Best of BlogHer13 for Me!

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This was my first BlogHer.

I was super excited but wasn't really sure what to expect. I have watched the BlogHer twitter feed from a far for years so I knew the conference is always  a lot of fun and there are a lot of parties. I didn't know what I would get out of the sessions and speakers.

I just want to say it was certainly worth the drive to Chicago!


First, the road trip was a blast. I got to drive with two great women, Wendy aka +Wendy S/@mapsgirl and Aeryn aka +Aeryn Lynne ! Of course we traveled in style enjoying the Ford Explorer! (more on that vehicle in a future post). The eight hour drive was painless mainly because of my road trip companions!

We arrived on Wednesday evening, a day before any BlogHer events. It gave us a chance to settle in and get out to do some shopping on Thursday and see some of downtown Chicago.  And shopping did we do! I walked The Magnificent Mile several times. Here is the main reason for my shopping trip ( although I did get a few things for myself, at a few different stores). A post with pictures coming soon with the dolls and my happy girls! 

 But I digress....


I arrived in Chicago with an open mind, eager to meet new people and learn a few new things AND BlogHer didn't disappoint.

Here are just a few of the BEST things from BlogHer13!

1. Meeting new people! I made some great new connections and friends. These are amazing women doing great things!  There are almost too many to list but here are a few great women that I got the chance to meet and chat with.

Betty Cahill - @DelishyTown
Johanna Stein - @johannastein
Cecily Kellogg - @Cecilyk
Erin Blaskie - @ErinBlaskie 
Crystal  - @crystal_lou_who
Julie Nowell - @julienowell
Fadra Nally - @allthingsfadra
Danielle Smith - @daniellesmithtv
****and oh so many more that I know I will remember and want to add in the days to come

2. Connecting with friends... people I know but rarely get a chance to spend a lot of time with in real life

Wendy Silva - +Wendy S
Ann B - @AnnBac9
Margarita Ibbott - @downshiftingPRO
Paula Schuck - @inkscrblr
Eden Spodek - @edenspodek
****and so many more

3. Learning a few new things. I had the opportunity to go to some pretty amazing sessions, like the ones on self publishing/e-publishing and the importance of comments and engaging your readers. Of course there were some amazing speakers too, speakers like The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, Guy Kawasaki and Sheryl Sandberg

4. Inspiration!
I left Chicago and BlogHer13 feeling more inspired than ever before. I have a clearer idea of what I want to do with my blogs and with blogging. I am encouraged and eager to take what I have learned from sessions, panels, speakers, new friends and old friends and turn it into something pretty amazing.

Thanks to everyone I had a chance to sit with, talk with, eat with , drink with, line up with, ride a bus with, party with... you are amazing!!!!!!

Chicago!! Wordless Wednesday

 

Beautiful Chicago

 

 Beautiful city for BlogHer13

On The Road ... to Chicago

 We hit the road to Chicago. It is an eight hour drive split between two drives. Four hours each, not too bad at all!

 Here are just a few of the pictures I took along the way....obviously not taken when it was my turn to drive! #3girlsinaford was our hashtag since Wendy and I were joined by our friend Aeryn ! There was some great conversation in the great looking Ford Explorer!

Roaming with Rogers

Ah BlogHer! This year it is in Chicago. What a beautiful city. Here is the one thing about a Canadian heading to a blogging conference in the United States....the roaming! There are a lot of things that happen of the conference floor and away from the hotel wifi. So how do you update your blog, your Facebook page or twitter feed? 



Recently, Rogers introduced a $7.99 US data rate where you get 50MB of data for a 24 hour period. We know how important it is for you to stay connected, even while traveling.

I am giving it a try while I am in Chicago.

I can't wait to let you know how it works out.


***Rogers is covering the cost of this service while I try it out****

BlogHer Bound... and I might need an eye patch

So I am headed to my first BlogHer Conference. Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I have wanted to go to this conference for years. And every year something comes up. OK, not really just something, LIFE, ya life gets in the way and instead of going to BlogHer I end up watching the twitter feed longingly, wishing I was there In REAL Life! BUT not this year. This year is my year.

So EXCITING right? !

Of course it is.

I am hoping to learn a lot. Meet a lot of great people, fellow bloggers! Here some great speakers and listen to some great know how at some great panels and sessions.

