BLISSDOM-My First Conference Experience

I just returned home from a Social Media Conference called BLISSDOM.
It was My First Conference Experience!

It was in the beautiful warm Dallas..

I love the pretty snow outside my window right now...

but I was teased with warmth down there and I want it back. right now.

hear that mother nature? It's time to get hot in PA...

I've decided this and I know you read my blog, so c'mon.

Row one: Nancy from Haus to Home  Tonya from Love of Family and Home  Caroline from Chocolate and Carrots
Row two: Nancy, Tonya, Robin from Robin's Chicks, Jenn from Blissfully Ever After, Mandy from House of Rose
Row three: Mandy

When I arrived I was officially a nervous excited ball of hormones. Luckily I had a cute baby in tow with me to keep me grounded. Something about changing baby diapers and getting drooled on that makes you feel at home no matter where you are..... ;)

Ok... First BLISSDOM Take-Aways:

WOW. It felt soo amazing to see all of these women in one space that have a similar passion as me. Even if I didn't talk to all 750 of them..I felt a connection.

I would have flown down just to hear Jon Acuff speak.

His session and keynote were amazing..They left me feeling inspired as a blogger but even more so just convicted and stronger as a woman! I was in the back during all the talks doing leg squats with my 20 pound baby.... but I remember texting my husband(a youth minister) everything he was saying because I was like ahh he is speaking right to my heart!

He shared how we as woman struggle so much with the word ENOUGH. We..are..enough. And how we so easily compare ourselves to others. "Do not compare your beginning to someone else's middle" I loved that. I am going to make a real effort to not compare myself to other bloggers but focus on the inspiration they give me!

I felt like it was an undercover retreat talk. We are WOW people and sometimes we're surrounded by HOW people. (we have all these big ideas and sometimes they can get shot down or questioned by the how people.) He talked about how it's important to have times like this when you're surrounded by people who share big dreams like you!

 He talked about, how when we are at home, if you don't share your dreams with your spouse than you will end up sharing it with someone else. Really hitting on how we need to protect our marriages and made me appreciate my husband even more! He has always been my biggest fan and I realized that I need to listen to his dreams and not be his "how" person.. but encourage him with his ideas! I loved how he spoke about his family throughout his talk. We spoke briefly before his talk and I had mentioned my husband was pulling the "fun parent" card and took the girls to chuck e cheese.. he made me feel better by letting me know that he and his wife call that place Chuck E Disease. Awesome. It's where you go to get the flu. Luckily..daddy informed me the girls are still overall 'frightened' of the place.

The opening keynote was by Scott Stratten and I was seriously in the back doing the baby sway with Micah in the k'tan and laughing out loud. He is HILARIOUS. And everything he said I was like YES... that is so right!!! He hit so many points that make you think about your blogging strategy, your marketing and branding and how you use social media. He is seriously so smart and witty. "every time a QR Code doesn't work a kitten dies!!!" - It's sad that's the one quote I remember..but I laughed so hard and I was juggling a baby so no notes were happening. ;) I can't wait to watch his talk again online and to follow him on social media.

CONNECTING- TAKES EFFORT- SO WORTH IT

It was a fun weekend but...exhausting! You know that exhaustion you get when you have to really exert yourself and socialize CONSTANTLY. I went into this conference only knowing ONE person in real life. and we weren't even going together!  I love people and am usually very outgoing and social. but It was a little overwhelming..especially because (sadly) there are little clicks of bloggers that can be intimidating. I literally had to go back to my room thursday and regroup...making a conscience decision that I was going to dive into this conference and make the most of it. My husband is a youth minister and he always tells his teens on retreat "You get in what you put out!" You can stay closed up and then wonder why you didn't have an amazing experience..or totally be open and make some EFFORT! :) This blog conference TOOK WORK. All friendships take work. I wish it would have been a little easier at times to connect..but I know people like to feel comfortable and not get out of their comfort zone.. but taking those risks pay off. Overall people were friendly and wanting to connect..but connecting is two sided.. I had to put myself out there and be the first to strike up some conversations. and I'm glad I did because there were some amazing women to meet and connect with.

