BlogHer: Pics and Tidbits

So the first thing you must know is that I am so incredibly shy. When I first got to BlogHer, I was kind of keeping to myself but after a bit, I just threw all fears aside and starting to strike up conversations with people. The more I talked, the easier it was. So much so that I was this incredible chatterbox with the most amazing family of 5 on my train ride home! :)

The things to know about BlogHer is---everyone is a little lost of who's who and what's what, people know bloggers but most don't know what they look like, :) there is free swag everywhere and it is just the most amazing time! I just signed up for Friday, as I didn't want to be away from the kids longer than that. It was so much in one day that I'm not sure I could have handled much more!!

Aside from learning more about blogging and wanting to meet new people, I had a few goals set--hang with my fellow Chicagolander Blogger, Clair (whom I was lucky enough to meet prior), find Mercedes to meet her and have a chat with and to finally meet the Wii Mommies in person and spend some quality time with them, as Jenn and I have been blog buds for a long time now! I'm happy I was able to do all of these! But I am sad that I didn't think to take a pic with Clair and the Wii Mommies. But here are the pics I was able to remember to get:

At registration, I met Resourceful Mommy for the first time.


After a FREE make-up touch-up at the Microsoft Spa and a few learning sessions, I chilled with the Wii Mommies and watched them do their radio talk show:



After lunch, I found Mercedes in the Wal-Mart booth and was lucky enough to have my camera with me then. She is just as lovely in person as she is on her blog. I had a nice chat with her!



Jenn, Sarah and I went to talk to their Hanes sponsor and Sarah took advantage of the free foot massage, while Jenn and I chatted. This is where we met a crafter,Christy Nelson, who is simply an angel! Loved her!




I had to take a picture of the All Fairies who were giving out chocolate stars, samples and coupons!



A few more sessions and some great speakers later, it was party time! Off to the House of Blues for the "EA Sports Party in the City" party thrown by the Wii Mommies! Check out the complimentary shuttle they had for us to get from the Sheraton to their location. Can you tell we were having fun?



Sadly, I had to say farewell to everyone and head home. I was going to grab a cab but the weather was beautiful, the people were a-buzzing and I had plenty of time to catch the train. So I hauled all of my swag and my original bag the 10 minute walk to the train. Talk about exercise--but it was so refreshing and the city was beautiful! Check out all the bags I had to carry home:



Check out the insane amount of Swag I got! Can you imagine getting all this free stuff in one day! And I didn't even hit all the places to get them! Some of what I got: A Leap Frog Tag Reader Book, Mr. Potato Head, Strawberry Shortcake doll and figurines, lots of kids cds/dvds, Eastland Backpack, loads of reusable bags, free samples, 3 t-shirts, slippers, Build-a-Bear, coupons, discount cards and one super cool EA Sports Active Bag that is going to be perfect for workout stuff!



My favorite freebie? Honestly...it was this friendship bracelet given to me by Christy Nelson. Afterall, that's what blogging is all about for me--making great friendships and giving freely and helping others. When I look at it, I remember my fun day! Thanks again, Christy!



The next BlogHer is in New York. While the thought of traveling so far away alone terrifies me, I am actually considering going. I just need to start working on sponsors! :) I hope you all consider going next year and that I see you there!

Thanks to BlogHer and all their great sponsors for a fabulous day full of new friendships and fun!

I have some great websites to share with you all but I want to compile them into one posting later.

Win a Trip to BlogHer '09?

Saving Cents with Sense has all the details HERE on how you could win a trip to BlogHer '09.

Like I always say, you can't win if you don't enter. :) I've already signed up for BlogHer so if you win....I'll see you there!

BlogHer Conference: Last Day for Early Bird Prices!

For those of you on the fence about whether you are going to the BlogHer conference here in Chicago, July 24-25th, today's the last day for the early bird pricing.

I finally bit the bullet and signed up. Yes, I'm going! I used a little extra tax money (Thank you, Kaydi!) to go just on Friday. I'm anxious to possibly meet Clair and Jenn who are talking about going, too.

Click here to register and here for the agenda.

Hope to see you there, too! If you're going, leave me a comment!

BlogHer '09 Conferences: Are You Attending?

I was very excited to hear that the BlogHer conferences were going to held in my Sweet Home Chicago! How convenient to attend a conference and not have to pay hotel fees on top of it!

When I went to register, I saw a place for a discount code. And you know I immediately did what any couponer would do...I scanned the Net for a code. To much sadness, I could not find one!

So, I'm wondering if any of you are attending this year's conference and if you happen to know a valid discount code that I can use to save a few buck$?

I am only going to be attending the Friday session. Here is their agenda for the conference, in case you are interested in attending, too. And here is the registration link.

Below is some of the info. I could find:

BlogHer '09 will be at the The Chicago Sheraton and Towers from July 23-25, 2009. Please call (877) 242-2558 and ask for reservations in the BlogHer room block. Special room rate of $199/night (plus free in-room internet!) for BlogHer attendees.

Earlybird pricing is in effect through February 28, which is $99/day, or $198 for both days. Ticket price includes admission to the conference programming, breakfast, lunch, breaks, and cocktail reception. After February 28, the cost per day will be $149, or $298. Prices do not include small processing fee.

Hope to see you there!