>I’m back! … wait? Did you even know that I was gone? You might have noticed that my posts were few and far between over the last few days … and that is because I have been in Nashville attending Blissdom, which is an annual convention for blogger chics like me. . .
And before I go any further, let me thank my wonderful sponsor HotPrints for helping to make it all possible. HotPrints ROCKS… if you don’t believe me … then go there right now and create a photo book for free … they’ll even ship it to you for free…in fact … you can create one a month. FREE. FREE. FREE. Thanks HotPrints!!
I was going to tell you that I was going before I left… but I wasn’t sure exactly WHAT to tell you, since I really had no idea what to expect myself. I stayed at the Amazing Opryland Hotel … seriously… unreal…this is the inside of the hotel:
Why did I attend Blissdom? ….because this little baby blog that I started over a year ago has taken on a life of it’s own and I wanted to educate myself so that I can help it grown up to be a responsible and mature contributing member of society. I wanted to provide YOU, my readers with the content and information that you want/need/enjoy. I wanted to set goals… and I wasn’t even sure what those goals should be.
What was I hoping to find/learn/see/ do at Blissdom? Mostly… I was hoping to define my purpose. WHY do I do this crazy blogging thing? Find my direction. Where do I want this to go?
The result of my adventure? BLISS. (and tired…oh so tired…happy tired girl … that would be me!!)
But mostly BLISS.
As my blog has evolved (and thank YOU, thank you, thank you! To my wonderful readers for helping me with this journey) … I have become more and more concerned with taking it in the right direction. I really want for SheSaved to be a place where you can come and not only find great deals and savings … but I would also like for it to be a place that makes you feel at home. Mi Blog es su Blog, as they say. ( do they say that? )
Soooo…. Where do I start? Here is my 4 day experience in a nutshell…. Mingled with 100′s of passionate women…I mean, really passionate women who have strong voices and bright minds. I got to meet 50 or so frugal bloggers and chit/chat about all of the ins and outs of “deal” blogging…and I learned SO MUCH … so look for all kinds of exciting and new stuff in the near future… The BEST part of this experience?
Finally meeting my fellow bloggers. Above is a photo of me and ”my girls” … these chics ROCK!!
From left to right: Couponingfor4, CouponGal, Moi, CouponGeek and to the right you will see SuperJenn and her super ADORABLE baby …. oh my goodness I could just eat that kid up!
Other Highlights:
I also got to listen to an AMAZING speaker, Kevin Carroll ( The Red Rubber Ball ) to which I cried, laughed, cried, laughed and then cried again when I got to personally tell him how much his speech touched me and make me laugh and cry. (there is almost nothing better than laughing and crying… bitter sweet .. soul cleansing mmmm mmmm good!)
We enjoyed a private concert by Harry Conick Jr. (seriously!) and we even got to meet him (gasp!) ….. this dude is an amazing singer … he even got me to make a last mintue switch from rooting for the Colts to the Saints in the Superbowl (sorry Payton!) …. it was just THAT GOOD! He is also an amazing philanthropist… and one of the creators of the Musicians Village in New Orleans.
Another amazing and unforgettably moving experience for me was a closing ceremony speech by MckMama. Want a reason to drop whatever it is you are doing (unless you are holding the baby, of course!) and go hug your kids so tight you might squish ‘em? …. Go read Stellen’s Story. Your heart strings will be forever tugged.
I learned more about an amazing charity called Soles 4 Souls … truly amazing! Looking for a really easy way to do something really good? ….they will take your gently used and/or new shoes and put them to good use! I loved meeting the women behind this awesome charity!
I also got the chance to meet Sarah who was working with Operation Christmas Child… an amazing group that sends shoeboxes to children who might not have things otherwise. Please go watch the videos of the children opening boxes… it just warmed my heart and made me bawl like a bambino. Joy!
I missed my kids and hubby like crazy … but I came back a better mom, wife, and hopefully blogger.
PURPOSE. DIRECTION. BALANCE. NAP. Bliss! Thank you Blissdom for a wonderful experience!!
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