Skip to main content

I went to BlogHer and all I got was a fridge magnet!

So. I'm back from BlogHer '10 in New York City.



And all I got was a fridge magnet.

Oh, and a suitcase full of swag.

And the very best memories EVER.

BlogHer was more than I expected. It was more fabulous, more fun, more overwhelming, and more amazing than I thought it would be. BlogHer was more than a conference - it was like a retreat filled with very cool people who all shared a common interest. I'm so glad I went.

In fact, I was having such a great time at BlogHer I didn't leave myself any time to shop. And if you know me at all, you know this is a VERY BIG DEAL. I didn't go to Saks. Or spend more than a few minutes on 5th Avenue. In fact, I only went to FAO and to a souvenir store for a fridge magnet and snow globes for my boys. And I'm totally okay with that. (Except my first night back I did wake up in a panicked sweat screaming out OMG! THE SHOE FLOOR AT SAKS... NOOOOOOO!!!!!!)

The very best part about BlogHer? Meeting all the people I have been dying to meet, and seeing people I've met before, like Jill, and getting to know everyone better.

From the second I boarded the plane with Erica, Sharon, Candace, Cherie-Lynn, Alison, and a few other fabulous Canadians, it was nothing but good times. (The Ativan sure helped on the plane ride!)






Random thoughts about BlogHer:

Meeting my roommates Jessica and Jessica was 'squee!' worthy. I loved hanging with these two girls - it was like we had known eachother forever! I loved walking throught the streets of NYC with Jessica at 1 a.m. to find food (really expensive - but good - pizza!) and to talk. We literally didn't stop talking for 2 days. It's like I met my new BFF. Who lives too far away from me!



Meeting everyone was amazing. Did I already say that? Like Kate. And the fabulous Audrey, who hosted the Getting Gorgeous event. And Jen, a fellow Canadian I was dying to meet. And Miss Britt. And Brittany. And Marinka - OMG - I love Marinka even more than ever! (And I'm not just saying that because of the free LG vacuum cleaner everyone got at the Mouthy Housewives party!)

Bloggers are even more gorgeous in person. Hugs were plentiful and never weird.

People coming up to me and saying: "OMG! Loukia!!!! HI!!!!" was totally awesome.

Free drinks two days in a row was sweet. And so was the Pink Twitter. I survived on alcohol and cupcakes. No complaints!

The parties and events I was at - Getting Gorgeous, SocialLuxe, Ralph Lauren, Nikon, Hallmark, Sweets in the City and the Mouthy Housewives party - were a blast! And all at pretty fabulous locations, like penthouse suites and rooftop patios, where the wine flowed freely.




Hanging out at Hotel Gansevoorth in the Meatpacking District with a few great bloggers - Jessica, Pauline, Adam, Emily and Toronto aka Tempting Mama on Friday night was also so so awesome! I think the most fun was had at non-BlogHer related events - at dinner, bars, and just random meet-ups in the lobby.

The community keynote speakers were amazing. I cried. I laughed. I cried some more and almost had to re-do my make-up! Everyone was brilliant, and listening to Amy sing was kind of like BlogHer's own personal broadway show!

I actually changed outfits 4 times on Friday, much to the amusement of Maria who was rolling her eyes at me from across the room, but with a huge smile - it was awesome seeing her again, too.


I never used my credit card.
My feet DID hurt by the end of the night but it was a good pain and worth it!

I handed out all my business cards. And came home with a suitcase full of other people's fabulous business cards.

BlogHer is what you make it. If you sit in a corner not talking to anyone, I can't see how you'll have a good time. Get out there and talk to people! I had high expectations before going, and I was not let down at all. For the most part. I wish there was more time to talk to people, though.

The news on the little TV's in the elevators were very annoying, especially after a few glasses of wine when you started wondering who the hell was talking to you. Except for the time I saw Catherine on CNN, and I was like, "OMG! I KNOW HER!" to a group of non-bloggers. (There were like 27 non-bloggers at the Hilton at the same time BlogHer was going on. I wonder what they thought of us all?)
I am so glad I met YOU. I can't name everyone because I'd be up all night long, but know that seeing you all had me so excited, because you're all just as fabulous as I thought you'd be. And more.

So... see you all next year. At BlogHer'11. In San Diego, baby!

xoxo

P.S. If you have a pic of me and you, please send it my way so I can add it here!

