I actually really felt a disconnect in such a large place.  It was huge and I couldn’t find hardly anyone I knew unfortunately so I stayed in my room or with Christine or George. Other than these things, it was fun and I always enjoy meeting up with PR and seeing blogging buddies.  Something some of you should know that did meet me….I’m not good around a big bunch.  I tend to zone in on what I’m doing or where I’m going and don’t pay attention to things around me.  I have the world’s worst memory, my friends and family can attest to that.  And I’m terrible at meeting folks….I’m much more shy than you probably think, or at least until I get to know you really really well.

I arrived Wed at noon. Because I hadn’t even went to sleep Tuesday night, I chose to hang out in the lobby of the Hilton for a good 5+hrs, sitting there, resting.  Christine arrived late that evening with her sister Sara, whom I have since fell in love with.  Talk about meeting someone special now.  She’s a pretty amazing gal with a heart of gold and I’m thrilled that I got to hang with her.

THURSDAY–

We started the day with a tour of ToyRUS which was AWESOME!  I loved seeing the huge transformer, the gigantic ferris wheel, and the humongous dinosaur.  That store has so many cool toys that I had never seen in our stores so it was super fun to take the tour and see the hot toys for the season.

A cool game I want.

Hanes Party was fabulous!!! We got to hang out with ABC Extreme Homemakeover: Home Edition interior decorator star Michael Moloney and Jenn Falik (a regular on Rachael Ray and E!).  We got bra fittings, hand/foot massages, and of course learned about some of the new Hanes line.

Then we headed over to the SocialLuxe Party where I was a VIP award presenter (along with Christine) for best Eye Candy. Fabulous event and the sponsor Avery was awesome. Gave us some really useful items!

And then there was Nikon….I heart Nikon of course.  I got to drool and hold some powerful cameras.  Some lucky gals got to get a makeover and photoshoot with a celebrity photographer and my friend Tina, was one of them! She’s getting all dolled up!

FRIDAY–

I started the day with a Skechers Shape-ups walk with fitness expert Andrea Metcalf.  It was a BLAST!  I loved walking with her and doing the exercises at the end..and of course loved the shoes.  This was one of my most favorite times.

Then before I knew it, it was time for the Getting Gorgeous event that my good friends Audrey & Vera put on.  They did an outstanding job..I mean outstanding!!  From beauty makeovers to free designer jeans, it was a big hit!  Speaking of jeans, fashion stylists Robert Verdi, said to me “Oh no honey, you do NOT need to go up a size and you need the straight leg, not the boot cut.”  Apparently he knows his stuff because I got a few compliments the rest of the evening. heheehhe

The jeans, MiracleBody

I was thrilled to finally meet Audrey’s husband. I feel like I’ve known him forever!!  I can’t wait for the day I get to meet their kiddos!!  I also got to finally meet Audrey’s dad who is so sweet!  I freakin’ love their whole family!

More fab photos from the Getting Gorgeous event!

After the Getting Gorgeous event, there was Stride Rite and Hallmark but to be honest, I petered out right before Stride Rite. The Stride Rite party was classy, had FOOD, and places to sit.  Giving away prizes throughout was fun and the little footprints across the floor were too precious.  The Hallmark party was very fun. There were crafts, storybooks, prizes, and a room with a view.  Then I was in official shutdown mode.  I needed sleep.  I hung out with Sara and Christine in our room that looked like this.

SATURDAY–

To be honest, I didn’t want to go anywhere.  I was a little crabby but decided to go to the E.L.F/Xbox event where I got to see, first hand, how the AWESOME Kinect worked!  It was the coolest thing and we didn’t even get to see all the features.  We did dance though and enjoyed the  E.L.F makeup makeovers.  It was fun to see everyone getting into it.  I totally want one now!  Photo is by Stephanie from BizzieMommy!  Hopefully she doesn’t get mad that I stole her photo!

I had planned on attending a couple of more events but decided to just got back to the room and rest.  Here are a few more photos that were taken during the weekend.