I was really lucky to end up finding girls that I was able to always end the night with and we had that connection and became close.. but I also found that during those moments when I was walking around by myself was when I struck up conversations with people that I never would have otherwise!! You can't be afraid to be alone...or to go up to a new person and introduce yourself. I am thankful I took those risks. I was lucky to have a little baby side kick with me who brought people to me because of his cuteness! I only wish that I had more time to connect with more people...but there were times I think traveling with a baby slowed me down a bit. Which is expected.. and totally fine.

I felt like the weekend was one big pep talk! It made me feel convicted in where I am going with my blog... how I'm branding myself... And It motivated me to promote myself and take my blog to the next level. I was really inspired by  Danielle Smith (of Extraordinary Mommy) in this area. She led a great session on using Media to give a voice to your message. I decided to utilize you tube more and to connect with my local news stations. Kacia and I are gonna pitch them on our awesomeness. ;)


THE TRIP THROUGH PHOTOS
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I had butterflies in my stomach as Micah and I made the trip from Pittsburgh to Dallas!
Luckily He was an awesome little guy on the plane... and I was surrounded by baby lovers.

Micah was a fan of the king size bed at the Gaylord Texan. Beautiful place!

isn't he cute? best roommie ever. ;)

The lovely Neely from A Complete Waste of Makeup Stephanie from The Vintage Modern Wife and Heather from Cookies for Breakfast picked me up at the airport!

And their roomie Ashley from Ashley Lately arrived soon after.

 I connected with so many amazing bloggers that listing them isn't even an option here!

I linked them all below by their photos.

I really feel like I created some real-life friendships with a handful of them..

Some of these girls I followed and knew of before Blissdom..and some I didn't know of until now and I have been stalking their blogs ever since. ;)

They are all linked up in these photos so be sure to check them out.

I was so encouraged, motivated and inspired by these women I was surrounded by. Just knowing that we all have big dreams and a voice we are wanting to share....it made me feel so motivated! That I wasn't the only one who dreams big or wants to make a difference in our community by sharing our projects/life/thoughts and ideas! 

row one: Nicole from The Style Hatch Nancy  Jenn  Jill from Baby Rabies

row two: Mandy  Caroline

row three: raechel from Raechel Myers.com lindsey from The Pleated Poppy  Mandy from A Sorta Fairy Tale

Caroline's liam was best buddies with micah all weekend ;)

She has a delicioussss food mommy blog.

Don't go to her site hungry. or Do.

Loved the floor chats with new friends and bonding with bloggers.

row one: mandy  nicole and ashley

row two: stephanie and heather

below left.. jon acuff!

bottom right: I won a j crew sweater from ebates. yay I never win anything!

row one: Jon Acuff and Jenn 

row two: Nancy  Tonya  Mandy  Nancy and Caroline

row one: Stephanie from Froggy and the Mouse  Allison from House of Hepworths  Jamie from C.R.A.F.T  Taylor from Taylor Made  and  Heather from Saving Money Living Life (eMealz friend)

row two: Kacia from Coconut Robot  Raechel  Diana from Hormonal Imbalances

row three: Meredith from Meredith Tichenor and Megan from In this Wonderful Life

 A BABY AT BLISSDOM:

Traveling with Baby- Stressful at times.. but I just went with it!
Overall he was an amazing baby all weekend long making thunder thighs look GUUD.

He hogged the bed and drooled all over my cute outfits.
But his sweet snuggles and giggles made up for that. ;)
I wore him in the K'Tan ALL WEEKEND. I don't know what I would have done without it.
He fell asleep in it and then I could put him down..or snuggle him. :)

My husband was following along the IG Feed and would see Micah's face pop up by random bloggers... He was blog conference famous ;) "Busy Budgeting Who?? I want to squeeze this baby's thighs!" ok..no one really said that but that 'general situation' happened more than once. And I was totally fine with it. ;) He is pretty squeezy cute.

The amazing Courtney of Pizzazzerie and Stephanie

of The Vintage Modern Wife were both fans of Micah ;)

It was funny, whenever micah would fall asleep at the table during a session, I would look over and see all the girls snapping photos! haha.

WHAT I WORE:

I actually wore something othan than yoga pants for 5 days straight...

and it was awesome. Most of my wardrobe came from
American Eagle, Kohls, Old Navy, H&M or Target!

