This past weekend was one that I had basically been counting down to since it was over last year, Blog U was finally here. This time was made even better by the fact that one of my real life besties was joining me this go round. Nicole and I headed up on Thursday and made it despite the dreary and seemingly never ending rain that fell from Durham all the way to Baltimore.
We relaxed a little bit before heading out to eat and met up with a group at a nearby restaurant after bumping into two of my favorites, Frugie and Kerry. A few squeals and hugs may have transpired in the tiny Radisson elevator. It first it felt like we had intruded on a tight knit group, but by the end we were laughing hysterically and were so glad we decided to join them for dinner, even if we waited forever and all the days for our food. Just meant more conversation.
We headed back to our hotel and joined the pow wow that was happening in the lobby and met even more fantastic ladies. Lots of the BluntMom crew and to put it bluntly (hardy har har) these were some of my favorite ladies of the weekend. I hearted them almost immediately.
The next day was National Donut Day and who in the hades would I be not to participate? Ergo, Nicole and I stopped by the Fractured Prune and oh. my. heavens. Delicious. Don’t just trust me, Melissa and Susanne agree also.
The rest of the day went by fast, getting to catch up with so many of my favorite people (Tabatha!!!) and also turning Facebook friends into actual friends. There was also plenty of time spent confusing the hell out of people by saying Amanda Madison is my Facebook but please call me ‘Maddie” Confused yet? Good.
This year started off with a bang and we went right into sessions. I learned so much from the first two and am already putting Anna’s and Lynn’s tips to good use. I am already seeing a spike from Pinterest and I think I am using SEO properly. Being around this group of women (and men!) seems to just ignite something inside of you and you just jump into bettering yourself and your blog.
I also ascertained (via the back of a bathroom stall, we were on a college campus, after all) that there is such a thing as powdered alcohol. Apparently you can’t snort it or eat it, therefore I can only assume you just pinch it in your butt cheeks like they used to do for fun with chewing tobacco. Or you know, mix it with liquid but… how boring.
This is not a conference you want to attend if you need to sleep. It is pretty much go time from the moment you arrive. Sessions on Friday and then an awesome event that night. Saturday morning after breakfast, which really is just social hour with people half awake, you head to hear amazing keynote speakers before participating in a full day of more sessions, cupcakes and then, the Saturday night fun…this year the theme was Middle School Awkward and it didn’t disappoint. Nicole and I just kept mentioning how pretty much every single person was dancing!
There was just one drawback, my awesome roomie, Amy, wasn’t there this year. My partner in tea loving crime. Next year, friend! And you were certainly missed. You were the absolute first thing Foxy and I talked about upon seeing each other.
And neither was Megan because of last minute emergency. I will see you very soon in NYC though, my friend!
For now though, here’s a photo overload for you all. You’re so welcome. We had the middle school awkward dance on Saturday and I need better pictures because my acid wash jeans were legit…legitimately ugly as all hell.
Blog U was once again held at the beautiful Notre Dame of Maryland Campus and Nick Mom hosted the Saturday night festivities, they did a fantastic job and it was just as awesome as last year! I cannot emphasize enough how much knowledge I gained from attending this conference. Stephanie, Meredith and the rest of the Blog U faculty completely rock this whole shebang. There is plenty of socializing to be had, but what I learned is by far the best reason to attend, well, besides these (right).
*This WIRL was originally published on The Whimsy One.
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About the Author…
Madison Rae is a Southern girl from the country that fell in love with a Boston boy. You can usually find her sippin’ sweet tea or bourbon, and reading books or watching a sporting event. She loves to travel with her husband and is a complete history groupie. She blogs @ The Whimsy One and The ThankFull Tummy
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Website: http://www.thewhimsyone.com/2015/06/powdered-alcohol-and-all.html
