Like so many other lady bloggers, I am just coming off of a whirlwind of a trip to NYC for America’s largest, female blog conference.
If you’re a blogger or a reader of multiple blogs you are probably 100% over hearing about BlogHer and it’s awesomeness (or lack of).
I feel you. I’m over it too.
All of the packing for BlogHer posts (which, other than taking business cards along, is not much different than packing for anything else), and the heading to BlogHer posts (if you didn’t arrive via satellite, in a helicopter, or on the top of a magic broomstick then it’s really not that exciting is it?), and the oh-my-gosh-I’m-so-nervous-because-I-never-meet-new-people-ever posts (I’ll admit, it is overwhelming thanks to the 4,000+ women they shove into the hotel for the weekend, but seriously) really make you not want to read another it-was-the-best-weekend-ever-because-I-got-to-dance-with-a-unicorn-on-my-head-and-take-pictures-with-the-hotdog-cart-dude for as long as you live, right?!
Lucky for you, this is the only post that’s gonna be like that.
Because no one else had a unicorn (a full blown balloon-a-corn as I called her) on their head (thank you for that gift Papermama!).
And no one else went outside the hotel to hail a cab with it, stand by fast cars with it, or embarrass the Hitlon security dude into smiling with it.
Just like, not one single other person took their festivities out to pose with Hot Dog Dude.
Fortunately, I also got to connect with other bloggers in a more, um, normal way…
And I got to learn about a ton of brands with awesome products that you will be hearing more about (seriously, the Jimmy Dean maple sausage biscuit thingys are a special kind of mouth joy you should not have to live life without, and the artificial eyelashes from Kiss made me feel like a celebrity for an entire evening) in the near future.
I can’t tell you much about the sessions. I can’t tell you much about the keynotes (I did sneak into Martha and Katie just to see them in person though). And, I can’t even begin to tell you how the heck I missed Zak Efron.
Because for me, BlogHer is not about that (although, in future, I will make it about meeting celebrity hotties whenever possible).
BlogHer (and most of blogging) is about connecting. Building relationships. Leaving the conference having touched more people than you had when you arrived. Hearing their stories. Making them laugh.
That’s what I love about BlogHer; the expanse of opportunities to do this.
Making my way through the expo hall and hotel lobby, fist bumping and high 5-ing people as I do, reminded me of the amazing friendships I’ve built in this space since launching pBd.
Real life friends.
Amazing type friends who send you cupcakes on your birthday (thanks Angie and Nicole), and watches that make you feel like Beyonce (I love you, Roo!).
Friends who give you advice and help you make good choices (or bad choices that involve staying out at a karaoke bar networking event until 4 am, thank you very much, Sharon!).
Friends who come to your soaking wet rescue and invite you to dinner because they feel sorry for you love you (seriously Kathy and Summer, thank you for preventing me from being arrested for loitering).
Friends you work with that make you want to actually work hard to complete a project awesomely because you know what their happy faces look like (top l to r: Eyeona bloggers, Blog Frog Ann, Blog Frog Keely, iVillage iVoices)…
I love that I have all of you in my life. And I love that I am fortunate enough to be able to go to these events and grow these relationships with you and new people too.
*Note to girl in below photo: I’m not entirely sure who you are although I know I know you from somewhere. When I posed for this picture, I honestly thought you were someone else. And then, when I looked at this, I saw that you were actually, um, you. We should exchange names now, because yeah, it feels dirty if we don’t…
But, more than anything, it reminded me that I am so happy to have one friend in my life who has done all of these things with me for years. And, while I am happy to have a bunch of new friends to alleviate her burden of constantly giving me advice and yelling at me when I do dumb junk, I know that my go to gal, for ever and always will be BFF.
I’m so happy she stopped hating me for accidentally trying to steal her boyfriend in 8th grade (I didn’t know! I was new! Long story; it’s cool now!). And that she got sick of hearing me pout and agreed to mover closer to me (pretty sure it was the overall lameness of the place she left that did it). And that she forgives me for being insensitive and forgetful and selfish and dumb.
I finally put her July birthday card in the mail today because I’m vowing to be a better friend. I figure, if I can do it online, real life should be easy!
Have something Wordful to share this Wednesday? Pop over to Seven Clown Circus and then visit the wonderful linkers from last week!
- Three little monkeys jumping on the bed, NONE fell off and broke their heads! Mama at Ordinary Miracles and the Crazy 9 is so happy to hear that and we are so happy to see her adorable photos of their bed jumping party!
- Maybe not a recipe you’re gonna find on Pinterest, but these look like the most delicious cupcakes ever thanks to one little chef at Chasing Sunshine.
- Live in or visiting the Utah area and looking for an adventure kids would love? Check out Honey Mommy’s trip to Antelope Island of Salt Lake.
- The lady who wins the most fun mom of the week award is Allie at Little Mouse’s House for taking her little out and dancing in the rain! Great shots!
*Today’s post was inspired by BlogHer, balloon-a-corn, and Hallmark’s Life is a Special Occasion campaign. Head over to the Hallmark Tell Them App and join me in making a vow to share something someone you love needs to hear!
That chick in the pic was ME! Oh wait… I didn’t go to BlogHer. *sigh* Nevermind. It was me in spirit.
Lol. Funny thing is I still don’t know who it is. clearly she doesn’t read my blog!
Great pictures! I am so looking forward to BlogHer next year! Now I must start saving all my pennies so I can get there!
I’m not going next year. It wasn’t quite as awesome or worth it for me this year. And we’re going on a cruise next year so I have to save all of my pennies for that!