My sister of BLANQI Fedexed me their newest product and it made me feel BEAUTIFUL!

It's an under the bust cami that is a Postpartum miracle worker!!

She and her beautiful business partner Sabina (real life bff's) are launching a new line for Target! They have their BLANQI that is great maternity shape wear...but now this target line has a postpartum option as well!

I tried it on..and it felt like I was wearing nothing but it smoothed me out and made me feel put together. The straps are so light it doesn't dig into you like some of my other cami's do. And the material is like what athletes wear and it wicks away sweat. perfect for mamas who are juggling a 4 month old and 2 yr old usually at the same time.

Seriously in love with it. Glad is my sister so she could send it to me before it's out..

I was also able to meet some great pregnant and nursing mamas at Blissdom who Val is going to send one too! Val made me their Brand Ambassador and Community Manager..so I get the fun job of connecting bloggers to the brand and making mamas feel beautiful!

Message me if you want more info on it! (I'll be doing a post soon with a sister skype session all about the new line! ;)

OUTFIT 1- green top: kohls, jeans: ae, shoes: target, necklace: caroline g., earings: stella & dot

OUTFIT 2- black top: kohls, pants: kohls, shoes: target, bracelet: stella & dot, necklaces: forever21

OUTFIT 3- top: H&M, pants: Kohls, necklace: caroline g., shoes: target

OUTFIT 4- top: Kohls, pants: ae, shoes: old navy, earings: stella & dot

HOME SWEET HOME:

Excited to dive into these two books!

And soak up time with my sweet girls. :)

Ohh....and pack up our entire house to move by friday!

(same state. new house. new job. super excited!)

If you want to read a long with me you can get Jon's Book HERE

and Scott's Book HERE.

 During this conference they encouraged you to figure out who you really are as a blogger... what you want others to see you as. (Danielle Smith's Business Session) And I realized my desire for this site....... I want my blog to be YOUR source for encouragement and inspiration as a woman and mother. I want to be your best friend down the street sharing her ideas and adventures/trials with you.

 I've always wanted this in a way..but I feel like my blog has evolved and through e-mails from my readers I've been affirmed in this!

I've had fellow mamas write me to thank me for sharing my ideas and projects with them because it helps them during their day to day life at home with the kids! Or in the e-mail from a reader who finally felt the courage to leave her abusive relationship after reading about my best friend's domestic violence murder and how I'm healing from her loss. It's in the e-mails from readers who have decided to teach themselves photoshop like I did and start a business after seeing how I do it WHILE raising little humans! All of these e-mails confirmed my thoughts on what I wanted this blog to be for people. And now after this conference I'm excited to take it to the next level.. give more to my readers in my writing and content that I share!

 I share with people about my blog all the time..

but it wasn't until an event like this that I had to say it over and

over and over again OUT LOUD. haha.

So I honed in on what I really am....

 I am a lifestyle mom blogger who writes about home and hostess ideas,

DIY's, recipes and more, all in an approachable-budget-friendly way!

I celebrate motherhood!

I want to be that positive + authentic source on the web for mothers who

want to live a family-centered, faith filled and creative life!

BOOM. ;)

And now please excuse me while I go make sure my

children aren't getting boxed up in our moving boxes.....

Thanks for following a long!

What I'm Packing for BLISSDOM! + Discount Codes for YOU!

Blissdom is coming up fast! I thought it would be fun to share what I'm packing...

and some AWESOME Discount Codes for YOU!

If you've never heard of Blissdom....

It's this amazing Blog Conference. Bloggers and Social Media lovers

from all over gather to learn, network and cultivate inspiration

for their blog, business, family and life. They have speakers, panels, parties and more!

I'm hoping to go and learn how to take my blog to the next level,

meet in person some fabulous blogger friends and to leave wiser and inspired!

**Some of the products I purchased others I was interested in and reached out to

review/get discounts for my readers. all of the opinions are my own.**

BLISSDOM Conference Must.. Business Cards!

I have worked with Tiny Prints before and always love the quality.

Was so happy with how these turned out. I had A LOT of info I wanted to put on them, So I went with the folded card. I have all my social media info on there.. a photo of me

(my social media photo to make it easier for people.

