This was my very first blog conference. I had no idea what to expect. I was open and willing to learn everything and anything that it had to offer.
Needless to say, I was blown away.
The first event was the White Party. Attendees and brands networked and got to meet one another. The crowd was lively and we all had a fabulous time.
Of course being in Miami, it was Mojito central!!
I die for baby toes!
These cute little toes belong to Jane Maynard's of Daily Buzz Moms baby!
Image via Mi Caminar
White Party at The Ritz-Carlton
I got a whole lot from this conference, probably more than I bargained for.
Here's my under $50 outfit for day 1 of the conference.
All except for the shoes are from Goodwill!
All except for the shoes are from Goodwill!
Top: Loft- $3
Necklace: Vintage-$8
Skirt: No brand-$4
Shoes: Zappos $30
Lunch and Dessert was sponsored by Aldi on Friday.
At one point during the conference I felt a bit overwhelmed. I was worried that a slight little panic was going to rise in me.
It was not because of the amount of people, rather more because of the amazing speakers and breakout sessions. The breakout sessions were individual blocks sectioned off for the attendees to get more out of the conference, i.e,. 'improving your blog through social media', 'discovering the right direction for you' or 'standing in the spotlight', just to name some.
It was not because of the amount of people, rather more because of the amazing speakers and breakout sessions. The breakout sessions were individual blocks sectioned off for the attendees to get more out of the conference, i.e,. 'improving your blog through social media', 'discovering the right direction for you' or 'standing in the spotlight', just to name some.
Note to self: A tab bit of over excitement can bring on a migraine. Just remember that.
The highlight of the event for me was listening to the amazing Brené Brown speak.
WOW.
Amazed.
Inspired.
Moved.
Brené brought pure heart to the entire conference. Her words were uplifting and her spirit was exactly where she puts her message into—Compassion.
"We have to normalize discomfort"-Brené BrownI was thrilled to personally meet and have her sign one of her books for me. It was awesome.
"Tell the story of who you are with your whole heart"- Brené Brown
If you want to hear more from Brené, watch her Ted Talk here.
It was also very exciting to meet some top bloggers that I read and follow. I also met the editors of the site I contribute to, ShePosts.
I mentioned to one of them that while social media is an amazing platform, nothing can beat the face-to-face connection that's made when you meet someone. There is a void that's filled.
I'm all for social media but I also know how important it is to connect face-to-face with people.
Just grateful I was able to do this...
I mentioned to one of them that while social media is an amazing platform, nothing can beat the face-to-face connection that's made when you meet someone. There is a void that's filled.
I'm all for social media but I also know how important it is to connect face-to-face with people.
Just grateful I was able to do this...
Kristen Howerton, editor of ShePosts and author of Rage Against the Minivan.
That's us at the Versace Mansion Party!
What I learned from Kristen? Write what you're passionate about even if it's controversial.
Gabrielle Blair of Design Mom
I briefly met Gabrielle while she was trying to eat. I kindly asked her to pause for a photo.
She was generous and sweet.
What I learned from Gabrielle? Take risks!
She and her husband and six children moved to France almost on a whim and they love it!
I admire this spontaneity...
Cecily Kellogg of Uppercase Woman and Babble's Mom Crunch
was my bus ride buddy to the Versace Mansion.
Don't you just love her bold pink hair?! It was great to chat with her.
Made some West coast buddies! Alexis Gentry (middle-from Seattle) of Design Sundries
and Cathy Pollak (wine maker from Oregon) of Noble Pig
Another big plus for me was meeting and connecting with local Miami mom bloggers!
Alexis (far left) of The Exhausted Mom and
Caroline (on the right side of me) of Smarty Pants Mama
Both amazing women!
Simply thrilled to have met all of these awesome mamas...
I'm still feeling the effects of the positive energy and inspiration I got from the Mom 2.0 Summit.
The fact that I went and made such incredible connections reminds me that we're all striving to inspire the many that come to our blogs, read us, follow us, comment and share the love.
If you blog, continue.
If you comment, continue.
If you read, continue.
If you have a passion, continue.
Nothing can stop you from achieving your dreams...
So. Worth. It.
9 comments:
I am so thrilled to have me you! What a great time we had! My favorite story will always be... no, my husband's name is not Chevy! LOL
It was such a pleasure to meet you! You are such a warm, friendly person with great style and fantastic writing skills. I'm so glad that we live in the same area so hopefully we will run into each other again at future events, and I look forward to following your blog. :)
Awesome recap. It was an honor meeting you. We had so much fun and the memories are forever imprinted on my brain. So glad to meet a new-life long friend.
so lucky I get to look at those toes everyday! :) it was lovely meeting you, vanessa. you have a wonderful, positive energy!!!
Carolyn,
I'm beyond thrilled that we made a connection. I'll always be proud to say that YOU were the FIRST Miami Mama Blogger I met :)
Bonus: The Chevy story will be a classic in the mom blog world ;)
xo,
V.
Lindsay,
You are such a sweetheart! I too am happy we met and made a connection. We're vintage loving mamas! Yeah!
I'm looking forward to getting together sometime.
Thank you for following and reading me :)
xo,
V.
Cathy,
My wine maven! I had BLAST with you. Loved the laughs and the chats.
I'm ecstatic that I made a West Coast life-long friend! I may be heading up there in the near future to make a home.
xo,
V.
Jane,
Thank you so much, Jane! I'll never forget your baby's fantastic Kelly Green shorts! You too are a fabulous person :)
xo,
V.
It was wonderful meeting you and chatting. Loved our talks! I look forward to staying in touch. :)
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