I'm back at Huff Post after a three-week blogging hiatus. It was a gift I gave myself.
During my three-week blogging break, I had a chance to relax, unwind and rest my brain so that I can continue to add value to the blogging community. It is no easy feat to manage an engaged audience as smart as YOU and continuously provide fresh, captivating content. In order to do so, this mama needs to engage in stimulating activities, such as reading War and Peace.
So... I relaxed by the lake.
I watched my kids play happily on the beach in Maine.
I worked. A LOT actually.
I went on a few dates with my hubby.
AND THEN.... BloghHer!
What is BlogHer, you might ask? Well, it is three days of magic. There is really no other way to describe BlogHer as anyting other than magical.
I quote Huffington Post blogger Darryle Pollack, whom I actually met at BlogHer this weekend in New York, and her article. THIS is what makes BlogHer so unique...
Created in 2005 by three women as a gathering for women who blogged, BlogHer has multiplied in size -- and importance -- every year since. Now a successful website, advertising network and TV channel the annual BlogHer conference is the jewel in the crown -- where bloggers, marketers and sponsors come to connect. Four smaller conferences have also blossomed from it.
Twitter, blogs and social media channels have been buzzing about BlogHer for weeks. There's advice, lists of tips-- even lists of the lists of tips.
So, why such a big deal about BlogHer?
I can't tell you.
Seriously. There's something for everyone, so BlogHer means different things to different people...
In a world where the Kardashians are the gold standard of success, for me, BlogHer represents a kernel of reality, a source of inspiration and an island of sanity where people are appreciated not for what they look like or what they have, but for who they are. Sometimes that feels like a rare thing.
And for me that's a big deal. Maybe Martha Stewart and Katie Couric (speakers at Blogher) understand the power of that, too." -Darryle Pollack
So, to give you a recap of my past 3 days, I blog to you in photo. I apologize the for less-than-adequate quality on most of the pictures. What can I say? I'm the last person on earth still using a Blackberry (I can't let go of the damn keypad). Please also read the photo descriptions...
BlogHer is legendary for its parties. Who can fit all the shoes and dresses into one suitcase? It wasn't easy closing this puppy up
Power session with my buddy Adam Keats (who works in PR) discussing Women On The Fence and brand relationships
Me, maternity empire pioneer Liz Lange, and bestselling author and speaker Samantha Ettus at New York Times Bestselling Author Gretchen Rubin's book launch
Laura Mayes (founder of Mom 2.0 Summit), me, Liz Lange, Samantha Ettus, and Jen Singer (MommaSaid.net)
Thanks to a family friend, I got to meet one of my favorite female entrepreneurs, Martha. Obviously an amazing moment for an entrepreneur like myself. Now that's Oprah, Richard Branson and Martha Stewart in 12 months. Not bad!
Yes, now I've seen it all. Trojan giving out VIBRATORS at BlogHer. Yup, that's what 4000 'power' women brings (no pun intended)
My oldest and dearest Social Media/Digital Mom buddies Kimberley Clayton Blaine (TheGoToMom.tv) and Beth Blecheman (TechMamas.com)
One of those legendary parties. Crazy bloggers on the dance floor at Sparklecorn (yes, that's the name of the yearly party)
At "Getting Gorgeous" with Joni from Mom Pulse, a new YouTube channel for moms that I am thrilled to be part of
One of my favorite journalists, Katie Couric (left) being interviewed by BlogHer co-founder Lisa Stone
A video I shot of Katie Couric discussing her new fall daytime talk show, The Katie Show
CNN Reporter Soledad O'Brien interviewing Supermodel and Activist Christy Turlington
Malaak Compton-Rock (Activist and wife of comedian Chris Rock), Christy Turlington and Soledad O'Brien discussing the challenges of non-profit organizations
This picture is "Beauty and the Beast," I swear. I also recently interviewed Christy Turlington on WomenOnTheFence.com, and here we are meeting in-person for the first time. She called me out in the audience and thanked me for helping her 'Get off the fence.' Really nice.
Me and Soledad O'Brien who promised me an interview for WomenOnTheFence.com. Yay! She also told me, "I'll never forget Women On The Fence." Love it.
Hanging with the nice peeps at RetailMeNot.com- the largest coupon site in the world. I am a Brand Ambassador for them.
And if that doesn't give you the vibe, this has got to be the BEST TWEET I've seen on Twitter. ;)
- I am more independent than I thought I was. This has served me well.
- Despite being more independent, I am nothing without my family, namely my role as wife and mother.
- If you always remain OPEN, good things come.
- If you're cool going anywhere alone, good things come again.
- If you plant enough seeds, eventually something sticks.
- I realized that not all women are catty. At least not the ones I have allowed into my life. Give and you shall receive friends for life.
- Work hard, but play hard too. Passion is the place to live.
- Success comes from following your dreams. I read on Twitter this morning, "If you don't follow your dreams, you'll work for someone who did. Find time to make your passion a reality." Amen to that.
What do you think?
xoxEDxox