I also put photos of my kids..since they are the real stars of the blog..

and then a couple shots of popular posts.

Paper quality is great. Had to fold them myself and now

pressing them to make sure they lay flat. Love them.

Grab up your own Business Cards with their sale going on now!

Use CODE: 20MARBIZ to get 20% OFF. Expires 3/12.

Traveling with a Baby means comfy cute blankets are a must!

I love everything from Little Hip Squeaks!

Triangles and Mustaches? yes please.

So soft. and Micah looks so cute wrapped up in these.

Use CODE: BLISSDOM for 15% OFF!

UPDATE:  I originally posted about the stroller I was taking. (Harmony Odyssey and we got it at Target.) But after only having it a few weeks I realized it was not a good stroller. at all.

Bummed that the steering turned horrible and made weird clicking noises.

SO! I ended up getting a different stroller

(after taking all of them down from the shelf at target and trying them out)

The FASTACTION FOLD CLASSIC CONNECT BY GRACO.

So far.. I am liking it. really easy to fold up and carry.

Steering is WAY better.

I love the pattern!

SOOO Excited about this! Branding is important...

So I knew I wanted to customize my laptop and iPad.

I used SKINIT and I love the quality of my iPad Case and Laptop Skin.

You can upload your own design..or create one online.

(You can always just do one large photo)

I plan on using my iPad during the Conference.

Easy to handle/carry around and great battery life.

and have my laptop in my room for night.

Get a skin of your own!!

Coupon Code BUSYBUDGETINGMAMA

will give you 20 % OFF.

**Expires May 31, 2013. Valid on device skins only.

Excludes shipping and cannot be combined with other offers.**

I haven't chosen my outfits...but I already know the jewelry I want to bring! ;)

Definitely packing up a few of my favorite pieces from Stella & Dot.

I'm having an online trunk show on (March 6th)

if you want to grab up some of your own cute accessories!

And to make the deal extra sweet, the first 5 to order get a free Julep Bangle! woohoo.

CLICK HERE To check out all the pretties and shop my Online Trunk Show!

Below I have the Olivia Bib Necklace. The Renegade Cluster Bracelet in Gold.

and The Glint Flower CZ Earings. 

 I recently took a trip with Micah to Atlanta.

I used my K'Tan on this trip and it was a lifesaver!

I use the moby at home sometimes...

but I wouldn't have liked to use it at the airport.. too much!

But the K'Tan was easy to pop on and off throughout the day. He fell asleep in it.

Was great to keep my hands free while traveling with baby!

Grab up one of your own for 15% OFF with the coupon code: BUSYBK15
**Expires April 30, 2013**
I have also heard great things about the Ergo. Wanted to try using a wrap while Micah is still "small" though. ;) I think as far as a wrap I like the K'Tan overall.
it was nice and snuggy for Micah and easiest to use.

 I've shared my makeup bag before...

CLICK HERE for all the details/links/reasons why I love them.

Faves: my urban decay cream to powder foundation

and the mac under eye concealer.

Here's some of the basics that go in my Toiletry Bag.

I use these every day. I get all but the aquage at my target or grocery store.

(that one I get at my hair salon.)

Caroline G. !!!! LOVE her shop.

Definitely including these two beauties in my bag.

I will plan an outfit around them. ;)

I wear the White Teardrop Necklace all the time!

Also love my Mini Bubble Necklace.

Grab up some of your own statement necklaces

from her shop and get 30 % OFF using CODE: BUSYBUDGETINGMAMA

(Excited to meet the shop owner at Blissdom!)

 I am in love with my Mophie Juice Pack Helium for iPhone5.

And I know it'll come in handy to keep my phone charged all weekend long!

Blissdom is a social media frenzy... So I can't have my phone powering down on me!

I will be Instagraming, Tweeting and Facebook Posting all the fun...

Can't wait to share the trip with you!

Thanks for checking out what I'm packing.

Still figuring out the wardobe.

4 months postpartum and I'm all over the place clothes wise!

I know I'm not the only one has had a baby and now has a closet full of "stages"

Are you going to BLISSDOM???

If you aren't. sad. but... I'll share all the details and then you can sign up for next year. ;)