On Thursday, Heather and I headed down to New Orleans for a conference with our mom blogging peers. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton, where the conference was held, and made more wardrobe, shoe, and hairclip changes each day than we knew we were capable of.
Heather presented on a panel with Jessica Ashley, editor of Shine’s healthy living channel, Karen Walrond, author of recently published The Beauty of Different
Heather’s dress is not really a maternity dress but it was able to tie just above her bump and earned her beaucoup compliments. Thanks to Lesley Evers for providing it!
We also sat next to Karen as we offered to sign copies of The Rookie Mom’s Handbook for conference attendees. Boy was my hand not tired after that. Turned out no one needed our signatures.
(Left to right: Heather and Whitney, Karen Walrond, Kristen Chase, Stacy Morrison)
That night, we co-hosted a cocktail party with the LEGO/DUPLO team. Super fun! The photo booth was a huge hit — literally, as Heather bonked herself on the nose with a huge musical note made out of DUPLO bricks.
Here are Cat Lincoln and Lindsay Ferrier.
And from leftish to rightish: Dina Freeman of BabyCenter, Colleen from Classy Mommy, Me, Heather, and Whitney from Mommies with Style.
The next morning, a small gaggle of us went out running. As everyone chatted about the half-marathons they’ve run, I said nothing. I exercise less than once a week, and just went along for the ride, pretending to be one of those athletic chicks. I don’t think anyone was suspicious. (I am in the middle of the front row below.)
The food? I know, everyone talks about the food in New Orleans. Where did you eat? you might want to ask me. Well, truthfully the food there is not really my style, so I wasn’t obsessing about having long meals rich with seafood. The first night, my friend Anna invited me to tag along at her dinner with the Merry Maids marketing team. That was a great meal complete with drinks, apps and dessert. The next two nights, in an effort to squeeze in as many events as possible, I ate sandwiches from local delis. But with very good company, I might add.
Sandwich night: Cecily, Allison, Rachael, Esther, Heather, Marie, me, Kristen, Neil. (Photo courtesy Kristen Howerton.)
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I can’t believe I missed the Lego party, that was on my MUST DO list. I’m glad to see that everyone tried to enjoy themselves without me.
As usual, it was great seeing both of you!
@Whit, we would have loved to have you boys there, but I totally understand the time suck that is dinner in New Orleans, coupled with the distractions of the French Quarter.
There was actually another dude named Whitney at the party (so I missed you less).
Looks like you guys had a great time! I was so sorry to miss this conference…I’ve heard it’s one of the best. Heather, if you happen to have your panel taped, I’d love to see it…you and Jessica are a couple of my favorites! Whitney, I’m sooo impressed that you went running. I always save room in my suitcase by committing to NOT working out while I’m away. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Loved finally meeting you both in real life. Great recap and thanks for the Lego festivities too. xoxo
Great wrap up! Loved walking the streets to the Lego Party!
And I would have never known you don’t run 10 miles everyday!
Fun weekend.
Thank you so much for including me in your festivities. It was so good to see you, if only briefly! What a great weekend.
The orange shoes are wicked!
LEgo photo booth! GASP — so sorry to have missed THAT party!
<3
Ah, you are the holder of the pre-run picture! It was fun running with you for a bit. I had no idea you weren’t a “real” runner 😉
Like an old lady, I turned in at about 7:30 on Friday night and missed the cocktail party. The photo booth looks like a ton of fun! I’m sorry you had to practically hit me over the head to introduce yourself (at lunch was it? in the ballroom? I vaguely remember there might have been food involved.), but seriously, I was in a “what’s my name again?” fog from all the walking, talking, sitting, talking, walking, talking. 🙂 Glad you had a great weekend, and look forward to getting to know you better online!!
Looks like a blast! I read so many attendees blogs I feel like I am getting the full experience just reading everyone’s recaps.
Glad you had a great time, and welcome home!
looks like fun!
So great to meet y’all on the way back from the reading!
I must have those orange shoes. They are A-mazing!
I’m sorry we didn’t get to meet on the tour! Such a small group and I still didn’t get around to introducing myself to everybody! Next time. 🙂