I LOVE NYC and I love Blogher but by Friday night, I was ready to come home! In fact, I went into “shutdown” mode right before the Hallmark party. Before I get to the good, I’m gonna start with the not so good and that was mostly the walking. I have no problem with walking but when you’re in NYC, a few blocks to them is like a millions blocks to us regular folk. Blogher made a rule this year that events and parties can’t be held within the Blogher conference location unless they are an official sponsor. The problem with that is that those of us who wanted to attend these events and such had to walk or take cabs, which was a hefty expense by time it was all over, not to mention a higher risk for those unknown to gypsy cabs and such. Oh well, what you gonna do right?
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.
OH how JEALOUS I am! Robert Verdi! I saw the man on Bethenny Getting Married and he’s fab! LOVE him.
You look great in all your pictures, girl!
I’ll be there for sure! I had a great time too and decided to sleep in on Saturday. I think I did maybe half of what you did and I was still every exhausted. I loved every minute of it though! Great to run into you at a few events!
I loved hanging out with you too!
And I agree, Sarah is awesome!
I’m glad it wasn’t just me who napped a lot. Although I loved meeting fellow bloggers, both those I already know online and those I never heard of before, it was way too much for me to handle.The private parties were amazing, but it was so tough to decide on what to do.
I should have brought my scooter so I could get around more. All in all though, the connecting was the most important thing to me. I wish I had spent some time with you. Maybe we could have napped together!
What a busy trip and one full of excitement! San Diego in 2011?! Oooh, maybe I could go to that one considering it’s in my home state:)
Geez Lori, I got pooped just reading all of that! No wonder you needed rest, you were out there doing more than I do in a week.
lori, you and I are very alike. I feel very akward when there are 1000s of people and basically…i cant find where I belong. Thats why i like my tiny spot on the web, surrounded by people i atleast feel like I know and am running a meetup with only 30 people. You know, you ought to come to one of ours..kwim?
Trisha
OK, so the part I’m most jealous about is that you got to meet The Sun!!! LOL!! I just crack up at those commercials. Loved this post…it was like almost being there!
I am the exact same way — horribly shy, need recoup time, etc., etc., etc. I would love to go to Blogher for the experience of going, but I know that I don’t have the personality to do all the partying and schmoozing.
Very fun pics though!
I loved reading about your experiences the past few days. So honest! Sounds like so much fun but very tiring and a little overwhelming at times. If I ever have the opportunity to go, I am taking my most comfortable shoes! lol
Do you know anything about the blogging event to be held in Austin this fall (I think maybe October)?
It was good to see you (even for a second)! I ditched out of a lot of events in favor of quite time, too, and I am happy about that decision. I really feel like I got much more out of BlogHer this year compared to last. Of course, I’m already saving for San Diego!
What a great and honest recap. You look really great and I love your blouse in the first few photos! I have been to NYC once and I was over 5 months pregnant. The walking was a killer for me since we couldn’t afford cabs constantly. :)
I had such a blast, and yes, it was SO exhausting. But I got to squeeze on you, so I iz happy <3
Lori!
I had so much fun with you, you are even more amazing in person! Thanks for letting me room with you, after one night with you and Chris I just couldn’t bring myself to be alone in my own room! I too really enjoyed the Sketchers Shape-up walk, it was so refreshing to start the day with exercise.
You Rock :)
Love you much! Sara
Looks like you had a fabulous time! I would have been super shy with that many ppl as well. Love your jeans and boots! You were one hot mama!
Kas
It looks like you had fun! I like your boots and yellow western shirt, the pictures came out good. I bet your boys missed you though!
I kind of feel like you did – it was fun but so exhausting! You have some amazing photos, and it sounds like you enjoyed what you did. I saw you around, but didn’t get a chance to talk to you. Hopefully next year we will cross paths in San Diego!
I don’t know anyone who feels comfortable in a crowd of 2400 women. I hope BlogHer organizers hear this message loud & clear and don’t opt to grow the event even more next year.
I’ve never been to a blogger event- it looks like a blast. I can’t believe all the celebs you met. And you’re a mommy blog celeb in your own rite :)
Why am I just seeing this. I was burnt out to….I think I still am actually and it’s January. I will be there next year but no parties till 3. I almost died. Big eye opener this year of blogging-think it’s time to regroup-but I will for sure be there at blogher 11. (ps love the picture of us) :)
Loved reading your recap- I’m in the middle of trying to decide if I should go this year to San Diego, so I’ve been stalking…I mean researching millions of blogs. Thanks for helping!