You know I had to do it. I couldn’t get my mind together to do a Blissdom recap on Monday. I mean, I’d only been home for like 24 hours. I couldn’t possibly organize my thoughts. (Or my suitcase.) And here I sit, home for a good 48 hours and still my mind is ajumble. (That’s a word, right? Ajumble?)
Anywhoo. I’m going to recap Blissdom 2011 for you anyway. This is going to be the non-touchy-feely, the barely-bloggy, basic post:
What Amanda Did, Who She Saw, What She Wore and Yes, What She Ate At Blissdom 2011 Recap.
Enjoy. If you can.
1. The Blood Water Belt
photo by the fabulous Kathy Hill
Wednesday was MY day for THE belt! I was the first of the blissdom-sisterhood-of-the-traveling-belt to proudly display the belt. And I loved telling the story to anyone who asked! (You can see Mandi and Sarah in the belt later in the week!)
2. Cupcakes and More
photo by the majestic Mishelle Lane aka Secret Agent Mama
You know I had to get a picture of me with food near my mouth. But honestly, there was no way I could get these in my mouth. They were huge. And for all those that are worried, I only ate half of the Red Velvet and gave the Chocolate one away.
Along with the cupcakes {not at the same time, of course} we had more Orville Redenbacher popcorn than we knew what to do with, Blue Bunny ice cream cones, Nestle Valentine Cookies and a pint of two of Red Lobster‘s Lobster Bisque. Oh, and some coconut chocolate chip cookies from Staci. And a really yummy Chicken and Balsamic Tomato thingie from George Duran. I guess I didn’t get many pictures of me shoveling food in my mouth because everything was too yummy. See:
The first night at Blissdom I spent a few minutes in the swanky FedEx Business Center at the Opryland. Why? Because Tea Collection was sending me a few of their gorgeous pieces of clothes to wear at Blissdom! EEK! I know! How cool is that? It was a surprise as to what they were sending. (Especially because when I took my measurements I was a S/M until I measured my waist at an XL. Yowza.)
When I opened the box, I found these two lovelies:
Seaside Studio Stripe Wrap Cardi and Nova Mar Bella Scarf by Tea Collection
The scarf is actually red and PURPLE. I wore it with a super hawt red dress, black leggings and flat black shoes. I can’t even believe how stylin’ I was. You’ll just have to imagine it since I don’t have a picture of it.
The sweater was so comfy I could have slept in it. I wore it with one of Staci‘s shirts (an awesome long tunic-y thing from the Gap) and my pirate boots. Yes. I have boots. Yes, they remind me of pirates. No, I do not have a picture of them.
4. (In)Courage
Thursday night there was a big party at the (in)courage suite. There were cupcakes, free gifts and lots and lots of people. Some of my favorite people, like Mary and Hilary above. And some people I’d been dying to meet–like Lisa-Jo, the fabulous Gypsy Mama, Gussy, The Pleated Poppy and Lisa Leonard {by the way, I could have kicked myself for not telling Lisa Leonard how intensely special it is to have a handmade necklace from her on Mari Luz’ neck and a matching one on mine. The little jingle of that necklace puts my heart and mind in a good place}. Plus, I met people that I didn’t even know I wanted to meet and then did–like Melissa from The Pleated Polka Dot!
5. Sisterchicks
Jill and me. Laughing. or Gossiping. Probably both.
Mary and Sadie/Sarah playing telephone. Yes, we played telephone.
Staci said it best, these girls “filled me up”! What a lovely, fun, easy time we had together. And I didn’t even get pictures of Mandi, Jen, Christine, Tricia or Jessie. Or Alicia, Hilary or Kathy. That would be because I didn’t bring my camera. Because I broke the lens when I went to California. Hmph.
6. Swag
That’s short for–SUPER COOL FREE STUFF THE SPONSORS THROW AT YOU. Or something. Anywhoo. We got the typical free coupons, keychains, food, panties and jump drives {ok, maybe panties aren’t typical!}. But my fave? The manicures and massages! Thank you GE and Freschetta!
Staci and me. Well, our hands anyway.
7. Workshops
Kathy and I (seriously, did we NOT get a picture together, Kathy?) attended the Wisdom Workshops–which were more in depth, specific classes. I went to a Prompted Writing class (which I will be sharing the results from over the next few weeks), SEO and Monetization.
Now, I have all the tools to be an amazingly talented writer that pulls in every single google search AND makes bookoos of money. Ahem.
Seriously, if you are planning on attending Blissdom 2012, go to the Wisdom Workshops. The rest of the classes during the conferences were ok, but not as detailed as the Wisdom Workshops. Really great info.
Oh, and the final keynote? Scott Stratten of UNmarketing. He was UNbelievable and UNdeniably the best presenter of the weekend. Absolutely UNmatched.
8. Can O’ Bliss
I cannot even describe this. Basically, our illustrious road-trip-planner, Staci created a game for us to play on the way home. Well, just read these tweets and see what happened:
9. Flash Mob
I have been a long-time fan of Improv Everywhere and would love to be in one of their “missions”. But when I heard someone was planning a Blissdom FlashMob a la Improv Everywhere? Well, I was too chicken to join in. But I SHOULD HAVE. Because it was SO incredibly fun. I was crying and laughing at the same time.
