BlogHer 13 Recap

 

 

A week ago, I attended my first blog conference.  I had been forewarned that the BlogHer conference was huge and it was.  Women from across the country and all walks of life were in attendance.  I’ve never been in a group setting so diverse.  That’s probably a sign that I need to get out of Johnson County more often.  I was armed with my laptop, IPad, Iphone, camera and notebook.  Next time I will skip the heavy laptop and possibly the IPad.  Some people like to take notes on their laptop, but I still prefer pen and paper. A computer wasn’t necessary.  I learned a few new things and still have a lot to learn.   However, I have to be honest in that I’ve learned more from taking on line classes such as Blogging Your Way Boot Camp  taught by Holly Becker and from other bloggers.  For me, this conference was helpful in meeting new people and networking with other bloggers and companies.  I’ve connected with a few people since I’ve been home and if I establish some new relationships then in my book it was money well spent.

 

 

I was so happy my friend Cathy who blogs at Live Happy decided to join me.  A conference this size can be intimidating without a buddy to share the experience.  However, there were many brave souls who came solo. At least 10 people thought we were related and one person said we reminded her of Kathy Lee and Hoda.  That was even without a glass of wine in our hands.  We had the most fun hanging out at the exhibition hall visiting with companies and collecting free SWAG (products).

 

 

My favorite booth was Wild Ophelia Chocolate (surprise,surprise) and every day I visited Nestle’s Coffe-mate booth for the Girl Scout Cookie Coconut and Caramel Creamer  to add to my coffee. However, hands down Trojan Lubricants was the most popular booth with a long line every day to spin the wheel for free products.  If you think bloggers are a boring group, you’re wrong.  We also came away with some chocolate mint flavored Melatonin Vita Melts from Nature Made Vitamins.   I don’t sleep well in hotel rooms, but the melatonin helped me sleep like a baby.  I was even able to fall back asleep after hearing our neighbors yelling at 2:30 am.  We had a ton of fun in the exhibition hall, just ask Cathy about her dance with a Shark Vaccuum cleaner.

 

 

I got to meet  Ree Drummond who is a huge inspiration to me.  She shares funny stories, down home recipes and beautiful photos on her blog The Pioneer Woman.  She gives the term multi-tasker a whole new meaning.  She was just as sweet in person and always had a smile on her face.

 

 

Actress Queen Latifa emceed the Voices of the Year ceremony. Twelve Bloggers shared their posts ranging from humor to inspirational.  The gal who shared why DIY projects can be hazardous to your health was hilarious.  She decided to save money by creating her own pinecone wreath and spent a day gathering pinecones in her backyard.  The next day she had a rash all over her face, her eye was swollen shut and she closely resembled the elephant man.  After several doctor visits and perscriptions it was determined she had the worst case of poison ivy her doctor had ever seen.  The wreath wound up costing more in doctor visits and perscriptions than it would have to buy a wreath.  I can’t remember the exact details of the whole story, but this is the gist of it.  Anyone who has ever done a DIY project can probably relate in some way.  Sometimes when you’re trying to save money it can cost you more money. I tried to find a link to the story, but was unsuccessful.

 

 

A big thank you to Hasbro Toys for the food, drinks and fun at the Hard Rock Cafe.  I even got a big hug from Elmo.

I also attended a great breakfast and interview with Author and COO of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg.  We  got to sleep in a little later that day which made it really great.  I’ll share some insights from Sheryl on my blog next week.