Awww man. As one of the few NOT at BlogHer this year, yea, it kinda stings to read the million posts about why it was so rad, but it really does look like a blast. Next year, Chi-town, it’s on. I will be taking a picture with you and maybe sharing a couple of adult beverages. And the hot dog cart guys are WAY hotter in Chicago. Like Zac Efron hot.
Wow, the prospect of Zac-Efron-hot-hot-dog-dudes makes me want to go. I won’t be though so I’m afraid our picture taking may never actually happen! :(
You totally rock the balloon hat~ It was great seeing you here, there, and everywhere!
You too! You always with your camera, me NEVER with mine.
I cop to being a smidge jelly reading the I-went-to-BlogHer-and-it-rocked posts. Still, happy for you though! Did you bring the unicorn head back with you on the plane?!
I wanted to bring that unicorn back so badly, but unfortunately, I couldn’t carry another thing!
Seriously LOVED this post. But mostly, I just adored you. Besides Kathy, you were the first blogger I spent time with, and the more I know the more I love you. =)
xoxo
Also…next time??? I need to Karaoke with you.
I know, right?! The karaoke-ing should be an actual part of BlogHer. We should make a suite next year. The karaoke suite??? Fun, right?! It would only be open after 10. Somehow people can’t karaoke in the day time. It just feels wrong. And loved getting to know you better too! Thanks for rescuing me from my bench!
You crack me up! Love the balloons, but even more, love reading a bit more from all the fun pics that were streaming into Instagram over the weekend! :>
I am so happy I got the chance to meet you and talk with you for a bit! You are super sweet. I hope we get the chance to see each other again at another conference.
You too, Hanan! It was nice being able to just sit for a bit at the Hallmark suite!
But it’s true! I never meet new people ever because I. AM. SHY!!! I met you once in the way back days at the very first SITS Bloggy Bootcamp here in Las Vegas… and where did I stay that whole time?! In the corner. Sweating profusely. BABY WAS IN THE CORNER! Because why? SHY. Agh.
Anyway, I’m glad you were able to connect with so many wonderful ladies (friends) at the conference. I never get tired of the play-by-play! And one day, I will make it to BlogHer and I will sneak up on you and you, take a random picture with you, and then you can put me on blast too! ;-)
You could just paste my face over the girl that you don’t know. ;-)
Looks like I won’t be able to attend next year either, with the little one on the way. I can’t see leaving my hubby home with 3 kids, one of which will be about 5 months old. Grr.
Loving the unicorn balloon. At one time I had a unicorn balloon around my waist and one on my head. Not quite sure where either one of them came from. Needless to say it was a fun night. One of my most favorite of the while weekend other than meeting some pretty amazing people and connecting with bloggers. :)
It’s so cool to be reading everyone’s experiences about BlogHer. Helping me decide if I will be going if they ever come to Vegas. I agree- it’s about the connections – that’s why we do it right!
You know, this is it for me: the connections. I left with a minimal amount of swag (my girls are glad for nail stickers and polish and the boy got a Hot Wheels car, so I’m good) but I left with an ENORMOUS amount of happy.
So yeah, no fun at all, right? That’s what I thought. Because hearing that other people had fun and I’m not there isn’t fair.
So from what I can see, it was a miserable experience!
(PS TypeA2013…will I get to meet you?)
You are just the sweetest lady. We never seem to be able to get hang out time together. We are definitely going to have to change that!!!
Everyone is just gushing over you. How much did you pay these people at the conference? ;) I have yet to make it to a blogging conference, but you sure do make it look fun! I would definitely go if I could guarantee the presence of one of those unicorn hats.
I am still cackling about the rando picture with ‘Anne.’ I also am JEALOUS of your friendship with the hot dog cart man.
{sigh} I miss you.
Looks like you had such a great time!!!!!
So…that picture you posted isn’t of me either…. just kidding! But no one rocks a unicorn head like you. Seriously. It’s a skill I’d like to request next time around because, after trying on countless unicorn hats, I know it’s not something you learn. It’s something you’re born with.
I can spot you out of a sea of 4,000 mom bloggers and instantly feel comfortable knowing I have a friend there. Thank you for being you. And easy to locate. I’m really fighting the urge to say something completely inappropriate right now…just thank you.
I like dis.
Aww….I love this post and I adore you. And I miss you a ton. So sad we weren’t together this year but SO glad I can call you a Blogging Bestie. You are the real deal my friend. XO.
PS: I need to hear about the “soaking wet rescue” story…..a phone date is in order.
I am so glad the hot dog guy got into someone’s pictures.
This is my favorite BlogHer recap. Period.
Oh my gosh, you and your awesome unicorn balloon hat! Makes me love you even more, if that is possible!! :D
So…that picture you posted isn’t of me either…. just kidding! But no one rocks a unicorn head like you. Seriously. It’s a skill I’d like to request next time around because, after trying on countless unicorn hats, I know it’s not something you learn. It’s something you’re born with.
I’m not sick of the BlogHer posts at all! I’m kinda jealous I didn’t get to go this year. But… perhaps next year! We’ll see! And? I’d love to meet you! :)
LOVE looking at these photos! And it was really great to see you last week.
Let’s be clear on who is to blame for 4am karaoke…. our girl Roo. And for that a owe her a huge thank you- it was such a great way to wrap up BlogHer!
Dude! I just wanted to say, months after the event, that this post was one of my all time faves in the eight years since we started this crazy thing called lov…BlogHer. Thank you. Your photos rock.
See you in Chicago?
Well thank you, Lisa! I always have so much fun at BlogHer, even if I do cry more than once. I can’t say I’m going to make it all the way to Chicago this year though (insert sad face) unless I FINALLY convince Ryan Gosling to be my sugar daddy. It’s not like I’m not trying!