Southern Bloggers Conference 2012

Hi folks!  Is it cold where you are tonight?  The sun has shone (for the most part) the last two days, but it's still been quite chilly here in our part of North Carolina.  Brrrr.

I was very excited to be able to attend the Southern Bloggers Conference 2012, which was held in Raleigh, NC, October 12th - 14th.  I was only there for one day, Saturday the 13th, but it was a busy day.  It was great to meet other bloggers (from near and far), as well as get lots of good information and tips on how to grow my blog.

The scheduled speakers began at 8:15 a.m. and continued until 5:00 p.m. -- it was a full day.  We enjoyed a catered buffet lunch from 11:45 to 1:00.  Lunch was a build-your-own sandwich buffet, with a variety of breads, meats, cheeses, salads, fruit, and desserts.  There was plenty to choose from, and it was delicious.

My big regret is that I wasn't able to be there Friday night and Sunday afternoon.  My husband and I stayed at my in-laws' condo in Raleigh, mainly because it allowed us to save some money on accommodations.  But next year, I'd like to stay at the hotel in order to have more time to socialize with other bloggers.

I was only familiar with a few of the bloggers attending (and speaking at) the conference.  But I don't imagine many of them knew who I was at all, so that's okay.  :)  I was so happy to finally meet Barbara from Staten Island, who's blog is Two Birdies and a B.  She and I have visited each other's blog many times over the past year and a half and exchanged many e-mails and comments.  For me, this is one of the best parts about blogging, is meeting some of the wonderful people we've befriended on our blogs.

It was also great to meet Shirley of Housepitality Designs blog, as we have also communicated quite a bit online.  Shirley was one of the organizers of the conference.

From looking at her blog pictures, it's obvious that Shirley has a gorgeous home and a real talent for decorating and design.

Another blogger I want to mention is KariAnne who blogs at Thistlewood Farm.

 Kari is so sweet and outgoing.  Ironically, I noticed the week before the conference that Kari was a new follower on my blog.  I had seen her featured earlier on Rhoda's Southern Hospitality blog, and I was so flattered that Kari had noticed my humble little blog.  She has a lovely home and a very successful blog.

So, enough chatter from me.  Here are some pictures from Saturday's events.

Rhoda was our keynote speaker; she blogs at Southern Hospitality and lives in Atlanta, Georgia.  Rhoda told us about how she started blogging as a hobby and eventually turned it into a full-time career.

 

KariAnne of Thistlewood Farm lives in Kentucky.

The speaker on the left is Kelly Elko, from New Jersey.  Her blog is called Eclectically Vintage.  The lady holding the microphone is Heather from At the Picket Fence blog.  Both of these ladies had lots of good information on improving and growing our blogs.

Kelly gave us all a good laugh when she first stood up to speak.  She joked about being from New Jersey and speaking at the Southern Bloggers Conference.  She said that when we realized she was from New Jersey, we were probably all expecting someone like...and at this point she showed a picture of Snooki from "Jersey Shore" on the projection screen.  What a hoot!  :-D  I just love a good sense of humor.

Here's Barb Garrett who blogs at The Everyday Home and lives in North Carolina.

Brittany aka Pretty Handy Girl.  Brittany knows her way around the power tools, as well as all the best thrift stores.  :)

Amy Buchanan writes Atta Girl Says blog.

Kristen Dobson with Sophia's Decor demonstrated milk paint techniques for us.

Annie Omar with Maison Blanche Paints demonstrated chalk paint techniques.

A true/false game quiz...

And here are some of the things we all received in our goodie bags.

I forgot to show my can of Fish Foam glass cleaner.  I'm really pumped about finally getting to try that product.

The above picture is kind of blurry, but that's a glass votive holder on the left.

The bag with the black handles is a Vera Bradley tote bag.

Vera Bradley luggage tag.

And how about this adorable coin purse adorned with a handsome Scottie dog.  Did everyone who attended receive one of these, you ask?  Nope, just me.  How did the organizers know you love Scottish Terriers?  They didn't.  This cutie is a gift from my dear friend Barbara (Two Birdies and a B.)  That was so thoughtful of her!  Thank you again, Barbara!!!  I hope we get to meet again in the future and have more time to visit.  Maybe I'll get to Staten Island one of these days; you never know. :)

Well, that's all I've got for now.  Have you ever been to a bloggers conference?  If so, was it a good experience?

Thanks, everyone, for stopping by.  You know I love your visits and comments!  Have a wonderful week!

Denise