Where have I been? No posts from the Deal Fanatic. Want to know why..or do you already know? I am home from Bloggy Boot Camp – Arizona 2010 and have much to share. First I want to thank all that was involved with putting this conference together, Tiffany & heather of The SITS Girls & fabulous sponsors that were there and contributed to the making of Bloggy Boot Camp.
So let’s start off by what we did and what I learned.
Day 1
{or evening 1 – started at dinner friday night}
Eating dinner is a great way to engage in conversation because you already have one thing in common – your hungry! I sat at the Table with the following lovely ladies:
Photo taken by Angry Juile {who is not at all angry}
Mama Kats of Mamas Bitchin – Freagin awesomeness just oozing from her pores
Twitter – @mamakats
Kathy of Coupon Chic – my BFF & happens to be the most talented person on the planet {we got there late so we aren’t in the picture, oh darn ;-}
Twitter – @couponchic
Jess of Shuggilippo – pea your pants funny
Twitter – @Shuggilippo
Rachel Lopez of Rachel Rants – a super smart under cover chic that happens to be absolutely stunning
Twitter – @rachelsrants
There was one other fabulous lady there and I hate I didn’t write her name down. Just starting off and she doesn’t have a blog or twitter yet but I can tell you by the time she left there she probably had all that plus a Facebook up & running.
Blogger Conference advice:
- Do not stand too close to the outdoor heat lamps as this could cause for smoke and then flame. For those of you who saw my “smoky” moment, Thank you for not putting it on YouTube and then sharing it with the world. However, it will be nice to be forever known as “smoky”
- Enjoy every minute of it because it will go fast and you’ll be left wanting more.
Day 2
A fun filled day of table hopping {great idea Heather & Tiffany} This was the best idea because you weren’t allowed to get too comfy cozy in your seat, oh no…you had to get up and mingle with others {hence the reason for going in the first place} and if your were following my tweets you know exactly who I sat by and what was going on the whole time {look for hastag #bloggybootcampm}.
I’m so glad the Bloggy Boot Camp had a resident photographer {Angry Julie Monday} for two reasons. (1) I do not have flash on my camera – I know it breaks my heart too. But If you know anything about photographs you know low light = blur…Urghhhh!!! This makes me a natural light taking kinda gal {for now}
(2) This allowed me the freedom to not worry about taking pictures but connecting with the other fabulous bloggers that were there and listen…oh listen…to all the knowledge that was being shared.
I will admit, I was a bit “star struck”. Want to know by who:
Katja Presnal of Skimbaco Lifestyle – I’ve read her blog for YEARS and could not believe I got to take a picture with her and even talk to her..OMG!!! She is the most absolute sweetest ever! I could go on and on how and why she’s so fabulous but if you want to know first hand..just go read her blog!
Digital Kadi of Marketing by Moms – Have you seen any of her YouTube videos?? OMG..she will put you in stitches and make you think of a whole new way of seeing things. She’s just freagin awesome!
Melissa at Consumer Queen – I just love her! You have to read her blog to know all the history but she is just as great as you think she is when you read her blog. I truly felt like we knew each other {no she has no idea who I am but she is so personable when you meet, you’ll think she already knows you}
The suprise for me was meeting Ted Rubin from Open Sky. I completely sounded like an idiot when I met him and he was so gracious to play along with my idiot”ness” and keep it going. Intelligent man!! You will want to follow him on twitter for sure…
Yes I look insanely crazy…but has mad fun!!!
And if you have little ones, you’ll want to check out Peas & Bananas.
Top 3 things I learned while at Camp
- There really are “real” people behind the blog & they “get it” They get YOU without explanation
- Change is a REALLY good thing – so be prepared for it, because it’s coming!
- Don’t go to conferences for loot! But if your, you definately want to come out swinging with what I won at Bloggy Boot Camp
yes, you see right! This is a Michael Kors Bag and this lusciously soft piece of leather is all mine!! Thanks Everyone. I wish I had more time to sit and chat with all the fabulous bloggers because I by no means, met all that was there. I will just need to attend more in the future. I could be hooked! - and I’m going to throw in a fourth because this could be the best information you’ll ever get: Do not stand next to the heat lamps, especially if you are wearing 5 inch heels and your already 5’8″ with oil in your hair. Not a good mix!