Padma Lakshmi (Top Chef)

Jimmy Dean “The Sun”

Overall, it was a FABULOUS time. A little exhausting but I got to represent the cool, sustainable booth for Walmart (who by the way, sponsored my trip to NYC/Blogher in the first place…so thanks Walmart!), meet with one of my most favorite PR peeps (like you Jessica), hang out with all my close friends, meet friends I’ve known online but never met offline, and be a woman.  It was awesome!  Blogher is set to be in San Diego for 2011….Yes, I’ll be there!  Hope you are too.

]]> http://acowboyswife.com/nyc-blogher-2010-recap/feed/ 23 http://acowboyswife.com/the-blogher-whirlwind/ http://acowboyswife.com/the-blogher-whirlwind/#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:50:26 +0000 A Cowboy's Wife http://acowboyswife.com/?p=2508 Wow, what an event.  I honestly don’t even know where to begin because there was soooooo much happening.  I arrived to Chicago on Wednesday, very perky and left on Sunday completely drained but it was all worth it.

The amount of folks that showed up for the Blogher Conference was absolutely amazing.  The sad thing is that there are so many people you meet that it’s almost impossible to remember everyone’s name and even face for that matter.  Like everyone else, I was hoping to meet those that I admire and as many as I could that read my blogs.  And I did.

Wednesday Night

We hit the Sushi Samba party first.  Great folks, nice atmosphere, and a fun photo booth. You can see me, Arianne, Allison, and Audrey having a bit of fun in these photos.

Thursday

This was Blogher Business day but I’ll cut to the fun evening stuff.  The SocialLuxe Lounge was a whole lotta fun.  They handed out awards, I met very nice PR folks from Land’s End, Kodak (and others) and of course all the talk was on the swag because Kodak was generous enough to hand out the cool Z16 Pocket Video Camera.  Sadly, there were some really childish, desperate people that were stealing the bracelets that got you a bag of swag, leaving those who were supposed to get a swag bag, without.  Good gawd that is so pathetic.

Here are a couple of pics from that event.  The three princess fairys are The Bloggess, White Trash Mom, and Redneck Mommy.  Below these girls is Christine who got a cool piece of artwork on her arm. The last photo is of some hot girls with Chris Mann.

I attended the Carnivale Cocktail Party hosted by Frito Lay/Woman’s World and I had a great time.  Delicious appetizers and great gals!  Mommysnacks even won a Blogher 10′ pass!!  WOOT!

After all this was the People’s Party which way too busy for me.  I literally walked in, made a circle, and walked right back out.  Looks like it was a great time but by that time, I was so tired and just wanted to hang out in a more quiet place in my pj’s and I almost got to.  Instead, I hung out with Amy from Mom Advice and White Trash Mom in the Chi bar.  It was a relaxing conversation and it was so nice to get to chat with Amy, who I rarely get to see.   After Michelle left, Alyssa showed up and chatted with us a bit.  Both are the nicest ladies ever.

FRIDAY

Had a wonderful breakfast with Food Network’s Dave Lieberman and the Walmart Eleven Moms.

Friday was one of the craziest days to say the least.  Finally got to browse the exhibition hall where all the vendors were and had a great time doing that.  I met some of the PR folks I work with, which was great to see them face to face.  I also met so many new ones that I hope to work with like PlaySkool.  And for those of you who were there, tell me that Dinosaur was not the coolest thing ever!

Attended a more intimate get-together with Hanes Comfort Crew.  I loved that they only invited a few so that we could actually talk and have a more personable experience.  Really enjoyed it!

Had to move right along to the Energizer Party where I didn’t even get to see the lovely Colleen (who was one of the hosts) because she was getting her hands done but I did get to meet the Energizer Bunny.  You know you’re jealous.

Immediately headed to the E.L.F. where we met Ted who is very passionate about E.L.F. Cosmetics and should be.  I have to say, I’ve always been a Bare Escentuals fan but might just be converted.  I still need to play with some of the cosmetics to know for sure but when you calculate the cost, you will save HUGE amounts of money with the E.L.F. line.  I got my makeup done too!