Comments

Scary Mommy said…
I loved your wrap up-- it was almost like being there again!! But not quite. :(

Loved seeing you. xoxo
Marinka said…
Fantastic! I was thrilled to meet you. And SO HAPPY that you didn't have any pictures of me to post! (Start getting your family ready for San Diego!) xo
I love you, Ottawa! So glad we met, yet sad that I didn't know of you before, because? Dude. You are so sweet and awesome! By far the best souvenir I could have come away with!

Miss you!
Anonymous said…
Amazing and Im so jealous I wasn't there dammit!!!! I live 10 mins from NYC so I could kick myself.....theres always next year though !!! Glad you had an amazing time!
Mom2Miles said…
sounds like you had a great time! And yes, holy cow, from the looks of it most bloggers are a very attractive bunch! I'm afraid I'd be too shy to enjoy it, but who knows, maybe I'll give it a shot next year.
Great recap. I love hearing how people really did get everthing they wanted out of the trip. I myself have very few regrets and not seeing you for more than split seconds is one of them. Next year!
Sharon said…
You didn't shop???????? I almost fell over when I read that Loukia :)

I agree - BlogHer was an amazing experience and you kind of have to put yourself out there to receive the fabulousness back. And meeting the people you email and twitter with? It really solidifies friendships.

I so loved seeing you again. Thank you for sharing your ativan.
Stephanie said…
Ahhhh You didn't have time to shop! That does say something. Sigh. Yes I am kicking myself for not going. Maybe next year! Thanks for the fabulous re-cap!
Avitable said…
I'm glad you got to meet me. Wait. I mean, I'm glad I got to meet you.

I put some photos up on my blog, and one of them is a great one of you, me and Jessica. Go read it now. I command it, you "aboot" sayin' hoser.
Theta Mom said…
Loved your photos and wrap up! And loved meeting you!!
tiarastantrums said…
Loved meeting you - for the entire 12 seconds - just not enough time!!
Thank you for the mention! I love ya, sweets!!
Danielle said…
I am still amazed that you didn't shop! Blown away. I'm so glad I got to see you finally... I spotted you within the first three seconds after walking into the registration area! Can't wait to see you in San Diego!
What a great recap! I am ready to go for blogher 11 now! It looks like so much fun!
Suzanne said…
Wow!!!! Sounds AWESOME! I'm so glad you had a great time. xoxoxo
Unknown said…
AHHHH! I want to meet Jessica and Maria and see Pauline and Jill again! Gah, wish I'd been there.

Great re-cap Loukia - makes me KINDA feel like I was there.

Hugs from here, k? MWAH!

Hopefully next year...
Glad I met you and shared in this adventure!
BeachMama said…
I can't believe you didn't shop!! So glad you had a great time and hopefully you can go for the whole weekend next year, imagine if you had stayed just one more night??
Chrissy MacCEO said…
awesome recap!!! i have a feeling that i'll be seeing you in CA next year!!! sounds like a blast!!!
CaraBee said…
It really was a wonderful time. Too short, though. So many people to see and spend time with and so little time to make it happen. Loved meeting you, if only for a minute!
Cynthia said…
I got to meet you for one moment...more time next year:)
melissa said…
i'm so glad that i got a chance to hug you in the hotel bar. i hope that next year we get to hang out a little longer!!
glad you had such a great time!! i did too!!
see you next year!
xo
Unknown said…
Wasn't BlogHer amazing? I am still reeling from the great memories, and can't adequately express the fun that I had. I love your pictures!!
Parent Club said…
Loved reading your blogher experience - from someone who was too scared to go.
Kate said…
I’ve been keeping up to date with your site, but just don’t always have time to comment (sorry). Just thought I’d say hello again so you know I’m here!
Lesley said…
Looks like it was an amazing time...i totally thought I was over being green with envy...but nope...I'm still green....hopefully I'll see you in Cali next year!
Sugar Jones said…
Fabulous wrap up!!

Feet hurting from walking in NY is the best kind of feet hurting EVAH!

See you in San Diego!
I can't believe you didn't shop!

Sounds SO fun. I'm so jealous! Maybe I'll make it next year, since I don't plan on having a baby next summer...
Thanks for the wrap-up, so I can live vicariously through you!
Amy W said…
How did I miss your re-cap last fall?? Doh. This really makes me excited for BlogHer '11! Can't wait to see you again in a few weeks!!!