First off, let me just say that I had NO idea how cool Chicago was. Really.
Because I grew up in Houston, which is now the 4th largest city in the U.S., the largeness of metropolitan areas doesn't really phase me.
It is what this city is made of that impressed me.
I loved seeing the cool old architecture on a lot of the buildings and Catholic Churches. I also love that Chicago seems to have and extended love affair with flower beds and planters.
Everywhere I looked there were flowers! Bright and colorful right there in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city. (I probably find this most impressive because by late July in Texas, those flowers would be brown and crispy.)
There were tons of cool shops and stores.
The city just felt very welcoming and honestly I can't wait to go back!
A statue near our hotel.
Skyline.
Refreshing my tired tourist feet in Millennium Park.
Elaine and I in the beautiful garden at Millennium Park.
Gorgeous flower beds.
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So now I bet you're wondering....but what does she have to say about BlogHer 09 itself?
This conference was a fabulous opportunity. I met people who I admire and model myself after.
I attended sessions that helped me expand my learning and understanding of this crazy thing called blogging.
I have to say BlogHer is to be commended. Highly.
This conference was flawlessly executed in my opinion. The hotel was beyond swanky. The beds were SO comfy. The food was always delicious. Things were easy to find and well laid out.
I am now more than aware that many people have come home and made long posts with their lists of complaints about this year.
I am not without several myself, but they have nothing to do with the event that BlogHer put on.
Yes, some people went a little too crazy for swag...I mean some people had bruises and cuts on their feet after one particular mob for swag bags. I just stood back and watched it all hoping that no one got hurt. I don't blame anyone in particular for that happening. It was the first night and everyone was excited...I think what happened is unfortunate, but understandable.
I've also witnessed that sort of thing at other events where things were free.
I guess sometimes people just get over zealous. I don't think anyone should single out BlogHer or those throwing the parties by saying that said "mobs" were unique to this conference.
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On a lighter note, it was really cool to see the mascots from the various sponsors.
The Energizer Bunny
The Sobe Lizard
Mrs. Potato Head
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But, by FAR the best part of this trip was making connections, friendships, and precious memories.
I got to sit on the floor and chat with
Steph at BowlHer. I played with Ivy and watched her and
Prairie Mama's sweet little girl crawl around and dance to the music.
I actually remember thinking at that moment "How cool is this? I'm here with people I admire and respect SO much and we get to celebrate the joy and beauty in their children. How nice that these mothers can have the best of both worlds...a nice party to enjoy, while enjoying their children?"
At BowlHer, I did overhear someone say that they thought it was selfish and pathetic that women at the party had brought their children.
I know from reading other posts on BlogHer '09 that apparently a lot of people felt that way. I was actually not aware that those feelings from others were brewing or the tensions mounting until I came home and started reading tweets and posts.
I find that really confusing.
Did people really expect that a conference that included Mommy Bloggers would not also include some with babies in tow?
Women who are known for attachment parenting and exclusive breastfeeding are now suddenly being criticized for basically doing what they do everyday...but it's somehow different because they were doing it at BlogHer?
I don't like it when people talk badly about others. It feels like highschool all over again...and really as adults I think we have the privilege of knowing that in the end we are all a little insecure and we all just want to be liked and appreciated a little.
After all, we are only human.
That being said,
no one is perfect.
Not Women Bloggers, or women in general.So I'm going to cut everyone some slack and hope that we can all try to be friends when the smoke clears.I'm happy to say though that my BlogHer experience was pretty great.I feel lucky to have met tweeps like
Gwen Bell,
Heather Spohr, and Amy the
Resourceful Mommy. I mean not everyone gets to do that.
Best of all, I got to grow my friendship with
Elaine, my roomate, more than I ever thought possible.
I miss her so much already! (I wonder if she's gonna kill for posting this photo? LOL!)
Thanks again to my fabulous sponsor
LoobaLee! I could not have attended the conference without their support and I was proud to have represented such a great brand!
For chance to win a FREE 3 Month Subscrption to www.loobalee.com go
HERE.
