blissdom

Blissdom 2010: The Bloggers

by oh amanda on February 8, 2010

I’m kinda with Jo-Lynne, my favorite part of a conference is the bloggy recaps. But to be completely frank the part I like best of those recaps is THE PICTURES. I want to see all my bloggy heroes in all their REAL LIFE glory. And you’d think I would have remembered that this weekend. I honestly met (and reacquainted myself with) SO many of my favoritest people in the world! But do I have a picture of it?

HECK NO.

Why did I lug that huge camera around if I wasn’t going to take pictures? I guess when Casey and Dawn are walking around taking shots like these…

photo by mooshinindy

photo by dawn. side-hug by mary

You just kinda lose your photo mojo.

Wait! STOP THE PRESSES! I just looked through my camera and realized I DID get some pictures of my favorite bloggers. Well, two.

This is Marie from Make and Takes. I met her at ::whisper:: Nestle. But follow her blog like a madwoman and got to spend great bloggy AND Harry time with her this weekend. I think she might be a genius.

And of course, my bbb, Mandi from Organizing Your Way. I am continually amazed at her ability to just make things happen. I love her.

I also spent time (SO MUCH TIME) with Jill from Diaper Diaries. She is exactly the same in real life as she is on twitter and her blog…except she’s actually SO much yummier and richer and more robust. (Wow, she sounds like a wine.) I am in love with her. (Plus her hubby and son were there. Both adorable.)

The absolute best part of the conference was an impromptu round table on Friday morning. I was already planning on meeting with Amy from The Finer Things In Life. However, when we got our breakfast there was NOWHERE to sit except for on the stairs. So that’s where our meeting began. Soon, Alli from No Time For Flashcards joined us (another hero I was hoping to chat with), Raising Olives, Hilary from The Other Mama, Jessie from Vanderbilt Wife, Stolen Moments and…who else was there? Anyway, it was a bunch of delicious and wise bloggers. We had THE BEST, most honest and open discussion about traffic, how-to’s, purpose, posting and subscribers. I probably would have paid money for that 30 minutes.

I got to meet and talk with Michelle from Scribbit (SCRIBBIT!). I hugged Amy from Mom Advice. I talked to Janice from 5minutesformom. I met Audrey from Mom Generations (we share a May birthday!). I met a new great friend, Love Feast Table. We even drug Christine to our room! (Not as in DRUGGED, we just made her follow us…) Not to mention hugging the necks & shootin’ the breeze with Renee, Lindsey, Isabel, Christine, Melanie, Trish, Mary, Dawn, Sarah, Lisa, Darcie, Jo-Lynne, Andrea, Emily and more.

Oh, and did I mention my sisterchicks?

Now. Wasn’t that less embarrassing than the stalking from last year?

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#blissdom 2010

by oh amanda on February 7, 2010

So. I’m at Blissdom. I’m meeting and seeing some of my very favorite online bloggy friends. And I tote my laptop, my phone, my Flip AND my camera around. But did I get a picture of any of this bliss-tastic-ness? NO. In fact, I think I took a total of 20 pictures this weekend. And 19 of them were of Harry.

YES. AS IN HARRY CONNICK, JR.

He gave the Blissdom ladies a mini (as in 4 songs) concert. I was mere feet from him. He chatted and joked with us and even SPOKE TO ME FROM THE STAGE. Yes. He did. Is it bad to say that I was sweating when he looked right at me?

Anywhoo. I’m sorry that a brush with fame is the only thing I can mention about Blissdom right now. But it’s 1:40am after a krazy karaoke night and the sisterchicks are all sitting in their beds laptops open communicating via email, twitter, facebook and flickr. And well…I’m just too tired to tell you about the amazing women I met, the sponsors that honored us and the bloggy wisdom that was downloaded to my brain.

But those three topics sound like a pretty good posting outline, dontcha think? (See, I did learn one thing bloggy-related this weekend!) Anywhoo, the real BLISS this weekend was the friends…the relationships…the community—it was a sweet girl’s weekend with my sisterchicks and I think we may have even added a sisterchick or two to our brood.