I couldn’t find any good videos that showed the whole thing but this one begins with the Sisterchicks, so you’ll get the idea…
{And apparently I can’t embed it either. But you’re gonna wanna click it. It’s funny.}
10. Friends are Friends Forever
What can I say? Bliss. That’s all.
:: :: ::
Wanna join in the Top Ten {Tuesday} fun? Just WRITE an amazing top ten list on your blog. Then LINK back to my blog so others can join the fun. Next, PASTE your url below. Finally start visiting, tweeting, stumbling, like-ing and commenting on the rest of the participants. Even just 2 or 3 or 8! It’s so fun to see a little bit of traffic and interaction when we link up! For more guidelines and a cute little button see my Top Ten {Tuesday} page.
linked to JoLynne’s Blissdom Recap linky!
also–if the photos weren’t marked, they were taken by Staci or my laptop’s PhotoBooth. So don’t even think about stealin’ their awesomeness.
looks like SOOOOOO much fun. I hope I can make it next year!
Looks like you had a great time! Sure would like to go next year.
You nailed it! Loved sharing it with you 🙂
Loved every minute with you!!
It looks like you had SUCH a great time! Are you going to BlogHer this year? I am & I’m super excited. It would be so cool to meet you!
No. I’m going to Disney Social Media Moms and I just don’t think I can convince my kids or my husband to do THREE conferences in a year! 🙂
Sounds like you guys had a lot of fun! Thanks for sharing the pics and video! 🙂
Blissdom should pay you because I think you recruited a bunch of ladies to attend next year (well, at least me!). It’s looks like you had a fabulous time, and I hope to participate in 2012!
Oooh, I like that idea! Well, both the ideas actually–blissdom paying me AND you being there in 2012!
super cute! I’m so glad you had a good time!!! it looks like it was a blast!
Oh, Blissdom was so much fun! I didn’t get to the Wisdom Workshops this year, but next year for sure!
I hated that I missed this year, but you made me {almost!} feel like I was there!
It was so great to finally meet you and the other sisterchicks! And playing telephone officially made the trip that much more awesome. 😉
It sounds like a BLAST… so wish I could have come! I’m hoping for NEXT year!! 😀
I did it. My first link for a top 10 tues on my personal blog.
I think I listed it backwards. Rookie mistake.
I promise to do better next time. 🙂
What FUN! You gals all look like you had an amazing time! I must put this on my bucket list!! THANK YOU for sharing!
Looks like so much fun! Wish I could have went!
Oh my word! So MUCH fun. I would love to go sometime. Is it weird I’d be slightly embarrassed since I’m truly a no name blogger? I know I could learn a lot, though! And the swags remind me of all the goodies the celebrities get at the Oscars and such. Fahncy!!
No name?! I’ll tell you how @unMarketing said it, “I started with zero followers.” Everyone’s equal!
a
Amen to that!! Encouraging words.
That’s awesome, Amanda! I LOVE you in the belt!!
Yet another post that makes me wish I had spent my hard-earned money on a Blissdom ticket. 😉 Love that you played telephone.
Amanda – you were absolutely one of the most delightful highlights of Blissdom for me! Feel like I could totally spend hours talking life, writing, blogging, mommy-ing with you over cupcakes. Thanks for being as awesome in person as you seem on line.
You are the *real* deal!
Lisa-Jo
Aww. Thank you. I’m filing this one away for when I need some encouragement! Thank you, Lisa-Jo!
What a fun bunch of ladies y’all are! That kind of community is why I started a blog and I hope to get there one day.
oh, and I am drooling over that Tea sweater!
Looks like such fun…and you rocked the belt girl! (Makes me feel like a tiny little piece of me went too).
Sarah, Mandi and I made a video of the belt and I mentioned you in it! (Altho’ I have to admit I went blank on your blog name–but now I know I got it right! :))
Thanks for stopping by and for tweeting my post.
You have such a cute sense of style and your post made me wish, even more, that I could have gone to Blissdom. Maybe next year.
PS I plan on trying to write the diaper post next week. So many people have commented on that one, I think I am just gonna go for it.
oh wow, it looks like you had a fabulous time.
p.s. you rocked the belt, the cardigan, and I want to see the pirate boots 🙂
Looks like you had a lot of fun. Thanks for the linky.
It was so great meeting you, Amanda! I still wish I could have stolen that sweater from you:)
My mind is STILL all ajumble! So fabulous finally hugging your neck, Amanda. Looking forward to more hanging out with you next time.
WOW! This is the MOTHER of all Blissdom recaps! I need to add this to the list of recaps I wish I’d written. Anyway… It was so awesome doing the Blood:Water Belt with you and Mandi! I am so in awe of you as I get to know you better, and so glad to be friends!
Remember how you are only supposed to post AWESOME?
You did.
Amanda, you can always tell someone is a Christian by the way they treat others. I SO appreciated your smile, welcoming greeting and conversation at the crafters table on Thursday at Blissdom. Plus, we short brown haired girls have to stick together, right?! LOL I would have completely loved spending more time getting to know you. Just wanted to stop by and really glad I did. Your blog is awesome! Look forward to reading more in the future. Hope to talk to you soon. 😉
Wow! This looks like such a blast…cupcakes don’t hurt either. I haven’t heard of Blissdom – but I’m Googling for next year’s event. Who knows, I may just see you there. Thanks for sharing all the wonderful pics.
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