The big thing for me was the Nikon Party.  I heart Nikon as most of you who read me regularly will know.  The cool thing at this party though was getting to meet and interview Carson Kressley.  He was so real, very “normal” and very stylish.

Some of the nice folks I met at the Nikon Party included Jaden from Steamy Kitchen, who has taught me so much on improving my food photos.  Love her and actually met her earlier than this but didn’t get my pic with her.  Also there was Ree, The Pioneer Woman, who is VERY tall.

I left a bit earlier than most because I was exhausted and my feet were hurting so bad that I was almost in tears. Seriously.  They were so freakin’ cute shoes but good lord my feet were not happy campers.  Went back to the hotel, got in my pj’s and hung out.

SATURDAY

Had to get up super early for a video/photo shoot then attended a lunch with Tide.   Loved the demonstration they did with cleaning the grass stain and enjoyed the meal a great deal.  Gymboree brought some super cute outfits for us to see as well.  I love Gymboree because they always have the cutest cowboy outfits.  You know, I brought little man home in a cute cowboy newborn set from them.  ADORABLE. Also had the chance to visit with with the Tide folks later that afternoon and meet with Tim Gunn from Project Runway.  Very classy and very nice man.

The highlight on Saturday for me was meeting the lovely Paula Deen.  Wow is she beautiful.  If you don’t know her life story, you should go read about her.  Her cooking is fabulous and all but her life story is absolutely inspiring.

Bowlher was the last of the party events I attended and it was definitely one of the best. Open space to dance, bowl, play pool, and just sit down and visit.  Here’s several photos from that evening.

Loved meeting everyone and wish I had met even more.   So much to do & so many to see, so little time.

Alot of fun to say the least.  I know I left a lot but it all happens so fast and there’s so much that I couldn’t possibly remember everything and put it in one post.  I hope all of you who went had a blast and all of you who didn’t get the chance to go, try your hardest to attend the next one because it’s gonna be fab! It’s also going to be in New York and tickets are already on sale NOW!! GOLLY!  Anyone want to sponsor me?? ;)

Thanks so much for Walmart for sending me to Blogher this year.   I appreciate all the hard work they did and the great folks they brought in like Dave and Paula.

Until next time y’all……………………………………

I’m adding an extension onto my food blog which I’m really excited about.  It’s been in the works a while now but hopefully it turns out like I expect and is useful and fun for everyone.  It’s also getting a little makeover so expect a new design.

I’m one of Frito Lay’s Fab 15 and they made this cute little badge for us that represents each of us.  I think it looks just like me, don’t you??

I’m headed to Houston to visit my parents on the 2nd-7th, then leaving to Michigan for the National Cherry Festival on the 8th, 9th, and 10th.  That means I’ll have about 10 days to recooperate, pack, and get caught up online before I head out to Chicago for 5 days!. I can’t believe it’s almost here.  I’m dying to meet so many people that I can’t stand it!!  Are this excited??  Are you taking swag?  I had planned on taking swag but I’m not sure if I’m still going to. Would you like swag or could you care less?  Let me know!

I also have an exciting secret I get to share in July, hopefully at Blogher.  A secret I’ve been having to keep in for months.  Wish I could say more, but I can’t.

I haven’t been taking that many photos lately because my camera is still dying.  The colors are coming out terrible, sometimes it won’t shoot, and it’s dirty. I’ve cleaned it twice but there are still spots. ugh  Hoping to get a new camera soon.

And finally, a thank you to some of my sponsors for the months of May/June.

• T-Mobile –Where you can take a fun quiz & they have a cool feature to help your teens stay within budget!  A phone allowance so they learn to be responsible and don’t spend all day texting.
• Skype –The way I make ALL my long distance calls and chat with my family & friends.  LOVE this.
• Crystal Light –One of my two favorite drinks and the little portable ones are awesome!
• Clarisonic –My face feels like it was at a spa after using this. LOVE IT, LOVE IT!  So worth the money because I was buying peels ALL the time.
• SeaWorld –Wow, what a place.  I honestly thought it wasn’t gonna be a big deal or more for kids but it’s one of the best places I’ve been. The interaction with the animals is amazing and you’ll fall in love with them and the employees.