@thevioletfig @itscome2this @stacib @oohamanda

Stay tuned for:
Blissdom 2010: The Sponsors
Blissdom 2010: The Bloggers
Blissdom 2010: Whatever Else I Forgot To Tell You

And if you were at Blissdom, link up your post at Musings of a Housewife!

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You know what the three most exciting sounds in the world are?

by oh amanda on February 4, 2010

Anchor chains, plane motors, and train whistles.
-George Bailey, It’s A Wonderful Life

Can you tell I’ve got my mind in traveling-gear? I’m off to Blissdom with my sisterchicks this afternoon. We’ll be twittering like mad–you can follow along if you’d like: @oohamanda @thevioletfig @itscome2this @stacib

So, what are the 3 most exciting sounds in YOUR world?

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Blissdom After-Party Meet Up at The Pancake Pantry

by oh amanda on January 31, 2010

Nashville is the home of Blissdom 2010, the Country Music Hall of Fame, assorted famous musicians, President Andrew Jackson’s home and THE PANCAKE PANTRY.

My very first trip to The Pancake Pantry was when Staci and I went to the Dove Awards. And I MET BRIAN LITTRELL from the Backstreet Boys. (<—you might want to click on that post because there is a picture of me crying over Brian Littrell. Yeah. And I didn’t even know who he was before I went.) And ever since that first bite of French Toast (yes, I get French Toast at the Pancake Pantry) I have been SMITTEN.

Last year Jessie and I were going to meet up at the Pancake Pantry after Blissdom and I can’t remember why we didn’t. But this year OH THIS YEAR. It had to happen. And now that my list of bloggy friends has expanded and exploded, well, I just had to invite everyone I know. It’s gonna be an old-school meet up: no swag, no sponsors and as much as I’d love to, I’m not payin’ for your meal. Just lots of bloggy friends, conversation and cinnamon syrup!

So. Here is YOUR official invite to the UNOFFICAL Blissdom After Party Meet Up:

Who: You

Where: The Pancake Pantry 1796 21st Avenue South Nashville, TN (driving directions from the Opryland)

When: Sunday, February 7, 9am

Why: Uhm. Because the FOOD is divine and I don’t want the BLISS to stop!

FAQ:

1. Will I get swag?
If you consider extra cinnamon syrup for your French Toast swag, then YES.

2. Will I get a VIP table?
If you consider sitting near or around some of your new bffs, then YES.

3. I heard there is a long line.

4. Are you sure it’s worth it?
INDUBITABLY.

So. You ready to hitch a ride to The Pancake Pantry? Sign the linky below with your twitter handle (@yourcooltwittername) so we can chat beforehand! And don’t forget to tweet it up with #pancakeparty!

{I’ve compiled a list of all the UNOFFICAL Blissdom Parties & Events. Click around so you don’t miss a thing!}

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Top Ten {Tuesday}: Unofficial Blissdom Events updated with new events

by oh amanda on January 25, 2010

{special thanks to Diaper Diaries for demanding requesting that this post be written.}

The Blissdom Conference is a mere two weeks away! Earlier this week I got a fun blissdom-is-almost-here box filled with goodies from ConAgra (Blissdom’s biggest sponsor) and a sweet letter from Alli and Barbara encouraging us to get our Bliss on! The agenda at Blissdom is jam-packed: there is a special Weight Watchers walk every morning, a cocktail party on Thursday and Friday night and a Wear-Your-PJs party on Saturday evening.

Apparently, there are people that don’t think this is enough—as there are some awesome UNOFFICIAL Blissdom parties to round out the weekend! Here are the Top Ten Twelve Unofficial Blissdom Events That I Have Seen On Twitter {nice title, huh?}

::THURSDAY::

1. Country Party with Country Inn & Suites and Country Bob’s.
{Thursday, 7pm. Country Inn & Suites in Goodlettsville.}

They are providing free transportation and free food and you could win a free hotel room. What could be better?

