The Weekend Recap-Charlotte and a Conference

This past weekend I attended my first blog conference by attending Bloggy Boot Camp by the SITS Girls in Charlotte, NC.  I was super nervous because this was my first time really stepping out into the bloggy world and meeting these people in real life.

Would they like me? Would they be like they are online? Or will it be like high school cliques?

Fortunately, the hosts, Tiffany and Francesca were amazing. They were the first people I met on Friday evening when I attended the cocktail hour, and Francesca ran up to me and said, "Are you my Natalie?" (Because I'm a community lead for SITS) I said yes and she immediately gave me a big hug.

Instantly, my reservations were taken away by the kindness and the support these ladies showed me. Tiffany was absolutely inspirational during her part of the program and brought many to tears by just talking about how we as women really never give ourselves a break and don't take time to care for "me." And it's so true...I think in general, especially as moms, our needs and wants come last. She really challenged us to take those breaks and to learn to say, "No, thank you" when asked to do something that you really don't want to do.  She said you don't owe anyone a reason or an explanation.  She said you can't do it all, all the time so don't feel bad if you have to say no.  That's some powerful stuff right there!

I learned so much about SEO which to me is almost as hard as rocket science.  I learned about ways to publish a book (no I'm not writing one or want to, just good food for thought!), how to optimize your SEO, and to ask the question, what is my end?  What do I want to do with my blogging? That my friends is still a question I haven't answered.

I learned about why it's important to use Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.  Let's just say I have not really jumped into the Google+ world and have been scared, but it looks like after this conference I'm going to try it out.  If you are on there, what do you think?

Many more items were covered from good design, about being engaging, and how to approach brands.  I know I'm leaving a lot out---however that is even more reason you need to go to a blog conference to find out! :)

The bloggers I met were amazing.  Everyone was so positive and supportive!  No one was trying to be all like "I have a huge blog and your little one means nothing to me."  Everyone was so open and kind...all trying to help one another out.  I really was impressed...and even more about all the different types of blogs out there.  I guess I kind of classify myself as a mommy/lifestyle blog...and really most people were not in that category.  It was truly a wonderful experience and not a dull moment.  The speakers were great, and they kept the pace going so we didn't get bored.

Also not to mention the cool sponsors of Brew Over Ice (iced drinks for your Keurig), yummy Salsarita's, and HELLO free tasty wine from Mirassou (Loved the Riesling and the Pinot Grigio)

I didn't take many photos because I was soaking it all in, but here are a few from the weekend:

1) View from our condo of the city of Charlotte
2) My Brew Over Ice Strawberry Pomegranate drink=heaven!
3) Meeting one of my favorite bloggers/friends the famous Shell
4) Nolan playing at the Discovery Museum in the Kid Science area. (He went with Daddy and Grandma while I was at the conference...more photos of their adventure soon!)

Have you been to a blog conference or are planning to go?

Natalie