What news do you have to share?? I would love to hear it and see what’s going with all of y’all. I miss you guys.

I’m leaving for BlissDom tomorrow, SXSW  in March, Blogher in July, probably BWE too and others along the way so how could I not want to show up with this piece of art in my arms??  I would be the “cool” one fo sho!

With the help of a very cool fashionista, I’ve been able to learn some great ways to take my current wardrobe and create a new look.  With my own self taught hard work in the world wide web, I’ve learned that having a laptop is essential  if I want to stay on top of the happenings and relay the events that are happening.  I also need something that is small in size so that I’m not breaking my back carrying around a laptop bag, handbag and camera.  I need a mini fashion statement.

The HP Mini Vivienne Tam Edition Notebook incorporates all those things; style, size, and the ability to whip it out wherever I am and check email, twitter who’s speaking and why it’s compelling..or not.

With my new makeover and my new clothes, there would be nothing more fitting for me than to have a new clutch; not just any clutch ,the HP Mini Vivienne Tam, the red hot one that will keep me connected to you all during my travels and make me look good.

I’ve worked hard for the past two years to get to where I am and feel completely worthy of such a chic digital clutch………don’t you?  (please say yes, please say yes)

So, do you think it would look good “on” me?  :)

*Ultra-chic 8-color Peony design with matching Vivienne Tam sleeve
*Ultra-sleek 10.1″ display; just 2.45 lb. and a mere 1″ thick

I’ll be on the affiliate marketing panel along with Tara and Christine, two women that I adore and can’t wait to meet.  The topics here will include  SEO, other ways of making money with your blog, and so much more.   What?  You didn’t know I knew this stuff?  I don’t really but I pretend I do;)  After all, I did have a blog that was, at one time, on the Top Money Making Blogs list at 45n5.com.

Why you should attend!

If you are wanting to be at one of the hottest conferences of the year, this is the one folks.  You’ll learn everything from blogging basics, social media, marketing–to photography!  And you’ll want to go because you’ll get to meet me of course.  This will be a much more personable experience than that other conference and I encourage you to attend if it’s at all possible!

You have until Dec. 31st to register for ONLY $100 bucks. That’s a HUGE discount people and you’d be crazy not to do it.  You can register after that but the price goes up.

Not only will this be a great learning experience, it will be a bonding experience between women-moms-bloggers and I look forward to getting my bliss on with all of them!

Would love to know who all plans on attending!  Lemme know:)

WOOHOO!!

I met several lovely ladies from the various companies like Leapfrog, Vtech, and Scholastic.  In fact, Amanda was super nice and I had the pleasure to sit by her during the Rocco lunch:) Oh, and we have a Scholastic giveaway coming soon!

Me and Amanda from Scholastic:)

I also met Emily Post, author of the most wonderful set of children’s books ever!  Oh she has other books too but I would love to have had the manners book for little ones.  I really met to buy it before I left and completely forgot.  She’s absolutely delightful and it was an honor to meet her.

Me and Emily:)

As great as the Blogher food was, it was nice to get out of the hotel and eat at my own diner.  Yeah, I’m everywhere over there including the airport!  What?  You didn’t know I had a chain??  Well, duh!  I’ve got pictures to prove it:)

Me and my diner:)

Me and my menu!

So I was asked by a gal earlier if I felt intimidated at all by anyone and my answer is yes.  The three people that I wanted a picture with but didn’t even approach, were Megan from Velveteen Mind, Bossy from i am bossy, and yes…Erin from Queen of Spain.  Why didn’t I approach them?  I don’t know really.  Maybe it was the fact that every time I saw Megan, she wasn’t smiling and I was afraid it was a “bad time”.  Maybe this short and fat girl didn’t want to stand next to Bossy’s beauty & grace.  And Erin, well…..I’m not sure how to take her.  Do you judge by things you hear?……no…..would I sound stupid talking to her in my ol’ Texas accent and if not, what would I even say to her.  These were just some of the things that kept me from approaching these people.  Maybe another day, another time.

