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-end/ http://acowboyswife.com/the-blogher-end/#comments Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:37:30 +0000 A Cowboy's Wife http://acowboyswife.com/?p=1098 With all the parties I’ve been telling you about, I have failed to mention that I did go to a couple of sessions and I networked like crazy.  I found the sessions boring because I felt they were really geared towards the newbies.  I enjoyed meeting all the food bloggers though and was completely embarrassed to have to stand up in front of them all to introduce my food blog in 10 words.  I don’t like when all eyes are on me at all!

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……………