owl pops up in the corner to let you know you’ve posted a tweet. (He makes me giggle overtime…)

5 – Skype: Video conference calls, what’s up!? We all know and love Skype – iPad Skype just makes you feel like you’re in the future. No wires, no phones, no problem!

6 – Evernote: Note taking to the next level! Attach documents, record audio, video, photographs! And the best part is – it all syncs back to your computer, woo-hoo!

7 – Dropbox: All your files, everywhere you need them. I love this app for moving pictures from my computer to my iPad! (And visa-versa!)

Fashion Apps:

8 – Style.Com: Everything you love about Style.Com – right on your iPad. Fashion shows, party pics, tons of video! This is a great app for keeping up with the latest in fashion.

9 – PopSugar: This is a little more gossipy than fashiony – but still a good source of celebrity style!

10 – The Cut: New York Magazine’s fashion feed. The great part about this app is it lets you search by season and trend. SO, if you are looking for Polka-Dot Dresses that were shown for Fall 2012 – bingo! Right at your finger tips.

11 – The Collection: All of the New York Times style coverage in one pretty, pretty place – you iPad screen.

12 – WWD: If you have a digital subscription to Women’s Wear Daily the iPad app delivers it to you every morning, no need to wait for the mail!

Shopping:

13 – Gilt: Things can get dangerous with iPad shopping… This app lets you shop all of Gilt Group’s sales, with a flick of your finger.

14 – ShopStyle: All of your favorite brands in one place. Scroll though shoe after gorgeous shoe and every dress you could ever dream of – and then, just click to buy!

15 – Zappos: A simple, effective shopping interface with easy search functions. What else would you expect from Zappos?

16 – Google Catalogs: Shop all of your favorite brands directly from their catalogs! You can even fold down the corners of the pages you love – and then use them to make collages. Everything you love about catalogs – with out waisting all that paper.

Photo Apps:

17 – xnView Photo FX: An easy to use photo-editor that lets you give your photos a vintage look, alter the colors and apply cool effects.

18 – PS Express: PhotoShop express for your iPad! The basics of PhotoShop, at your finger tips (and it’s free!) Edit exposure, saturation, contrast. Plus add frames and special effects.

19 – Diptic: Make quick, fun photo collages that you can share directly to Facebook, Twitter or Tumblr!

20 – Blurb Mobile: A great way to create photo stories on your iPad, put all your pics into a slide show to share with friends!

21 – Instapad: Your instagram feed on your iPad. What more do you need in life?

Etc., Etc., Etc.

22 – NPR: All the best of National Public Radio right on your iPad. Visually browse through all the top stories and listen with a click. It also give you access to listen to any NPR radio station live!

23 – Kindle: If the book you want isn’t in iBooks – check out Kindle (Amazon’s e-reader!) The app is free, and the books are usually pretty cheap on Amazon!

24 – Keynote: This one costs a little more money – but it is SO worth it if you are in a world where you are deeply involved with Power Point Presentations. I used it constantly at school – group presentation? Whip out the iPad an finish it in class. Big business presentation? Work on it where ever you are.

25 – QuickOffice: Another one that you have to spend a little cash on – but if you are going to be using your iPad to edit Microsof Word or Excel documents, it’s worth the spend!

26 – Pandora: Turn your iPad into a radio. Do I need to say more?

27 – Storify: An easy and fun way to tell stories with social media.

28 – Draw Something: If you loved it on the iPhone – the iPad app will blow you away. We’re obsessed with playing…

29 – Wunderlist: An awesome, free, to-do list app that you can share with friends and co-workers.

30 – Magazines!!  This is broad – but I have to say, every magazine subscription I’ve bough for my iPad’s “NewsStand” I have loved. (Elle, Vogue, Vanity Fair…) And it’s easy to screen shot your favorite spreads and (using some of the other apps on our list!) turn them into blog posts!

Do you have an iPad? What are your favorite apps?

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When it comes to cute photo gadgets, consider me obsessed.

I may not have a fancy camera (although I dream about splurging on a glorious Canon EOS 5D) but I have been known to stock up on all kinds of tech toys that promise to enhance my blogging experience and help me create better content. I’m not talking about fancy, complicated tech stuff either. These gadgets are simple and helpful. Trust me, I can’t wait to use them at the next IFB Conference and Fashion Week. My life will be saved!

Which gadgets should be at the top of your shopping list? I picked out the top 5 that every blogger should have. Check it out:

1. Folding Tripod: Attempting to get the best close-up shots of my outfit can be painful without a tripod. Who wants to see blurry close-ups? Not me. Instead, I use my tripod whenever I can and unlike the bigger, bulkier ones, this folding one is light and easy.
   
2. White Balance Lens Cap: Let’s face it: sometimes finding the best lighting to shoot your outfit shots is nearly impossible, especially during the winter months when you are cooped up indoors. Perfect for all SLRs, the lens cap includes neutral and warm white balance domes and is so easy to use, you won’t believe it. Literally, just fasten the lens cap to your camera. DONE. Need to brush up on what white balance is? Head over here!
3. Wireless Remote Shutter Release: It’s a long name for such a simple gadget. But this remote really is a fashion blogger’s best friend. In case your best friend/sister/husband/boyfriend/etc are busy, all you need is this super portable and compatible remote. Styling tips, not included.
4. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 mm: What camera lens is hands down our favorite? The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 lens. This thing is AMAZING. It’s cheaper than a f/1.4 but delivers the same high-quality shot. Plus, resident IFB Photographer Crissie Fuller claims its THE fashion girl lens. And so it is written.
5. Lens Hood: With summer right around the corner, the season of overexposed photos has started. While you can’t control the sun (frustrating, I know), with a lens hood, you can control the amount of brightness that sneaks into your camera. Sure, it won’t completely block out all of the excessive light (that’s what your camera settings are for) but it will prevent stray fragments of light from ruining your shot.

Thankfully, these tech gadgets aren’t nearly as expensive as that fancy camera, which means I can stock up on more toys! Which gadget are you most excited for?

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It’s been said that an artist is only as good as her materials. How many times have you kicked yourself for forgetting your camera at home while you were out exploring a local park or new shops? It’s a major dilemma for photographers and bloggers.

This week, I’m giving away the quintessential photographer bag from Emera, a collection of tote bags aimed at protecting your camera and offering you the best way to carry your goods while you are out on the go. Taking my camera with me while out on the weekend is a serious gamble. On the one hand, you are almost guaranteed to capture great moments. On the other, you are at a 50% chance of hurting your beloved camera. So what’s a girl to do? Make sure you invest in an Emera bag. Specially created for photographers, the bag is a favorite among professional photographers because of its sturdy and strong form that protect your camera from daily hazards.

Let me count the reasons why I’m a fan of Emera totes:

• Loaded with seven padded compartments
• Can hold and protect expensive equipment – DSLR , several lenses, a laptop, cords and power supply gear.
• Keeps contents easily accessible – digging around here.
• Offers a netted zip-pocket for memory cards and small essentials.
• Safely stores outside pockets at each end for smartphones, keys, etc.

I bought my first Emera bag about three years and it is my go-to bag when I’m running around the city or on vacation. I never have to worry about my camera, and I never have to dig into my black-hole-of-a-purse for cords or battery chargers. Who knew a tote bag could offer peace of mind? Your lenses and gadgets are all safely nestled in Emera’s padded walls and that is a major relief.

Well, thanks to Nathiya from Emera, one lucky winner will get to have her own Emera bag! All you have to do is:

1. Leave a comment below and tell me where you take your camera. To school? On vacation? While running errands?
2. Like IFB on Facebook 
3. Be sure to leave a valid email address.

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