Overboard on Organizing for BlogHer & Recap

Finally I have decided to sit down and do my final thoughts on my first blogging conference: BlogHer.  Suffice to say overwhelming is an understatement.  If you haven’t already read my post about Connecting With Fantastic People, you must check it out.  It’s hard to believe that I was in New York.  I walked the streets on my own at times thinking “I can’t believe I’m in New York.”  It had been so long since I had been there and yet the trip went by in a flash.  As I’m typing this I’m thinking about where I was 1 week ago.

Here are my top 12 thoughts because I couldn’t get only 10 in.

1. Social Anxiety – I would rather be in a quicksand by myself trying to get out by swimming then standing in a room of women who all seem to know each other and don’t know me.  It is the most frightening thing in the world.  I need a friend, a hand holder someone who’s willing to hang out with me.  I had that sometimes, but most of the time I was paralyzed with the “OMG I don’t know anyone here”.  Going this weekend to BlogHer was a huge step for me.  I’ve said it before, but I felt like BlogHer ’10 was a dress rehearsal for BlogHer ’11.  Next year will be so much better knowing what to expect.

2. I have discovered that I want to blog about the stuff the Fashionista within would blog about.  I am adding fashion and beauty items on Fridays.

me & @romyraves at the Style ‘n Smile party

3. Martha Stewart party was a true highlight because I got to see Martha speak.  Woo hoo!  I’m a crafter, so being in her offices and in her presence well I don’t need to go on.

Martha Freaking Stewart talking to us a the Martha Stewart Party

decadent desserts at the Martha Stewart party (they were amazing)

4. The Schick Kiss & T.E.L.L. party was pretty dang awesome.  Great view, great drinks, great location and Gavin De Graw sang (who I didn’t know until that night, but intend to buy his album now).  I sat about 50 ft away from him too, he’s hot.

10 Columbus Circle view from the Schick Kiss & T.E.L.L. party

Gavin De Graw singing away

5. Getting Gorgeous on Friday was fantastic I got my hair straightened by Richard Marin, who is represented by Cloutier Remix, with the new Remington straightener coming out in September.  My hair has never been so straight and beautiful.

6. I went to Swanky NYC hosted by Andrea of Savvy Sassy Moms, in a 2 story penthouse at the London Hotel.  Fabulous cocktails, amazing attendees and I won a prize: Sara Jessica Parker’s new fragrance line.  The party was gorgeous and felt so decadent.

@debedale, me and @justprecious (photo courtesy of @romyraves)

7. Unwined her sponsored by Romy of Romy Raves was a highlight of the weekend.  It was a very intimate dinner of bloggers who just wanted to have dinner and relax together.  We were hosted by @taverndirect and @winetwits and they told us about a very special cause for Missing and Exploited Children.  I was so moved by them I have every intention on working on my own campaign (with many of the attendees) in continuing to get their message out.  I also got to have very nice conversations with other amazing women.  Neha of Greenista and I had a heart-to-heart about my obsessiveness to be organized.  It was enlightening.  I also found an organized sister in Kate Buck Jr. She understand me.

the entire unwinedher party of wonderful people (photo courtesy of @romyraves)

8. I over packed for sure.  My spreadsheet was tossed out the window by Saturday.  I replaced the day outfit with a comfy sundress I threw in at the last minute and my flip-flops.  Boy was I glad I threw that in at the last minute.  My purse was overfilled on Friday with things I never used or needed.  Next year for sure I am going to carry the simplest and easiest things.  Believe me ladies I’ll post that list next year.

9. Scholastic was a true highlight for me.  I go to go to their headquarters in a school bus nonetheless in a beautiful part of NYC.  I got to hear from fantastic people who are working diligently to get our youth to read.  I am an avid reader and have spent so much time making sure my children are reading all of the time.  Being there only reiterated how important it is to get children interested in reading.  I am so glad for the opportunity and that I got to go.

10. I got sick – Sunday I was supposed to attend a brunch but woke up with a very sore throat and really awful tummy.  I decided to pack up my 2 boxes to be shipped home and pack my bags.  I had a low key morning/afternoon and then headed to the airport.

11. What I thought would be a simple trip home wound up being a complete nightmare.  The plane was delayed (while I was on the plane) for 3.5 hours meaning I missed my connection which meant I had to stay overnight in a hotel in Cincinnati.  I got home 24 hours after boarding my flight in NYC.  I was exhausted and just wanted to see my kids.

12. Stay in the hotel – although I am grateful to my host for letting me stay with her, not staying in the hotel meant missing so much.  I also had to carry everything with me all.of.the.time.  It sucked.  Next year in San Diego I intend to stay in the hotel and arrive Wed night.  I want to charter a bus for all of the Los Angeles bloggers too.  Yes, there it is my organized freakishness coming out again.  I’m already planing next BlogHer conference.  Don’t be surprised that’s just who I am.  Anyone need a roomie for next year?

Stay tuned for my BlogHer swag reviews.

About Fashionista

Candice Kahn has written 492 post in this blog.

Candice is a mom of 3 in Los Angeles, CA, and the Owner/Editor-in-Chief of Fashionably Organized. Her obsession with researching products to get the right price, has made her the go-to shopping guru for her friends. Here she writes about fashion, beauty and shares her love for home decor and DIY. Currently she is beauty editor for Savvy Sassy Moms, is part of the Lowe's Creative Ideas Creators and Influencers Network, and a member of momsLA.

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