So the highlight of the weekend?  Hmmmm, there were so many great things and VERY fun times but I would have to say it was Heather’s words at the closing keynote.  Not ’cause she’s the famous Dooce but because what she said made so much sense.  It made me sit back and think about what kind of relationship I want to have with my readers, as well as the friends & family that read my blogs.  She’s this famous, wealthy woman that treats you like you’re her best friend.  She doesn’t act all high and mighty, she’s real.

She said something that I loved.  She said that she reads every single comment, backlink, etc.  She said that if we the readers can take the time to comment or reference her, it’s her job to read every single one of them.  Even though she doesn’t always respond, she reads them.

This is exactly how I feel.  I may not always respond but I am ALWAYS reading your comments, your blogs, and thinking about you.  I hope you all know that!

Thank you Heather for reminding what’s most important.

That’s it about Blogher.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna finally get some rest.  My brain is fried, my body hurts, and my big toes are still numb from wearing high heels at the Macy’s party.  If any of you are trained from one of those massage therapy schools, please drive to Sweetwater, TX and give me a massage.  I desperately need one;)

Me and Elizabeth                                                         Me and Dana

Me and Jennster

We went to Guy’s party first.  He had delicious food and a beautiful backyard!  It was a horrible shuttle ride to his house from the hotel because the driver didn’t know how to get there.  What should have taken 30 minutes max, took 2hrs!!! UGH:(

Anyways, it was Guy’s party where I met my long time blogging idol Wendy:)  She’s cool…..

By this time, I am completely warmed up and introducing myself to everyone.  I’m passing my business cards along and just having a good time.  I met some great people the entire weekend; White Trash Mom who has some very cool cowboy boots, Geekmommy,  Maggie from Mighty Girl – Mighty Haus – Mighty Juniors Mighty Goods, & Christine from Dates to Diapers just to name a few!

I danced………………

Oh, the Joys & Jennster:)                               2 Skinny Chicks:)

I conferenced……....some

I even kicked butt on the Wii doing the hoola hoop…or at least that’s what I was going for.  Not sure how it looked to others;)

My favorite bum….hey, at least he was honest!

and that concludes today’s saga……

I rarely fly so this was a treat and nerve racking at the same time.  I flew out from Abilene to Houston on a propeller plane…yuck.  Then I flew from Houston to San Fransisco (in about 4hrs) on a big ol’ jet airliner…won’t you carry me awaaaay.  Sorry…I couldn’t help but sing it.  The view was pretty and I managed to get a decent shot of the sky & plane.  This may bore many of you who are everyday travellers but this is all exciting to me.

I was also so lucky to be sitting next to a young girl that smacked her bubble gum for the entire flight.  Yay for me.

Once off the plane, my phone wouldn’t work so I had no way to contact Lawyer Mama, who I was supposed to meet up with to take a cab or shuttle.  Never could find her so I split a cab with another gal.  Although she tried to be somewhat nice, but I don’t think she cared to visit much.  She did have a huge Louis Vuitton bag that took up half the cab;)

Arrived at the hotel greeted by this wonderful fella……ummm, they are called bellhops???

Immediately upon arrival at this grand hotel, I felt out of place and, well, almost beneath it.  Like I didn’t belong in such a place–me, this ol’ country gal who didn’t even know how to go through the revolving doors without stumbling or what the appropriate tip amount was.

They were super nice and made me feel VERY welcomed at the front desk.  I think it was the decor and the architecture that overwhelmed me.  It was all so fancy and everywhere you looked, there were women with their trendy clothing, designer bags, and all I could think about was that I totally didn’t belong here.

I got to my room and it was just lovely, a bit small, but the plasma TV and luxurious bedding made up for it.  I sat there a bit to take it all in.  Here I was, a small town country girl in unknown territory known as Union Square– In a town known for shopping, chocolate, sourdough, bridges, etc.  I felt lonely and excited……………