Stop The Whining, BlogHer is What YOU make it!

I have just returned from four fun filled, face paced, fabulous days in New York City!  As a girl living every other day of the year stuck in the Suburbs, I have to tell you, it already feels like a dream.

I’m tired, my head is spinning, so much to tell and to be honest, it’s hard to figure out where to start. 

This was my second trip to New York City and my second BlogHer Conference.  Here is my take.

BlogHer is what you make it. 

I chose to make BlogHer an adventure.  Arriving a day early afforded me the opportunity to squeeze in some essential site seeing before the official BlogHer events began.  I was lucky enough to be traveling with the completely fabulous Shelagh @Biztrainher.  If you don’t know her, you need to take a moment to follow her now.  She is smart, sassy, and I am so blessed to count her among my good friends.

My adventure began right at the airport.   “Deplaneing” and “replaneing” (yes I know those are not words, but it’s what we did)  morphing our one hour one minute flight to New York, into a four hour ordeal.  Good times.  We kept calm and tweeted on!  When we arrived in the City that never sleeps, the fun began!  Check in was smooth and we were off to explore the city that never sleeps.  Hello Times Square!  There are no words!  (oh and my point and shoot camera does not begin to do the lights of the city justice)

The next day we made time.  Time to do all the things in the city that were important to us.  Shopping at Blommies, getting our make-up done by savvy and talented New York Make-Up artists, lunch in Central Park, checking out FAO Schwarz, walking Park Ave.   

With the majority of the touring out of the way, I felt ready to tackle all things BlogHer.  I made a point of attending all the sessions during the conference that I felt applied to me! Gleaning information helpful to me and my blog. Was it perfect?  No.  Did I learn anything? Yes!  Still winning.  Still creating the best BlogHer experience for me!

I sat ten feet from Martha Stewart as she candidly addressed 4000 plus women in an hour long interview. Loved. 

I attended some incredible Private Parties and will not apologise for that.  For me, this was all part of the BlogHer experience.  At these parties not only did I get to connect with some fabulous brands, but I also met some awesome celebs, had some new experiences, and was able to make time to chat with old friends and new. Perfection.

I also hit the traditional BlogHer Parties; in my opinion Sparklecorn and CheeseburgHer are must do’s!  Seriously, check out that unicorn cake!

All this to say; I’m tired, I’m happy and satisfied. 

When I left for New York City I knew I wanted to see a few of the sites, and get a taste of the real New York.  I had a plan to attend specific sessions, make sure I made it to the biggest and baddest of both BlogHer parties and private parties, and to most of all enjoy my break form the suburbs while connecting, hugging, laughing and dancing the days and nights away with 4000 intelligent creative and beautiful women.  The limo rides, rooftop parties, shopping and laughter were all just welcome surprises!  Thank you to Maple Leaf Foods for believing in Bloggers and making my trip possible, to each Blogger who paused for a picture, a chat or a hug, and to BlogHer for creating such an incredible experience! 

Already looking forward to BlogHer 13!