Blissdom Conference Roundup

This week I got to attend my first Blissdom Conference.  Super FUN, I am EXHAUSTED! There were interesting panels filled with tangible tips to take home and people genuinely wanting to meet new people and learn new things, dancing plus Harry Connick Jr!  Exactly what you want in a women's bloggy conference. Kudos to organizers @alliworthington and @barbarajones and everyone who must have put in countless hours to make it all possible.  Thank you.

Loads of fun was had by all, but here are a few highlights:

*  Watching my new music soul mate Rock and Roll Mama and ModernMami whip up fancy entries in 20 minutes for the Potato board's cook off. I loved watching everyone cheer the contestants on, the dancing that ensued while waiting for the judges decision and the fun potato bar.  <Not a lot of veggies in Nashville, so this was an extra special treat!>

*  Keynote speech by Kevin Carroll, author of Rules of the Red Rubber Ball.  He was AH.Mazing.  I don't say that lightly.  He spoke about passion, power and intention and simply hit a home run with the entire crowd! I ordered his book this morning.

* Balancing life and blogging life with the brilliant Christine Koh aka @bostonmamas, Deb Rox aka @debontherock, Carmen Staicer aka @mttsm.  They shared gems of brilliance on balancing their on and off line lives.  My walk away was - Yes you CAN say NO!  There are always other opportunities.  Agreed. It is so hard sometimes to really believe it, but it is SO true.  Thanks for the reminder gals!

* Throwing a party! Clever Girls Collective (ahem!) threw a lil soiree for all the event attendees. Blue drinks, boas and prizes - what more can you ask for.  I made the play list of all of my fave party songs and was a lil nervous that folks might not like it.  But I got a ton of compliments, working on sharing it. Anyone have ideas on how to do that? 

Of course, there was plenty of swag - from chips to make up to ice cream bars! <BTW- No one paid me to gush about these! These were given in the Blissdom swag bag or available in the expo.> My favorite bits of Blissdom Swag:

• Land's End Canvas Bag, Plus $15.00 coupon:  Sturdy, just the perfect size. Clean, unlike the one I own and use almost everyday and is FILTHY!!  Not the sexy filthy, the filthy that comes from being toted to every soccer/basketball game the past two years.  Thank you Lands End for giving me a new respectable bag.  I know what I am using that coupon for - rain gear!

• Hallmark cards:   The ladies from Hallmark brought not only cards, but gave bloggers the chance to meet the ladies who wrote/designed the new line of "encouragement cards" for kids.  SO COOL!  I love to write notes and leave them in my kids' lunch boxes (usually on post it notes) These cards are sure to take mom's love notes to a whole new level.  They came in all

  

  sizes and are simply perfect for both my 6 year old sweet girl and my 10 year old sports loving boy.  My favorite card was this one featuring fake snot - that can also be pulled out of the card for him to play with.  Gross=perfect for the 10 year old set. 

• Lisa Leonard Necklace:  This pretty little thing is a simple silver necklace with the word "bliss"  pressed on it.   Simple is how I like my everyday accessories, so this piece just sang to me. Already ordered this one off her site. She also gave us a $10 off with the "bliss10" code.  Quick, order one!

Comments

[Angela England (@AngEngland)]

Awesome! I just love reading what stands out to everyone. I put my necklace on immediately and haven't taken it off since - it's gorgeous...simple and carefully crafted without being "overdone".

[Carmen]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the panel! I wish I'd met you, though!

[Melissa Multitasking mama]

I too had a fantastic time...the blue boa party was fun =)

[Nike Jordan]

Absence to love is what wind is to fire. It extinguishes the small; it inflames the great.

[Air Jordan]

I don't think there's anything to be afraid of. Failure brings great rewards -- in the life of an artist. Do you agree?