#30SecondMom Live from the @RickiLakeShow with #FriendsofRicki! Blog

Just got back from a whirlwind trip to Los Angeles, where several 30Second Mom contributors and I participated in the “Power of Social Media” episode of the Ricki Lake Show. What an absolute blast! As a founding member of the #FriendsofRicki social/TV community, it was amazing to meet up once again with other founding members and meet more of the growing community.

Sunday night, we attended a meet-up at the Four Seasons Los Angeles in Beverly Hills, organized by my friend Dabney Porte. I connected with so many fantastic people, including 30Second Mom contributors Elizabeth Traub (who I met IRL for the first time, yet it felt like I’d known her forever) and Joani Plenty (who I had met once before, so it was like seeing an old friend). Check out my pictures for other amazing encounters.

Monday it was off to the show bright and early, with Elizabeth driving our crew of Dabney, Meredith Schneider and me to the Culver City Studios.

There, we met up with yet another 30Second Mom contributor, Angela Chee, who I had met IRL once before (at the home of fellow 30Second Mom Kaira Rouda). 30Second Mom truly feels like a sisterhood to me, and it was so great to catch up with everyone!

And I can’t forget my brotha, the fabulous Stephen Dimmick! He’s one of those people who simply make you smile,

whether in person or online. And the unexpected pleasure of meeting new friends, like Susan Cross, who I hope will join the 30Second Mom team.

I could talk all day about the pure fun of these relationships, but I don’t want to forget about the primary reason for being there, which was Ricki herself! Quite simply, being on Ricki’s set was like hanging out with a bunch of girlfriends. Her crew makes you feel right at home, and then the moment you see her, you feel like you’re a part of her inner circle. She does her best to make everyone feel special, despite the demands on her as host of a new (and very cool) talk show.

The theme of the show was the “power of social media.” Everyone in the audience was a social media influencer and we were all encouraged to photograph, Facebook and tweet live from the show. It was an incredible experience to combine our passion for social media with the power of broadcast television, and it truly felt like we were making history, as Ricki said.

After the taping, we toasted the premiere of the show with personalized cupcakes and cookies, and then, alas, I had to be on my merry way to the airport. But I took with me amazing memories and deepened relationships with wonderful people I am grateful to call my colleagues, and friends. Be sure to watch the show today – check your local listings for time and channel – and let me know what you think!