There is always so much to do before heading off to any conference. I was able to pick up much of what I needed for the trip in the days ahead ( while I am way behind on packing, I am able to be somewhat organized). So today I decided to head off to the store to get some supplies, including a pair of those reading/magnifying glasses. Yes, I can admit that now that I am getting older my eyes are not what they used to be so I use these cheapie readers so I don't poison my kids while medicating them because the print on the medicine bottle is so miniscule!

BUT here is the problem. While trying on said glasses I did something so stupid. I hit myself in the eye with the plastic tag hanging on the glasses. AND I MEAN HIT ..... RIGHT ON THE EYEBALL! It her like mad. I could barely open my eye.  I thought I was going to have to wear this ....

Of course I would add a few gems and jewels!

I am happy to say as the hours went on my eye was feeling better. The pain was weakening and my blurry vision was starting to go away!  By the time I got up to wait for my pick up to Chicago my eye was feeling better so there was no need for the eye patch... which kind of makes me sad.


I can't wait to get to BlogHer13!!!!

I Am Going to BlogHer'13

I have been wanting to attend a BlogHer convention for years. Actually, since 2007 to be exact. That was the first year that BlogHer was in Chicago...I believe. Every year I think about it and then every year something comes up and I end up watching the Twitter feed fill up with all the great experiences of others. But NOT this year!

 This year is my year. BlogHer'13! I am more than a little excited about making the road trip with two friends.

So,I am a BlogHer newbie. I can honestly say that it is all just a little overwhelming. So much to do and learn and see. So many people to meet. I was fully aware of the advice from BlogHer alumni about not getting sucked into to the hype, have a plan and stick to the plan and not get pulled into all the party - official or unofficial - craziness. And yet I find myself on the list for a lot, and I mean A LOT, of unofficial parties. I didn't heed the warnings. I got caught up in the frenzy. I think there will be a lot of fun to be had. I think I will still go to many of the parties, some official BlogHer parties and some unofficial parties, BUT I am taking a step back to re-focus my plan. I want to get the most I can from this amazing opportunity to learn, connect and network.

So, now it is time to focus on the great speakers, the great sessions and find some great people to connect with. That last one I am already doing...online.  I have managed to connect with some like minded people, some people I don't really know but would like to get to know better and some people with some serious experience and knowledge, that I hope can teach me a few things about being a better (kick ass) blogger.


What do you hope to get out of this year's BlogHer? What is top of your to-do-list?

A Great Way to Start Off BlogHer'13

I am finally doing it! I am going to BlogHer. I have long wanted to go and finally got my self organized and did it. So I am kicking the weekend off with a Bang!!!! What a great way to see the great city of Chicago.... by water. I will be cruising with Seadog

Check it out! 

Are you ready for an entertaining cruise experience along Chicago’s scenic lakefront? Come out to Navy Pier and let Seadog show you the city April-October, weather permitting.

Seadog offers four exciting ways to see and experience Chicago from the water:

Lakefront Speedboat Tour
This 30-minute cruise along the shoreline offers a descriptive tour of Chicago’s famous skyline, while playing your favorite music.

Extreme Thrill Ride
This cruise is perfect for the dare-devil in you! This 30-minute ride features splash down stops, 180-degree turns, slalom runs and more.

River and Lake Architectural Tour
Enjoy historic views of Chicago’s famous landmarks and neighborhoods during this 75-minute cruise on both Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.

Lakefront Fireworks Cruise
Enjoy front-row seats to the spectacular fireworks display aboard our Lakefront Fireworks Cruise! Cruise along Lake Michigan with an exciting speedboat ride paired with an informative tour of the Chicago skyline, then end the evening with a dazzling fireworks show and top-40 hits playing in the background! The open aired vessel allows for panoramic views, providing a perfect view.

 The Seadog Fireworks Cruise is available on Wednesdays and Saturdays, running from Memorial Day – Labor Day.

Seadog is great for both individuals and groups. We offer customizable group events for up to 450 people.

Seadog also features specific holiday cruises, such as Memorial Day, the 4th of July and Halloween.
Not only can you enjoy a Seadog Cruise, but your dog can as well! Dogs ride for free, space permitting.

For more information, please visit www.seadogcruises.com/chicago/ or call 888-636-7737.




Hope to see you at BlogHer13 ... and in Chicago!