Finally, My Take on BlogHer (Part 1)

I wish I could choose just one word to describe BlogHer in NYC. The few that do it justice are amazing, overwhelming and peaceful. Oddly enough, I felt the peace…although maybe that had to do with the peeps I choose to surround myself with.

First I met Maggie in the Newark airport. Love her. I do. (I’ll say this a lot.). She the Frick to my Frack. We shared a very interesting taxi ride to the hotel, where we couldn’t get out of the cab quick enough. I swear that cab driver bathed in Drakkar Noir. We were half-sick at the end of the ride. However, I knew that Maggie and I would get along just great when halfway through our cab ride she asked him if he bathed in cologne. Classic.

Once we deposited our bags in the hotel,we headed out to meet Kari, Liz and Kathleen for the Sex and the City bus tour. I’ll have more on that bus tour in another post.

I love this photo because Maggie and I were walking to meet these three and I spied Harry Winston.  Since diamonds are this girls best friend I snapped a picture and we started walking only to see Kari, Liz and Kathleen when I put my camera down.  So I took this picture before we’d even met!  How funny is that?  Love it!

After the tour, we headed back to the hotel for some much needed down time. Kari and Liz were my awesome roomies. I love those girls. After much drama with our hotel room, we were just thrilled that we even ended up with a room. Oh, the drama wasn’t with Kari or Liz…no, no. I won’t name names or call anyone out, but the three of us went through hell. All’s well that ends well. We survived and ended up bonded stronger. Things worked out perfectly.

Late that night I ran into Kristen in the Lobby.  I’ve been reading Kristen’s blog, Mommy Needs a Cocktail, for years.  Reading, stalking…whatev!  Actually, it was really great to meet her and she introduced my friends and I to the “best fuckin’ waffles in the world”.  She’s blunt…and I like that.  Wednesday ended on a perfectly sweet note with waffles topped with whipped cream and Nutella.  Yum!  NYC, I envy you for having the Waffle Truck!

To back up to the very beginning… I need to explain that I’m not a good person to fly.  Tuesday night I was sick and had convinced myself I had the flu…and my husband and sister in law were convinced it was just nerves.  They were right, apparently I need a valium or xanax or some shit like that. I was lucky enough to have my flight provided by Gummylump.com and it was a direct flight in…absolutely perfect.  I’m so thankful!  I can now say that I will never (ever, ever) fly with layovers again.  Non-stop is the way to go!  I still ended up with motion sickness my entire trip (major dizziness and the floors seemed to have waves)  – I needed a day of chill on Thursday, a day without schedules. Maggie, her husband and I hit the subway system for Little Italy and Chinatown. We stopped first in Little Italy for the best damn pizza ever. Seriously, it was that good. You haven’t lived until you’ve had pizzas with meatballs on it. Delish!

We walked and walked and walked!  We shopped and took some photos.

Soon enough it was time to get ready for the first party of BlogHer. SocialLuxe was the happen in’ place to be.  It was obvious when there was a line a mile long.  I understand why it was that way and hey, for that particular time it was awesome.  Something that you see in the movies, people waiting to get into a club…and everyone is so excited to take it all in!   I wasn’t sure what to expect, and being hit with an incredible swag bag certainly wasn’t planned.  Products from Avery, Mabels Labels, Scentsy….the list goes on and on! It was a unexpected treat.  The party inside was equally as incredible.  People everywhere, different tables and activities everywhere.  I really wish I would have been able to partake in them more – but I did what I do best and people watch.  I’m so glad I was invited to SocialLuxe…those girls certainly know how to throw a party!

Afterward, we kind of all split up and headed to our own respective parties. Did I mention that I’m on of those people that always needs to hold someone’s hand? It’s pathetic, but so true. So, I headed back to the hotel to drop off the swag bag and since I was by myself, I thought I’d just hang by myself for the rest of the night. However, I was persuaded by Christine, Andrea, and Jennifer to go with them to the Schick Intuition K.I.S.S. And Tell party.

And I’m so glad I did!  Not only did I have a chance to hang out with Christine, Andrea and Jennifer – but I was able to see DJ Mia Moretti, Electric Violinest Caitlin Moe and Gavin DeGraw perform. (Two awesome parties in one night…I’m a lucky, lucky girl!)  One of my favorite moments of the night, I was once again, doing what I do best at the Schick party and saw a guy who circled the room – with his head down looking around through the corner of his eye.  Yes, it was Gavin DeGraw!  I could have taken that moment to scream, shriek and freak out…but I didn’t.  Gavin DeGraw.  Want to see a video mix of the entertainment?  Check out Schick Intuition’s Facebook page!

To be continued…..

*Again, my many thanks to my flight sponsor, Gummylump.com – I’m ever so grateful!*