-Now resuming our regularly schedule program -
I love that you let me call you Smoky and didn't punch me in the face since I had never met you before. And then, the next morning, who calls out Smoky across the lobby of a hotel? Well, that would be me. Nothing like endearing myself to you, huh.
Thank you for coming down and hangin' in Phoenix for the weekend. I wish there was more time to meet everyone and spend time together. Instead I shall keep tabs on you online!
My recent post Bloggy Boot Camp – Education, Friendship & Fun
Hey Sara! Yes I will forever remember you because of that. However, it must have been meant to be that I grab a hold of you to share my smoky moment with. I will need to link to you because we are so close and I'm sure our stores have similar pricing.
So fab meeting you Miss Sara
What a great recap – you did the Boot Camp Crowd Proud! It was a pleasure to meet you, I share your flash envy! I want a new one too… don't forget the 50 mm lens too! Get one already!
My recent post My Blog Is Carbon Neutral
Hey Modchick – I know I told you this already but I LOVED your card! So chic and cute. Yes…I literally have one foot out the door today to run and get that 50mm. But I stuggle with get the 1.8 vs. the 1.4. Oh the confusion.
Thanks for stopping by Miss Lindsey. So glad we met!
So awesome that you won the purse . . . I'm just a little envious over here. LOL!! It was a fabulous conference and I learned so much!
My recent post Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Giveaway!
I know I'm still in shock. I'm usually the one giving away and it feels weird to receive! Thanks for stopping by. I miss Canada so much
I have a great picture of you and Katja! I'll find you on twitter to find out your email!
My recent post Tips from Peter Walsh (part 4)
Oh I am beyond excited. Katja & Sandy have come to my blog and commented!! Pinch me now. I'm so glad you too those pictures because it's the only I have of my existence for Bloggy Boot Camp. Yes, I know..I didn't plan that one very well!! Thanks again.
Oh I am beyond excited. Katja & Sandy have come to my blog and commented!! Pinch me now. I'm so glad you too those pictures because it's the only I have of my existence for Bloggy Boot Camp. Yes, I know..I didn't plan that one very well!! Thanks again.
I loved meeting you!!! And I really want to buy a matching bag with you! Hope to see you again soon.
OMG..you as well!! You are just as lovely as your blog portrays. Truly it was an honor! And yes, that "absolutely butter" Bag is worth every penny!! Can't wait to see you again too!
OMG..you as well!! You are just as lovely as your blog portrays. Truly it was an honor! And yes, that "absolutely butter" Bag is worth every penny!! Can't wait to see you again too!
It was FABULOUS meeting you. I have a slave flash for work and for home. It is WELL WORTH having one. I've also been experimenting with a Lightscoop (research it), you will want one.
I'm kinda jealous of the purse. I almost wanted to rip it out of your hands and run away with it. But I like you, so I didn't do that.
It was a pleasure meeting you!
My recent post Wordless Wednesday: Bloggers Night Out
I am happy that you enjoyed yourself.
Side Note: Are you going to have a "Giveaway" so I can win your bag? LOL
Also,how do you learn about these types of events? I am also new to this and would love to network with seasoned bloggers.
Truly….I am still in shock about the bag! I'm sure I looked like an idiot walking up screaming.."no way I won that bag". It was all too comical. I emailed you love about the other info -i.e.411
My recent post Printable Coupons
Truly….I am still in shock about the bag! I'm sure I looked like an idiot walking up screaming.."no way I won that bag". It was all too comical. I emailed you love about the other info -i.e.411
My recent post Printable Coupons
It was FABULOUS meeting you. I have a slave flash for work and for home. It is WELL WORTH having one. I've also been experimenting with a Lightscoop (research it), you will want one.
I'm kinda jealous of the purse. I almost wanted to rip it out of your hands and run away with it. But I like you, so I didn't do that.
It was a pleasure meeting you!
My recent post Wordless Wednesday: Bloggers Night Out
I swear you are one of the luckiest women who attended Boot Camp. That purse that you won? Simply divine! I sure hope you two are becoming the best of friends. If you're not, know that your girl is welcome at my house anytime.
SO glad that I had the chance to meet you at BBC. You and your blog are both fabulous!
-Francesca
My recent post An Interview and Giveaway with Amy Krouse Rosenthal
I have a great picture of you and Katja! I'll find you on twitter to find out your email!
My recent post Tips from Peter Walsh (part 4)