2. Blissful Bites and Bubbles by Clever Girls Collective
{Thursday, 10:30pm-12:00am. Old Hickory Steakhouse at the Opryland Hotel}

This is for those who want to stay up LATE! After the official Blissdom Cocktail Party, the Clever Girls are keepin’ the party going! Not only will there be feather boas, they are also offering up a big fat prize (like a ticket to Blogalicious!) from tons of sponsors (including my friend Amy from MomSpark and Mom Made That!) If I can make it that late I will be there!

::FRIDAY::

3. Breakfast with Amy from Finer Things In Life.

Oh, wait. You’re not invited to that. I just emailed her and asked if we could get together. I love her blog and want to pick her brain a bit.

{Speaking of Amy, she’s going to be BLISS*TASTIC tomorrow!!}

4. Prep What You Are Going To Say To Harry Connick Jr. Party.
{Friday, 6:30pm. Everywhere.}

You’ll know you’ve got the right party when you see a group of women hyper-ventilating and writing notes on their hands. **This “party” has been moved because Harry’s performance and meet/greet has been moved to Friday night during the OFFICIAL Blissdom Cocktail Party from 7-9pm**

5. Savvy Blogging.
{Friday, 7-10pm. Radisson Hotel.}

Sadly, I think this is full. I will be there and I will be taking copious notes to share with you. And hey, go ahead and follow their hashtag #savvyblogging. It’s a conference in itself!

6. InCourage Beach House Party
{Friday, 9pm. Suite #5139, Cascade}

Oh, I adore the ladies of (in)courage! I hope I get to make it to this party. I know it’s going to feel as cozy as their blog. Plus, there is free food. And doorprizes. I love me a good door. </lamejoke>

7. Potato Tastemaker 2k10: Showdow
{Friday, 9-11pm. Lincoln Presidential Conference Rooms C, D & E }

My bbb Jo-Lynne and several other fabu bloggers will be cooking for us Top Chef style! And it’s sponsored by POTATOES so, you know, there will be stuff to eat.

::SATURDAY::

8. Share a Random Moment: A Prayer Breakfast with Robin from Pensieve
{Saturday, 7:30 am}

Does Robin know how to put it in perspective or what? Praying with my bloggy friends. I already have tears in my eyes!

9. Foodie Lunch with 5 Dollar Dinners and Savor the Thyme.
{Saturday, 12:30-3:30pm. Blissdom Ballroom}

A fun meet up during lunch with Erin and Jennifer. They’re not cooking but at least you get to see them eat!

10. Chat Consult with Mandi Oh, wait. you’re not invited to that, either. But, follow my lead. Go ahead and make plans to meet up with someone you admire! Let them critique you!

{Speaking of Mandi, don’t forget to download her free Blissdom Planner. You can copy this whole post into the printable schedule she’s made for you!}

::SUNDAY::

11. The Blissdom After Party Meet Up at The Pancake Pantry.
{Sunday, 9am.}

Hosted by Yours Truly. This is an honest-to-goodness meet up. There’s no sponsor. No private dining room. Nothing but the BEST Breakfast in the Whole Wide World at one of Nashville’s best celebrity hot-spots. Also, the first 50 people that arrive get a hug from me. Yeah. So, if you’re still going to be in Nashville, you MUST come eat with us. Leave me a comment if you’ll be there!

12. Photo Walk with i heart faces
{Sunday, 10-11:30}

Any level of photographer can meet at Broadway & 5th Ave near Ribby’s BBQ and shoot some of the great scenes in downtown Nashville. This sounds so fun!

Any other parties I missed? Leave me a comment and link to it so we can all make sure to be there!

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So do you have a Top Ten list to share? It can be about anything—Top Ten Favorite Movies, Top Ten Things You Will Not Miss While You Are At Blissdom, Top Ten Reasons To Leave Me A Comment. You can view the offical Top Ten {Tuesday} rules if you’d like but the CliffNotes are like so:

1. Write a Top Ten list on your blog.

2. Link to little ole me.

3. Enter the URL of your post on the MckLinky below.

4. Click/Comment/Stumble/Tweet the rest of the Top Ten {Tuesday} Participants!

Easy enough, right? Can’t wait to see you at Blissdom!

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